Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted exchange with a woman employee during his visit to the new unit of Arvind Garment Company in Varanasi, where she spoke about growing confidence among rural families in sending their daughters out to work.
The woman told the Prime Minister that the company had not only created employment opportunities but had also encouraged families in villages to become more open to the idea of women working outside their homes. She attributed the change partly to the sense of security women experience at the workplace.
“Since this company opened, people in villages have become more aware and want their daughters to step out and work. There is so much security here,” she told Modi while expressing her gratitude.
Before she could complete her statement, the Prime Minister smiled and responded, “Then thank Yogi ji,” gesturing towards Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present at the event. The woman replied, “Thank you, sir. Thank you to everyone,” drawing applause from those present.
The exchange highlighted the importance of safety and family confidence in enabling women to pursue employment opportunities. The employee’s account reflected a perceived shift in attitudes among rural families, who are increasingly willing to let their daughters work outside their villages.
Uttar Pradesh has introduced several initiatives focused on women’s safety, including Anti-Romeo Squads, the Mission Shakti campaign, women’s help desks at police stations and pink booths at selected public locations. These measures aim to strengthen women’s access to assistance and address safety concerns.
The new garment unit also offers local women opportunities for employment and training. Access to jobs closer to home can help women earn an income while addressing some of the concerns families have about their safety.
The brief interaction brought together two important aspects of women’s empowerment—access to livelihoods and the confidence to participate in the workforce. The employee’s remarks underscored how perceptions of safety can influence families’ decisions and help women take steps towards financial independence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
