India Stresses Women-Led Development at SCO Meet in Bishkek

India on Friday reiterated its focus on empowering women and promoting women-driven growth initiatives at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Women’s Forum 2026 in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, highlighting the country’s efforts to advance gender-inclusive development and strengthen regional partnerships.Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, addressing the forum through a video message, reiterated India’s support for the SCO principles of mutual respect, equality and consensus, while emphasising the country’s role in advancing shared development priorities.
Delivering India’s opening remarks and participating in a panel discussion on the “Role of Women in Economic Development,” the minister said women are not only participants in economic progress but are also among its strongest contributors and drivers.She highlighted the vision of Women-Led Development as a key part of India’s roadmap towards becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, with women playing a central role in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Highlighting India’s progress in women’s empowerment, Annapurna Devi said nearly 100 million women are currently associated with more than 9 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country. She added that over 30 million women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, reflecting the impact of initiatives aimed at improving financial independence, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities for rural women.
The minister also underlined the importance of government initiatives such as Mission Shakti and Mission Poshan 2.0, describing them as key programmes supporting women’s safety, nutrition, care and increased participation in the economy.Emphasising the need for greater regional collaboration, India expressed its readiness to share experiences and successful models with SCO member countries to promote women’s economic leadership and improve their overall well-being.The minister said stronger cooperation among SCO nations can help create more opportunities for women, encourage inclusive growth and support sustainable development across the region.The SCO Women’s Forum provides a platform for member countries to exchange ideas, discuss gender equality measures and strengthen partnerships aimed at empowering women socially and economically. India’s participation reflects its continued focus on placing women at the centre of development and advancing cooperation within the SCO framework.