Gender equality in India is a multifaceted pressing issue in Indian society. It is an ongoing social and cultural issue that revolves around achieving equal rights, opportunities, and treatment for individuals of all genders. Despite a constitution that guarantees equal rights for men and women and decades of legislation, some deep-rooted gender discrimination in India takes place and the brutal toll on women’s lives still rising. Even after rapid economic growth, gender disparities remain all too familiar: 1,000 girls die each day before reaching the age of five due to neglect and lack of awareness.
In India, 83.3% of legal frameworks that promote, enforce, and monitor gender equality under the Sustainable Development Goals indicator, with a focus on violence against women, are in place. Despite progress over the years, India continues to face significant gender disparities in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and representation in decision-making positions.
India has been ranked low on various indices that measure gender equality — including economic participation and opportunity; educational attainment; health and survival; political empowerment; and legal protection — due to multiple factors such as high levels of women discrimination in India as well as various discriminatory social norms, laws and cultural practices. Some of the key areas or examples of gender inequality in India where women face discrimination include less access to education and employment, under-representation in political positions, poorer health and nutrition than men, and the most obvious violence against women.
Here are some key points related to gender equality in India:
Legal Framework, Acts, and Laws: India has several laws and regulations in place to promote gender equality. The Constitution of India guarantees equal rights to men and women, and various amendments and acts have been enacted to protect women’s rights, such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act.
Education system in India: Access to education has improved over the years, but gender disparities still exist, especially in rural areas. While efforts have been made to promote girls’ education, factors like child marriage, poverty, and societal norms can hinder progress.
Employment schemes and rules: Gender disparities persist in the workforce. Women often face wage gaps, limited access to formal employment, and a lack of representation in higher positions and leadership roles. Additionally, women are more likely to be engaged in informal and low-paying sectors.
Political Representation: The country has made some progress in increasing women’s representation in politics and contesting elections from panchayat to Lok Sabha. The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution mandated the reservation of seats for women in local government bodies, leading to increased political participation.
Cultural Norms: Societal norms and traditional beliefs play a significant role in perpetuating gender inequality. Practices like dowry, female infanticide, and child marriage still exist in certain regions, despite efforts to combat them.
Violence Against Women: India continues to grapple with issues of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and dowry-related crimes. Despite legal measures, implementation and enforcement remain challenges.
Women’s Health: Gender disparities are evident in healthcare, with women facing challenges related to maternal mortality, access to reproductive health services, and nutrition.
Women’s Empowerment Initiatives: Several government schemes have been initiated to empower women i.e. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, working Women Hostel Scheme, One-Stop Centre Scheme, and Women Helpline Scheme, etc. Several non-governmental organizations are working to promote gender equality and empower women through education, vocational training, and skill development programs.
While progress has been made, achieving full gender equality in India requires continuous efforts from the government, civil society, and individuals to challenge cultural norms, improve legal implementation, and foster an inclusive and empowering environment for everyone, regardless of gender.
India is dignified at a critical juncture with a fast-growing economy, rapid urbanization, and an expanding youth population. India’s journey towards sustainable development cannot be ensured without the equal participation of its other demographic half – its women and girls, and without a strong commitment to gender equality, and women’s empowerment.
Edited by Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra
