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The Acting India High Commissioner, Ms Vartika Rawat has said that India’s support for women’s empowerment in Nigeria has opened opportunities for women in the country, saying India now has the highest number of female pilots in the world.
She disclosed this while delivering her welcome speech at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) which took place at the Indian High Commission in Abuja on Saturday.
She said: “India has the largest number of female pilots in the world. Of the total 11,775 pilots, 1,767 are female, accounting for approximately 15% of the workforce in this rigorous industry. This share exceeds the international average of 5 to 6 per cent”, the envoy said.
She also said women constitute around 36 per cent of India’s IT workforce.
Recalling the efforts made by women to defeat COVID-19 in 2020, Rawat said: “More than 6 million female frontline workers led the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India.
“Indian women scientists have shown their strength and determination in developing a COVID vaccine within the shortest possible time. Indian women scientists, again, have been instrumental for the success of India’s mission to Mars and the moon.
“There are over 1.45 million or 46 per cent women elected representatives in Panchayati Raj Institutions against mandatory representation of 33 per cent.”
She said Indian push for women empowerment focuses on enhancing women’s social, economic and political status, to ensure equality and dignity in society, adding that the government’s efforts included promoting education, healthcare and economic independence, alongside laws addressing gender-based Violence, workplace discrimination and inequality.
Michael Olugbode
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