Women Have Always Been Change-Makers in India's History: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday highlighted the historic and continuing contribution of women to India's development, saying women have always been important change-makers in the country's history and heritage.

Birla was addressing a two-day capacity-building workshop for women legislators organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in Faridabad. He said women have made significant contributions not only to India's political and institutional development but also to its spiritual, religious and cultural traditions.

Women Played Key Role in Nation-Building

Birla said the contribution of women could be traced across several defining phases of India's history, including the freedom movement, nation-building and the framing of the Constitution.

He emphasised that women's role has extended beyond formal political institutions, with women making valuable contributions to India's social, cultural and spiritual traditions.

According to the Speaker, the respect and leadership demonstrated by women throughout India's history have been an important part of the country's development and identity.

Women Achieving Greater Success Across Fields

Birla also pointed to the growing presence and achievements of women in different sectors of contemporary India.

He said women today are not merely participants in the country's transformation but are increasingly emerging as leaders and change-makers across a wide range of fields.

The remarks come amid increasing emphasis on women's participation in public life, governance and decision-making institutions.

Focus on Women's Leadership

The Lok Sabha Speaker stressed that empowering women must go hand in hand with creating opportunities for them to strengthen their leadership abilities.

He described capacity-building programmes for women legislators as an important tool for enhancing their effectiveness in public life and governance.

Birla said both women's empowerment and initiatives designed to develop their leadership capabilities were essential. He also congratulated NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar for organising the workshop.

Capacity Building for Women Legislators

The Faridabad workshop brought the focus to the professional and institutional development of women representatives.

Such programmes are intended to help elected women representatives improve their understanding of legislative processes, governance and leadership responsibilities.

The emphasis on capacity building also reflects the broader need to ensure that increased representation of women in political institutions is accompanied by opportunities to develop skills and participate effectively in policymaking.

Women's Role in India's Future

Birla's remarks underlined the importance of recognising women's contribution not only as a matter of representation but also as a central component of India's development journey.

As women continue to occupy leadership positions across politics, administration, business, education and other sectors, strengthening their opportunities and institutional participation remains an important part of the country's governance agenda.

The Speaker's comments also highlighted the continuity between the historical role of women in India's freedom movement and nation-building and their growing leadership in contemporary India.