<<–2/”>a >a href=”https://exam.pscnotes.com/women/”>Women‘s economic Empowerment refers to the ability for women to enjoy their right to control and benefit from Resources, assets, income and their own time, as well as the ability to manage risk and improve their economic status and well being.
The GDI measures gender gaps in Human Development achievements by accounting for disparities between women and men in three basic dimensions of human development—Health, knowledge and living standards using the same component indicators as in the HDI. The GDI is the ratio of the HDIs calculated separately for females and males using the same methodology as in the HDI. It is a direct measure of gender gap showing the female HDI as a Percentage of the male HDI.
Equality/”>Gender Equality has following dimentions:-
- Equal access to basic social Services, including Education and health.
- Equal opportunities for participation in political and economic decision-making.
- Equal reward for equal work.
- Equal protection under the law.
- Elimination of discrimination by gender and violence against women.
- Equal rights of citizens in all areas of life, both public – such as the workplace – and private such as the home.
Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) seeks to measure relative female representation in economic and political power. It considers gender gaps in political representation, in professional and management positions in the economy, as well as gender gaps in incomes .GEM is a measure of inequalities between men’s and women’s opportunities in a country. It gives indicators to explain ways in which the inequalities are associated with three components of development: education, EMPLOYMENT and political participation. The concept of empowerment can be explored through three interrelated dimensions: agency, resources and achievements .
Detailed analysis of the dimensions of GEM are:-
GEM Dimension 1: ‘Political Participation and Decision-making Power’ Indicators: i) % Share of Parliamentary Seats (elected); ii) % Share of Seats in Legislature (elected); iii) % Share of Seats in Zilla Parishads (elected); iv) % Share of Seats in Gram Panchayats (elected); v) % Candidates in Electoral Process in National Parties in the Parliamentary election and vi) % Electors Exercising the Right to Vote in the Parliamentary election.
GEM Dimension 2: ‘Economic Participation and Decision-making Power’ Indicators: i) % Share of officials in service in Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Forest Service; and ii) % Share of enrolment in medical and engineering colleges.
GEM Dimension 3: ‘Power over Economic Resources’ Indicators: i) % Female/Male with Operational Land Holdings; ii) % Females/Males with Bank Accounts in Scheduled Commercial Banks (with credit limit above Rs. 2 lakh); iii) Share of Female/Male Estimated Earned Income Share per capita per annum.
Welfare Schemes for Women
Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY): IGMSY is a conditional maternity benefit scheme for pregnant and lactating (one who has given birth to a child recently) mothers.
Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG): Sabla Sabla aims at all round development of adolescent girls of age 11 to 18 years.
Priyadarshini is for Women Empowerment in the mid-Gangetic plains implemented by NABARD. It aims at forming women Self Help Groups.
Swadhar is for providing help to women in difficult circumstances. For Example, Widows destitutes etc.,
Short stay homes are launched for providing help accommodation to homeless women Ujjawala aims at prevention of trafficking in women.
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh is for providing loans to poor women for launching small business.
Protection to Women Under Indian Constitution & Criminal Law (Under Indian Constitution Law and Criminal Procedure Code)
Violence against women is present in every country, cutting across boundaries of culture, class, education, income, ethnicity and age. Since time immemorial India is · particularly a male dominated Society and prevalence of illiteracy among women has resulted in wide spread violence against women. Therefore, Indian women like women world over have suffered from domestic violence like purdah system, satipratha, Female feoticide, Female infanticide, different kinds of physical, emotional and mental abuse, dowry death, cruelty, polygamy etc. In India, family is considered to be a sacred institution and it acts as a source of furtherance of mental, social and spiritual well being of its members. Family creates Bonds and a sense of belonging and stability of relation among its members which is now weakening because today domestic violence has been identified as a major cause of injuries to women in India.
Constitutional provisions
The Articles under Part III of the constitution of India relating to the Fundamental Rights which try to uplift the status of women and provide equal 130 opportunities for women irrespective of sex are stated below :
ARTICLE 14 of the Constitution
All persons including women are equal in the eyes of the law and they are also entitled to enjoy equal protection of laws within the territorial jurisdiction of India It signifies that all persons irrespective of sex should be treated equally in similar circumstances. In other words, the State should not make any discrimination between one person and another, and amongst equals the law should be administered equally.
Article 15 of the Constitution
It deals with Prohibition against discrimination. It prohibits the state to make any discrimination against any citizen including women on grounds of race, caste, sex, religion, place of birth etc. It states that all citizens irrespective of race, caste, sex etc. are entitled to enjoy equal rights in regard to access to shops, hotels, bathing ghats etc. But the state has the right to make any special provisions for women and children and also for the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes.
Article 16 of the Constitution
All citizens including women will enjoy equality of opportunity in matters of public employment irrespective of their sex, races, castes, religions etc.
