On 4th March 2019, PM Narendra Modi was speaking at the grand programme to lay the foundation stone for the Vishv Umiyadham Complex when he said to the large gathering- “I have a request from you, will you help me.”

When a political personality makes such a statement, the instinctive reaction would be that he or she is seeking votes or support. Afterall, this is how India’s political culture has been for decades.

However, PM Modi said to the gathering that he seeks their pledge to ensure gender equality and never indulge in the shameful practice of female foeticide.

Ever since assuming office, PM Modi has worked at the forefront to ensure gender equality and particularly empowerment of women. He has time and again stated that more than women development, the focus must be on women-led development.

It was from Haryana, a state earlier known for its skewed sex ratio that PM Modi launched the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ movement. Over the last five years, the movement has received phenomenal results.

The Mudra Yojana, aimed at giving wings to the aspirations of millions has a majority of women beneficiaries.

In a revolutionary step, houses under the flagship PM Awas Yojana are allotted to women members of the family. This seemingly small step goes a long way in safeguarding the dignity and security of women.

These efforts are also in line with PM Modi’s vision of building an India where our Nari Shakti is at the forefront of national progress and can pursue her ambitions without any fear or obstacles.