08/03/2025
International Women’s Day Message
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes to women and girls everywhere. The life of a woman is a testament to one of the longest struggles in human history. For centuries, women have been relegated to second-class citizenship and denied their fundamental rights. While brilliant women and men throughout history have worked tirelessly to undo many of these injustices, patriarchy continues to present significant challenges that hinder women from reaching their full potential.
Women constitute approximately 49.6% of the world’s population, while men make up 50.4%. Despite this near-equal distribution, a stark economic disparity persists. According to Oxfam’s latest Davos report, men globally own $105 trillion more wealth than women, highlighting significant economic inequality. Women continue to face gender bias, unequal pay and gender violence. Though we live in a world today of such great scientific advancements where world leaders are speaking of colonising Mars, women around the world still face outdated and taboo practices such as child marriage. In India, we also face the grave challenge of violence against women. The National Crime Records Bureau reported 228,650 incidents of crimes against women in 2011, which surged to 428,278 in 2021—an alarming 87% increase. While progress has been made in education and financial independence for women, the rise in crimes is a pressing concern that demands urgent action.
While these challenges exist, we must also acknowledge the positive strides being made. Women’s enrolment in primary and secondary education has increased, workforce participation is expanding, and representation in leadership positions is growing globally. Women have greater access to reproductive healthcare and there is an increasing awareness amongst women about their legal rights.
Similarly, we made significant strides in Sikkim under the SDF government towards women empowerment. We:
- Instituted 50% reservation in Panchayati Raj and local self government
- Established 33% reservation in higher education and government jobs for women
- Passed the Sikkim Succession Act 2008, granting daughters equal inheritance rights to ancestral property, on par with sons
- Established the Sikkim Women’s Commission to provide a legal platform for addressing women’s issues
- Introduced schemes like the Prerna Scheme and Small Family Scheme to support women’s education and well-being
- Ensured transfer of government benefits to women’s bank accounts
- Established the first women’s police station at Ranipool
- Implemented the Unmarried Women’s Pension as well as a pension for widows
- Provided free vaccination against cervical cancer
- Recognised mothers equally with fathers in government documents
- Made historic appointments, including Sikkim’s first female Minister, first female Chief Secretary, and first female Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
Understanding the root causes of women’s disempowerment, we focused on legal, political, and educational solutions to create lasting change.
However, there is still a long way to go, in Sikkim as well as globally. There are still significant strides to be made for a truly equal society. On this International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to creating a world where equality is not just an ideal but a reality: a world where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive. Let us work together towards a future that upholds rights, equality, and empowerment for all Women and Girls. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us also honor those who have pushed boundaries and reshaped the role of women in society. Let us pledge to build a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can fully explore their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Wishing you a very happy International Women’s Day!
Pawan Chamling