This quote by Jawaharlal Nehru highlights the transformational role of women in social, economic, and ethical development. It reflects the belief that true progress begins with empowering women, who serve as the primary influencers of values, education, health, and culture within families and communities.

In the present context, the quote resonates deeply as societies around the world increasingly recognize gender equality not just as a moral imperative but as a catalyst for national progress.

Ethical Dimensions of Women’s Empowerment

• Justice and Equity: Empowering women corrects historical injustices and aligns with the ethical principle of distributive justice — ensuring fair access to opportunities, resources, and rights.
• Moral Multiplier Effect: A woman who is educated and aware tends to raise children with values of discipline, tolerance, and civic responsibility. This creates a ripple effect of ethical awareness across generations.
• Autonomy and Dignity: Ethical governance upholds human dignity. When women are awakened — through education, financial independence, or representation — it enables them to live with agency, not subordination.

Contemporary Relevance and Examples

• Self-Help Groups and Rural Development: Schemes like DAY-NRLM have empowered women at the grassroots. Financial inclusion of women leads to better household nutrition, child education, and savings habits, proving the quote’s logic of bottom-up societal change.
• Political Representation: The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill promises to increase women’s participation in decision-making, ensuring that governance reflects diverse voices.
• Digital Literacy and Skilling: Programs like PMGDISHA are training women in digital skills, empowering them to access welfare schemes, improve livelihoods, and engage in e-governance platforms.

Conclusion

Nehru’s quote reminds us that empowering women is not a welfare strategy — it is a national development strategy. Ethically, it calls upon society to view women not just as beneficiaries, but as leaders, changemakers, and custodians of collective progress. A truly awakened society is one where every woman is aware, active, and empowered.