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6 minGovernment Scheme

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) - Key Aspects

Mind map showing the key aspects and components of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi women

3 March 2026

The news about the Pink Saheli Smart Card highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address specific challenges faced by women. The card directly tackles the issue of mobility, which is a significant barrier for many women in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. This news event demonstrates how government initiatives can be designed to address the practical needs of women and empower them to participate more fully in society. It also reveals the importance of convergence, as the card integrates with existing public transport systems, making it easier for women to access various services. The implications of this news are that similar initiatives can be replicated in other cities and states to promote women's empowerment. Understanding the NMEW is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the broader context for understanding the government's efforts to promote women's empowerment and the importance of convergence in achieving this goal. The news underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to women's empowerment, addressing both the practical and strategic needs of women.

6 minGovernment Scheme

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) - Key Aspects

Mind map showing the key aspects and components of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi women

3 March 2026

The news about the Pink Saheli Smart Card highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address specific challenges faced by women. The card directly tackles the issue of mobility, which is a significant barrier for many women in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. This news event demonstrates how government initiatives can be designed to address the practical needs of women and empower them to participate more fully in society. It also reveals the importance of convergence, as the card integrates with existing public transport systems, making it easier for women to access various services. The implications of this news are that similar initiatives can be replicated in other cities and states to promote women's empowerment. Understanding the NMEW is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the broader context for understanding the government's efforts to promote women's empowerment and the importance of convergence in achieving this goal. The news underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to women's empowerment, addressing both the practical and strategic needs of women.

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)

Convergence of Programs

Holistic Empowerment

Gender Budgeting

Capacity Building

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

Mahila Shakti Kendra

Article 14, 15(3), 21, 39(a)

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)

Convergence of Programs

Holistic Empowerment

Gender Budgeting

Capacity Building

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

Mahila Shakti Kendra

Article 14, 15(3), 21, 39(a)

  1. होम
  2. /
  3. अवधारणाएं
  4. /
  5. Government Scheme
  6. /
  7. National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)
Government Scheme

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) क्या है?

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW), also known as the Mission for Convergence, was established to improve the overall status of women in India. It's not a standalone scheme, but rather a framework to converge various existing programs and schemes across different ministries and departments, ensuring a holistic approach to women's empowerment. The core idea is to address women's issues across their life cycle, from birth to old age, focusing on economic, social, educational, and political empowerment. The NMEW aims to create an environment where women can realize their full potential. It seeks to improve coordination among different government bodies, enhance awareness of women's rights and entitlements, and promote gender-responsive policies and programs. Think of it as a central coordinating body to make sure all the different government efforts for women are working together effectively.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The NMEW was launched in 2010 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The need for such a mission arose from the recognition that despite numerous programs and policies aimed at women's development, their impact was often limited due to a lack of coordination and convergence. Before 2010, various ministries operated in silos, leading to duplication of efforts and inefficient resource allocation. The NMEW was envisioned as a mechanism to overcome these challenges by bringing together different stakeholders and creating a common platform for action. Over the years, the mission has evolved to incorporate new priorities and address emerging challenges faced by women. While the core objective of convergence remains central, the NMEW has also focused on promoting gender budgeting, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and fostering partnerships with civil society organizations. It was a direct response to the understanding that empowering women requires a multi-faceted, coordinated approach.

मुख्य प्रावधान

14 points
  • 1.

    The NMEW functions through a multi-tiered structure, with the National Mission Authority (NMA) at the apex. The NMA, chaired by the Prime Minister, provides overall guidance and direction to the mission. Think of it as the steering committee, ensuring the mission stays on course.

  • 2.

    A key function of the NMEW is to facilitate convergence of programs across different ministries. For example, schemes related to women's health, education, and economic empowerment are brought under a common umbrella to ensure a synergistic effect. This means that a woman accessing a healthcare program might also be linked to a skill development initiative, enhancing her overall well-being.

  • 3.

    The NMEW emphasizes the importance of gender budgeting, which involves analyzing government budgets to assess their impact on women and girls. This helps in ensuring that public resources are allocated in a way that promotes gender equality. For instance, if a budget allocation for infrastructure development does not consider the specific needs of women, such as safe transportation, it is flagged for review.

