Gender inequality in India is deeply entrenched in societal norms, cultural practices, and institutional structures. Several factors contribute to perpetuating this disparity. One significant aspect is the patriarchal nature of Indian society, where men traditionally hold positions of power and authority, leading to the marginalization and subjugation of women. Additionally, economic disparities, limited access to education and healthcare, gender-based violence, and discriminatory laws further exacerbate the inequality between genders. In addressing these challenges, the contribution of reformers like Savitribai Phule is invaluable. As one of India’s first female educators and social reformers, Savitribai Phule played a pivotal role in advocating for women’s rights and education. Her efforts in establishing schools for girls and advocating for their empowerment laid the groundwork for challenging gender norms and promoting equality. Through her pioneering work, Savitribai Phule set a precedent for future generations to strive towards gender parity and social justice in India.
Tag: Ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, define gender inequality.
- In Body,
- Factors responsible for gender inequality.
- Discuss the major contributions made by Savitribai Phule.
- Conclude, by mentioning how reduction in inequality strengthens the nation.
Answer:
Gender inequality refers to the unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals based on their gender. It arises from differences in socially constructed gender roles. It is women who have always been at the receiving end.
Gender inequality in contemporary India is the result of multiple factors which can be broadly classified as Cultural, Historical, Social, and Economic.
The main factors responsible for gender inequality in India are:
- Illiteracy: Illiteracy is one of the factors responsible for gender inequality. Illiteracy caused by unequal access to education and lack of sensitivity in education further leads to gender equality. According to the 2011 census of India, the literacy level in India is 65.38% in which the male literacy level is 82.14% and female literacy level is only 65.46%.
- Cultural: India has a long evil tradition of favoring boy child over a girl. Several ancient scriptures like Manusmriti justified the preference of boys over girls. It led to a rise in evil practices like femicide which is still prevalent.
- Social evils: The culmination of cultural and historical factors has a long term effect on the mindset of the society. In Indian society, females are being considered as a secondary gender. It stigmatized women and they were regarded as mentally and physically weak.
- Child Marriage: Child specially the girls are married at a very young age. This proves fatal for their overall development and has a negative impact on their health, too.
- Economic: The inadequate economic growth and widespread poverty has always prevented women from breaking social barriers. They were not allowed to work and left dependent on their male counterparts and nothing empowers a woman more than her financial independence.
- Discrimination against Girl Child: The girl child is not treated properly in the family. People still prefer the birth of a boy rather than a girl. The girl child is basically trained for household work only. Even today, female infanticide is a common social evil.
- Participation in Decision Making: The presence of women in the decision making sphere whether it is in the political or in the bureaucratic sphere is less.
Contribution of Savitribai Phule in promoting Gender Equality: SavitriBai Phule was the social reformer of the 19th century who worked in the field of women empowerment. To understand the gravity of her contribution, It is important to know the milieu in which the young Savitri grew up. Public education was yet to emerge and there were only a few missionary schools which were “open to all”. Brahmins were the only caste group that received an education and could take a lead in setting up schools.
- In 1848, she along with her husband (Jyoti Rao Phule) founded India’s first school for women at Bhide Wada in Pune. The sole motive to establish a school was to empower women through education in the 19th century.
- She established the Mahila Seva Mandal to raise awareness for issues concerning women’s rights.
- She also called for a gathering place for women that was free of caste discrimination or differentiation of any kind.
- She was also an anti-infanticide activist. She opened a women’s shelter called the Home for the Prevention of Infanticide, where Brahmin widows could safely deliver their children and leave them there to be adopted if they so desired.
- She also campaigned against child marriage and was an advocate of widow remarriage.
- Savitribai and Jyoti Rao strongly opposed Sati Pratha, and they started a home for widows and forlorn children.
Savitribai was always at the vanguard of women social reforms. Her achievements were diverse and numerous, but they had a singular effect – posing a brave and pioneering challenge to the caste system and patriarchy. Gender inequality is not only limited to India, it can be seen across the world. It is the degree of subjugation of women that varies throughout time and geographic areas. It is not easy to find a culture in which women have more political and social advantages than men. Therefore, it is an ethical concern for the government to reduce gender inequality in all spheres (political, economic and social). Reducing inequality strengthens economies and builds stable, resilient societies that give all individuals including boys and men the opportunity to fulfill their potential.
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