Women Empowerment: An Icon of Socio Economic Transformation

Consequently the issue of women empowerment has emerged as most important agenda of 21st century and challenge as well to the world community. New Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which set a series of goals and targets to be achieved by 2030, represent a huge advancement over the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015) through recognition of many elements essential to women's empowerment such as education, health, control over violence, economic as well as political participation. To infuse new energy in commitments and initiatives related to women empowerment, International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year since 2010. It is a focal point in the movements for women's rights.

In spite of several initiatives, physical, economic, psychological, and sexual violence continue against women across the world. It is estimated that 1 in 3 women globally is a victim of gender-based violence, and the vast majority of those who respond positively to surveys do not seek any form of formal or informal support. In 29 countries in Africa and the Middle East where the practice is concentrated, more than 125 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM). Women trafficking, child marriage, sexual violence, rapes and other crimes against women show persistence and on rise.