|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
The Multifaceted Path of Women's Empowerment in India : Journey Towards Equality |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paper Id :
18707 Submission Date :
2024-02-11 Acceptance Date :
2024-02-20 Publication Date :
2024-02-25
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10906537 For verification of this paper, please visit on
http://www.socialresearchfoundation.com/remarking.php#8
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract |
The research delves into the historical evolution of women's
education in India, spanning the pre-colonial, colonial and modern eras. In the
ancient Vedic period, participating in philosophical discussions and studying
Vedas and Upanishads. However, during the Buddhist era, women faced limitations
due to societal beliefs, although some exceptions arose later. The colonial era
witnessed a shift in the perception of women's education, with Christian
missionaries and reformers like Vidyasagar advocating for women's schooling.
The analysis extends to literacy rates from 1901 to 2011, reflecting a gradual
increase with time. The statistics indicate significant gaps between male and
female literacy rates, emphasizing the challenges women faced in accessing
education during different periods. Transitioning to the issue of violence
against women, the research explores the roots of this problem, attributing it
to male dominance in society. Various forms of violence, such as dowry-related
crimes, sexual harassment and assaults, are discussed, with legal perspectives
provided by the Indian penal code. Disturbingly, crime rates against women
increased over time, The discussion concludes by examining women's empowerment,
emphasizing the multifaceted nature of this concept. Economic empowerment,
political participation and awareness of rights are highlighted as crucial
elements. The abstract underscores the importance of comprehensive empowerment
strategies for achieving gender equality, acknowledging the strides made while
recognizing persistent challenges in the journey towards women's emancipation
in India. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keywords | Women Empowerment, Challenges, Future Directions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Introduction | The promotion
of the idea of "empowerment" by the United Nations
has led to an increase in the frequency with which the term
"empowerment" is used in recent years, particularly in connection to
women. There is a growing consensus that women need to be given greater agency
in order to achieve self-assurance, independence and the capacity to reject the
prejudice that comes from living in a culture that is controlled by males. This
idea is gaining ground because there is a growing understanding that women need
to be given greater agency in order to gain self-assurance. The term
"women's empowerment" refers to the process by which women develop
authority in order to better understand and execute their rights and duties to
both themselves and others [1]. This may be
accomplished through the process of "women's empowerment." The
concept of empowerment is one that has been interpreted and discussed in a wide
variety of contexts and contexts by a wide variety of well-known authors and
academics. Their conceptions of empowerment encompass a wide range of issues,
including the exercise of decision-making authority by women over their own
possibilities in terms of both economic and educational advancement. In the
context of this discussion, "empowerment" refers to the process of
calling into question established authority structures. Women's participation
in the formulation of public policy and the making of decisions at both the
household and national levels, as well as the elimination of discrimination on
the basis of gender in all institutions and social systems, are some of the
aspects that make up the concept of women's empowerment. The process by
which women are able to band together to increase their level of
self-sufficiency, to declare their independent right, to make decisions for
themselves and to take charge of the resources that will assist them in
challenging and ultimately eliminating their own subordination is referred to
as "empowerment." The term "empowerment" is used in the
context of women to describe the process by which the term
"empowerment" is used. It is commonly accepted that
"empowerment" refers to the presence of women in positions of
political authority, since this is the method through which the idea is
conceived and put into practice[2]. This is the case because the presence of
women in political authority is the means through which the notion is
conceptualized and put into practice. If one has a
better knowledge of the term, then one may better appreciate many of the connotations
and ramifications that are included within the phrase. The concept of
empowering women, which is based on the idea of sex equality, is a lengthy,
conscientious and ongoing process that entails, among other things, the
enhancement of skills and capacities, the development of greater levels of
self-confidence and the meaningful participation in the making of important
decisions. This idea of sex equality underpins the notion that empowering women
is a lengthy, conscientious and ongoing process. It is crucial to empowering
women and creating the basis for growth to define a particular role for women
in the decision-making process and to ensure that they receive their fair share
of resources. This will allow
for the empowerment of women. They strengthen their capacity to communicate
both their own rights and the rights of others and they participate more
actively in democratic processes. People who have been empowered are also less
likely to participate in backwards behaviors such as female infanticide and
gender-based violence. To provide someone with empowerment is to provide them
with strength or to provide them with the resources necessary to face and
conquer the difficulties of life and to triumph over any disadvantages they may
experience[3]. In other words, to empower someone is to provide them with the
ability to face and triumph over whatever life throws at them. The term
"empowerment" refers to a dynamic and multifaceted process that has
the overarching goal of assisting women in reaching their complete potential in
all aspects of life. It would include liberating people from the restraints of
tradition, belief and practice by giving them greater access to knowledge and
resources, more flexibility in making decisions, more capacity to arrange their
lives and more influence over the conditions that affect their lives. This
would be accomplished by providing people with more information and resources.
