1975 - Equality, Development and Peace | Commemorative Coin

The year 1975 saw the release of the commemorative coin under the development-oriented FAO series, with the theme ‘Equality, Development, and Peace,’ designating it as Women's Year.

The year 1975 was a landmark moment in global history as the United Nations declared it the International Women’s Year, recognizing the critical need to advance women's rights and address gender inequalities that had long shaped societies. India, deeply aligned with the global movement, embraced the powerful theme “Equality, Development, and Peace”, reaffirming its commitment to women's empowerment at a time of significant social transformation.

The theme captured three inseparable pillars of progress. Equality emphasized the need to dismantle longstanding barriers that limited women’s participation in education, employment, and public life. It reflected a growing acknowledgment that women deserved equal opportunities, equal rights, and equal respect—not as an act of benevolence, but as a fundamental principle of justice.

Development, the second dimension, highlighted women's vital role in nation-building. By 1975, India had made considerable strides in agriculture, industry, and social welfare. Yet, true development required the full inclusion of women in every sphere—economic, cultural, and political. The message underlined that sustainable progress could not be achieved without enabling women to contribute effectively to the country’s growth.

The third pillar, Peace, recognized that women are essential agents in nurturing harmony within families, communities, and nations. In a world grappling with social unrest and geopolitical tensions, the emphasis on peace underscored women’s role in fostering dialogue, compassion, and stability. Their contributions extended beyond domestic spaces into diplomacy, education, and social reform, making them indispensable to the pursuit of lasting peace.

India’s adoption of this theme dovetailed with ongoing national initiatives aimed at improving women’s welfare. The period witnessed rising awareness of gender issues, the strengthening of legal protections for women, and greater advocacy for equality across social and economic spheres. The momentum of 1975 helped shape future policies that expanded women’s rights and participation in public life.

By designating 1975 as Women’s Year, the world—and India—sent a powerful message: that women’s equality is not just a goal, but a foundation upon which development and peace must stand. The theme “Equality, Development, and Peace” remains a timeless expression of this vision, reminding future generations of the ongoing journey toward a fairer, more inclusive society built on the strength and dignity of women.