Women Empowerment: A Path to Progress

Women’s empowerment is crucial for building an inclusive and progressive society. It involves equal rights, education, financial independence, and leadership opportunities. Empowered women significantly contribute to economic growth, innovation, and social transformation.

In recent years, women entrepreneurs have emerged as powerful changemakers, leading businesses in technology, fashion, healthcare, and finance. Government initiatives such as Startup India, Stand-Up India, and Mudra Yojana have played a pivotal role in supporting women-led businesses by providing financial and technical assistance.

Despite these advancements, women still face challenges like funding gaps, gender bias, and limited networking opportunities. Organizations and incubators dedicated to women’s entrepreneurship have been instrumental in overcoming these barriers. Successful women like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon), Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), and Vandana Luthra (VLCC) have paved the way for future generations.

International Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Women’s Achievements

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, highlights the achievements of women while emphasizing the need for gender equality. Events and activities across India bring attention to both progress and challenges women continue to face.

Upcoming Women’s Day Events in India – March 8, 2025

International Women’s Day 2025 will be marked by various events and initiatives across India, focusing on women’s empowerment, leadership, and gender equality. Here are some key celebrations expected to take place:

1. Leadership & Business Conferences

Several business forums and industry groups will organize panel discussions, networking sessions, and mentorship programs to support women in entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. These events will provide insights into women-led startups, investment opportunities, and policy discussions on gender diversity in workplaces.

2. Cultural and Awareness Programs

Across major cities, various marches, rallies, and cultural performances will highlight women’s achievements and raise awareness about ongoing gender-related challenges. Educational institutions and community groups will host workshops on financial independence, career growth, and legal rights to empower women across different sectors.

3. Women’s Health and Wellness Campaigns

Healthcare organizations and wellness centers will conduct free medical check-ups, self-defense training sessions, and mental health awareness programs. These initiatives will focus on women’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being, promoting a holistic approach to empowerment.

4. Special Initiatives and Government Programs

The government is expected to introduce new schemes, awards, and initiatives that support women’s education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Various events will recognize exceptional women achievers in diverse fields, encouraging more women to break barriers and excel.

5. Community and Social Media Campaigns

Several online campaigns will celebrate inspirational women, success stories, and impactful social initiatives. Organizations will encourage people to participate by sharing motivational messages, personal stories, and appreciation posts for the remarkable women in their lives.

How to Participate?

• Attend conferences, panel discussions, or leadership summits.
• Join community events, workshops, or awareness drives in your city.
• Support women-led businesses and initiatives.
• Spread awareness by sharing inspirational messages and stories.

Women’s Day 2025 will serve as a powerful platform to honor achievements, address challenges, and promote gender equality in all aspects of society.

How to Celebrate Women’s Day?

• Attend women empowerment events and conferences.
• Support women-led businesses and initiatives.
• Share motivational messages and greetings with women who inspire you.

With continuous efforts, education, policy reforms, and community support, the future of women empowerment and entrepreneurship in India looks promising.

Ramadan 2025 is expected to start on March 1, contingent upon the moon sighting on February 28. Muslim communities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, India, and Pakistan will determine the start based on the crescent moon’s visibility. The exact commencement might align globally or vary slightly.

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of profound spiritual reflection, fasting, prayer, and community for Muslims worldwide. In 2025, Ramadan is anticipated to commence on March 1, contingent upon the sighting of the crescent moon. This article delves into the expected start dates and timings for Ramadan 2025 in Saudi Arabia, India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, and other regions globally.

Significance of Moon Sighting in Ramadan

The Islamic calendar is lunar-based, with each month beginning upon the sighting of the new crescent moon. This practice renders the start of Ramadan variable each year, typically advancing by approximately ten days annually in the Gregorian calendar. The sighting of the moon is a pivotal event, as it dictates the commencement of fasting and other religious observances associated with Ramadan.

The Importance of Moon Sighting in Ramadan.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, meaning that months begin with the first sighting of the new crescent moon. Unlike the fixed Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar cycle, Islamic months shift by approximately 10 days each year.

To determine the start of Ramadan 2025, Islamic scholars and religious authorities across different countries will rely on astronomical calculations and physical moon sightings. This tradition ensures a unified start to the holy month, though different locations may observe Ramadan on slightly different days due to geographical and atmospheric variations.

Expected Start Date of Ramadan 2025 in Different Countries

While the exact date depends on moon sighting reports, here are the expected start dates for Ramadan 2025 in various regions:

Saudi Arabia & UAE— Expected start: March 1, 2025

India & Pakistan— Expected start: March 2, 2025 (due to moon sighting delays).

USA & Canada— Expected start: March 1, 2025.

UK & Europe— Expected start: March 1, 2025.

Note: These dates are subject to change based on official moon sighting announcements in each country.

How Muslims Observe Ramadan.

During Ramadan, Muslims engage in fasting (Sawm) from sunrise (Suhoor) to sunset (Iftar). The daily fast is broken with dates and water, followed by a wholesome meal. Taraweeh prayers, nightly recitations of the Quran, and acts of charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) are also emphasized throughout the month.

Many communities organize Iftar gatherings, strengthening the bonds of faith and unity. Special prayers, Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), and increased devotion in the last ten nights of Ramadan hold great significance for believers.

SMFG India Credit has made history by achieving a Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson (Multiple Venues)’ with 517 participants across 6 venues in India. This milestone was accomplished as part of the company’s 7th edition of Pashu Vikas Day (PVD), the largest one-day cattle care camps across the country. These camps were simultaneouslyheld in 500 locations across 16 states, benefiting around 1,90,000 beneficiaries (1,50,000 cattle and 40,000 cattle owners).

In India, approximately 65-70% of the rural population relies on agriculture or agriculture-related activities for their livelihood. Hence, cattle and livestock play a crucial role in their livelihood generation activities and financial wellbeing. Recognizing this unbreakable bond, SMFG India Credit celebrated the 7th edition of Pashu Vikas Day under the theme ‘Mera Pashu Mera Parivar,’ reinforcing the importance of livestock in the lives of these rural families.

The annual PVD event also saw active participation of more than 6,000 employees, reinforcing the company’s commitment to rural welfare.

Mr. Shantanu Mitra, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of SMFG India Credit, said, “At SMFG India Credit, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing social initiatives that create a meaningful impact. With a strong Pan-India presence of 1000+ branches, our primary focus is on Tier-2+ locations, with nearly 90% of our branches strategically positioned in these regions. In fact, over the last two years, we have added around 300 branches, all located in Tier-2+ geographies. Our goal is to drive financial inclusion by providing the right products and financial solutions, enabling us to serve communities at every stage of their life cycle.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our dedicated employees for their outstanding commitment and hard work in achieving the Guinness World Record for the Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson across multiple venues. It is truly heartening to see that this year’s Pashu Vikas Day not only surpassed expectations in cattle care, but also introduced specialized knowledge sessions across multiple venues in India, which earned us the Guinness World Record.”

Mr. Swaminathan Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer of SMFG India Credit, said, “The recognition received from Guinness World Records for holding largest cattle welfare lesson across multiple venues is a proud and defining moment for each and every one at SMFG India Credit.  As a company, we have etched our name in the history books on an international level, and it gives us the belief to continue working towards uplifting the communities we serve at large through innovative and sustainable socio-economic initiatives. Setting a world record on Guinness World Records also reaffirms our dedication to rural welfare and motivates us to continue empowering communities by providing financial access through our financial solutions across their life-cycle.”

Building on its rich legacy of achieving world records, Pashu Vikas Day has previously been recognized by the World Records Union, Limca Book of Records, Best of India Records and World Book of Records for hosting the largest cattle care camps organised in a single day.

About SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd.)

SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Credit Co. Ltd.), a leading NBFC – Investment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India and a wholly owned subsidiary of SMFG, has been operating in India since 2007. Together with its subsidiary, SMFG India Home Finance Co. Ltd. (Formerly Fullerton India Home Finance Co. Ltd.) also known as SMFG Grihashakti, the company has established a pan-India presence, across 670+ towns and 70,000+ villages through 1000 branches and 25,000+ employees offering lending products to underserved & unserved retail and small business borrowers. By doing so, it has introduced people to formal credit. SMFG India Credit along with SMFG Grihashakti offers a comprehensive range of lending solutions, including SME financing, commercial vehicle and two-wheeler loans, home loans, home improvement loans, loans against property and shares, personal loans, and rural livelihood advancement loans etc.

About Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG)

SMFG is one of the largest global banking and financial service groups, offering a diverse range of financial services including commercial banking, leasing, securities and consumer finance and is headquartered in Japan. SMFG is listed on the Tokyo and New York (via ADR) Stock Exchanges and has a market capitalization of approximately US$93.5 billion (as of 31^th December 2024). SMFG is one of the global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) and has high credit ratings of A1 by Moody’s Investors Service and A- by Standard & Poor’s.