**Executive Summary**
This document reports on the International Women's Day 2026 celebrations organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The event, graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, focused on women's empowerment and their role in nation-building. Key discussions included the implications of new Labour Codes and the entrepreneurial role of Self-Help Groups. The event was held on March 8, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Event Overview**
* The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) organized a national-level programme to celebrate International Women's Day 2026.
* The event took place at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
* The programme was attended by over 1,000 women leaders from approximately 200 Ministries, Departments, and organisations.
* The event was graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and attended by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi and Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur.
**President's Address**
* President Murmu highlighted women's leading role in various fields, including education, administration, judiciary, military, medicine, science, technology, arts, and entrepreneurship.
* She emphasized that women in rural areas are becoming financially self-reliant through Self-Help Groups and providing leadership in panchayats.
* The President stated that India is progressing towards women-led development, with significant progress in removing barriers for women.
* Gender parity has been achieved in school education, and the Gross Enrolment Ratio for female students is higher in higher education.
* Women's participation in STEM education is increasing, and the Union Budget 2026-27 allocates resources for women's hostels in each district to support STEM students.
**Union Minister's Address**
* Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi hailed "Nari Shakti" as the foundation of 'Viksit Bharat'.
* She remarked that women constitute half the nation's population and are key to the nation's development.
* She noted a significant increase in women's participation in the workforce, rising from 22.3 percent to 41.7 percent over the past six years.
**Programme Highlights**
* Two short video presentations showcased the transformative role of women in India's development: "Nari Shakti, Rashtra Shakti" and "Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat Ka Aadhar."
* The first video highlighted women's participation across diverse sectors and in traditionally male-dominated professions.
* The second video focused on government policies and initiatives for women's empowerment and women-led development.
* Following the inaugural session, two panel discussions were held:
* "Labour Codes – Enhancing Empowerment of Women": Explored implications of new Labour Codes for women, including equal wages, mentorship, workplace safety, social security for gig economy workers, and promoting formal employment.
* "SHG Women as Entrepreneurs": Focused on the role of Self-Help Groups in promoting women's entrepreneurship, including market linkages, access to credit, mentorship, and digital platforms.
**Impact Analysis**
**Women Leaders and Professionals**
* **Impact**: Gained insights into government policies, initiatives, and discussions aimed at their empowerment, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. Attended a platform to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
* **Action Required**: To continue leveraging opportunities for growth and leadership, and to contribute to India's development as envisioned in 'Viksit Bharat'.
**Ministries, Departments, and Organizations (Participating)**
* **Impact**: Engaged in dialogue and shared perspectives on women's empowerment. Demonstrated commitment to gender equality and women's advancement.
* **Action Required**: To continue implementing and supporting policies and programs that strengthen women's leadership, participation, and economic independence.
**Self-Help Groups (SHGs)**
* **Impact**: Benefited from discussions focused on promoting their entrepreneurship and economic independence, including strengthening market linkages, access to credit, and mentorship.
* **Action Required**: To utilize the discussed strategies and resources to transition from livelihood activities to scalable enterprises.
**Students Pursuing STEM Education**
* **Impact**: To benefit from the establishment of women's hostels in each district as per the Union Budget 2026-27, facilitating their continued studies.
* **Action Required**: To pursue STEM education with the support provided, preparing for leadership roles in the knowledge economy.
Key Entities Referenced
Nari Shakti: A key concept highlighted throughout the document, representing women's power and potential as the foundation for a developed India ('Viksit Bharat').
Viksit Bharat: The overarching national vision or goal for India, for which women's development and participation are considered foundational.
Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD): The organizing body for the event and the government ministry responsible for policies related to women and children.
International Women's Day 2026: The specific occasion and year around which the event and discussions are centered.
Labour Codes: A set of regulations discussed in a panel, implying their impact on women's employment and empowerment.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
President of India graces International Women’s
Day Celebrations 2026 at Manekshaw Centre
To achieve development in the true sense, we must ensure
equal participation of women : President Droupadi Murmu
Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi hails Nari Shakti as the
foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat
Two panel discussions held on Labour Codes – Enhancing
Empowerment of Women and SHG Women as Entrepreneurs
Over 1,000 women leaders from around 200 Ministries,
Departments and organisations join to celebrate Nari Shakti
Posted On: 08 MAR 2026 7:10PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), Government of India, organised a national-
level programme at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, to celebrate International Women’s Day 2026.
The event was graced by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. It was held in the august presence
of the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi; the Minister of State in
the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur; and other distinguished dignitaries.President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, delivered the keynote address.Addressing the gathering, the
President said that women are playing leading role in every field—education, administration, judiciary,
military, medicine, science, technology, arts and entrepreneurship. Women in rural areas are becoming
financially self-reliant through Self-Help Groups. They are providing leadership to rural development in
panchayats. Many women are leveraging their abilities and capabilities to provide leadership in industry,
startups and the corporate world. They are excelling in sports too. Such examples instil confidence that,
given the opportunities and support, women can achieve excellence in every field.
