India@2047 Summit: From doorstep to development—how women are driving progress through drones and solar power

In a powerful testimony to India’s changing social fabric, women who once lived confined to the four walls of their homes are now taking charge of fields, technology, and their own destinies. From flying agricultural drones to harnessing solar energy, these women are scripting a new story of empowerment, transforming not just their lives but the very image of rural India.Sunita Sharma, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, is one such trailblazer. She recalls how she had never seen a drone except at weddings for photography. So when she was asked to join the "Namo Drone Didi" training initiative, she was terrified. But with encouragement and proper training, she not only overcame her fear but passed her certification. “Earlier we had to carry fertilizer on our backs. Now, with drones, spraying nano-urea is done in minutes,” she says with pride. She received a drone for free under PM Modi’s scheme and now stands tall as a certified “Drone Didi.”In Punjab, another woman shares a similar journey. Initially hesitant and facing skepticism from her neighbors, she stood firm. “I told myself, I’ll get trained and bring the drone home.” Her determination paid off, and today, she proudly shares that her efforts have given her a new identity and purpose.Meanwhile, in another inspiring transformation, women like Devki and Sunita Devi, now known as “Solar Didis,” have turned barren lands into productive farms using solar-powered irrigation. One of them recalls how she had no financial independence and wasn’t allowed to leave home. But after learning about solar systems and accessing community support, she installed a 1,800-foot-long irrigation pipeline. In just one year, she earned over ₹1.19 lakh from her farm.Her transformation went beyond economics. Once known only as “her husband’s wife,” she is now recognized as “Solar Didi” in her village. The respect she commands has encouraged other women to step out, join self-help groups, educate their children, and participate in the workforce.Thanks to government-backed initiatives like Namo Drone Didi and solar empowerment programs, India’s female workforce participation has risen from around 32% to 41% in recent years. Women are not just earning; they are leading and inspiring.Their stories are proof that when given the right opportunities, women don’t just break barriers—they build new frontiers.