<<–2/”>a >p style=”font-weight: 400;”>India has experienced rapid Growth and development in the past years in many spheres. Gender Equity is not one of them. This is deplorable considering the important role played by Women in the socio-economic growth of the country.
The Indian development model has yet to fully incorporate the important role played by women for propelling the socio-economic growth of the country. Current governments at state and central level must understand that no nation can progress unless its women are given equal access to opportunities and adequate safety and security.
A member of the so-called “BRICS” countries, India is noted for its rapidly expanding economy. Though India has certainly grown more prosperous in the recent decades, some groups have benefited from this boom more than others.
In particular, women have faced a range of structural and social barriers in fully participating in the Indian economy, which not only hinders their individual agency but also limits India’s ability to continue to modernize.
Gender discrimination begins at a young age. Girls face a range of structural barriers that contribute to unequal educational and economic performance: for example, only 53% of schools have sanitary facilities for girls.
Further, the threat of gender-based violence discourages girls and women from leaving their homes and is used by some parents to justify marrying off daughters before the legal age of 18; however, marriage provides girls little protection from violence—over 50% of both male and female adolescents justify wife beating, and 6 in 10 men admit physically abusing their wives.
Across the globe, educating women and giving them the ability to stand on their own feet has been a priority. In India, social evils and a rising rape rate are confronting women in urban and rural areas, regardless of which political party is at the helm. Women are not being given a chance to become stronger in the political sector. The Women’s Reservation Bill of 2013 is being vociferously opposed on the grounds that it will deny opportunities to persons of other groups. When it comes to legislations which aim to reduce gender inequity, India has a long way to go.
Ancient India was a centre of Learning and noted women scholars during that time contributed to the advancement of Society. Women icons in India’s rural areas are few and far in between. While most are aware of the high profile lady entrepreneurs and corporate heads in urban India, women in rural areas continue to face exploitation. If women are allowed to gain access to Education, they can make a huge impact in enhancing the productivity of the economy.
Noted rural entrepreneurs such as Jashwantiben Popat who pioneered Lijjat papad are proof of the strong capabilities of Indian women to mould positive Social Change in India. From 7 women working in one building to over 43,000 lady workers, Lijjat papad is a corporate initiative that is fuelling the economy.
Empowered Indian women can also pioneer Self Help Groups and initiatives for creating positive social change in rural or underdeveloped areas. There are notable examples of women self help groups in India which have generated EMPLOYMENT and income for many families in villages and small towns.
Women can also contribute to the social welfare of the country. Noted lady activists have championed the cause of gender Justice and equity. They are shining examples of what India can accomplish if lady leaders are at the helm. Women-friendly policies and laws will be framed as a result of this. This can change the way the world looks at India.
As per recent report by ILO, India and Pakistan have the lowest rates of women’s labour force participation in Asia. In India, the worrying cause is further declining of labour force participation. According to National Sample Survey, in 1999-2000, 25.9% of all women worked and by 2011-12 this proportion had dropped to 21.9%. This is in contrast with global trends as well as countries like Nepal, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in Asia that have the highest women labour force participation. Even countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are placed behind them. Of the 185 nations that are part of the ILO Database, since the 1990s, 114 countries have recorded an increase in the proportion of women in the workforce. 41 countries have recorded the decline and India is leading the pack here. Even the Economic Survey 2016-17 expressed concern that the demographic dividend is already receding, reducing the opportunity for the Indian economy to catch up with its East Asian counterparts. The declining participation of women in labour force and subsequently in economy tells a sorry story about India’s growth. It needs to be seen what ails the falling down of women participation.
One explanation can be, with rising incomes, women have the opportunity to escape harsh labour in farms and on construction sites. They can now focus more on families. But another view, possibly more realistic one is- with declining farm sizes, rising mechanisation, and consequently dwindling labour demands in agriculture, women are being forced out of workforce. If the latter view is true, it has a serious implication on future policies pertaining to agriculture, economy and Empowerment/”>Women Empowerment. Research shows that when women have access to more work opportunities, they take them instantly. India Human Development Survey (IHDS) with other partners found that work provisions under MGNREGA have brought more rural women into wage labour. This can be verified from the fact that 45% were not in wage labour before the scheme was initiated. Moreover, increased availability of wage work also enhances women’s control over household decision-making.
Because of shrinking farm work, there is need to create opportunities for women to move from agricultural to non-agricultural manual work. A research by University of Maryland finds that where roads were constructed between the first (2004-05) and second (2011-12) survey of IHDS, both men and women were more likely to undertake non-agricultural work but this effect was greater for women. The construction of roads has cascading effect such as improvement in transportation Services such as buses, which in turn can facilitate movement of the rural workforce, especially women, into non-agricultural work in neighbouring villages and towns.
On the other end of the employment spectrum too, it is necessary to make possible for educated women to continue work even while raising families. In India, the prevalence of a rigid work Environment and dearth of family-friendly work institutions create impediments to women’s access to white-collar jobs in the formal sector. Also, long distances between the home and the workplace increase both commuting time and work burdens, leaving workers with even less time for family duties. Hence, there must be a work environment that allows more women, especially urban and educated women, to take up salaried jobs.
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Women’s empowerment is the process of increasing the ability of women to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes. It is a multi-faceted process that includes economic empowerment, political participation, and social and cultural transformation.
