Introduction and Overview

- In a significant move towards promoting gender equity, India has announced the launch of the "Alliance for Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality  initiative.

- The announcement was made at the recently-held World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.

Key stakeholders of the Initiative

- The initiative is being supported by notable entities, including the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Invest India, both of which are crucial partners.

- Renowned companies like Mastercard, Uber, Tata, TVS, Bayer, Godrej, Serum Institute of India and Novartis along with IMD Laussane, have pledged their backing to the initiative.

- The initiative also counts solid endorsements from more than 10,000 partners from various sectors via CII.

- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has also assured its support, and the initiative will be administered by the CII Centre for Women Leadership.

WEF's and Invest India’s Role

- Founded by Klaus Schwab in 1971, WEF originally started as the European Management Forum and rebranded in 1987 to become a platform for addressing international conflicts.

- In the new alliance, WEF will serve as a "Network Partner," and Invest India will be the "Institutional Partner."

Genesis of the Alliance

- The idea for the alliance ties back to the G20 Leaders’ Declaration, aligning with India’s commitment to women-led development.

- Renowned figures like Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani have publicly voiced that the initiative aligns with PM Narendra Modi's well-documented advocacy for progress for women.

Future Prospects

- The alliance prompts the continuation of the efforts of the G20 Engagement Group and initiatives like Business 20, Women 20, and G20 EMPOWER to empower women.

With such a broad foundation of support and clear, determined vision, the "Alliance for Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality" is a promising step forward in India's ongoing drive for gender equity and women empowerment.