दृश्य सामग्री

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) - Key Aspects

Mind map showing the key aspects and components of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)

  • ●Objectives
  • ●Key Strategies
  • ●Related Schemes
  • ●Legal Framework

वास्तविक दुनिया के उदाहरण

1 उदाहरण

यह अवधारणा 1 वास्तविक उदाहरणों में दिखाई दी है अवधि: Mar 2026 से Mar 2026

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi women

3 Mar 2026

The news about the Pink Saheli Smart Card highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address specific challenges faced by women. The card directly tackles the issue of mobility, which is a significant barrier for many women in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. This news event demonstrates how government initiatives can be designed to address the practical needs of women and empower them to participate more fully in society. It also reveals the importance of convergence, as the card integrates with existing public transport systems, making it easier for women to access various services. The implications of this news are that similar initiatives can be replicated in other cities and states to promote women's empowerment. Understanding the NMEW is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the broader context for understanding the government's efforts to promote women's empowerment and the importance of convergence in achieving this goal. The news underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to women's empowerment, addressing both the practical and strategic needs of women.

संबंधित अवधारणाएं

National Policy for Women, 2016Digital India Initiative

स्रोत विषय

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi women

Social Issues

UPSC महत्व

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) is an important topic for the UPSC exam, particularly for GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) and GS Paper I (Social Issues). Questions related to women empowerment, government schemes, and social justice are frequently asked in both the prelims and mains exams. In prelims, factual questions about the mission's objectives, structure, and key initiatives can be asked. In mains, analytical questions about the mission's effectiveness, challenges, and impact on women's lives are common. Essay topics related to women empowerment and gender equality are also relevant. Recent years have seen an increased focus on government initiatives for vulnerable sections of society, making NMEW a crucial topic to prepare. When answering questions, focus on providing a balanced perspective, highlighting both the achievements and limitations of the mission. Use real-world examples and data to support your arguments.
❓

सामान्य प्रश्न

6
1. What is the most common MCQ trap regarding the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)?

The most common trap is to treat the NMEW as a standalone scheme with its own budget and implementation machinery. It is, in fact, a CONVERGENCE mission. Examiners will try to trick you into thinking it directly implements programs, when it actually works by coordinating existing schemes of different ministries. Remember it's about convergence, not independent action.

परीक्षा युक्ति

Remember: NMEW = Convergence. If an MCQ says NMEW directly funds X or Y, it's likely WRONG.

2. Why does the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) exist – what problem does it solve that other mechanisms couldn't?

The NMEW was created to address the problem of fragmented efforts towards women's empowerment. Before 2010, various ministries and departments were running their own schemes in silos, leading to duplication, inefficiency, and a lack of holistic impact. The NMEW provides a framework for these different initiatives to work together, creating a synergistic effect and ensuring that women's needs are addressed in a comprehensive manner. It ensures better coordination than simply having individual ministries act independently.

On This Page

DefinitionHistorical BackgroundKey PointsVisual InsightsReal-World ExamplesRelated ConceptsUPSC RelevanceSource TopicFAQs

Source Topic

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi womenSocial Issues

Related Concepts

National Policy for Women, 2016Digital India Initiative
  1. होम
  2. /
  3. अवधारणाएं
  4. /
  5. Government Scheme
  6. /
  7. National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)
Government Scheme

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) क्या है?

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW), also known as the Mission for Convergence, was established to improve the overall status of women in India. It's not a standalone scheme, but rather a framework to converge various existing programs and schemes across different ministries and departments, ensuring a holistic approach to women's empowerment. The core idea is to address women's issues across their life cycle, from birth to old age, focusing on economic, social, educational, and political empowerment. The NMEW aims to create an environment where women can realize their full potential. It seeks to improve coordination among different government bodies, enhance awareness of women's rights and entitlements, and promote gender-responsive policies and programs. Think of it as a central coordinating body to make sure all the different government efforts for women are working together effectively.

ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि

The NMEW was launched in 2010 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The need for such a mission arose from the recognition that despite numerous programs and policies aimed at women's development, their impact was often limited due to a lack of coordination and convergence. Before 2010, various ministries operated in silos, leading to duplication of efforts and inefficient resource allocation. The NMEW was envisioned as a mechanism to overcome these challenges by bringing together different stakeholders and creating a common platform for action. Over the years, the mission has evolved to incorporate new priorities and address emerging challenges faced by women. While the core objective of convergence remains central, the NMEW has also focused on promoting gender budgeting, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and fostering partnerships with civil society organizations. It was a direct response to the understanding that empowering women requires a multi-faceted, coordinated approach.

