The Uttar Pradesh government is set to organise the Women’s Festival as part of the fifth phase of Mission Shakti, dedicated to the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women in the state. This initiative aims to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among women.

Additionally, under this phase, provisions for retiring rooms for women will be ensured at all workplaces across the state. Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that crèches be established at all workplaces to support women.

ADG, Women and Child Protection Organisation, Padmaja Chauhan announced that the chief minister would officially launch the fifth phase of Mission Shakti from his official residence on October 3, the first day of Sharadiya Navratri.

Mission Shakti nodal officers (deputy commissioners of police/additional superintendents of police) from various districts will join the programme virtually.

Simultaneously, women empowerment rallies will be organised in all commissionerates and districts, including the state capital, Lucknow.

“Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also unveil various government schemes aimed at enhancing the safety, empowerment, and self-reliance of women. The Women’s Fest, to be held at the 1090 intersection in Lucknow, will provide a platform for women to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship. Organised by women’s self-help groups, the fest will feature an exhibition showcasing products made by these groups. A variety of events, including cultural evenings, health check-up camps, motivational talks, street plays, quiz programmes, and cleanliness and health sessions, will also be part of the festivities,” she elaborated.

Additionally, working women’s hostels will be constructed in key locations such as police lines, PAC battalion campuses, and medical colleges, with special security measures in place for women. Each police station in the state will also have dedicated women’s barracks.

In line with initiatives in Lucknow, pink booths and pink scooters will be introduced in all commissionerates for enhanced women’s safety.

Public places such as malls, monuments, bus stands, railway stations, and zoos will be equipped with feeding rooms for infants.

Furthermore, rest areas will be set up for women working in unorganised sectors, such as construction sites and factories, allowing them personal space during their workday. Pink toilets will also be arranged in these locations.

To ensure the success of the fifth phase of Mission Shakti, 12 departments will work in coordination, including Home, Women and Child Development, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, Basic Education, Secondary Education, Higher Education, Rural Development, Revenue, Medical Health and Family Welfare, Culture, and Youth Welfare.