India's Gender Gap Persists as National Girl Child Day Celebrated

As National Girl Child Day is observed, there is a pressing need to enhance skills development for women's empowerment in India, where gender disparities in education and employment persist. Despite having the world's youngest workforce, women's labor force participation is only 24%, significantly lower than the global average of 47%. Barriers such as deep-rooted cultural norms, insufficient vocational training opportunities, and gender-insensitive infrastructure hinder women's access to high-growth sectors. Meanwhile, the WISH programme has successfully trained female coaches, exemplified by Suvi Mikkonen who coached a gold medalist at the Olympic Games, showcasing the potential of skill development in sports. Additionally, a study of tennis coaches in Australia indicated that female coaches face significant barriers and are less likely to continue in the profession, highlighting the need for increased support and representation. Finally, initiatives like the UEFA coach mentor programme aim to bolster the presence of women in football coaching, demonstrating the importance of mentorship in overcoming obstacles in sports careers.