Women Empowerment

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<<–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’s empowerment is the process of increasing women’s participation in society and decision-making, and of improving their social, economic, and political status. It is a complex issue with many different dimensions, but it is essential for achieving a just and equitable world.

There are many reasons why women’s empowerment is important. First, it is a matter of Human Rights. Women have the same rights as men, and they should be able to enjoy those rights to the fullest. Second, women’s empowerment is essential for Economic Development. When women are empowered, they are more likely to participate in the workforce, start businesses, and earn income. This can lead to higher economic Growth and development for everyone. Third, women’s empowerment is important for peace and security. When women are empowered, they are more likely to be able to participate in decision-making and to have a voice in their communities. This can help to prevent conflict and violence.

There are many things that can be done to promote women’s empowerment. One important step is to ensure that girls have access to quality education. Education is essential for women to develop their skills and knowledge, and to have the opportunity to participate in the economy. Another important step is to address gender-based violence. Violence against women is a major obstacle to women’s empowerment, and it is essential to take steps to prevent it. Finally, it is important to promote women’s Leadership. When women are in leadership positions, they can make a difference in the lives of other women.

Women’s empowerment is a complex issue, but it is one that is worth fighting for. When women are empowered, they are able to achieve their full potential, and they can make a positive difference in the world.

Here are some specific examples of how women’s empowerment has made a difference in the world:

  • In Rwanda, after the genocide in 1994, women were given the opportunity to participate in the rebuilding of their country. They have since made significant progress in areas such as education, health, and economic development.
  • In Bangladesh, women have been empowered through microfinance programs. These programs have helped women to start their own businesses and to improve their economic status.
  • In India, women have been empowered through the passage of the Right To Information act. This law gives women the right to access information about government programs and services.

These are just a few examples of how women’s empowerment has made a difference in the world. There are many other examples, and the progress that has been made is truly inspiring. However, there is still much work to be done. Women continue to face discrimination and violence in many parts of the world. They are also underrepresented in leadership positions. We must continue to work to empower women and to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about the following topics:

  • 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 ability to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.

  • What are the key challenges to women’s empowerment?

The key challenges to women’s empowerment include:

  • POVERTY: Women are disproportionately affected by poverty. According to the World Bank, women make up 70% of the world’s poor.
  • Gender-based violence: Violence against women is a major obstacle to women’s empowerment. According to the United Nations, one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in her lifetime.
  • Discrimination: Women face discrimination in all areas of life, including education, employment, and healthcare.

  • Lack of access to resources: Women often lack access to resources such as land, credit, and education.

  • What are some examples of successful women’s empowerment initiatives?

Some examples of successful women’s empowerment initiatives include:

  • Microfinance: Microfinance is the provision of small loans to poor people, especially women. Microfinance has been shown to be an effective way to reduce poverty and empower women.
  • Education: Education is essential for women’s empowerment. Education gives women the knowledge and skills they need to participate in the economy and make informed decisions about their lives.
  • Healthcare: Access to healthcare is essential for women’s empowerment. Healthcare can help women to prevent and treat diseases, and to have healthy pregnancies and childbirths.
  • Legal rights: Women need to have equal legal rights to men in order to be empowered. This includes the right to own property, to vote, and to hold office.

  • Political participation: Women need to be able to participate in political decision-making in order to be empowered. This includes the right to run for office and to vote.

  • What are the benefits of women’s empowerment?

The benefits of women’s empowerment include:

  • Economic growth: Women’s empowerment can lead to economic growth. When women are empowered, they are more likely to participate in the workforce and to start businesses. This can lead to increased productivity and innovation.
  • Reduced poverty: Women’s empowerment can help to reduce poverty. When women are empowered, they are more likely to earn an income and to send their children to school. This can lead to a reduction in poverty rates.
  • Improved health: Women’s empowerment can lead to improved health. When women are empowered, they are more likely to have access to healthcare and to make healthy choices. This can lead to a reduction in maternal and child mortality rates.
  • Reduced violence: Women’s empowerment can help to reduce violence. When women are empowered, they are less likely to experience violence. This can lead to a more peaceful society.
  • Stronger families: Women’s empowerment can lead to stronger families. When women are empowered, they are more likely to be able to provide for their families and to make decisions about their lives. This can lead to more stable and healthy families.
  • More democratic societies: Women’s empowerment can lead to more democratic societies. When women are empowered, they are more likely to participate in political decision-making. This can lead to a more just and equitable society.

Sure. Here are some MCQs on the following topics:

  • Gender equality

  • Which of the following is not a goal of gender equality?
    (A) To ensure that women and men have equal rights and opportunities
    (B) To eliminate discrimination against women
    (C) To promote the empowerment of women
    (D) To ensure that women have equal access to education and healthcare

  • Which of the following is not a barrier to gender equality?
    (A) Stereotypes about the roles of men and women
    (B) Violence against women
    (C) Economic inequality
    (D) Lack of access to education and healthcare

  • Which of the following is a positive outcome of gender equality?
    (A) Increased economic growth
    (B) Reduced poverty
    (C) Improved health outcomes
    (D) All of the above

  • Women’s rights

  • Which of the following is not a human right?
    (A) The right to life
    (B) The right to Liberty and security of person
    (C) The right to freedom from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
    (D) The right to education

  • Which of the following is not a women’s right?
    (A) The right to vote
    (B) The right to own property
    (C) The right to work
    (D) The right to be free from violence

  • Which of the following is a positive outcome of promoting women’s rights?
    (A) Increased economic growth
    (B) Reduced poverty
    (C) Improved health outcomes
    (D) All of the above

  • Empowerment

  • Which of the following is not a definition of empowerment?
    (A) The process of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes
    (B) The process of giving people the power to control their own lives
    (C) The process of helping people to become self-sufficient
    (D) The process of helping people to become independent

  • Which of the following is not a way to empower women?
    (A) Providing them with education and training
    (B) Giving them access to resources
    (C) Supporting them in their decision-making
    (D) Telling them what to do

  • Which of the following is a positive outcome of empowering women?
    (A) Increased economic growth
    (B) Reduced poverty
    (C) Improved health outcomes
    (D) All of the above

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