New Delhi, India – A significant step towards advancing gender equality in India was marked today with the launch of thriWe – The Hub for Research and Innovation on Women's Equity. This independent think tank is dedicated to promoting women's equity through evidence-based research and policy advocacy. The launch event in Delhi brought together prominent figures from the realms of women's empowerment and policy.

thriWe aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice by focusing on research and innovation to champion women's equity across all sectors. Speakers at the launch emphasized the critical need for increased female participation in the workforce and in political leadership, highlighting that despite progress, significant challenges remain.

Kanta Singh, Country Representative, UN Women India, delivered a keynote address applauding the creation of thriWe and calling for more such initiatives. She noted the progress in areas like STEM education and civil aviation, but stressed the need to further increase women's participation in the labor force and their representation in political leadership. Singh specifically called for training women leaders in preparation for the 2029 elections and the implementation of Women's Reservation in Parliament. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring women's safety at home, on the streets, and in the workplace. Moreover, she highlighted the inequalities perpetuated by unequal property ownership, noting that globally, men own approximately 87% of the land.

Dr. Sasmit Patra, a Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha, reflected on the Women's Reservation Bill and gender politics in India. He shared his experiences advocating for the bill in Parliament.

The new think tank envisions itself as a home for changemakers and researchers dedicated to women's equity. It intends to contribute to the cause through research, innovation, and advocacy, acting as a "creative rebellion" against everyday discrimination against women.

The launch of thriWe occurs against the backdrop of ongoing global efforts to achieve gender equality. The United Nations has made gender equality a part of international human rights law through the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Recent internal efforts by the UN include the launch of the UN System-Wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan (GEAP) in March 2024, a flagship initiative to accelerate progress on gender equality across the UN system.

Other organizations, such as the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), have been working for decades to promote economic equity for women. Founded in 1987, IWPR conducts research and disseminates findings to shape public policy and improve opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds.

The establishment of thriWe signals a renewed commitment to advancing women's equity in India through research-driven advocacy and policy change. The think tank's work will be crucial in addressing the existing challenges and fostering an environment where women can thrive and contribute fully to society.