A global alliance to bridge the gender equity gap 

India's commitment to equality and inclusion shines through in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, a cornerstone of its development journey, adopted during its presidency at the G-20. Prioritizing inclusion across key focus areas such as socio-economic empowerment, bridging the digital divide, driving climate action, and ensuring food security and nutrition, the declaration emphasizes advocating for a growth agenda centred on women-led development.

Building on this commitment, India took a significant stride towards gender equity at the World Economic Forum in January, launching the ‘Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality’. This multi-stakeholder initiative positions India as a leader in accelerating socio-economic progress with global implications. By placing equity and equality at the forefront, India has galvanized stakeholders worldwide, transforming these principles into actionable agendas.

1. World Economic Forum

Mission and Goals

• Mission: "Committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas."
• Goals:
  • Foster collaboration and dialogue between different stakeholders.
  • Address critical global challenges like climate change, inequality, and technological disruption.
  • Shape global, regional, and industry agendas through research, initiatives, and convenings.

Key Activities

• Annual Meeting in Davos Brings together world leaders for discussions and collaboration on global issues.
• Publishes research and analysis on various topics like economic trends, sustainability, and technology.
• Runs various programs like the Global Shapers Community, Young Global Leaders, and Platform for Shaping the Future of the New Economy, addressing specific challenges.
• Hold regional gatherings and events throughout the year.

Criticisms

• Critics argue the WEF caters to a select group of powerful individuals, neglecting the concerns of ordinary people.
•  Accusations of being too close to corporations and promoting their interests over the public good.
• Skepticism about the tangible impact of WEF discussions and initiatives on real-world problems.

2. The Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality

The Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is a multi-stakeholder initiative launched by the Government of India at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2024. The Alliance aims to bring together governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to work together to advance gender equality and empower women around the world.

Governance and Structure

The Alliance is governed by a Steering Committee, which is co-chaired by the Minister of Women and Child Development of India and the President of the World Economic Forum. The Steering Committee is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Alliance and overseeing its implementation.

The Alliance's Mission and Goals

The Alliance has five key focus areas:

1. The Alliance will work to ensure that all girls have access to quality education, from primary to secondary level.
2. The Alliance will work to improve the health of women and girls, including by providing access to reproductive health care and maternal health services.
3. The Alliance will work to empower women economically, by providing them with access to finance, training, and markets.
4. The Alliance will work to increase the participation of women in politics and decision-making.
5. The Alliance will work to eliminate violence against women and girls.

Current Initiatives

The Alliance has several initiatives underway, including:

• The We-Lead Lounge is a platform for women leaders to connect and share their experiences.
• The Global Fund for Gender Equality will support innovative programs and initiatives that advance gender equality.
• The Gender Equality Platform will share best practices and resources on gender equality.

Significance and Impact

The Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is a significant step forward in the fight for gender equality. By bringing together stakeholders from all over the world, the Alliance has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of women and girls around the globe.

3. Advancing Governance through Gender Equality

Legislative Empowerment

The Government of India has long prioritized mainstreaming gender equality and equity in its development agenda. The historic passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, ensuring a third of parliamentary and state assembly seats for women, marks a revolutionary step towards women’s empowerment. This legislation is poised to significantly enhance India’s governance processes.

Financial Commitment

Demonstrating unwavering commitment, the government allocated nearly $27 billion under the gender budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. This substantial investment underscores the government's dedication to fostering women-led development initiatives.

Socio-Economic Progress

India has witnessed notable advancements in gender equality indicators. The female labour force participation rate has surged from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23, as per data from the annual Periodic Labour Force Surveys. Moreover, female enrolment in higher education has seen a commendable 28% increase over the past decade. Particularly noteworthy is the significant representation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, with a remarkable 43% enrolment rate, positioning India as a global leader in this regard. Additionally, rural India has witnessed the formation of over 83 lakh self-help groups, engaging more than nine crore women and driving socio-economic development in rural areas.

4. Indian Influence at Davos

Recognition of Success

It's heartening to witness global leaders acknowledging India's achievements across diverse sectors such as space exploration, sports, entrepreneurship, and United Nations peacekeeping operations. The growing recognition of our success stories signifies tangible changes and progress on the world stage.

We-Lead Lounge at Davos

The enthusiasm surrounding the We-Lead Lounge, established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Confederation of Indian Industry at Davos, garnered significant global interest and engagement. Serving as a platform for meaningful discussions, it facilitated deliberations on contributing to and driving inclusive development globally.

The Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality

Anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership and guided by the Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of India, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Alliance for Global Good aims to channel enthusiasm into tangible actions on a global scale. With the World Economic Forum as a network partner, this initiative underscores the global commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable growth.

Driving Women-Led Development

The Alliance focuses on developing scalable solutions in critical areas such as ed-tech, medical capacity building, agrotech, and women's enterprise development. It aims to leverage India's expertise in these domains, including its status as the "pharmacy of the world" and its digital prowess, to provide shared direction to stakeholders worldwide.

5. Seizing the Opportunity

• For industries worldwide, this presents a golden opportunity to exchange insights and practices developed by India to advance women's entry and progression in the workplace. By sharing successful strategies, industries can collectively foster a more inclusive environment.
• It's time for global industries to invest in proven programs and initiatives aimed at empowering women and ensuring their scalability. By supporting these initiatives financially and operationally, industries can contribute significantly to bridging gender gaps in the workforce.
• This opportunity also calls for a paradigm shift, making inclusion a central theme in business conversations. By integrating diversity and inclusion into business strategies, industries can foster a culture of equality and create a conducive environment for women's advancement.
• Engaging with the global community comprising industries, think tanks, and investors provides an avenue for collaborative learning and solution development. By leveraging collective expertise, industries can advance their commitment to increasing women's engagement and leadership within the economy, facilitating greater access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
• With India's steadfast commitment to 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One Earth, One Family, One Future,' and its ongoing efforts towards inclusive development through initiatives like 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Prayaas, Sabka Vikaas,' the Alliance for Global Good – Gender Equity and Equality is poised to emerge as a formidable force in addressing gender-related issues on a global scale.

6. Conclusion