मुख्य प्रावधान

14 points
  • 1.

    The NMEW functions through a multi-tiered structure, with the National Mission Authority (NMA) at the apex. The NMA, chaired by the Prime Minister, provides overall guidance and direction to the mission. Think of it as the steering committee, ensuring the mission stays on course.

  • 2.

    A key function of the NMEW is to facilitate convergence of programs across different ministries. For example, schemes related to women's health, education, and economic empowerment are brought under a common umbrella to ensure a synergistic effect. This means that a woman accessing a healthcare program might also be linked to a skill development initiative, enhancing her overall well-being.

  • 3.

    The NMEW emphasizes the importance of gender budgeting, which involves analyzing government budgets to assess their impact on women and girls. This helps in ensuring that public resources are allocated in a way that promotes gender equality. For instance, if a budget allocation for infrastructure development does not consider the specific needs of women, such as safe transportation, it is flagged for review.

दृश्य सामग्री

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) - Key Aspects

Mind map showing the key aspects and components of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women.

National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)

  • ●Objectives
  • ●Key Strategies
  • ●Related Schemes
  • ●Legal Framework

वास्तविक दुनिया के उदाहरण

1 उदाहरण

यह अवधारणा 1 वास्तविक उदाहरणों में दिखाई दी है अवधि: Mar 2026 से Mar 2026

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi women

3 Mar 2026

The news about the Pink Saheli Smart Card highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address specific challenges faced by women. The card directly tackles the issue of mobility, which is a significant barrier for many women in accessing education, employment, and healthcare. This news event demonstrates how government initiatives can be designed to address the practical needs of women and empower them to participate more fully in society. It also reveals the importance of convergence, as the card integrates with existing public transport systems, making it easier for women to access various services. The implications of this news are that similar initiatives can be replicated in other cities and states to promote women's empowerment. Understanding the NMEW is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the broader context for understanding the government's efforts to promote women's empowerment and the importance of convergence in achieving this goal. The news underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach to women's empowerment, addressing both the practical and strategic needs of women.

संबंधित अवधारणाएं

National Policy for Women, 2016Digital India Initiative

स्रोत विषय

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi women

Social Issues

UPSC महत्व

The National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) is an important topic for the UPSC exam, particularly for GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) and GS Paper I (Social Issues). Questions related to women empowerment, government schemes, and social justice are frequently asked in both the prelims and mains exams. In prelims, factual questions about the mission's objectives, structure, and key initiatives can be asked. In mains, analytical questions about the mission's effectiveness, challenges, and impact on women's lives are common. Essay topics related to women empowerment and gender equality are also relevant. Recent years have seen an increased focus on government initiatives for vulnerable sections of society, making NMEW a crucial topic to prepare. When answering questions, focus on providing a balanced perspective, highlighting both the achievements and limitations of the mission. Use real-world examples and data to support your arguments.
❓

सामान्य प्रश्न

6
1. What is the most common MCQ trap regarding the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)?

The most common trap is to treat the NMEW as a standalone scheme with its own budget and implementation machinery. It is, in fact, a CONVERGENCE mission. Examiners will try to trick you into thinking it directly implements programs, when it actually works by coordinating existing schemes of different ministries. Remember it's about convergence, not independent action.

परीक्षा युक्ति

Remember: NMEW = Convergence. If an MCQ says NMEW directly funds X or Y, it's likely WRONG.

2. Why does the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) exist – what problem does it solve that other mechanisms couldn't?

The NMEW was created to address the problem of fragmented efforts towards women's empowerment. Before 2010, various ministries and departments were running their own schemes in silos, leading to duplication, inefficiency, and a lack of holistic impact. The NMEW provides a framework for these different initiatives to work together, creating a synergistic effect and ensuring that women's needs are addressed in a comprehensive manner. It ensures better coordination than simply having individual ministries act independently.

On This Page

DefinitionHistorical BackgroundKey PointsVisual InsightsReal-World ExamplesRelated ConceptsUPSC RelevanceSource TopicFAQs

Source Topic

President Murmu launches Pink Saheli Smart Card for Delhi womenSocial Issues

Related Concepts

National Policy for Women, 2016Digital India Initiative
  • 4.

    Capacity building is a crucial component of the NMEW. This involves training government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote gender-sensitive planning and implementation of programs. For example, training sessions are conducted for local government officials on how to design and implement programs that address the specific needs of women in their communities.

