Empowered Women, Empowered World: The Ongoing Journey Toward Equality

An embodiment of care, wisdom, and love, a woman exudes grace, guiding herself and others with sharp intuition. Her presence alone makes this world better. She is more than a child-bearer—she is a driver of life, painting the world with colors of empathy and compassion. She is the one who binds a family together.

A woman is a mother, a sister, a wife, a friend, a guide—wearing many hats, she plays every role with elegance.

Today on the International Women's Day, we honor every woman: from housewife to astronaut, agriculturist to entrepreneur. We celebrate her every achievement—big or small—applauding her efforts, her hard work, and the immense contributions that have shaped our world.

International Women's Day 2025

The official theme of IWD provided by UN this year is "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment."

8th March 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a landmark framework widely regarded as the most progressive and comprehensive blueprint for advancing women’s rights and achieving gender equality.

Date of Adoption: September 15, 1995.

Purpose: To establish a transformative agenda for empowering women and girls, recognizing their rights as human rights, and addressing systemic inequalities across civil, political, social, economic, and cultural spheres.

Impact over the last 30 years:

• Stronger Laws Against Violence: Over 140 countries have laws on domestic violence since 1995, offering women greater protection (UN Women).
• Better Education and Health Access: Girls’ primary school enrollment neared parity by 2015, and maternal mortality dropped 38% from 2000-2017 (UNESCO, WHO).
• More Women in Power: Women’s parliamentary presence rose from 11% in 1995 to 25% by 2020 (IPU).

How Indian Society was Marred by Gender Bias in 1990s

Back in 1990, Punjab and Haryana faced a grim scenario for women, with sex ratios as low as 882 and 865 females per 1,000 males, respectively, and child ratios dipping to 875 and 879, signalling widespread female foeticide.

Estimates suggest 5,000–10,000 cases of female foeticide in both the states, led by ultrasound misuse and cultural son preference.

Women were devalued, often seen as burdens, unworthy of carrying forward the inheritance.

Dowry demands and limited education further entrenched this inequity, silencing girls before they could speak.

The situations were grim and the society prized male lineage over female lives.

Legendary Leadership, Epic Results: A Massive Drive Against Female Foeticide

"If the grim scenario of female foeticide continues, the day is not far when men won't find prospects for getting married, lawless behaviours and hooliganism will increase, and the society will face a severe crisis", elucidating on the serious repercussions of female foeticide, Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan, the Spiritual Leader of Dera Sacha Sauda said.

Addressing lakhs of devotees and volunteers in his Spiritual Discourses sessions conducted at various locations of Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan, Saint Dr MSG urged them to pledge against female foeticide.

As millions awakened and pledged to refrain from the grave sin, the society witness a drastic improve in the child sex ratio and massive reduction in female foeticide. The current ratio stands at around 910–920 in Punjab and 910–915 in Haryana.

This has been a direct result of Guru Ji's efforts, coupled with implementation of stringent policies and laws by the government.

The Dera Sacha Sauda volunteers frequently conduct awareness rallies in rural and urban areas, bringing about a mindset shift amongst masses and empowering women nation-wide.

Women Empowerment Initiatives Dera Sacha Sauda

Bringing the much-needed transformation and making a positive impact in the lives of lakhs of women across India, the below initiatives are being carried out by Dera Sacha Sauda under the inspiration guidance of revered Saint Dr Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan.

1. Royal Daughters (Shahi Betiyan)

A divine rescue mission, this initiative plucks girls from the jaws of foeticide and abandonment, crowning them "Royal Daughters". Nearly 23 such daughters have been adopted as foster daughters by Saint Dr MSG. They’re gifted education and care, blossoming into national achievers in sports and studies, proving daughters are treasures.

It’s a societal awakening—thousands saved, stereotypes shattered, and a new reverence for the girl child ignited.

2. Self Esteem (Aatm-Samman)

With a flourish of empowerment, women are handed vocational tools—tailoring, beauty skills, and crafts—alongside free sewing machines. This weaves independence into their lives, turning rural women into self-reliant breadwinners.

