WOMEN

INTRODUCTION

• Swami Vivekanand famously said that, There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of woman is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.
• Women in India, making up almost half of the population, experience a mix of historical, social, and economic factors that impact their status and roles.
• Despite considerable legal and policy progress towards gender equality, women still face issues like discrimination, limited economic prospects, and insufficient political representation.
• While the Indian Constitution and related laws provide a framework for women’s empowerment, actual implementation often falls short.
• Understanding these issues and ongoing efforts to address them is crucial for effective governance and equitable development.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS

1. Fundamental Rights

• Article 14: Ensures equality before the law and equal protection, banning sex-based discrimination.
• Article 15(1): Prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
• Article 15(3): Permits the state to make special provisions for women and children.

1. Fundamental Duties

• Article 51A(e): Encourages citizens to promote harmony and respect women’s dignity.

1. Directive Principles of State Policy

• Article 39(a): Mandates that women have adequate livelihood means and equitable resource distribution.
• Article 39(d): Requires equal pay for equal work for both genders.
• Article 42: Calls for just and humane work conditions and maternity relief.

1. Protection Against Exploitation

• Article 23: Bans human trafficking, forced labor, and child labor, protecting women and children from exploitation.

1. Representation and Participation

• Article 243D(3): Reserves seats for women in local government bodies like Panchayats.
• Article 334: Reserves seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, indirectly benefiting women from these groups.

1. Marriage and Family Law

• Article 15(3): Allows special provisions for the protection and welfare of women, including laws on marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

1. Special Laws and Amendments

• The Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992: Reserves one-third of seats in local self-governments for women.
• The Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill: Proposes reserving 33% of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, pending enactment.
• The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023: Reserves one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, including those reserved for SCs and STs.

ISSUES

Economic

• Wage Gap: Women consistently earn less than men for equivalent work, highlighting persistent pay disparities.
• Employment Opportunities: Barriers limit women’s access to high-paying jobs, influenced by societal and institutional biases.
• Access to Finance: Restricted access to financial services hampers women’s ability to manage businesses and personal finances.
• Informal Sector Work: Many women work in the informal sector, lacking job security and legal protections.
• Labor Market Participation: Female labor market participation stands at 20%, compared to 78.8% for men.

Political

• Representation: Women are underrepresented in national and state legislatures, affecting policy influence.
• Decision-Making Roles: Women hold fewer key decision-making positions in political and government spheres.
• Political Violence: Female politicians often face harassment and violence, deterring their political engagement.
• Gender Empowerment Ranking: India ranks 127th in the Political Empowerment Gender Gap Report.
• Reservation Issues: Reserved seats in local bodies do not always effectively promote political empowerment.

Agriculture

• Feminization of Agriculture: The term reflects increasing female participation in agriculture.
• Workforce: Approximately 75% of farm workers in India are women.
• Food Production: Women contribute 60-80% to food production in Asian countries.
• Land Ownership: Despite high engagement in agriculture, rural women own only 13% of land.
• Primary Sector: 80% of economically active women are engaged in agriculture.

Socio-Cultural

• Gender-Based Violence: Women face significant violence, including domestic abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking.
• Child Marriage: Early marriage affects girls’ education and perpetuates poverty cycles.
• Educational Barriers: Cultural norms and financial constraints result in lower educational attainment for girls.
• Social Stigma: Stigmas related to menstruation, divorce, and reproductive health hinder women’s societal participation.
• Caste and Class Discrimination: Intersectional discrimination further complicates challenges for women from marginalized communities.

IMPLICATIONS

• Stunted Economic Growth: Gender inequality hampers women’s economic participation, affecting overall growth.
• Increased Social Fragmentation: Discrimination and violence lead to community distrust and division.
• Reduced Human Capital: Limited opportunities for women result in a less skilled workforce.
• Escalated Public Health Issues: Inadequate healthcare access for women strains systems and raises costs.
• Impeded Democratic Inclusiveness: Low female political representation restricts effective governance.
• Compromised Societal Resilience: Gender inequality worsens vulnerabilities during crises, weakening recovery efforts.

INITIATIVES

INNOVATION

1. Digital Literacy Programs: Enhance digital skills for women, especially in rural areas, through training and tech access.
2. Integrated Support Centers: Create centers offering legal aid, counseling, and career development for women in one place.
3. Gender-Inclusive Policies: Enforce policies that integrate gender considerations across sectors with measurable outcomes.
4. Safety Apps and Platforms: Develop tech platforms for reporting safety issues and mapping dangerous areas.
5. Women’s Entrepreneurship Incubators: Launch incubators and funding for women-led startups with mentorship and support.

CONCLUSION

To effectively advance women’s empowerment in India, a multifaceted strategy is vital. Digital literacy initiatives can bridge technological gaps, while integrated support centers will offer essential resources. Implementing gender-inclusive policies across all sectors will drive systemic improvements. Safety apps and platforms will enhance real-time support, and entrepreneurship incubators will fuel economic growth through innovation. By adopting these measures, India can foster a more equitable environment, enabling women to contribute actively to national progress and development.