India is at a pivotal point in its journey to become a developed nation by 2047. Central to this transformative vision is women’s empowerment, which is crucial for sustainable socio-economic growth. Despite numerous initiatives and constitutional provisions aimed at promoting gender equality, Indian women still face significant socio-economic challenges. These include low workforce participation, educational gaps, and entrenched social norms that limit their potential. Overcoming these barriers is not just about justice; it is essential for harnessing the vast potential of ‘nari shakti’ (women’s power) to drive the nation forward.
Origin of the article
This editorial, inspired by “India can unlock growth by boosting nari shakti” from The Indian Express dated May 9, 2024, delves into the multifaceted challenges that block women’s socio-economic empowerment in India. It emphasizes the need for strong, focused policies to achieve gender parity.
Relevancy for UPSC Aspirants
Understanding the dynamics of gender equality and women’s empowerment is key. These topics are crucial across various segments of the UPSC syllabus, particularly under GS Paper 2, which covers governance, social justice, and international relations. Knowledge of these issues not only boosts analytical skills but also provides a deep understanding of how empowering women can speed up development, a common theme in civil services exams.
Why in News
The issue of women’s socio-economic empowerment is vital in the context of India’s development goals and is a consistent part of the UPSC syllabus, reflecting its significance in national policy discussions. The editorial offers practical strategies to boost women’s participation in the workforce, aligning with past UPSC questions on gender gaps and economic development. This ongoing relevance highlights the urgent need to address gender parity as a foundation for sustainable progress in India.
Key Provisions for Women Empowerment
Constitutional Measures
India’s constitution includes several provisions for women empowerment. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, Article 15(3) allows the state to make special provisions for women, and Article 16 promotes equality in public employment. Articles 39(d) and 42 advocate for equal pay for equal work and humane working conditions, including maternity relief. Together, these create a strong legal framework supporting women’s socio-economic rights.
Government Initiatives
The government has launched many initiatives aimed at women’s socio-economic empowerment. The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana enhances credit access for women entrepreneurs. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao improve educational opportunities for girls. Initiatives like Mahila E-Haat and Mahila Shakti Kendra promote entrepreneurship and skill development. The Working Women Hostel and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ensure safer living conditions, while the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017 enhances maternity benefits.
International Conventions/Agreements
India adheres to several international frameworks advocating women’s rights, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5. These frameworks guide policy and reform at national levels.
Challenges to Women’s Socio-economic Growth in India
Social Norms and Patriarchal Mindsets
Deep-rooted social norms and patriarchal mindsets significantly impede women’s development in India. These restrictive practices limit women’s mobility, access to education, and economic opportunities, perpetuating a preference for boys.
Low Labor Force Participation
India’s female labor force participation is around 37%, much lower than the global average. This is worsened by a shift from agricultural jobs to informal sector jobs, often under precarious conditions.
Unpaid Care Work
Indian women disproportionately undertake unpaid domestic and care work, limiting their time for paid work, education, or skill development. This imbalance hinders their economic independence and perpetuates gender disparities.
Gender Pay Gaps
Even with the necessary skills and education, women in India face significant wage disparities compared to men. Discrimination in hiring and promotions, along with systemic biases, contribute to a persistent gender pay gap.
Property Ownership and Financial Inclusion
Limited property ownership and financial resources restrict women’s economic empowerment. Despite equal inheritance laws, there’s a significant gap in property ownership between genders, affecting women’s economic autonomy and access to credit.
Violence
Violence against women remains a critical barrier to their socio-economic empowerment, severely restricting their mobility, freedom, and participation in economic activities.
Education
While gender parity in elementary education is achieved, significant drop-offs in female education levels in higher education impact their future employment prospects.
Political Participation
Women’s underrepresentation in politics limits their influence on policymaking relevant to their socio-economic rights. Despite legal frameworks advocating for increased participation, actual implementation is slow.
Strategies to Enhance Socio-economic Empowerment
Boosting Labor Force Participation
Targeted interventions in labor-intensive sectors can significantly enhance women’s labor force participation. Policies like production-linked incentives in sectors predominantly employing women could boost employment and GDP growth.
Enhancing Skills
Expanding skill development programs tailored for women, integrating career counseling, and promoting mentorship can significantly improve employment outcomes. Increasing representation in Industrial Training Institutes and leveraging technology can facilitate continuous learning and skill upgrading.
Urban Mobility and Safety
Gender-sensitive urban planning is crucial for enhancing women’s mobility and economic participation. Developing an urban infrastructure that considers women’s specific needs can promote safer and more inclusive cities.
Leveraging Clean Energy
Promoting clean energy solutions can alleviate the disproportionate time burden on women regarding household tasks, thereby freeing up more time for educational or economic pursuits. Incentives for adopting clean technologies could be transformative in enhancing women’s productivity and socio-economic status.
Micro-credentialing Platforms
Creating online platforms offering micro-credentials can provide flexible, skill-specific learning opportunities for women, accommodating their schedules and responsibilities. These platforms should focus on in-demand skills to enhance women’s employability and adaptability in the workforce.
Supporting Women-led Enterprises
Establishing networks that connect women-led enterprises directly to markets can enhance their economic outcomes. Government and corporate support for women-led supply chains can ensure better reach and profitability, empowering women entrepreneurs across various sectors.
Conclusion
As India aims to be a developed nation by 2047, integrating women into the socio-economic fabric is not just beneficial but essential. Policies must innovate to address the multifaceted barriers faced by women. As future policymakers and leaders, UPSC aspirants should envision and advocate for inclusive strategies that not only empower women but also propel the nation toward comprehensive and sustainable growth.
