Om Birla Inaugurates Women Empowerment Meet in Tirupati

In a significant push toward gender equality in governance, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the National Conference on the Empowerment of Women in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, on 14 September 2025. Organised over two days, the conference brought together lawmakers, policy experts, and civil society leaders to deliberate on women’s participation in politics and public life. The event was hosted by the Parliamentary and Legislative Committee on Empowerment of Women.

Highlights of the Conference

At the inaugural ceremony, Speaker Om Birla emphasised that inclusive development is only possible when women actively participate in every sphere of national life. He stated that empowering women is not merely a social objective but a strategic priority for national progress.

Key Moments

• Inauguration of the National Conference by Om Birla
• Opening of an Exhibition showcasing women’s contributions across sectors
• Release of a Souvenir marking the occasion
• 33% Reservation for Women in Legislatures

A central theme of Speaker Birla’s address was the recent enactment of a law mandating 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies. This landmark legislation aims to ensure that one-third of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies are reserved for women, thereby correcting historic underrepresentation.

He noted that this legislative step is backed by the creation of opportunities for women in education, employment, and entrepreneurship, making the reservation more impactful and sustainable.

Broader Themes of the Conference

The two-day conference is focused on reviewing,

• The status of women’s representation in legislative bodies across India
• Implementation of gender-sensitive policies in lawmaking
• Best practices from various states and other countries
• Challenges faced by women legislators and suggestions for institutional support
• Sessions include expert panels, testimonies from women leaders, and discussions on legal and policy tools to advance gender equality.

Key Takeaways

• National Conference on Women Empowerment held in Tirupati
• Inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on 14 Sep 2025
• Stressed importance of women’s equal participation in national progress
• Highlighted law for 33% reservation for women in legislatures
• Organised by the Parliamentary and Legislative Committee on Empowerment of Women