Sanjay Tandon Calls for Women’s Empowerment Through Dignity, Equal Opportunity and Rural Entrepreneurship

Chandigarh, September 25, 2026: Senior BJP leader Sanjay Tandon on Friday called for greater empowerment of women through dignity, equal opportunities, economic independence, representation and entrepreneurship, with a special focus on creating opportunities for women in rural India. 
Tandon was speaking at the Women’s International Summit on Entrepreneurship (WISE) 2026, organised by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India (COWE), Delhi Chapter, at Hotel Mountview, Chandigarh. 
Tandon was also felicitated at the summit for his participation and contribution to the discussions on women-led entrepreneurship. He shared the platform with Rajya Sabha MP Rekha Sharma, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda and other distinguished guests. Uma Ghurka, Chairperson of the Board and Founder Director, COWE India, and Renu Sharma, President, COWE Delhi Chapter, were also present. Smriti Zubin Irani, National General Secretary, BJP who was the guest of honour also joined the discussions virtually via video conference.  
While addressing the gathering Tandon said that women’s empowerment must go beyond basic facilities and translate into meaningful opportunities to learn, earn and lead.  
Complimenting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to establish toilets in households, Tandon said the construction of around 12 crore toilets had given girls greater confidence, dignity and security.
“True women’s empowerment goes beyond basic facilities. It means equal opportunity, economic independence, representation and the freedom to lead,” Tandon said.
Highlighting the growing role of women across sectors, Tandon said women were today serving as pilots in the Indian Air Force as well as commercial airlines. He also highlighted initiatives such as Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi, along with self-help groups, as important avenues for creating economic opportunities for women, particularly in rural India.
Tandon emphasised the need to strengthen rural entrepreneurship, saying that greater focus should be placed on creating small businesses and enterprises in villages.
“Instead of focusing only on urban entrepreneurship, we must create greater opportunities in our villages. Supporting small businesses and enterprises can create jobs, build economic independence and bring opportunity directly to women,” he said.
Tandon said he believed men and women were equal and emphasised the importance of greater participation of women in decision-making. He said increased representation of women in Parliament, Panchayats and local bodies could further strengthen their role in public life.
He also highlighted the important role of mothers in shaping the next generation by instilling values and 'sanskaras' in children.
“In our tradition, the feminine has always been revered through Dharti Mata, Agni Mata, Durga Mata & more. This respect must also be reflected in the opportunities we create for women today,” Tandon said.
Tandon said empowering women to learn, earn and lead would have an impact far beyond the individual. “When women are empowered to learn, earn and lead, they strengthen not just themselves, but their families, communities and the nation,” he added.
Notably, the summit, held on the theme “Rooted in Rural, Powered by Technology: Building Sustainable Futures for Women-Led MSMEs,” brought together women entrepreneurs, industry experts, government representatives, support organisations and other stakeholders for discussions on entrepreneurship, technology, sustainability, finance, innovation and market access.