Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of empowering women for creating a self-reliant community during an event on International Women’s Day 2026. Adityanath, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, highlighted that a society cannot achieve self-reliance or true empowerment by neglecting half of its population. He praised the Prime Minister’s initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana aimed at promoting girls’ education and welfare.
Adityanath expressed optimism about increased female representation in governance in the future, with plans for 33% reservation of seats in state assemblies and Parliament. He also addressed women’s safety in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing the government’s efforts to ensure a secure environment for girls and women. The Chief Minister mentioned the state’s initiatives, including a 20% reservation for women in the Uttar Pradesh Police, to enhance women’s safety and empowerment.
Highlighting the growth in women personnel in the Uttar Pradesh Police, Adityanath noted a significant increase from around 10,000 women officers before 2017 to over 44,000 currently. He viewed this as a substantial step towards strengthening women’s empowerment and security in the state.
