Gender equity and equality are crucial for India’s balanced human development, yet disparities remain despite constitutional equality. The Gender Inequality Index shows significant gaps in reproductive health, empowerment, and labour market participation. Examining initiatives and progress on gender equity and equality in India:
Educational advancements of women
- Education is a critical area where gender equity has seen considerable attention.
- Female enrolment in higher education has increased by 28% over the last decade, with women comprising 43% of candidates in STEM fields.
- These improvements are crucial for empowering women and equipping them with the skills needed for modern job markets.
Political Participation of women
- In the political arena, the Women’s Reservation Bill, which reserves a third of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women, marks a significant step towards political empowerment.
- This legislative change aims to enhance women’s representation and involvement in governance, fostering a more inclusive political landscape and overall balanced human development.
Economic Participation of women
- Economic participation has also been a focus, with initiatives aimed at integrating women into the workforce more effectively which will lead to more balanced and inclusive development.
- The female labour force participation rate increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23.
- For example, the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) empowers women through self-help groups and income-generating activities in rural areas.
Health and Legal Reforms as tools for gender equality
- Health and legal reforms have been instrumental in advancing gender equality.
- The prohibition of prenatal diagnostic testing and the enactment of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act are examples of how legal frameworks have been aligned to protect and empower women.
- For example, the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) incentivizes institutional deliveries and promotes maternal healthcare access in rural areas.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, UJJAWALA scheme, Mission Shakti are some of the notable steps taken by the Indian government to promote gender equality and are right steps taken in the direction of promoting more balanced and inclusive human development.
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