By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| The Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission, Bhopal, observed International Human Rights Day with a thought-provoking discussion on the theme “Women’s Empowerment and Human Rights” at RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management. The programme highlighted the interdependence of rights and duties, the cultural roots of women’s respect in Indian society, and the government’s responsibility toward ensuring gender justice.

Addressing the gathering, Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar emphasised that rights and duties are complementary. Laws define rights, he noted, but awareness and practice must instill a sense of duty. He said that India’s traditions have always placed women at the centre of society, with a legacy of courage, knowledge and sacrifice. Effective implementation of legal provisions for women’s safety and empowerment, he added, remains essential. Highlighting national progress, he noted the significant presence of women representatives from panchayats to Parliament and credited grassroots initiatives, including self-help groups and ASHA workers, for strengthening social structures.

Tomar also commended the efforts undertaken in Madhya Pradesh under the guidance of the Prime Minister and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. He said that unprecedented progress in women’s empowerment has been realised, with daughters of the state excelling in policing, defence services, entrepreneurship, administration, sports and academics.

During the event, he urged the Commission to conduct focused studies on smaller issues related to human development and share evidence-based recommendations with the government. Such efforts, he said, would enable policy improvements and strengthen the reach of welfare schemes to women who remain excluded. He referred to national initiatives that have become milestones in women’s empowerment and encouraged similar proactive research by the Commission.

Women and Child Development Minister Nirmala Bhuria underlined that safeguarding the human rights of women is both a constitutional commitment and a moral responsibility. She highlighted the state’s pioneering move to implement a fully online and transparent recruitment process for anganwadi workers, with over 19,000 recent appointments setting a new benchmark. Representing the tribal community, she stressed the importance of sensitising families to instill values of protection and respect for women from early childhood, for both daughters and sons.

Commission Member Awadhesh Pratap Singh said that women’s empowerment and human rights are intrinsic rights rooted in India’s civilisational values. He remarked that coordinated efforts by the central and state governments, along with the Human Rights Commission, are driving continuous progress in safeguarding human rights and elevating women’s status. He noted that empowerment is fundamental to national development.

UN Women’s State Head, Ms. Ray, highlighted the need for ensuring women’s safety in traditional spaces—homes and public areas—as well as in modern digital environments. She emphasised that gender equality and mindset change must begin at home to create a more sensitive society.

A presentation by the Women and Child Development Department showcased the transformative impact of schemes such as Ladli Behna and Ladli Laxmi, which have significantly improved the state’s gender ratio and expanded opportunities for women and girls.

The Commission’s Principal Secretary Mukesh Chand Gupta welcomed the guests, while Deputy Secretary D. S. Parmar delivered the vote of thanks. A souvenir on Women’s Empowerment and Human Rights was released, and mementoes were presented to distinguished guests.

The event saw participation from senior officers of various departments and institutions, retired judges, former Commission officials, faculty members and students of law, representatives of Rotary Club Bhopal, ISTB, and Bhopal Club. The programme was conducted by Sunita Singh of Akashvani, Bhopal.