Providing women with greater autonomy does not equate to pitting them against
males in any way. In practice, this entails educating both men and women about
the ways in which their roles and social standings are shifting, as well as the
significance of reaching a consensus on how to coexist peacefully within the
context of a society that is more egalitarian. This
necessitates a rearrangement of positions in the workplace, a reevaluation of
values in light of the changing conditions and attitudes and the creation of
fresh ways for adjusting to and cooperating with one another in the workplace.
The notion that empowering women may help disseminate democratic ideas
throughout society and the family is a concept that is just a few decades old
at best. The term "empowerment" refers to the process of supporting
women in reaching their full potential and obtaining control over all aspects
of their lives. Empowerment helps women realize their full potential and become
more independent[4]. This is not a happening that happens by itself. In order
for women to achieve political and economic power, it is essential for gender
parity to be achieved. In this particular setting, the power dynamic between
men and women is finely balanced, with neither sex occupying a position of
preeminence in the power dynamic. Helping women
become more financially independent by educating them on their rights and
providing them with access to resources is one of the most effective methods to
make women feel more secure. This may be accomplished in a number of ways.
Emancipation encompasses a wide variety of aspects, including but not limited
to the following: women's access to education and healthcare; women's equal
ownership of productive resources; women's increased participation in economic
and commercial sectors; women's knowledge of their rights and responsibilities;
higher living standards; and the development of self-sufficiency, self-esteem
and confidence[5]. Emancipation is a multifaceted concept that incorporates a
wide range of factors. It is intended that the term "empowerment"
cover all of these distinct facets of improvement. Women
Empowerment in India The idea of
gender equality is embedded throughout the entirety of the Indian Constitution,
beginning with the Preamble and continuing all the way through the Fundamental
Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. Not only does the
Constitution guarantee that women have the right to equality, but it also gives
the government the authority to pass laws that participate in discrimination
but do so in a way that is less harsh on women. The promotion of women is one
of the primary goals of a significant number of our laws, development plans and
other plans and programs. This procedure took place in a nation that practices
democratic government. It is abundantly obvious that the focus on women's
concerns has switched from welfare to development throughout the time period of
the Fifth Five Year Plan and forward[6]. This shift in
emphasis came about as a direct result of the global economic crisis. Beginning
with the Eighth Five Year Plan, the emphasis moved from expansion to self-determination
as the primary goal. In recent years, conversations on the empowerment of women
have arisen as an important topic in establishing the social standing of women.
