The United Nations has recognized India’s Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana as a global benchmark for empowering women through banking access. UN Women’s Policy Director Sandra Hendricks praised the program for delivering financial services to more than 290 million Indian women, terming it a ‘transformative pathway’ for females worldwide.
At a press briefing before the upcoming 70th Commission on the Status of Women, Hendricks highlighted India’s feat in providing digital identities to its vast female population—one-fifth of the global total. ‘This is an exemplary move,’ she said, pointing to eased regulations for opening digital bank accounts.
Under PMJDY, 56 percent of accounts belong to women, facilitated by the Aadhaar biometric ID system. This financial gateway empowers women to pursue entrepreneurship and economic independence, showcasing legislation’s power to enact change.
Hendricks linked this to broader UN goals, referencing Guterres’ report that calls for justice access amid global disparities where women hold just 64 percent of men’s legal protections.
The report urges targeted actions for non-discriminatory justice rooted in human rights, tackling exclusion and inequalities. India’s success story underscores that inclusive policies can accelerate gender parity, inspiring nations everywhere to follow suit.