In the field of women empowerment the SDF government has achieved several milestone government is taking strong steps to empower women whom the society had em-bowed out socially, educationally, politically, and in the economic fields. Today, Sikkimese women par with their male counterpart in every sphere. The government has accorded a high status to women in the state. They are endowed with administrative and political rights and laws have been framed to ensure their inclusion in the administration of the state. Even in the health and education sectors their involvement are ensured. There are more than 40 % women in the policy making organizations of the state. Thus, setting an example in the nation. The gender related violence in the state is almost non existent.

33 % of seats in Panchayatand 30 % in government jobs are reserved for women.

On 12th November 2001, the Sikkim Women's' Commission was formed. This commission resolved 285 cases till 31st August, 2006.

It has been made mandatory to mention the name of mother along with father in all official documents.

Grant of RS.10, 000/- is being provided to widows.

Since 7th November, 1995, women are provided with maternity facilities. Women labourer during post-natal period is given leave and RS.30/- as maternity allowance. Today, this amount has been raised to Rs.500/

Free LPG connection is provided to rural women.

All benefits are provided in the name of the mother of a family.

SDF government is first government to install women in the prestigious post of Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Cabinet Minister, Zilla Adhyaksha, Upa-adhyaksha, Chairperson of Public Service Commission.

For the welfare of women and children, the government has implemented a number of schemes, which will make them self-reliant and independent thereby ensuring gender equality, and empowerment of women.

Prerna Yojana: Provides additional facilities to girls in the field of education.
 

Laghu Pariwar Yojana: Since 1st April 1997, the program was launched for the sake of girl child. Program seeks to delay the marriage of girls till she reaches appropriate time and also encourages them to maintain adequate space childbirths. It also encourages them to pursue for higher education as per their desire. Under this program already 5,183 have been benefited as on 31st March, 2006.

 Balika Samridhi Yojana: It was introduced in 1997. Under this program RS.500/- is deposited in the name of a girl child of a BPL family born on or after 15th August 1997. 2108 have been benefited from this scheme till March 2006.

Kishore Shakti Yojana: This was first launched as a pilot project in the north district in 2000-01 and extended to other districts from 2005-06. This programme seeks to provide proper nutrition and health care for girls between the ages of 11-18 years. This scheme also provides vocational and capacity building training.

Since 23rd September 1999, the government has been providing ex-gratis amount of RS.2.00 lakhs each to the family of the martyrs who lay down their lives for the cause of the nation.

 Bidhawa Punarbibhaha Yojana : A cash incentive of RS.10,000/- is given to those persons who marry widows. Started in 1995, the program has benefited 166 till now.

Men from other community marrying scheduled caste girls are given RS.10,000/- cash incentive.

Swayamsiddha Yojana: This project was started with an aim to achieve a holistic socio-economic development of women. Under this program self-help groups are formed to encourage rural women to save money and they are also made a part of the local planning processes.

 Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): There are 500 ICDS centers functional in Sikkim. The Centre under the care of one Anganwadi worker and helper takes care of children below 6 years of age. The children are given pre-school education along with regular health and hygiene care. In addition, pregnant women and nursing mothers are also taken care.

Nutrition: 47,533 children below 6 years and pregnant women are being provided with nutritious food.

"Mamtalaya" set up in 1997 at Sichey near Gangtok provides shelter, health facilities, counseling services and vocational training for helpless women.

"Helpline Station" has been set up at Sadar Police Station for women in distress.

Working Women's Hostel: In order to provide secure and comfortable boarding facilities to working women, two hostels have been constructed at Namchi and Gangtok.

Creches for Working Women's children: 115 crèches have been opened all over the state to look after the children of working women. These crèches are managed by the NGOs and grants are regularly provided to them by the government.