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

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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. There are many factors that contribute to the status of women in India, including education, employment, Health, and violence.

Education is one of the most important factors in determining the status of women in India. Women with more education are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, and have better health outcomes. They are also more likely to participate in decision-making and have a voice in their communities.

Employment is another important factor in the status of women in India. Women who are employed are more likely to be economically independent and have a greater say in their own lives. They are also more likely to have access to healthcare, education, and other Resources.

Health is another important factor in the status of women in India. Women who are healthy are more likely to be able to work, care for their families, and participate in their communities. They are also less likely to experience violence.

Violence against women is a serious problem in India. Women are at risk of physical, sexual, and emotional violence from their partners, family members, and strangers. Violence against women can have a devastating impact on their lives, including physical and mental health problems, social isolation, and economic hardship.

Despite the challenges that they face, women in India are making progress in many areas. The Literacy rate for women has increased significantly in recent years, and more women are now participating in the workforce. Women are also playing a more active role in politics and decision-making.

There are many things that can be done to improve the status of women in India. Education, employment, health, and violence are all important areas that need to be addressed. By investing in women and girls, we can create a more prosperous and equitable society for all.

Here are some specific examples of what can be done to improve the status of women in India:

By taking these steps, we can make a real difference in the lives of women and girls in India. We can help them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the development of their country.

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

Women in India face a number of challenges in the areas of economic and social development. These include:

These issues have a significant impact on the lives of women in India, and they hinder the country’s progress towards economic and social development.

What are some of the initiatives that have been taken to address these issues?

The Indian government has taken a number of initiatives to address the issues related to the role of women in economic and social development. These include:

These initiatives have had some positive impact, but there is still much work to be done to address the challenges faced by women in India.

What can be done to further promote the role of women in economic and social development in India?

There are a number of things that can be done to further promote the role of women in economic and social development in India. These include:

By taking these steps, India can make progress towards achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.

  1. Which of the following is not a factor that contributes to the gender gap in India?
    (A) Women are less likely to be educated than men.
    (B) Women are less likely to be employed than men.
    (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 a government program that aims to improve the status of women in India?
    (A) The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
    (B) The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
    (C) The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign
    (D) The Maternity Benefit Act

  3. Which of the following is a social norm that contributes to the gender gap in India?
    (A) The belief that women should not work outside the home.
    (B) The belief that women should not be educated.
    (C) The belief that women should not have a say in decision-making.
    (D) All of the above

  4. Which of the following is a challenge that women in India face in the workplace?
    (A) Sexual harassment
    (B) Lack of access to childcare
    (C) Lack of access to credit
    (D) All of the above

  5. Which of the following is a way to address the gender gap in India?
    (A) Investing in education and employment opportunities for women.
    (B) Promoting gender-sensitive policies and laws.
    (C) Changing social norms that discriminate against women.
    (D) All of the above

  6. Which of the following is a result of the gender gap in India?
    (A) Women are more likely to be poor than men.
    (B) Women are more likely to be illiterate than men.
    (C) Women are more likely to be victims of violence than men.
    (D) All of the above

  7. Which of the following is a goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
    (A) To achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
    (B) To eliminate all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
    (C) To ensure women’s full and equal participation and leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
    (D) All of the above

  8. Which of the following is a way to measure the progress of the SDGs on gender equality?
    (A) The Gender Inequality Index (GII).
    (B) The Human Development index (HDI).
    (C) The Gender Development Index (GDI).
    (D) All of the above

  9. Which of the following is a country that has made significant progress in closing the gender gap?
    (A) Rwanda.
    (B) Norway.
    (C) Iceland.
    (D) Sweden.

  10. Which of the following is a country that has made little progress in closing the gender gap?
    (A) India.
    (B) Pakistan.
    (C) Afghanistan.
    (D) Nigeria.

The correct answers are:
1. (D)
2. (C)
3. (D)
4. (D)
5. (D)
6. (D)
7. (D)
8. (A)
9. (A)
10. (C)

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