India pledges to close gender pay gap and digital divide at UN conference

India has pledged to enhance women's participation in non-traditional sectors and address gender pay gaps at the UN Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference in Bangkok. The country reported significant progress, including over 300 million women gaining bank accounts through a financial inclusion program. India's commitment to gender equality includes a 218% increase in gender budgeting over the past decade. The government has established gender budgeting cells in every ministry to support women-led development initiatives. The conference, which focuses on gender equality and women's empowerment, has gathered over 1,200 delegates from various sectors. It precedes the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025.