Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction (Approx. 50-70 words)
- Contextualization: Begin by providing a brief overview of the status of women in India before independence. Highlight the gender inequalities that existed in social, political, and economic spheres.
- Thesis Statement: Mention the significant advancements made in these areas since India’s independence in 1947.
2. Political Representation (Approx. 80-100 words)
- Introduction to political advancements: Discuss how post-independence India has made strides in women’s political representation, from Parliament to leadership roles in states.
- Key Facts and Figures:
- The number of women in the Indian Parliament increased from 22 in 1952 to 78 in 2019.
- In 2019, the highest number of women held ministerial positions (11).
- Sixteen states have had women as Chief Ministers, with Sucheta Kriplani being the first CM in Uttar Pradesh in 1963.
3. Education (Approx. 80-100 words)
- Introduction to educational advancements: Explain the significant progress in the literacy rates of women and their access to formal education.
- Key Facts and Figures:
- The literacy rate for women increased from 8.9% in 1951 to 70.3% in 2011.
- The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in primary education increased from 77.1% in 2000 to 97.4% in 2019.
- GER in secondary education rose from 34.3% in 2000 to 79.3% in 2019.
4. Employment (Approx. 80-100 words)
- Introduction to employment challenges and progress: While education has improved, women’s participation in the workforce has had mixed outcomes, requiring attention to both progress and ongoing challenges.
- Key Facts and Figures:
- The labor force participation rate among women decreased from 35.5% in 2004-05 to 22.5% in 2017-18.
- The gender wage gap remains a significant issue, with women earning 20.9% less in urban areas and 18.7% less in rural areas as of 2018.
- Women represented only 23.7% of the formal sector workforce in 2018.
5. Social Status (Approx. 80-100 words)
- Introduction to changes in social status: Outline the improvements in women’s social conditions, such as child marriage, maternal health, and gender-based violence.
- Key Facts and Figures:
- The prevalence of child marriage reduced from 50% in 1985 to 27% in 2016.
- The maternal mortality rate fell from 167 per 100,000 live births in 2011-13 to 113 in 2016-18.
- Despite progress, gender-based violence remains high, with 30% of women reporting physical or sexual violence by their husbands, according to the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey.
6. Conclusion (Approx. 40-50 words)
- Summary: Conclude by summarizing the key advancements made by women in India in political representation, education, employment, and social status.
- Future Outlook: Mention that while progress has been made, ongoing efforts are needed to achieve full gender equality, particularly in addressing social issues like violence and employment disparities.
Relevant Facts for Use in the Answer
- Political Representation:
- Women in Parliament: From 22 in 1952 to 78 in 2019.
- Women in Ministerial Positions: The highest number of women ministers was 11 in 2019.
- Women Chief Ministers: 16 states have had women CMs, the first being Sucheta Kriplani in Uttar Pradesh in 1963.
- Education:
- Literacy Rate: Women’s literacy increased from 8.9% in 1951 to 70.3% in 2011.
- Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in Primary Education: From 77.1% in 2000 to 97.4% in 2019.
- GER in Secondary Education: From 34.3% in 2000 to 79.3% in 2019.
- Employment:
- Labor Force Participation: Decreased from 35.5% in 2004-05 to 22.5% in 2017-18.
- Gender Wage Gap: 20.9% in urban areas and 18.7% in rural areas as of 2018.
- Women in Formal Sector Jobs: Women represented only 23.7% of the workforce in 2018.
- Social Status:
- Child Marriage Prevalence: Reduced from 50% in 1985 to 27% in 2016.
- Maternal Mortality Rate: Reduced from 167 per 100,000 live births in 2011-13 to 113 per 100,000 in 2016-18.
- Gender-Based Violence: 30% of women reported physical or sexual violence by their husbands in the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey.
Model Answer
Introduction
The status of women in India prior to independence was marked by deep-rooted inequalities and discrimination. Women had limited access to education, employment, and political participation. However, since India gained independence in 1947, significant strides have been made in improving the rights and opportunities available to women, particularly in political representation, education, employment, and social status.
Political Representation
One of the most notable advancements for women in post-independent India has been in political representation. The number of women in Parliament has increased significantly, from just 22 in 1952 to 78 in 2019. Additionally, the number of women holding ministerial positions also saw growth, peaking at 11 in 2019. Women have also assumed the position of Chief Minister in several states, with 16 states having had a female CM, the first being Sucheta Kriplani in Uttar Pradesh in 1963.
Education
In terms of education, the literacy rate among women has seen a remarkable improvement, rising from just 8.9% in 1951 to 70.3% in 2011. The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in primary education increased from 77.1% in 2000 to 97.4% in 2019. Similarly, GER in secondary education rose from 34.3% in 2000 to 79.3% in 2019, demonstrating significant progress in women’s access to education.
Employment
Despite improvements in education, women’s participation in the labor force has declined. The labor force participation rate for women dropped from 35.5% in 2004-05 to 22.5% in 2017-18. Moreover, the gender wage gap remains a challenge, with urban areas experiencing a 20.9% gap and rural areas a 18.7% gap as of 2018. Women also represent only 23.7% of the formal workforce, reflecting ongoing disparities in employment.
Social Status
Socially, India has seen a reduction in practices like child marriage, with its prevalence dropping from 50% in 1985 to 27% in 2016. The maternal mortality rate also improved, falling from 167 per 100,000 live births in 2011-13 to 113 per 100,000 live births in 2016-18. However, gender-based violence remains a serious issue, with 30% of women reporting physical or sexual violence from their husbands in the National Family Health Survey (2015-16).
Conclusion
While India has made notable progress in advancing the status of women since independence, there are still significant challenges to overcome in achieving gender equality. Continued efforts are required to address ongoing issues such as employment disparities and gender-based violence to ensure that women fully benefit from the opportunities available in post-independent India.