Empowering Women Through Education: Scholarships and Initiatives for International Women’s Day 2025

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, celebrated globally on March 8, focuses on the theme “Accelerate Action”, emphasizing the urgency to address systemic barriers and biases faced by women. This year, numerous organizations have launched scholarships and initiatives aimed at empowering women through education, particularly in fields like finance, STEM, and cybersecurity. These efforts are critical to bridging the gender gap and fostering gender equality.

The Need for Empowering Women Through Education and Employment

Despite progress, women’s participation in the workforce remains low. For instance, in India, only 37% of women are part of the workforce. Access to quality education and professional qualifications is essential for empowering women through education, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.

Scholarships and Initiatives for Empowering Women Through Education in 2025

1. FinTram Global Scholarships: Empowering Women in Finance
   • Scholarship Value: INR 1.5 crore for 150 women.
   • Eligibility: Female graduates or students with over 60% marks in Class 12 or first division in graduation.
   • Application Process: Pass the FinTram National Scholarship Test on April 5, 2025.
   • Last Date to Apply: March 31, 2025.
   • Impact: Provides access to globally recognized qualifications like US CPA, ACCA, and CFP®, enhancing employability.
   Quote from Pankaj Dhingra, Managing Partner, FinTram Global LLP:
   “Financial education is a game changer, not just for individual growth but for economic empowerment.”
2. Vivo KanyaGyaan: Empowering Women Through Education in STEM
   • Initiative: Scholarships, mentorship, and skill development for women in STEM.
   • Beneficiaries: Over 150 women, with 60% from families earning less than Rs 1 lakh annually.
   • Impact: Promotes gender diversity in STEM and provides industry exposure, empowering women through education.
3. Amrita Online Scholarships: Empowering Women Through Online Education
   • Scholarship: 20% off on first-semester fees for female students enrolling in UGC-entitled online degree programs.
   • Last Date to Apply: March 28, 2025.
   • Impact: Makes quality education accessible to women across India, further empowering women through education.
4. Ashoka University Cybersecurity Scholarship: Empowering Women in Cybersecurity
   • Scholarship Value: $5,000 for one outstanding female student in cybersecurity or STEM-related fields.
   • Eligibility: Academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing cybersecurity.
   • Application Period: March 8 to April 25, 2025.
   • Impact: Supports empowering women through education in high-demand fields like cybersecurity.
5. Other Notable Scholarships for Empowering Women Through Education
   • Prodigy Finance and ESADE Business School: $8,000 scholarship for women attending ESADE graduate programs.
   • Vignan Online: 15% scholarship on all degree programs from March 5 to 11, 2025.

Quotes and Insights from Leaders

Geetaj Channana, Head of Corporate Strategy, Vivo India:
“True progress is achieved when opportunities are equitable and accessible to all, especially in empowering women through education.”

Safeena Husain, Founder of Educate Girls:
“Education is the most powerful and transformative force. When girls are educated, they gain agency and uplift entire communities. Empowering women through education is the key to societal progress.”

How to Apply for Scholarships

• Visit the official websites of the respective scholarship providers.
• Check eligibility criteria and prepare necessary documents.
• Submit applications before the deadlines.
• Prepare for any required tests or interviews.

Conclusion

International Women’s Day 2025 is a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to achieve gender equality. Scholarships and initiatives like those offered by FinTram Global, Vivo, Amrita Online, and Ashoka University are crucial steps toward empowering women through education. By investing in women’s education, we not only transform individual lives but also drive societal and economic progress.

Call to Action: If you’re a woman aspiring to advance your education and career, don’t miss these opportunities. Apply for the scholarships today and take the first step toward a brighter future. Empowering women through education is the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous world.