India has shown that it is committed to ensuring that women have equal rights by
ratifying a number of international accords and human rights instruments. These
ratifications include a number of treaties and conventions. The Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) was
finally approved in 1993 and this event is of the utmost significance. The
National Commission for Women in the United Kingdom was established in 1990 as
a result of an act passed by Parliament with the purpose of protecting the
rights and legal entitlements of women. At a summit on population and
development that took place in Cairo in 1994, the United Nations placed a
strong emphasis on the empowerment of women. The United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) devised the Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM) in order to
evaluate the level of women's empowerment in a variety of domains, including
political empowerment or decision-making, education and health care. In 1995,
the United Nations Development Program issued a report that was entirely
devoted to the improvement of conditions for women[7]. According to the
findings of the study, if women are not granted equal political and economic
rights, society runs the risk of slipping farther behind. The year 2001 was
designated by the government of India as the "Year of Women's Empowerment"
(also known as "Swashakti"). In 2001, upon receipt of approval from
the relevant legislative bodies, the National Policy for the Empowerment of
Women was developed. The Current
Women's Empowerment Situation in India Difficulties and Problems
The Indian society
places a high value on producing boys, which leads to a high incidence of
female infanticide. The suffering that an Indian woman goes through after
childbirth is just the beginning of a fight that will last her entire life for
equality and to be heard. The conventional patriarchal society that exists
within the context of Indian culture is governed by the edicts of
self-proclaimed caste lords. These aristocratic people of society continue to
perpetuate oppressive and archaic customs[8]. They impede the advancement of
women by placing the onus of upholding customs, societal standards and one's
own dignity on the shoulders of women. The practice of so-called "honor
killings" offers a glimpse into the warped social fabric of a country in
which males hold a disproportionate amount of authority. There are several
obstacles that must be overcome before women may reach positions of authority. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Objective of study | 1. To learn about women's education in modern, pre-colonial and colonial India. 2. To understand how women are empowered. 3. In order to learn about violence against women. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Review of Literature | Sobha, K (2021) emphasizes that women empowerment is crucial for uplifting the economic, social and political status of traditionally underprivileged women. It involves creating a society where women can live without fear of violence, oppression, exploitation, discrimination and persecution. Despite constituting nearly 50% of the world's population, India exhibits a disproportionate sex ratio, with lower female population. Women in India still face gender-based disparities and discrimination, unlike Western societies where women enjoy equal rights and status. This paper explores the position of women in Indian society. Sharma, Nishi (2023) highlights the persistent challenges in achieving women's empowerment globally, with discrimination and violence remaining prevalent, including in India. While women actively participate in various fields, studies indicate that gender discrimination persists despite constitutional guarantees of equal opportunities. This study aims to assess the understanding of women's empowerment across different income groups in Indian society, examining perspectives and attitudes towards gender roles. Conducted through a primary survey, the study suggests that women's economic empowerment positively impacts family financial standing, indicating a correlation between women's earnings and strengthened family dynamics. Tripathy, Biplab (2023) discusses the evolving status of women's empowerment in India, tracing historical changes from equal standing in earlier times to challenges in post-Vedic and epic ages. Despite advancements since the early 20th century, women still face socioeconomic challenges, particularly in coastal areas. The study focuses on the Sundarban coastal area in West Bengal, with a 21.4 lakh female population, highlighting the imbalances and adversity faced by poor rural women due to social, economic and educational backwardness. Using women's work participation data and demographic characteristics, the study finds that women's empowerment in the Sundarban coastal area is not well-developed. Jain, Deepali (2023) acknowledges the persistent challenges in achieving women's empowerment globally, with discrimination and violence remaining prevalent, including in India. Despite women's active participation in various fields and constitutional guarantees of equal opportunities, studies indicate that gender discrimination persists. This study aims to assess the genuine meaning of women's empowerment across different income levels in society, comparing perspectives on the issue and analyzing acceptance of gender role reversal in the family. The primary survey conducted with a structured questionnaire explores the hypothesis that women respondents are relatively less empowered than men. The study highlights instances where women's economic empowerment positively correlates with strengthened family financial standing, emphasizing its role in enhancing overall women's empowerment. Swati, Alok (2023) underscores the significance of women's empowerment as a crucial determinant for economic and societal development. Focusing on rural women in India, the study aims to explore the impact of upbringing conditions on their future empowerment. The results highlight a positive influence of mothers' education and good upbringing conditions on future empowerment. The study emphasizes the role of self-perception in empowering women to make decisions in various life spheres. Furthermore, it stresses the importance of women's education, employment opportunities, awareness of legal and political rights and government policies in fostering women's empowerment. Recognizing the need for gender-equitable education for men, the study also conducted training in rural areas to raise awareness about women's empowerment. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Methodology | The methodology employed in the paper "The Multifaceted Path of Women's Empowerment in India" adopts a qualitative research approach, systematically analyzing a range of secondary data sources to offer a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Key sources include the AICTE Report of India for the years 2016 and 2021, providing crucial data on literacy rates from 1901-2011 and statistics on violence and crimes against women in 2016. These reports offer a data-driven basis for examining the progress and challenges in women's empowerment over time. Additionally, the paper incorporates an analysis of legal rights afforded to women, drawing from various legal documents and government publications. This aspect helps in understanding the legislative framework surrounding women's rights in India. The role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and government programs is also examined, highlighting their contributions to advancing women's empowerment. This multifaceted methodology enables a holistic view of the strides made and the hurdles still to be overcome in the journey towards gender equality in India. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Analysis | Women Education in Pre-Colonial Period: The ancient age and all that came before the arrival of the British are both included in the time period referred to as the pre-colonial era[9]. As a consequence of this, there are three distinct types of educational systems for women, each of which corresponds to one of the periods that comprise the pre-colonial period: 1. Women Education in Ancient Vedic era. 2. Women Education in Buddhist era. Women Education in Ancient Vedic era: Women throughout the Vedic period of history acquired an education on par with that of males during this time period. In ancient India, there were no restrictions placed on the ability of women to receive an education. They were obligated to perform sacrifices according to Vedic rituals and to recite mantras throughout the course of these rites. Women during the Vedic and Upanishadic periods were not banned from undertaking the 'Upanayana' ritual, maintaining a celibate lifestyle, or studying the Vedas, Vedangas, or any other subject alongside their male counterparts. In the ancient texts known as the Vedas, women are given a status that is not only admired but also revered[10]. They were prepared to move on to the next level of their studies and investigate the Vedas in greater depth. It is believed that at least twenty different women, such as Lopamudra, Visavara, Sikata, Nivavari and Ghosha, contributed to the authoring of sections of the Rig Veda. One of the numerous women intellectuals whose names can be found throughout Vedic history, Atreyi was a dedicated disciple of the sages Valmiki and Agastya. Their names can be found throughout Vedic literature. Maitreyee was contemplating many ideas pertaining to eternal existence. Gargi served as the court's official spokesperson for the philosophers during the reign of King Janak. During the entirety of the Vedic period, women attained a level of knowledge that had never been seen before. In the same way that men did, women took part in philosophical discussions and received an education on par with that of their male counterparts. Women Education in Buddhist era: As a result of Lord Buddha's conviction that women are the root of all problems, the educational possibilities available to women were at an all-time low throughout the Buddhist era. This was due to the overall lack of respect that society had for women at that age. Consequently, throughout his lifetime, he cautioned against the practice of permitting women to reside in monasteries [11]. In the beginning, Buddha was adamantly against letting about 500 women and his stepmother live in Bihar. However, after some time passed and at the persuasion of his devoted follower Ananda, he eventually changed his mind, although he did so with a number of restrictions and reservations. Women Education in Colonial Period: During the period beginning in 1757 and ending in 1947, known as the colonial era, education was a hotly contested battlefield for various ideologies and instructional strategies. Between the years 1764 and 1858, the British East India Company had a significant amount of influence throughout many regions of India. During the time of the British, the concept of providing an education to young women was first introduced. In the past, there was a widespread belief that women did not require an education since they were not expected to make a monetary contribution to the home. This led to the widespread belief that women did not need an education. After the Bhakti Movement, Christian missionaries started taking an interest in the education of local women. Christian missionaries, for whatever reasons, were the driving factor behind the formation of the Calcutta Female Juvenile Society in 