  • 5.

    The NMEW promotes awareness generation on women's rights and entitlements through various channels, including media campaigns, community meetings, and educational programs. This helps in empowering women to claim their rights and access available resources. A campaign might focus on educating women about their property rights or their right to equal pay.

  • 6.

    Monitoring and evaluation are integral to the NMEW. Regular assessments are conducted to track the progress of various programs and identify areas for improvement. This ensures that the mission remains responsive to the changing needs of women. Data is collected on key indicators such as female literacy rates, maternal mortality rates, and women's participation in the workforce to assess the impact of the mission.

  • 7.

    The NMEW encourages partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) to leverage their expertise and reach. CSOs often have a deep understanding of local contexts and can play a crucial role in implementing programs and advocating for women's rights. For example, the mission might partner with a local NGO to provide legal aid to women facing domestic violence.

  • 8.

    One of the challenges the NMEW faces is ensuring effective coordination across different levels of government – national, state, and local. This requires clear lines of communication and accountability. States are encouraged to develop their own state-level missions for women's empowerment to align with the national mission.

  • 9.

    The NMEW also focuses on promoting women's participation in decision-making processes at all levels. This includes encouraging women to contest elections, participate in local governance, and hold leadership positions in various sectors. The mission supports initiatives that provide training and mentorship to women aspiring to leadership roles.

  • 10.

    The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme, aimed at improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls' education, is an example of a program that aligns with the objectives of the NMEW. This scheme is implemented in a converged manner, with different ministries working together to achieve its goals.

  • 11.

    The Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) scheme, which provides support to rural women through community participation, is another initiative that is linked to the NMEW. The MSK aims to empower women by providing them with access to information, training, and other resources.

  • 12.

    The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a maternity benefit program, is also aligned with the NMEW's objectives. This scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to improve their health and nutrition.

  • 13.

    A critical aspect often overlooked is the need for gender-disaggregated data. The NMEW advocates for the collection and analysis of data that separates information by gender, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women and girls. This data is essential for evidence-based policymaking.

  • 14.

    The NMEW is not just about government programs; it also emphasizes the role of societal attitudes and norms in shaping women's lives. The mission supports initiatives that challenge gender stereotypes and promote positive social norms that value women and girls.

  • 3. What does the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) NOT cover – what are its gaps and criticisms?

    While the NMEW aims for convergence, critics argue that it lacks teeth in enforcing this convergence. It doesn't have direct control over the budgets or implementation of the various schemes it's meant to coordinate. This can lead to situations where ministries continue to operate in silos, undermining the mission's objectives. Also, some argue that the NMEW focuses more on coordinating existing programs rather than addressing the root causes of gender inequality, such as patriarchal social norms.

    4. How does the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) work IN PRACTICE – give a real example of it being invoked/applied.

    In practice, the NMEW can be seen as a facilitator. For example, consider a district with low female literacy rates and high rates of child marriage. The NMEW might bring together the Ministry of Education's programs for girls' education, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's programs for reproductive health, and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship's programs for vocational training. By coordinating these programs, the NMEW can ensure that girls in the district have access to education, healthcare, and skills training, creating a more holistic approach to their empowerment. The District Magistrate would likely be the coordinating officer, ensuring funds are used efficiently and targets are met across departments.

    5. What is the strongest argument critics make against the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW), and how would you respond?

    The strongest argument is that the NMEW is essentially a bureaucratic layer that adds little value. Critics contend that it doesn't fundamentally change the way ministries operate or address the underlying causes of gender inequality. It's seen as more of a coordinating body than a transformative force. In response, one could argue that while the NMEW may not be a silver bullet, it plays a crucial role in improving coordination and ensuring that existing programs are more effective. Furthermore, its emphasis on gender budgeting and capacity building can contribute to a more gender-sensitive approach to policymaking.

    6. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 reserves 33% of seats for women. How does this relate to the goals of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)?

    The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam directly supports the NMEW's goal of political empowerment of women. By reserving seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, it aims to increase women's representation in decision-making bodies. This aligns with the NMEW's broader objective of creating an environment where women can participate fully in all aspects of society, including politics. The Act provides a concrete mechanism to achieve one of the NMEW's key objectives.

  • 4.

