Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Introduce the significance of the issue regarding women in India. Highlight the demographic context: nearly one-sixth of the world’s women live in India, making up almost half of the population. Fact to Use: Women in India face a myriad ...
Model Answer Introduction The women’s movement in India has been pivotal in advocating for women's rights and gender equality, particularly gaining momentum in the 1970s and 80s. While organizations such as Saheli and Manushi have emerged to address specific issues, a critical examination reveals thRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The women’s movement in India has been pivotal in advocating for women’s rights and gender equality, particularly gaining momentum in the 1970s and 80s. While organizations such as Saheli and Manushi have emerged to address specific issues, a critical examination reveals that these movements have largely overlooked the concerns of women from lower social strata.
Leadership from Upper and Middle Classes
One significant reason for this oversight is that the movement has predominantly been led by women from upper and middle-class backgrounds. Early leaders like Pandita Ramabai and later activists such as Medha Patkar were primarily urban and educated, leading to a disconnect with the realities faced by poor, rural women (Kumar, 2020). Their experiences often shaped the movement’s focus, which frequently aligned with the issues affecting women of similar socio-economic status rather than those of marginalized groups.
Limited Economic Focus
The feminist movement has largely concentrated on issues such as violence against women and reproductive rights, neglecting economic concerns of women in informal sectors. Many women from lower strata work as domestic laborers or in agriculture, facing exploitative conditions and low wages—issues that have not been adequately addressed (Patel, 2019).
Caste and Additional Constraints
Furthermore, the caste dimension is critical for women from lower strata, yet it remains largely unaddressed in mainstream feminist discourse. Women from marginalized castes endure compounded oppression, including limited access to education and property (Rai, 2021). The language and frameworks used in feminist movements often alienate these women, who may be illiterate and unable to engage with the discourse.
Selective Issue Coverage
Additionally, the women’s movement tends to emphasize high-profile issues like temple entry and triple talaq, which do not resonate with the everyday struggles of lower-class women. For instance, while sexual and domestic violence is pervasive among these women, it has not received adequate attention within feminist narratives (Sharma, 2022).
Conclusion
While the women’s movement in India has made notable advancements, it has largely failed to address the concerns of women from lower social strata. To foster true gender equality and social justice, the movement must adopt a more inclusive and intersectional approach, ensuring that the voices and needs of all women are represented.
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Model Answer Introduction India is home to nearly one-sixth of the world’s women, constituting almost half of the population. Despite this significant demographic, women in India face numerous challenges, some rooted in historical practices, while others are more contemporary. These issues vary wideRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India is home to nearly one-sixth of the world’s women, constituting almost half of the population. Despite this significant demographic, women in India face numerous challenges, some rooted in historical practices, while others are more contemporary. These issues vary widely across different regions and communities, largely influenced by prevailing patriarchal norms.
Challenges Faced by Women
1. Hegemonic Patriarchy
The societal framework of hegemonic patriarchy leads to systemic discrimination against women, often internalized even by women themselves. This deep-seated issue manifests in various forms, including:
2. Female Infanticide
The poor child sex ratio of 919 females per 1000 males (Census 2011) highlights the prevalence of female infanticide. This reflects a societal preference for male offspring, exacerbating gender disparities from birth.
3. Educational and Economic Disparities
Girls often suffer from poverty and malnutrition due to a lack of education and reproductive rights. Despite higher educational attainment, the female labor force participation rate (LFPR) stands at 25.1%, significantly lower than the 57.5% for men. Many women juggle both professional and domestic responsibilities, facing a “dual burden”.
4. Motherhood Penalty
Women bear the primary responsibility for unpaid care work, including childcare and household duties. This societal expectation limits their opportunities for personal and professional growth.
5. Commodification and Stereotyping
Women are often portrayed as either subservient homemakers or sexualized objects in media and advertising, which reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to issues like domestic violence and dowry harassment.
6. Political Underrepresentation
Women occupy only 14% of parliamentary seats, with many state assemblies having less than 10% female representation. The disparity between representation and actual participation in governance is highlighted by the concept of “Sarpanch Pati,” where male relatives often control elected positions.
Conclusion
While education and modernization have brought some improvements, the majority of Indian women continue to face significant challenges. Addressing these issues requires a cultural revolution rather than mere political solutions. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao are steps in the right direction, emphasizing the need to awaken societal consciousness regarding women’s rights and roles. As J.L. Nehru famously stated, “To awaken the people, it is the woman who must be awakened.
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