To prevent immoral traffic in Women and Girlchild Article 23 of the Constitution – It prohibits the traffic in human-being and forced labour. In pursuance of this Article, Parliament has passed the Suppression of Immoral Traffic in women and Girls Act, 1956 which is now renamed as “The immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956” for punishing the actions which result in traffic in human beings.
According to Article 39 of the Constitution of India, the State shall direct its policy towards securing – (a) that the citizen, ·men and women shall equally have the right to an adequate means of livelihood, and (b) that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
Article 42 of the Constitution of India states that, the State shall make provision ·for securing just and human conditions of work and for maternity relief.
Criminal laws related to domestic violence
The incidents of domestic violence against women have been increasing over the years. Women are subjected to violences like cruelty by husband and his relatives, · dowrydeath, grievous hurt, murder, marital rape by husband etc. There aie some criminal laws in India dealing with domestic violence cases which are stated below :
Indian penal code
The criminal law in India is contained primarily in the Indian penal code, 1860 (I.P.C). The I.P,C is supplemented by special laws, which define and punish specific offences. There are some sections in Indian penal code, 1860 which deals with different domestic violences.
In the case of domestiC violence, Culpable homicide amounts to murder, ‘ . unless it is committed without premeditation in a sudden fight or in the heat of passion upon a sudden quarrel and without the offenders having taken undue advantage or acted in a cruel or unusual manner.
Therefore, culpable homicide is murder, if any act of the husband by which the death of a victim woman is caused is done with the intention of causing death, or, if it is done with the intention of causing such bodily injury as the husband of the victim woman knows that it might cause death of his wife. As for example – If any husband shoots his wife with the intention of killing her and the woman dies in consequence. Then the husband of that woman commits murder. Some other ipc provisions are as follows:
Rape (Sec. 376 IPC)
Kidnapping & Abduction for different purposes ( Sec. 363-373)
Homicide for Dowry, Dowry Deaths or their attempts (Sec. 302/304-B IPC)
Torture, both mental and physical (Sec. 498-A IPC)
Molestation (Sec. 354 IPC) Sexual Harassment (Sec. 509 IPC)
Importation of girls (up to 21 years of age)
Provisions under code of criminal procedure ( Crpc)
Right to Privacy while recording statement- Under section 164 of CrPC, a woman who has been raped can record her statement before District Magistrate when the case is under trial and no one else needs to be present. Alternatively, she can record the statement with only one police officer and woman constable in a convenient place that is no crowded and does not provide any possibility of the statement being overheard by the third person.
Police can’t say no- A rape victim can register her complaint from any police station under Zero FIR ruling by The Supreme Court. Sometimes, the police station under which the incident occurs refuses to register the victim’s complaint in order to keep clear of responsibility and tries sending the victim to another police station. In such cases, she has the right to lodge an FIR at any police station under the provision of Zero FIR. Search by another Women only- Under section 51(2) of CrPC, when an accused is a woman another woman should make search with strict regard to decency.
Opportunity to come out of the house- Section 47(2) CrPC says, if the accused hides in the house of a female who according to custom does not appear in public, the police cannot enter the house or break the house open unless notice is given to such female to withdraw and give her reasonable facility to withdraw herself.
Medical Examination by a female practitioner- Under section 53(2) CrPC, when a person to be examined medically is female, then the examination shall be made only by or under the supervision of female registered medical practitioner.
Attendance cannot be required at any other place- Section 160 CrPC protects women saying that no woman shall be required to attend any place other than a place in which she resides. Hence, a police officer cannot require the attendance of a woman, but on the contrary, he has to go to the place where she resides for making an investigation and can interrogate in the presence of a woman constable and family members or friends.
No arrests after sunset- Because to concerns of violation of the rights of women, section 46(4) provides that forbids the arrest of women after sunset and before sunrise, except in exceptional circumstances, in which case the arrest can be done by a woman police officer after making a written report and obtaining a prior permission from the concerned Judicial Magistrate of First class.
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Women empowerment is the process of increasing the political, economic, social, and cultural participation of women. It is a global issue that affects women of all ages and backgrounds. Women empowerment is important because it helps to create a more just and equitable society. It also helps to improve the lives of women and girls, and to promote economic Growth.
There are many different ways to empower women. Some common strategies include:
- Providing education and training for women
- Promoting women’s participation in decision-making
- Providing access to credit and other financial services
- Addressing violence against women
- Promoting gender equality in the workplace
Women empowerment is a complex issue, but it is one that is worth pursuing. By working together, we can create a world where all women have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Here are some specific examples of policies, laws, and initiatives that have been implemented in India to promote women empowerment:
- The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001) is a comprehensive policy that outlines the government’s commitment to promoting women’s empowerment. The policy covers a wide range of areas, including education, health, employment, and violence against women.
- The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005) is a landmark law that provides protection to women from domestic violence. The law defines domestic violence as physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse, and it sets out a range of measures to protect women, including restraining orders, compensation, and counseling.