3. Shubhdevi (Bane Removed by Boon)

Rescuing women from prostitution’s shadows, renaming them as "ShubhDevis", such girls are provided treatment and care, and are married honourably into good families, reintegrating them into social mainstream. Saint Dr MSG has given them his name as their foster father. Over 1,500 male volunteers, known as 'Devout Warriors' have pledged to marry such girls.

A bold and brave initiative that not only transformed lives, but established a historic milestone.

4. Crown of the Lineage (Kul Ka Crown)

Daughters are crowned the heirs in this revolutionary act, breaking patriarchal chains. Families with single girl child now pass legacies through daughters, empowering them as equals in heritage. The initiative has planted seeds of gender parity in tradition’s soil.

5. The Bud of Knowledge (Gyan ki Kali)

Free education is provided for underprivileged girls, nurturing their intellect. Through awareness rallies, parents are encouraged to educated their girl child and provide them equal opportunities. Saint Dr MSG emphasizes that with equal opportunities and good moral values, a girl can also bring laurels to her family and the nation.

6. Flight of Spirit (Ruhani Udaan)

Acid attack survivors find a haven here, healed with free treatment, and marriages arranged with love. With Dera Sacha Sauda's efforts, the society has been learning to embrace, not shun, these brave souls.

7. New Light of Hope

Widows are offered remarriage with familial support under this compassionate initiative. Lives are reignited with joy, taboos get crumbled, and communities weave acceptance into their fabric.

It’s a restoration of hope and a new beginning for those once forsaken.

8. Beyond Imagination

Rape survivors are embraced by brave volunteers (Devout Warriors) offering marriage and solace. Their trauma transforms into honour through love and acceptance.

9. Devotee’s Mettle

Through this initiative, Dera Sacha Sauda inspires volunteers (Devout Warriors) to marry physically challenged women, fostering equality, love, and dignity. This noble effort empowers women with disabilities, giving them a supportive life partner and a new sense of belonging in society.

10. Respect Motherhood

Expectant mothers from impoverished families are cradled with nutrition and care by providing healthy food kits, free medical aid, and medicines, ensuring their journey to motherhood glows with health. Babies thrive, maternal bonds deepen, and families flourish.

11. Anticipated Life

Widowhood can bring isolation and hardship, but 'Anticipated Life' helps young widows remarry, offering them dignity and a fresh start. Dera Sacha Sauda provides support and guidance, breaking social taboos to ensure widowhood is not an end but a new beginning. 

12. Blessings

No girl should be denied marriage due to poverty. Under the 'Blessings' initiative, volunteers provide financial aid, household items and make necessary wedding arrangements for the underprivileged brides, ensuring they step into marital life with dignity and joy.

13. The New Morn

Divorced women often face stigma, making remarriage difficult. Such women are offered counselling and are helped to find life partners, ensuring a second chance at love and stability with dignity. Many Devout Warriors have married such women, giving them a joyful re-start.

14. Sorrow Free Journey

Women facing physical challenges or conditions like vitiligo often encounter difficulties in finding life partners. 'Sorrow Free Journey' bridges this gap by uniting them with Bhakt Yodha (Devout Warriors), fostering acceptance, companionship, and a dignified future filled with love and support.

15. Self Defence Training

Women often face threats like harassment, assault, and violence, leaving them vulnerable and dependent on external protection. This initiative empowers women by equipping them with Judo, Taekwondo, and martial arts skills at self-defence centres operated by volunteers. This training not only enhances physical strength but also builds confidence, mental resilience, and self-reliance, enabling women to tackle anti-social elements fearlessly.

These initiatives by Dera Sacha Sauda empower women, ensuring they receive the respect, love, and opportunities they deserve.

Collective Transformation

Under Saint Dr. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh Ji Insan’s divine guidance, these initiatives weave a tapestry of empowerment for girls, women, and mothers. From saving daughters to uplifting survivors and safeguarding motherhood, they’ve touched millions, turning despair into dignity. Society, once rigid with bias, now bends toward equality, compassion, and hope—a testament to their enduring legacy. This International Women's Day, let's pledge to uplift the women in our lives, celebrate and honour them, support their aspirations and make them a role model of empowerment.

Happy International Women’s Day.