Role of Women & Women’s Organization

Model Answer

Introduction

India ranks 127 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, reflecting deep-seated gender inequality rooted in its historical context. Understanding this background is crucial for addressing the challenges of women’s empowerment.

Historical Context of Gender Inequality in India

1. Ancient Period: In early India, women enjoyed relative freedom, especially during the Vedic period, where they participated in governance. However, the later Vedic period saw the rise of rigid caste systems and the codification of the Manusmriti, which restricted women’s rights.
2. Medieval Period: With the advent of Islamic rule, practices like purdah (seclusion) became prevalent, and customs such as sati (widow self-immolation) gained acceptance, further entrenching gender inequality.
3. Colonial Era: The 19th century introduced English education and social reform movements that challenged traditional norms. However, these developments also brought new challenges, including unequal pay and a sexual division of labor in emerging industries.
4. Independence Movement: Women actively participated in the struggle for independence, with leaders like Sarojini Naidu emphasizing gender equality and women’s rights.
5. Post-Independence Era: The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, affirmed gender equality. Legal reforms such as the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 and the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 aimed to rectify gender disparities.

Challenges in Women’s Empowerment

• Gender-Based Violence: Crimes against women have surged, with NCRB data showing a 13% increase from 2017 to 2021, rising from 315,000 to 357,000 incidents.
• Unequal Access to Education: Cultural biases and early marriage hinder girls’ educational opportunities.
• Limited Political Representation: Women constitute only 14.44% of the 17th Lok Sabha, reflecting low political participation.
• Limited Healthcare Access: Women, particularly in rural areas, face significant barriers to quality healthcare, with a maternal mortality ratio of 97 per 100,000 live births.
• Gender Pay Gap: Women earn just 18% of labor income compared to 82% for men, highlighting economic disparities.
• Child Marriage: Prevalent in many regions, child marriage deprives girls of education and opportunities.

Proposed Strategies

1. Legal Reforms and Enforcement: Strengthen and enforce laws against gender-based violence and harassment, such as the Nirbhaya Act of 2013, which introduced stricter penalties for offenders.
2. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Launch initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to promote girls’ education, particularly in underprivileged areas.
3. Political Reservations: Implement policies for increased women’s political representation, including reservations in local governance and parliament.
4. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: Foster programs like the Udyogini initiative and StandUp India Scheme that promote women’s skills and entrepreneurship.
5. Healthcare Access: Expand programs like the Janani Suraksha Yojana to improve maternal health and encourage institutional deliveries.

Conclusion

By adopting a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, educational initiatives, political representation, skill development, and healthcare improvements, India can make significant strides in addressing gender inequality and empowering women, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.

Model Answer

Economic Impoverishment

The disproportionate burden of unpaid care work severely impacts women’s ability to engage in paid employment. Due to the excessive time spent on domestic chores, child-rearing, and elder care, women often cannot participate in the labor market as extensively as men.

• Fact: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (2022-23) reveals that female workforce participation in India is only 37%, which is significantly lower than that of men. This limits women’s income and keeps them economically dependent.

Educational and Skill Impoverishment

The excessive hours spent on unpaid work also restrict women’s opportunities for education and skill development. This lack of education and skills further limits their earning potential, contributing to their impoverishment.

• Fact: According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), early marriages and household responsibilities are major reasons why girls drop out of school, leading to a cycle of poverty and limited economic opportunities.

Motherhood Penalty

Women often face a “motherhood penalty” in the workforce, where they are forced to compromise on career progression or leave the workforce altogether to manage childcare responsibilities.

• Fact: 73% of Indian women leave their jobs after giving birth, and 48% of those who return to work leave within four months, reflecting the heavy toll that childcare responsibilities take on their professional lives.

Health Impoverishment

The demands of unpaid work negatively affect women’s health, as they often prioritize domestic tasks over their own well-being.

• Fact: Married working women in India spend 45 minutes less per day on activities like sleeping, eating, and personal hygiene compared to their male counterparts, leading to poor health outcomes.

Time Poverty

In poorer households, women often juggle both unpaid and paid work, leading to severe “time poverty,” where they spend long hours trying to meet their responsibilities.

• Fact: Many women in low-income households work between 17-19 hours a day, leaving them with little to no time for rest or personal care.

Conclusion

The unequal distribution of care work limits women’s economic participation, educational development, and overall well-being, leading to their continued impoverishment. Investing in care infrastructure and addressing these imbalances is crucial for achieving women-led development in India.