The President said that India is rapidly moving towards women-led development. Over the past decade,
strong foundation has been laid for removing barriers in the path of women. India has achieved gender
parity in school education. Even in higher education, the number of female students is higher in terms of
Gross Enrolment Ratio. Women's participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) education is rapidly increasing. The Union Budget 2026-27 provides for the establishment of a
women's hostel in each district to help STEM students continue their studies. Our daughters are getting
ready for leadership roles in the knowledge economy.
Please click here to see the President's speech-
https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2026/mar/doc202638815101.pdf
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Anil Malik, Secretary, Ministry of Women
and Child Development, who described the President of India as “a source of inspiration and a pillar of
light for all women of India.” He called upon everyone to “pledge together to see the divine power in all
our girls, women, mothers and sisters,” and emphasised, ‘Let us not just celebrate it as a day but make it
an everyday ritual.”
Union WCD Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi welcomed the President by presenting a memento, an artwork
depicting the Sarhul Nritya festival in clay, reflecting the rich cultural traditions of Jharkhand, along with
a shawl featuring Sohrai art from the state.Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi,
remarked that the day celebrates the resolve, dedication and achievements of the women of India, who
constitute half of the nation’s population and form the foundation of a Viksit Bharat.
Hailing the presence of the President of India, she said that the President herself stands as a living example
of how a woman, when given opportunity and respect, can rise to the greatest heights and illuminate a new
path for society. She added that it is a matter of great pride that today the progress of India is increasingly
being led by Nari Shakti, whose aspirations, leadership and contributions continue to shape the nation’s
journey forward and inspire millions of daughters across the country. “Today’s women are not only
homemakers but also nation-makers,” she said, noting that because of the Government’s policies,
women’s participation in the workforce has increased significantly over the past six years, rising from 22.3
percent to 41.7 percent.
During the event, two short video presentations highlighting the transformative role of women in India’s
development journey were screened.
The first short film, titled “Nari Shakti, Rashtra Shakti,” highlighted the expanding participation of
women across diverse sectors and their increasing presence in professions traditionally dominated by men.
It featured women serving as Metro train operators, Sarthi drivers of Bharat Taxi, Postwomen, Drone
Didis, and Petrol Pump Managers, among others. The film also underscored the growing leadership of
women in India’s economy, pointing to the rising number of women directors in companies and the
positive impact of various financial and empowerment initiatives that are enabling women to emerge as
key drivers of progress.
The second short video, showcased key Government policies, flagship programmes and initiatives aimed
at strengthening women’s empowerment across the country. Titled “Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat Ka
Aadhar,” it traced India’s shift from women’s development to women-led development, emphasising how
women today are emerging as key partners in the nation’s growth. The presentation highlighted initiatives
aimed at strengthening women’s representation in democratic institutions from Panchayat to Parliament,
enhancing safety and access to justice through measures such as ERSS, Women Helplines, women help
desks at police stations, One Stop Centres, SHE-Box and Anti Humen Trafficking Unit, and expanding
economic opportunities through schemes such as Bank Sakhi, Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, Self Help
Groups, and Bima Sakhi. It also underscored the growing participation of women in fields such as STEM,
aviation, defence, and space, reflecting India’s broader vision of Nari Shakti as the foundation of Viksit
Bharat 2047.
Following the inaugural session, the programme continued with two panel discussions.
The first panel discussion, “Labour Codes – Enhancing Empowerment of Women”, explored the
implications of India’s new Labour Codes for women in the workforce, focusing on issues such as equal
wages, mentorship programs, workplace safety, social security coverage for women in the informal and
gig economy, and measures to promote greater participation of women in formal employment. The panelfeatured Shri Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Ms. Poonam
Sharma, National President, FICCI FLO; Dr. Pinky Anand, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India; and
Shri Ashutosh A. T. Pednekar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India.
The second panel, “SHG Women as Entrepreneurs”,focused on the role of Self-Help Groups in promoting
women’s entrepreneurship and economic independence. Discussions centred on strengthening market
linkages, access to credit and mentorship, digital platforms for market access, and enabling SHG members
to transition from livelihood activities to scalable enterprises. The panel included Ms. Swati Sharma, Joint
Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, Ms. Vimala R., Resident Commissioner,
Government of Maharashtra, Goverdhan Rawat Deputy Managing Director NABARD and Ms. Gayatri
Rao, Country Director, IMAGO Global Grassroots India.
The event witnessed participation of over 1,000 women from around 200 Ministries, Departments and
organisations, including representatives from the Armed Forces, police, media, healthcare, sports,
academia, government institutions and grassroots organisations. Their presence reflected the diverse
contributions of women across sectors and their growing leadership in shaping India’s journey towards
Viksit Bharat 2047.
International Women’s Day, observed globally on 8 March, celebrates the achievements and contributions
of women across diverse fields and reaffirms the collective commitment towards gender equality, safety,
dignity, and empowerment of women.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2236565®=3&lang=1Honoured by the gracious presence and inspiring address of Hon’ble President
Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
Her words reaffirm our collective resolve to strengthen women’s leadership and
promote equality.
Together, we remain committed to… https://t.co/s4ey5NB7Z8
— Annpurna Devi (@Annapurna4BJP) March 8, 2026
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