Issues Related To Role Of Women In Economic And Social Development In India (1)

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Issues related to Role of Women in Economic and Social Development in India

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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The role of women in economic and social development in India is a complex and multifaceted issue. Women play a vital role in the Indian economy, but they also face many challenges. In this ARTICLE, we will explore the key issues related to the role of women in India, and discuss some of the ways in which these issues can be addressed.

One of the most important issues facing women in India is education. According to the World Bank, only 62% of Indian women are literate, compared to 80% of men. This gap in Literacy rates has a number of negative consequences for women, including lower earnings, higher rates of POVERTY, and increased vulnerability to violence.

Another key issue facing women in India is employment. The Unemployment rate for women in India is twice as high as the unemployment rate for men. This is due in part to the fact that women are often excluded from formal employment opportunities. They are also more likely to be employed in low-paying, informal jobs.

Women in India also face significant Health challenges. According to the World Health Organization, maternal mortality rates in India are among the highest in the world. Women in India are also more likely to be affected by HIV/AIDS than men.

In addition to these challenges, women in India also face violence and discrimination. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were over 32,000 cases of rape reported in India in 2016. This is likely just a fraction of the actual number of rapes that occur, as many women do not report these crimes due to fear of reprisal or social stigma.

Despite these challenges, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of women in India. The Indian government has made significant progress in recent years in promoting Equality/”>Gender Equality. For example, the government has passed laws to increase women’s participation in the workforce and to protect them from violence.

There are also many non-governmental organizations working to improve the lives of women in India. These organizations provide education and training to women, help them to find employment, and advocate for their rights.

The future of women in India is bright. With continued effort, India can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Here are some specific examples of how the issues related to the role of women in economic and social development in India can be addressed:

  • Education: The government can invest in education for girls and women, and can make education more accessible and affordable. Non-governmental organizations can also provide education and training to women.
  • Employment: The government can create more jobs for women, and can provide training and support to help women find employment. Non-governmental organizations can also help women to find employment.
  • Health: The government can improve access to healthcare for women, and can provide services to address the specific health needs of women. Non-governmental organizations can also provide healthcare services to women.
  • Poverty: The government can provide social safety nets to help women who are living in poverty. Non-governmental organizations can also provide assistance to women who are living in poverty.
  • Violence against women: The government can pass laws to protect women from violence, and can provide services to help women who have been victims of violence. Non-governmental organizations can also provide services to women who have been victims of violence.
  • Gender inequality: The government can pass laws to promote gender equality, and can provide education and training to promote gender equality. Non-governmental organizations can also promote gender equality.
  • Women’s empowerment: The government can provide women with opportunities to participate in decision-making, and can provide Resources to help women to be more empowered. Non-governmental organizations can also empower women.
  • Women’s rights: The government can pass laws to protect women’s rights, and can provide education and training to promote women’s rights. Non-governmental organizations can also promote women’s rights.

By addressing the issues related to the role of women in economic and social development in India, the government and non-governmental organizations can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.

What are the issues related to the role of women in economic and social development in India?

There are many issues related to the role of women in economic and social development in India. Some of these issues include:

  • Gender inequality: Women in India face discrimination in many areas of life, including education, employment, and healthcare. This discrimination can limit their opportunities for economic and social advancement.
  • Domestic violence: Women in India are at risk of domestic violence, which can have a devastating impact on their lives.
  • Sexual harassment: Women in India are also at risk of sexual harassment, which can make it difficult for them to participate in public life.
  • Trafficking: Women and girls in India are at risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation or forced labor.
  • Early marriage: Girls in India are often married off at a young age, which can limit their education and employment opportunities.
  • Female feticide: Female feticide is the practice of aborting female fetuses. This practice is driven by a preference for sons, which can lead to a shortage of women in the Population.
  • Dowry deaths: Dowry deaths are the deaths of women who are killed or driven to suicide by their husbands or in-laws because they do not bring enough dowry (a payment made by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage).

These are just some of the issues that women in India face. These issues can have a significant impact on the lives of women and girls, and they can also hinder India’s economic and social development.

What are the challenges faced by women in India?

Women in India face many challenges, including:

  • Gender inequality: Women in India face discrimination in many areas of life, including education, employment, and healthcare. This discrimination can limit their opportunities for economic and social advancement.
  • Domestic violence: Women in India are at risk of domestic violence, which can have a devastating impact on their lives.
  • Sexual harassment: Women in India are also at risk of sexual harassment, which can make it difficult for them to participate in public life.
  • Trafficking: Women and girls in India are at risk of being trafficked for sexual exploitation or forced labor.
  • Early marriage: Girls in India are often married off at a young age, which can limit their education and employment opportunities.
  • Female feticide: Female feticide is the practice of aborting female fetuses. This practice is driven by a preference for sons, which can lead to a shortage of women in the population.
  • Dowry deaths: Dowry deaths are the deaths of women who are killed or driven to suicide by their husbands or in-laws because they do not bring enough dowry (a payment made by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage).

These challenges can have a significant impact on the lives of women and girls, and they can also hinder India’s economic and social development.

What are the achievements of women in India?

Despite the challenges they face, women in India have made significant achievements in recent years. Some of these achievements include:

  • Increased participation in education: The literacy rate for women in India has increased from 39% in 1991 to 65% in 2011. The enrollment rate for girls in primary school is now higher than the enrollment rate for boys.
  • Increased participation in employment: The labor force participation rate for women in India has increased from 25% in 1991 to 31% in 2011. Women are now employed in a wider range of occupations than ever before.
  • Increased political participation: The number of women in the Indian Parliament has increased from 6% in 1991 to 12% in 2014. Women are now holding more Leadership positions in government and business.
  • Improved health outcomes: The maternal mortality rate in India has declined from 560 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 178 per 100,000 live births in 2015. The infant mortality rate has also declined significantly.

These achievements are a testament to the strength and resilience of Indian women. They show that women can overcome the challenges they face and make significant contributions to society.

  1. Which of the following is not a major issue related to the role of women in economic and social development in India?
    (A) Women’s participation in the workforce is lower than men’s.
    (B) Women are underrepresented in leadership positions.
    (C) Women are paid less than men for the same work.
    (D) Women are more likely to be victims of violence than men.

  2. Which of the following is the most common reason why women are underrepresented in leadership positions?
    (A) Women are not as qualified as men.
    (B) Women are not as ambitious as men.
    (C) Women are not as confident as men.
    (D) Women are not as supported as men.

  3. Which of the following is the most effective way to increase women’s participation in the workforce?
    (A) Provide more childcare Options.
    (B) Offer flexible work arrangements.
    (C) Pay women the same as men for the same work.
    (D) All of the above.

  4. Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce violence against women?
    (A) Increase awareness of the issue.
    (B) Provide support services for victims.
    (C) Hold perpetrators accountable.
    (D) All of the above.

  5. Which of the following is the most important thing that can be done to promote gender equality in India?
    (A) Educate girls and women.
    (B) Empower women economically.
    (C) Provide women with equal opportunities.
    (D) All of the above.