India and United Nations (UN) Women co-hosted a high-level Ministerial Roundtable on March 12, 2025, during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). 

The discussion centered on two critical themes shaping the global women’s empowerment agenda: Digital and Financial Inclusion for Women Empowerment, and Financing for Women Empowerment-Criticality of Core Resources.

The roundtable reinforced the urgency for focused, strategic efforts by member states to achieve SDG 5 on gender equality by 2030.

In his welcome address, Permanent Representative of India to UN, Ambassador P. Harish, emphasized how ‘Aadhaar’, India’s unique foundational ID system and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) have benefited over 250 million Indian women through seamless transactions. 

In his welcome address, Ambassador P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the transformative impact of Aadhaar (India’s unique ID system) and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which have facilitated seamless financial transactions for over 250 million Indian women, stated the Permanent Mission of India to UN.  

Ambassador Harish also told a packed audience at the UN that during India’s G20 presidency, the country established a Women’s Empowerment Working Group to advance global gender equity initiatives.

Co-chaired by India’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, and UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous, the session explored India’s success in leveraging digital platforms for women’s financial empowerment.

Minister Devi highlighted India’s JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile connectivity) as a model for inclusive and sustainable economic growth. She also emphasized how digital tracking ensures the effective implementation of government initiatives.

During the CSW session, Minister Devi also met with Sodyq S. Safoev of Uzbekistan, Vindhya Persaud of Guyana, Antonia Orellana Guarello of Chile, and Melrose Karminty of Sierra Leone for bilateral meetings to bolster cooperation on gender equality and social welfare.

As the world marks 30 years since the Beijing Declaration (Beijing+30), Executive Director Bahous pointed to a staggering $1.7 trillion global financing gap, which continues to hinder women’s full economic participation. She stressed the need for women’s economic empowerment to be at the core of global financial reforms.

Deputy Minister for Gender Equality at Indonesia’s Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, Amurwani Dwi Lestariningsih; Head of the Human Rights Unit at Morocco’s Ministry of Health, H.E. Fatima Zohra Iraoui; and G20 Women Task Force member, Nayana Sahasrabuddhe, shared their insights on leveraging technology to empower women.

Qatar’s Minister of Social Development and Family, Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi; Panama’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Women, Mirthia Borissoff; and Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality, Stephanie Copus Campbell, emphasized how targeted investments in women-focused initiatives can transform lives.

UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director, Kirsi Madi, highlighted the organization’s close collaboration with India in advancing gender equality.

Minister Devi Speaks at the Indian Consulate in New York

Minister Devi attended the International Women’s Day celebrations at the Consulate General of India in New York, where she honored trailblazing women such as Seema Mody, Wendy E. Diamond, Anjula Acharya, and Anu Aiyengar for their remarkable achievements that continue to inspire and empower people worldwide.

The event, organized in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), featured Minister Devi highlighting the resilience of Indian women and reaffirming the Government of India’s steadfast commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and promoting women-led development.

She also commended the Indian diaspora for serving as a vital bridge between India and the United States.

Related posts:

International Women’s Day 2025: Leading Experts on Maximizing Women’s Health and Rights A Force More Powerful: A New Book on The Rise of the Global Women’s Funding Movement World Meditation Day: United Nations Highlights Meditation’s Role in Mental Well-Being and Global Peace Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations Observes “Hindi Diwas 2024” at the United Nations