    Capacity building is a crucial component of the NMEW. This involves training government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to promote gender-sensitive planning and implementation of programs. For example, training sessions are conducted for local government officials on how to design and implement programs that address the specific needs of women in their communities.

  • 5.

    The NMEW promotes awareness generation on women's rights and entitlements through various channels, including media campaigns, community meetings, and educational programs. This helps in empowering women to claim their rights and access available resources. A campaign might focus on educating women about their property rights or their right to equal pay.

  • 6.

    Monitoring and evaluation are integral to the NMEW. Regular assessments are conducted to track the progress of various programs and identify areas for improvement. This ensures that the mission remains responsive to the changing needs of women. Data is collected on key indicators such as female literacy rates, maternal mortality rates, and women's participation in the workforce to assess the impact of the mission.

  • 7.

    The NMEW encourages partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs) to leverage their expertise and reach. CSOs often have a deep understanding of local contexts and can play a crucial role in implementing programs and advocating for women's rights. For example, the mission might partner with a local NGO to provide legal aid to women facing domestic violence.

  • 8.

    One of the challenges the NMEW faces is ensuring effective coordination across different levels of government – national, state, and local. This requires clear lines of communication and accountability. States are encouraged to develop their own state-level missions for women's empowerment to align with the national mission.

  • 9.

    The NMEW also focuses on promoting women's participation in decision-making processes at all levels. This includes encouraging women to contest elections, participate in local governance, and hold leadership positions in various sectors. The mission supports initiatives that provide training and mentorship to women aspiring to leadership roles.

  • 10.

    The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme, aimed at improving the child sex ratio and promoting girls' education, is an example of a program that aligns with the objectives of the NMEW. This scheme is implemented in a converged manner, with different ministries working together to achieve its goals.

  • 11.

    The Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) scheme, which provides support to rural women through community participation, is another initiative that is linked to the NMEW. The MSK aims to empower women by providing them with access to information, training, and other resources.

  • 12.

    The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), a maternity benefit program, is also aligned with the NMEW's objectives. This scheme provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers to improve their health and nutrition.

  • 13.

    A critical aspect often overlooked is the need for gender-disaggregated data. The NMEW advocates for the collection and analysis of data that separates information by gender, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by women and girls. This data is essential for evidence-based policymaking.

  • 14.

    The NMEW is not just about government programs; it also emphasizes the role of societal attitudes and norms in shaping women's lives. The mission supports initiatives that challenge gender stereotypes and promote positive social norms that value women and girls.

  • 3. What does the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) NOT cover – what are its gaps and criticisms?

    While the NMEW aims for convergence, critics argue that it lacks teeth in enforcing this convergence. It doesn't have direct control over the budgets or implementation of the various schemes it's meant to coordinate. This can lead to situations where ministries continue to operate in silos, undermining the mission's objectives. Also, some argue that the NMEW focuses more on coordinating existing programs rather than addressing the root causes of gender inequality, such as patriarchal social norms.

    4. How does the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW) work IN PRACTICE – give a real example of it being invoked/applied.

    In practice, the NMEW can be seen as a facilitator. For example, consider a district with low female literacy rates and high rates of child marriage. The NMEW might bring together the Ministry of Education's programs for girls' education, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's programs for reproductive health, and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship's programs for vocational training. By coordinating these programs, the NMEW can ensure that girls in the district have access to education, healthcare, and skills training, creating a more holistic approach to their empowerment. The District Magistrate would likely be the coordinating officer, ensuring funds are used efficiently and targets are met across departments.

    5. What is the strongest argument critics make against the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW), and how would you respond?

    The strongest argument is that the NMEW is essentially a bureaucratic layer that adds little value. Critics contend that it doesn't fundamentally change the way ministries operate or address the underlying causes of gender inequality. It's seen as more of a coordinating body than a transformative force. In response, one could argue that while the NMEW may not be a silver bullet, it plays a crucial role in improving coordination and ensuring that existing programs are more effective. Furthermore, its emphasis on gender budgeting and capacity building can contribute to a more gender-sensitive approach to policymaking.

    6. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 reserves 33% of seats for women. How does this relate to the goals of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW)?

    The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam directly supports the NMEW's goal of political empowerment of women. By reserving seats in the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, it aims to increase women's representation in decision-making bodies. This aligns with the NMEW's broader objective of creating an environment where women can participate fully in all aspects of society, including politics. The Act provides a concrete mechanism to achieve one of the NMEW's key objectives.