By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In recent years, the women of Bihar—representing half of the state’s population—have marked a remarkable transformation in fields ranging from higher education to multinational corporations. Educationists describe this as a social revolution, with more women pursuing higher education and securing opportunities abroad.
According to data from the passport office, the number of women from Bihar travelling abroad has skyrocketed from just 11,000 five years ago to over 1,05,000 this year. This tenfold increase reflects the growing aspirations and achievements of Bihar’s daughters in the global arena.
Education and Employment Driving Change
Former Principal of Patna College, NK Chaudhary, highlighted the pivotal role of education in empowering Bihar’s women. “In the 1960s, the number of girls in Patna University was minimal. Today, over 50% of the students in many classes are girls. They are excelling in technical and professional education and making significant strides in various sectors,” said Chaudhary.
Multinational corporations are actively recruiting women from Bihar, providing job opportunities abroad and sending them for advanced training programmes. Many women are also pursuing higher education in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, or relocating for personal reasons such as marriage.
Success Stories: Bihar’s Daughters Shine Abroad
- Ashita Priya, a senior software engineer in California, represents this wave of change. Her mother, Sushma Sahu, proudly shared, “Bihar’s daughters are achieving success in every field. My daughter continues to win awards in her company in US.”
- Akanksha, from Muzaffarpur, secured a job in a multinational company that sent her to US for training. She now works in Bangalore, epitomising the aspirations of Bihar’s women.
- Ragini Jha, a resident of Darbhanga, frequently travels abroad to visit her husband, who works in a bank in England. She highlighted the ease with which women now navigate international travel.
These success stories are just a few examples of the evolving landscape for women in Bihar.
Rising Passport Applications by Women
The increasing number of women applying for passports is another indicator of change. From 2018-19 to 2022-23, over 20.42 lakh people in Bihar received passports, with women accounting for a significant share. In recent years, the number of women applying for passports has crossed 1 lakh annually, a stark contrast to earlier figures of less than 50,000.
Social Sector Contributions: Jeevika Women Leading the Way
Women working in social initiatives like Jeevika are also travelling abroad for training and exchange programmes. Many are invited to countries like the United States for their contributions to community development.
This surge in international exposure for Bihar’s women signifies not just personal growth but also a broader societal transformation. As Bihar’s daughters continue to excel globally, they are inspiring the state’s progress and redefining its identity on the world stage.
