Women Empowerment Schemes in India List (2024)

We at IFORHER, a leading women’s platform, are dedicated to entertaining women and keeping them up-to-date with the information that helps them build the lives of their dreams. In our quest to offer unwavering support to women, we have compiled a list of the best Women Empowerment Schemes in India. The Indian government has undertaken significant initiatives to empower women and enhance their quality of life, promoting economic independence and social security. This article delves into the various Women Empowerment Schemes in India that every Indian woman must know.

List of Women Empowerment Schemes in India (2024)

Here is a comprehensive list of operational schemes aimed at empowering women in India:

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

Purpose: To prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, ensure the survival and protection of the girl child, and ensure her education and participation. This scheme addresses the declining sex ratio in India by raising awareness about the importance of girl child education and welfare.

Beneficiaries: Families with Indian girl children below 10 years of age.
Eligibility: Family with a girl child below 10 years and a Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) in any nationalized bank.
Documentation: Proof of Address, Birth Certificate of the girl child, Proof of Identity of Parents.

2. One-Stop Centre Scheme

Purpose: To provide support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces. It aims to offer a safe and integrated support system for women facing violence, facilitating immediate help, and psycho-social support to help them rebuild their lives.

Beneficiaries: Women affected by violence.
Eligibility: No specific eligibility criteria.
Documentation: No specific application process; assistance can be sought through various means.

3. Women Helpline Scheme

Purpose: To provide a toll-free 24-hour telecom service to women affected by violence, facilitating crisis and non-crisis intervention through referrals to appropriate agencies. This scheme ensures that women in distress have immediate access to assistance and support.

Beneficiaries: Any women or girls facing violence.
Application Process: Various methods, including telephone and internet.

4. UJJAWALA

Purpose: To prevent the trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation, facilitate victim rescue, and provide rehabilitation services. UJJAWALA seeks to rescue and rehabilitate victims of human trafficking and provide them with a path to a better life.

Beneficiaries: Victims of trafficking.
Eligibility: Trafficking victims.

5. Working Women Hostel Scheme

Purpose: To promote the availability of safe and conveniently located accommodation for working women and provide accommodation to their children. This scheme helps working women find secure housing and support for their children while they are at work.

Beneficiaries: Working women and their children.
Eligibility: Criteria include marital status, employment, and income.
Documentation: Application form, Employer certificate, Medical Certificate, Identity Proof, Passport-size photographs.

6. SWADHAR Greh (2018)

Purpose: To cater to the primary needs of women in distress by providing shelter, food, clothing, and medical treatment, along with legal aid and guidance. SWADHAR Greh aims to offer a safe haven for women in difficult circumstances and help them regain their independence.

Beneficiaries: Women in distress.
Eligibility: Women aged 18 or above.
Documentation: Aadhaar Card and other specified documents.

7. Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK)

Purpose: To provide comprehensive support services to women, helping them develop skills, find job opportunities, and improve digital literacy. MSKs aim to empower women by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to become self-reliant.

8. Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme

Purpose: To provide daycare facilities for the children of working mothers, focusing on their holistic development and educating parents on childcare techniques. This scheme aims to create a supportive environment for working mothers and ensure the well-being of their children.

Beneficiaries: Children of working women.
Eligibility: Children aged 6 months to 6 years; working women employed for a specified duration.
Documentation: Birth Certificate, Identity card, or proof of mother’s employment.

9. NIRBHAYA

Purpose: To facilitate safety and security for women at various levels, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. NIRBHAYA focuses on enhancing women’s safety and providing them with the means to report incidents without fear. 

10. Mahila E-Haat

Purpose: To facilitate entrepreneurship opportunities online for women and educate them on various aspects of online selling. Mahila E-Haat empowers women by enabling them to showcase and sell their products online, contributing to their economic independence.

Beneficiaries: Women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, NGOs.
Eligibility: Indian citizen women entrepreneurs; legal products.
Documentation: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Address proof, Bank account details.

11. Mahila Police Volunteers Scheme

Purpose: To establish a connection between police authorities and local communities to ensure police outreach on crime cases, especially those against women. This scheme aims to improve women’s safety by strengthening community-police collaboration.

Eligibility: Women aged 21 years with a 12th-grade certificate, local language proficiency, no criminal record, and non-political affiliation.
Documentation: Identity proof, Address proof, Bank account details, and Educational qualification certificates.

12. STEP (Support to Training and Employment Program for Women)

Purpose: To provide skill development training and ensure employment opportunities for women, especially marginalized groups. STEP seeks to enhance women’s employability and economic self-sufficiency through training programs and employment support.

Beneficiaries: Marginalized women, especially SC/ST households, women-headed households, and those below the poverty line.
Eligibility: Registered non-government organizations, co-operative societies, and women aged 16 or above.
Documentation: Registration Certificate, Financial documents, Annual Reports, NSQF compliance document, and sector experience proof.

Additionally, in our quest to provide information to women to move forward, we have also compiled another important resource on ‘Best NGOs For Women Empowerment In India.‘ These NGOs work to support women with the right kind of guidance – legal, financial, mentoring, skill development – to make them financially independent and emotionally stronger. Don’t shy away from exploring these schemes or seeking help from these NGOs. And, don’t forget to share it with your girl gang!