Patna: International Women’s Day on March 8 will be marked in Bihar with a dedicated Women’s Employment Day, described by officials as an “employment festival” to be held in all district headquarters across the state. The event aims to highlight initiatives supporting women’s economic participation and entrepreneurship.
Large numbers of members of the state-backed self-help network Jeevika Didis are expected to attend. Discussions will centre on expanding employment opportunities generated through schemes that provide women with Rs 10,000 seed funds to start small businesses.
Rural development officials said the programme would also showcase government efforts to encourage women entrepreneurs. Since the administration of chief minister Nitish Kumar began in 2005, authorities claim more than 1.182 million self-help groups have been formed across rural and urban areas as part of wider empowerment policies.
The government intends to scale up support for participants in the self-help programme. Businesses established by the Jeevika groups will be assessed and eligible women could receive grants of Rs 2,00,000 to expand operations, officials said. Plans to “make Jeevika sisters millionaires” were presented as part of a broader strategy to deepen women’s economic independence.
At events in district headquarters on March 8, women entrepreneurs will share their experiences and receive guidance on business development. Experts will offer advice on improving commercial practices, while participants will be informed about other government schemes and the proposed grants.
The initiative reflects a political emphasis on gender-focused development programmes, though critics often question the long-term effectiveness of such schemes and the availability of sustainable employment in the state’s economy. Supporters argue that self-help groups and micro-finance initiatives have created new opportunities for women in traditionally underrepresented sectors.
