**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) of India hosted a 17-member delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM) in New Delhi from February 16-20, 2026. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing gender equality, empowerment, and protection of women and children. The meeting highlights the strategic partnership between India and the European Union with gender equality as a core pillar.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Delegation and Purpose:**
* The MWCD hosted the FEMM Committee delegation led by Ms. Lina Gálvez.
* The mission aimed to strengthen collaboration for empowerment and protection of women and children.
* India values its strategic partnership with the European Union and views gender equality as a core pillar of the Joint India–EU Strategic Agenda 2030.
* **India's Progress on Gender Equality:**
* The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
* Approximately 46% of women representatives are in local bodies.
* Significant progress has been made in girls' education and STEM participation, supported by scholarship programs.
* Expanded financial inclusion includes approximately 70% of Mudra loans and over 31 crore Jan Dhan accounts benefiting women.
* Strengthened safety mechanisms are in place through Mission Shakti, One Stop Centres, fast-track courts, and dedicated helplines.
* **Collaboration and Future Dialogue:**
* India and the EU are natural partners in promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
* Continued dialogue is expected to deepen cooperation in areas like gender-responsive trade, digital inclusion, climate action, and people-to-people exchanges.
**Impact Analysis**
**European Parliament's FEMM Committee**
* **Impact:** Engaged in discussions and reaffirming shared commitment to gender equality and women's rights with the Indian government.
* **Action Required:** Continue dialogue and collaboration with India to deepen cooperation in various areas.
**Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India**
* **Impact:** Strengthened strategic partnership with the European Union, showcasing India's progress on gender equality and empowerment.
* **Action Required:** Sustain efforts in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through existing and new initiatives.
**Women and Children**
* **Impact:** Benefit from strengthened policies, programs, and collaboration aimed at advancing their rights, safety, and empowerment.
* **Action Required:** Engage with the existing programs and opportunities available to them, such as education, financial inclusion, and safety mechanisms.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Women and Child Development: Indian government ministry responsible for women and child development.
European Parliament's FEMM Committee: Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality within the European Parliament.
Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Law providing reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.
Viksit Bharat 2047: Vision for India's development and empowerment.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Ministry of Women and Child Development hosts
delegation of European Parliament’s FEMM
Committee
Both sides reaffirm commitment to advancing gender
equality and strengthening collaboration for empowerment
and protection of women and children
Posted On: 19 FEB 2026 7:47PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, hosted a 17-member
delegation of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM
Committee) during its official mission to New Delhi from 16-20 February 2026. The delegation was led
by Ms Lina Gálvez (S&D, Spain), Chair of the FEMM Committee.
Welcoming the delegation, Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur,
stated that India values its strategic partnership with the European Union and views gender equality as a
core pillar of the Joint India–EU Strategic Agenda 2030.She noted that the meeting built upon discussions
initiated during earlier high-level engagements and reflected the shared commitment of both sides to
advancing women’s rights and inclusive development.
Highlighting India’s approach, the Minister emphasised that gender equality and women’s empowerment
are firmly anchored in India’s constitutional and policy framework, and are central to the vision of Viksit
Bharat 2047 under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
She briefly outlined key progress:
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam provides one-third reservation for women in Parliament and
State Assemblies, with nearly 46% of women representatives in local bodies.
Strong gains in girls’ education and STEM participation, supported by large-scale scholarship
programmes.
Expanded financial inclusion, with nearly 70% of Mudra loans and over 31 crore Jan Dhan accounts
benefiting women.Strengthened safety mechanisms through Mission Shakti, One Stop Centres, fast-track courts, and
dedicated helplines.
The Minister underlined that India, and the EU are natural partners in promoting inclusive and sustainable
development and expressed confidence that continued dialogue would deepen cooperation in areas such as
gender-responsive trade, digital inclusion, climate action, and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing gender equality and
strengthening collaboration for the empowerment and protection of women and children.
Had a productive meeting with the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender
Equality (FEMM Committee) of the European Union at the Ministry of Women and
Child Development, with the 17-member delegation led by Ms. Lina Gálvez. The
discussions focused on women’s rights, gender… pic.twitter.com/2ht2XSCRo3
— Savitri Thakur (@savitrii4bjp) February 19, 2026
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