Economic empowerment is essential for women’s full participation in society. Women need to have equal access to employment opportunities, land, credit, and other Resources in order to achieve economic independence. When women are economically empowered, they are better able to support themselves and their families, and they have more choices and opportunities in life.
Political participation is also essential for women’s empowerment. Women need to have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making at all levels, from the local to the national level. When women are involved in politics, they can help to shape the policies that affect their lives and the lives of their families.
Social and cultural transformation is also necessary for women’s empowerment. This includes challenging harmful social norms and practices that discriminate against women, such as gender-based violence and domestic violence. It also includes promoting positive images of women in the media and in society.
Women’s empowerment is essential for Sustainable Development. When women are empowered, they are better able to contribute to economic growth, improve Health and education outcomes, and reduce POVERTY. Women’s empowerment is also essential for peacebuilding. When women are involved in peacebuilding, they can help to prevent conflict, build trust, and promote reconciliation.
Women’s empowerment is a Human Rights issue. All women have the right to enjoy all their human rights, including the right to life, Liberty, and security of person; the right to Equality before the law; the right to freedom from discrimination; and the right to participate in decision-making.
There are many ways to promote women’s empowerment. Some of these include:
- Providing girls and women with access to quality education.
- Promoting economic opportunities for women.
- Supporting women’s political participation.
- Tackling violence against women.
- challenging harmful social norms and practices.
- Promoting positive images of women in the media and in society.
- Investing in women’s health and education.
- Supporting women’s Leadership.
Women’s empowerment is a complex issue, but it is one that is essential for a just and equitable world. By working together, we can create a world where all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
What is the difference between Gender Equality and women’s empowerment?
Gender equality is the state of being equal, especially in terms of the rights and opportunities afforded to women and men. Women’s empowerment is the process of increasing women’s participation in society and decision-making, and their ability to control their own lives.
What are the benefits of gender equality and women’s empowerment?
Gender equality and women’s empowerment have a number of benefits for individuals, families, communities, and societies as a whole. These benefits include:
- Increased economic growth and development
- Improved health and well-being
- Reduced poverty and inequality
- Stronger democracies and more peaceful societies
- Increased innovation and creativity
- Greater resilience to shocks and crises
What are some of the challenges to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment?
There are a number of challenges to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, including:
- Gender-based discrimination and violence
- Lack of access to education and employment opportunities
- Stereotypes and harmful traditional practices
- Limited political participation
- Lack of access to resources and assets
What can be done to address these challenges?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges to achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment, including:
- Investing in education and employment opportunities for women
- Promoting gender-sensitive laws and policies
- Addressing gender-based violence
- Changing harmful stereotypes and traditional practices
- Increasing women’s political participation
- Expanding access to resources and assets for women
What are some examples of successful initiatives to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment?
There are a number of successful initiatives to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, including:
- The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which included a goal to promote gender equality and empower women
- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which was adopted at the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include a goal to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
- The HeForShe campaign, which was launched by UN Women in 2014 to engage men and boys in the fight for gender equality
- The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), which are a set of seven principles for businesses to promote gender equality in the workplace
What can I do to help promote gender equality and women’s empowerment?
There are a number of things you can do to help promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, including:
- Educate yourself about the issue
- Talk to your friends and family about gender equality
- Support organizations that are working to promote gender equality
- Advocate for policies and programs that promote gender equality
- Stand up against gender-based discrimination and violence
- Be a role model for others
Where can I learn more about gender equality and women’s empowerment?
There are a number of resources available to learn more about gender equality and women’s empowerment, including:
- The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
- The World Bank Group
- The International Labour Organization (ILO)
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
- The African Development Bank (AfDB)
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about the following topics:
Gender equality
Which of the following is not a goal of gender equality?
- To ensure that women and men have equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.
- To eliminate discrimination against women and girls.
- To promote the empowerment of women.
- To ensure that women and men have equal access to education, employment, and health care.
- Which of the following is a sign of gender inequality?
- Women are paid less than men for the same work.
- Women are underrepresented in leadership positions.
- Women are more likely to be victims of violence than men.
- All of the above.
What is one thing you can do to promote gender equality?
- Educate yourself about the issue.
- Talk to your friends and family about gender equality.
- Support organizations that work to promote gender equality.
- All of the above.
Women’s rights
Which of the following is not a women’s right?
- The right to vote.
- The right to own property.
- The right to education.
- The right to be free from violence.
- Which of the following is a sign of a country’s commitment to women’s rights?
- The country has a high Percentage of women in government.
- The country has a low rate of violence against women.
- The country has a high rate of female Literacy.
- All of the above.
What is one thing you can do to promote women’s rights?
- Educate yourself about the issue.
- Talk to your friends and family about women’s rights.
- Support organizations that work to promote women’s rights.
- All of the above.
Empowerment
Which of the following is not a way to empower women?
- Providing them with education and training.
- Giving them access to resources and opportunities.
- Supporting their leadership and participation in decision-making.
- All of the above.
- Which of the following is a sign of women’s empowerment?
- Women have equal rights and opportunities as men.
- Women are able to participate fully in society.
- Women are able to make their own decisions about their lives.
- All of the above.
- What is one thing you can do to empower women?
- Educate yourself about the issue.
- Talk to your friends and family about women’s empowerment.
- Support organizations that work to empower women.
- All of the above.
I hope these questions were helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.