Category Insights

Insights, a blog published by IMPRI.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Through the Trans-Himalayan Terrain

The issues around, and about, women empowerment and the patriarchal nature of our country have been seeking solutions for a long time. The data from 2011 Census showed the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) as a continuous trend since 1961 and highlighted the inferior status, and missing preference, for a girl child in the Indian society. The worrying figures pushed the government to launch a nation-wide scheme that would sensitize families on the issue and empower the girl child of the nation. With good intentions, and great ambition, on January 22, 2015, Prime Minister Modi launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign (save girl child, educate girl child). 

Speed Up India: On Platforms and in Government

Ten years ago, when then-prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi promised India bullet trains, he probably did not bargain for the system's resistance to high speed. The journey from an average speed of 60 kmph to a bullet speed of over 300 kmph would take longer than expected. It required an entirely new state-of-the-art infrastructure and a new mindset. However, that did not dissuade the pragmatic Modi as PM Modi from bringing greater speed to the railways by introducing the Vande Bharat trains that run at 120 kmph.

Increased Diplomacy Challenges: India as SCO Host

On 28 April, New Delhi hosted a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member countries’ defence ministers conclave to discuss regional peace and security, counterterrorism efforts and effective multilateralism. The conclave, chaired by India’s defence minister Rajnath Singh, saw the in-person participation of his counterparts from Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The special defence advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan joined virtually.

It’s About Time We Change #StopViolenceAgainstWomen

Violence Against Women (VAW) is a global issue recognised as a violation of human rights and a public health problem by the UN and WHO. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse with severe consequences for women's physical, mental, and reproductive health. VAW affects women of different backgrounds and intersections of oppression. It also has significant economic consequences. Men and boys can help prevent VAW by challenging harmful gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality. Survivor-centred prevention and response efforts, international cooperation, and changing societal attitudes are crucial to address VAW comprehensively. 

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