Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday stressed the need to establish a level playing field for women in all spheres and an “Indian model of women empowerment” has to be created to ensure that women belong to all decision-making structures and life choices.

The minister made the comments at the inauguration of a one-day workshop ‘Shaping Academic Excellence for VIKSIT Bharat @2047’ for women leaders.

“The emerging new world order will be driven by knowledge and women are breaking glass ceilings, challenging gender roles, and their participation is increasing in all spheres, including in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). It is important to establish a level playing field for women in all spheres,” he said.

“Indian model of women empowerment has to be created to ensure that women belong to all decision-making structures and life choices. As we move towards realizing the goal of Viksit Bharat, Nari Shakti will assume more decision-making roles,” he added.

The minister said equality and empowerment of women alone can empower our society and nation.

“The workshop aims to showcase how women are elevating educational standards in higher education and also equip and inspire them for leadership roles. I am confident that the deliberations, dialogues, and experience sharing in the workshop would provide a roadmap for that,” he said.