- The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme is a government initiative that aims to promote the education and well-being of girls. The scheme provides financial incentives to families who send their daughters to school, and it also supports programs to improve girls’ access to education and healthcare.
These are just a few examples of the many policies, laws, and initiatives that have been implemented in India to promote women empowerment. These efforts have had a positive impact on the lives of women in India, and they have helped to create a more just and equitable society.
However, there is still much work to be done. Women in India continue to face discrimination and violence, and they are often underrepresented in decision-making positions. It is important to continue to work towards women empowerment, so that all women in India can reach their full potential.
Here are some additional resources on women empowerment and social Justice:
- The United Nations Women website provides information and resources on a wide range of issues related to women’s empowerment.
- The World Bank‘s website on gender equality and development provides data and analysis on the status of women around the world.
- The International Labour Organization’s website on women and work provides information and resources on the economic empowerment of women.
- The Global Fund for Women’s website provides information and resources on funding for women’s rights and empowerment initiatives.
Women empowerment and social justice:
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What is women empowerment?
Women empowerment is the process of increasing the participation of women in the economic, political, and social spheres of society. It is about giving women the tools and resources they need to reach their full potential. -
What are the benefits of women empowerment?
Women empowerment has many benefits for individuals, families, and societies. It can lead to improved health, education, and economic opportunities for women. It can also reduce POVERTY, improve gender equality, and promote peace and security. -
What are the challenges to women empowerment?
There are many challenges to women empowerment, including discrimination, violence, and lack of access to education and resources. However, there are also many initiatives underway to address these challenges and promote women’s rights and opportunities.
Policies for women Empowerment in India:
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What are the policies for women empowerment in India?
The Government of India has adopted a number of policies and programs to promote women empowerment. These include the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001), the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). -
What are the objectives of these policies?
The objectives of these policies are to improve the status of women in India, to promote gender equality, and to empower women to participate fully in society. -
What are the key initiatives under these policies?
The key initiatives under these policies include providing education and training to women, promoting women’s Entrepreneurship, and providing support to women victims of violence.
Laws for protection of women:
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What are the laws for protection of women in India?
The Government of India has enacted a number of laws to protect women from violence and discrimination. These include the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013. -
What are the key provisions of these laws?
The key provisions of these laws include providing protection from domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. They also provide for the establishment of special courts and fast-track courts to deal with cases of violence against women. -
What are the challenges to the implementation of these laws?
There are a number of challenges to the implementation of these laws, including lack of awareness, lack of resources, and lack of political will. However, there are also a number of initiatives underway to address these challenges and improve the implementation of these laws.
Women security and safety initiatives in India:
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What are the women security and safety initiatives in India?
The Government of India has launched a number of initiatives to improve the security and safety of women in India. These include the Nirbhaya Fund, the One Stop Centres, and the Pink Police Patrols. -
What are the objectives of these initiatives?
The objectives of these initiatives are to prevent violence against women, to provide support to victims of violence, and to create a safe and secure Environment for women. -
What are the key features of these initiatives?
The key features of these initiatives include providing financial assistance to victims of violence, setting up one-stop centres to provide support to victims of violence, and deploying pink police patrols to patrol areas frequented by women.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a policy for women empowerment in India?
(A) The National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001)
(B) The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
(C) The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
(D) The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Answer
(D) The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a Financial Inclusion scheme that aims to provide financial services to the poor, including women. It is not a policy for women empowerment.
Question 2
Which of the following is not a law for the protection of women in India?
(A) The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
(B) The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
(C) The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986
(D) The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Answer
(C) The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 is a law that prohibits the indecent representation of women through any medium. It is not a law for the protection of women.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a women security and safety initiative in India?
(A) The Nirbhaya Fund
(B) The One Stop Centres
(C) The Pink Police Patrols
(D) The Mahila Police Stations
Answer
(A) The Nirbhaya Fund is a fund that was set up after the Nirbhaya gang rape and murder in 2012. It is used to provide financial assistance to women who are victims of violence. It is not a women security and safety initiative.
Question 4
Which of the following is not a true statement about women empowerment in India?
(A) The number of women in the workforce has increased in recent years.
(B) The Literacy rate of women has increased in recent years.
(C) The participation of women in politics has increased in recent years.
(D) The number of women in Leadership positions has increased in recent years.
Answer
(D) The number of women in leadership positions has not increased in recent years. In fact, the number of women in leadership positions has decreased in recent years.
Question 5
Which of the following is not a challenge to women empowerment in India?
(A) Gender inequality
(B) Violence against women
(C) Lack of access to education and employment
(D) Lack of representation in decision-making bodies
Answer
(B) Violence against women is a challenge to women empowerment in India. However, it is not the only challenge. Gender inequality, lack of access to education and employment, and lack of representation in decision-making bodies are also challenges to women empowerment in India.