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 significant challenges. In this ARTICLE, we will explore some of the key issues facing women in India, and discuss how we can help to empower them and create a more just and equitable society.
One of the most pressing 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, including lower earnings, higher rates of POVERTY, and increased vulnerability to violence.
Another major challenge 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 to a number of factors, including discrimination in the workplace, lack of access to education and training, and the burden of unpaid care work.
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. This is due to a number of factors, including lack of access to quality healthcare, poor Nutrition, and high rates of anemia.
In addition to these challenges, women in India also face the threat of violence. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, there were over 300,000 cases of violence against women reported in India in 2016. This includes rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment.
Despite these challenges, there are a number of 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. In 2010, the government launched the National Mission for Empowerment of Women (NMEW), which aims to improve the lives of women in India through a range of initiatives, including education, employment, health, and social protection.
In addition, there are a number of non-governmental organizations working to promote women’s rights and empowerment in India. These organizations provide a range of services, including education, training, and support to women who have experienced violence.
The future of women in India is bright. With the continued commitment of the government and civil society, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
Here are some specific examples of how we can help to empower women in India:
- We can support education and training programs for women.
- We can advocate for policies that promote gender equality.
- We can donate to organizations that work to empower women.
- We can speak out against violence against women.
- We can challenge gender stereotypes.
- We can be role models for girls and young women.
By taking these actions, we can help to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the role of women in economic and social development in India:
- What is the role of women in Economic Development in India?
Women play a vital role in economic development in India. They are the backbone of the agricultural sector, which employs more than half of the country’s workforce. They are also increasingly involved in the manufacturing and services sectors. Women’s participation in the economy has a number of benefits, including increased productivity, higher incomes, and reduced poverty.
- What is the role of women in social development in India?
Women play a key role in social development in India. They are responsible for the care of children and the elderly, and they play a vital role in education and health. Women’s participation in social development has a number of benefits, including improved health and education outcomes, reduced poverty, and stronger families.
- What are the challenges facing women in India?
Women in India face a number of challenges, including discrimination, violence, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities. These challenges limit women’s ability to participate fully in economic and social development.
- What are the opportunities for women in India?
Despite the challenges they face, women in India have a number of opportunities. The economy is growing rapidly, and there is a growing demand for skilled workers. Women are increasingly entering the workforce, and they are making progress in education and employment.
- What can be done to improve the role of women in economic and social development in India?
There are a number of things that can be done to improve the role of women in economic and social development in India. These include:
- Investing in education and training for women
- Promoting women’s Entrepreneurship
- Addressing violence against women
- Ensuring equal access to land and property rights
- Promoting women’s participation in decision-making
By taking these steps, India can harness the full potential of its women and achieve its development goals.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to the low participation of women in the workforce in India?
(A) Lack of access to education
(B) Lack of childcare facilities
(C) Social stigma against working women
(D) Lack of job opportunities
Answer
(D) Lack of job opportunities.
According to the World Bank, the female labor force participation rate in India is 23%, which is one of the lowest in the world. There are a number of factors that contribute to this low participation rate, including lack of access to education, lack of childcare facilities, and social stigma against working women. However, there is no evidence to suggest that there is a lack of job opportunities for women in India. In fact, the number of women in the workforce has been increasing in recent years.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a reason why women are more likely to be poor than men in India?
(A) Women are paid less than men for the same work.
(B) Women are more likely to be unemployed than men.
(C) Women are more likely to be responsible for unpaid care work.
(D) Women are more likely to be illiterate than men.
Answer
(D) Women are more likely to be illiterate than men.
According to the National Sample Survey Office, the literacy rate for women in India is 65.5%, which is slightly higher than the literacy rate for men (69.3%). However, there are still a number of reasons why women are more likely to be poor than men. Women are often paid less than men for the same work, and they are more likely to be unemployed. They are also more likely to be responsible for unpaid care work, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children and elderly relatives. This can make it difficult for them to find paid work or to earn enough Money to support themselves and their families.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a way to improve the status of women in India?
(A) Provide more access to education and employment opportunities for women.
(B) Reduce the gender pay gap.
(C) Promote gender equality in the home and in society.
(D) Increase the number of women in government.
Answer
(D) Increase the number of women in government.
While increasing the number of women in government is important, it is not the only way to improve the status of women in India. There are a number of other things that can be done, such as providing more access to education and employment opportunities for women, reducing the gender pay gap, and promoting gender equality in the home and in society.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a goal of the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (NPEW)?
(A) To ensure women’s equal participation in all spheres of society.
(B) To eliminate discrimination against women.
(C) To promote women’s empowerment through education, employment, and health.
(D) To increase the number of women in government.
Answer
(D) To increase the number of women in government.
The NPEW was adopted by the Government of India in 2001. It has a number of goals, including ensuring women’s equal participation in all spheres of society, eliminating discrimination against women, and promoting women’s empowerment through education, employment, and health. However, it does not have a goal of increasing the number of women in government.