1819. The society was named after the city of Calcutta [12]. As a direct result of Vidyasagar's work, the state of Bengal now has at least 35 educational institutions that are exclusively for women. In his despatch on education written in 1854, Charles Wood placed a significant amount of emphasis on the requirement that ladies have an education. In 1882, the Hunter Commission placed a strong emphasis on the need of education for women. Before the year 1875, female students were not allowed to enroll in any of the educational institutes in Calcutta, Bombay, or Madras. Before the year 1882, women were not allowed to enroll in higher education at any college or university. Since that time, an increasing number of educational establishments have been accepting female students. Throughout the course of India's history, numerous women's organizations, such as the Bharat Mohila Parishad (1904), the Bharat Stree Mahamandal (1910), the Women's Indian Association (1917), the National Council of Women India (1925) and the All India Women's Conference (1927), have worked to advance the status of women in areas such as education, social reform, Hindu law and suffrage, among other topics. At the turn of the twentieth century, each of these bands laid the groundwork for their future success. In addition, the panel offered a comprehensive review of the opportunities open to women seeking higher education during that era[13]. It demanded the urgent allocation of public funds to the building of new schools for girls, the employment of women instructors, the establishment of a gender-specific curriculum, the construction of female-only dorms and the introduction of advanced education programs for women. In addition, it asked for the construction of female-only dorms. In addition to this, it promoted the employment of women in teaching positions. Literacy Rate (%) in India: 1901-2011 Table no.- 1
Source : AICTE Report-India 2021 The Violence against women: One of the factors that leads to the prevalent problem of violence against women in Indian society is the prevalence of male domination in that community. There are many different manifestations of violence against women, including homicides committed for dowry-related reasons, sexual harassment, adultery, theft, homicide, mistreatment of female children and so on. According to the Indian penal code, activities such as rape, kidnapping, abduction, mental and physical torture, death for dowry, wife beating, sexual harassment, trafficking, molestation, importation of minors and other acts of a similar kind are all regarded to be criminal offenses[14]. The number of documented incidences of violence against women keeps climbing and the practice is rapidly spreading to uncharted territories at an alarming rate. On the other hand, the number of violent crimes that were committed against women continued to rise, which resulted in less chances for women in the areas of education, socialization, leadership and appreciation of the arts. Violence against women and girls as a result of dowries is a severe problem that can have terrible implications on victims. Before, during, or after the wedding, the bride's family would traditionally provide monetary gifts, jewels, or even actual land to the groom's family as part of the dowry ritual. This might take place before, during, or after the wedding. Traditionalists believed that the women's religion was to blame for the mistreatment they received at the hands of their male companions and the general public. As a result, enslavement and other forms of oppression of Indian women remained in many parts of the world. As a consequence of this, Indian women were subjected to not only physical assault but also mental and emotional torture. The violation of women's rights, which is a burden on society and the public health system, can take many forms, including threats, verbal abuse, physical assault, rape and even murder. According to the most recent figures collected by the NCRB, there were a total of 3,38,954 crimes committed against women in 2016, which is an increase from the 3,29,243 crimes committed against women in 2015. The most common sort of violence committed against women is that which is carried out by a husband or a member of his family; this accounts for 32.6% of all incidents[15]. Next on the list is "assaults on women with the intent to outrage her modesty," which occurs 25% of the time, followed by "kidnappings and abductions of women," which occurs 19% of the time and "rape," which occurs 11.5% of the time. Crime against women-2016 Table no.-2
Source : AICTE Report-India 2021 Legal Rights to women: To following various legislations contain several rights and safeguards for women. 1. Protection of women from Domestic Violence Act 2005. 2. Immoral Traffic (prevention) Act 1956. 3. Indecent Representation of Women (prohibition) Act 1986. 4. Commission of Sati (prevention) Act 1987. 5. Dowry Prohibition Act 1961. 6. Maternity Benefit Act 1961. 7. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act 1971. 8. Pre-Conception and Pre-Natural Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act 1994. 9. Equal Remuneration Act 1976. 10. Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act 1939. 11. Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act 1986. 12. Family Courts Act 1984 13. Indian Penal Code 1860. 14. Code of Criminal Procedure 1873. 15. Indian Christian Marriage Act 1872. 16. Legal Services Authorities Act 1987. 17. Hindu Marriage Act 1955. 18. Hindu Succession Act 1956. 19. Minimum wages Act 1948. 20. Mines Act 1952 and Factories Act 1948. The following other legislation’s also contain certain rights and safeguards for women. 1. Employees’ State Insurance Act 1948. 2. Plantation Labour Act 1951. 3. Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1976. 4. Legal Practitioners (Women) Act 1923. 5. Indian succession Act 1925. 6. Indian Divorce Act 1869. 7. Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act 1936 8. Special Marriage Act 1954. 9. Foreign Marriage Act 1969. 10. Indian Evidence Act 1872. 11. Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act 1956. 12. National Commission for Women Act 1990. 13. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, Redressal) Act the 2013 The Role of NGOs in Women Empowerment Women's engagement in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) allowed them the opportunity to join the social and political spheres, which was not something that was easily available to them in either the public sector or the private sector. This was a significant advancement for women. A great number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focus their attention, in addition to their efforts to alleviate poverty among women, on campaigning for substantial changes in the lives of women. NGOs, which are groups that are not affiliated with any government, play a crucial role in the enforcement of rights that are granted by law. Despite the fact that there are only a few initiatives that have played a big role in the empowerment of women, the Women in Development (WID) program has been very helpful in supporting women in managing market affairs. This is despite the fact that there are only a few initiatives. But the only thing that creates problems for women is the empowering of women financially without taking into consideration their social status in society. This is the only thing that generates problems for women. NGOs are involved in the process of empowering women in a number of different ways. In this particular instance, 1. Educating the Rural Women. 2. Supplementation of Government Efforts. 3. Representing the Rural Women. 4. Promoting Technology in Rural Areas. 5. Efforts Organizing the Rural Women. 6. Building Various Model and Experiment. 7. Providing Effective & Efficient Training to Rural Women. 8. Mobilizing the Optimum Resources. 9. Promoting Rural Leadership. The Government Schemes and Programmes for Women Empowerment. Two government organizations in India, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) and the Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB), are now collaborating in order to carry out a wide range of welfare policies and programs targeting women. Some of these many programs and schemes are listed below for your convenience: 1. Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG)-Sabla. 2. Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY). 3. Support to Training & Employment Programme for Women (STEP). 4. Working Women Hostel (WWH). 5. Women Empowerment and Livelihood Programme in Mid-Gangetic Plain (Priyadarshini). 6. Swadhar Scheme for Women in Difficult Circumstances. 7. Scheme for Combating Trafficking. 8. Family Counseling Centers (FCCs). 9. Short Stay Home Programme. 10. Awareness Generation Programme (AGP). 11. Condensed courses of Education for Adult Women (CCE). 12. Integrated Scheme for Women’s Empowerment (ISWE). 13. Gender Budgeting Scheme (GBS). 14. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme. 15. One stop centre scheme 16. Women Helpline Scheme. In order to develop awareness in the society about the true rights and value of women in the growth of the country, the government has designed and administered a number of programs, such as International Women's Day and Mother's Day. These programs help to build knowledge about the importance of women in the progress of the country. For the purpose of bringing about this awareness, several initiatives have been put into action and are being managed. The many ways in which education has shown to be advantageous The Act of Giving Women More Power. Within the context of the process of elevating the position of women, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of the role that education plays. One of the most important instruments for empowering women in society is education, which is universally acknowledged as being one of the most crucial tools. It not only plays a large role in the development of an individual's personality, but it also plays a significant role in the promotion of economic, social and cultural progress. In other words, it is a significant factor in all three of these areas. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has undertaken attempts to ensure equal access to educational opportunities. These efforts have been done regardless of factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, or any other variance in social and economic situation. Through education, women are able to develop conscience. Therefore, as a result of this, the females make an effort to adjust their state in order to improve it. The process of education is responsible for bringing about changes in both society and culture. It is also possible to see its impact on females. Both men and women are better equipped to express their rights and attain their full potential in the domains of economics, politics and society when they have access to education. There are cultural and traditional standards that girls are expected to respect and these traditions create barriers for the educational options available to girls. The worldwide transformations that have taken place in fields such as culture, society, politics and technology have had a profound impact on the academic and social lives of women. These changes have been brought about by significant advancements in these areas. As a consequence of improved knowledge and education, women have been inspired to expand their horizons and look for possibilities outside of the limitations of the home. A wide range of employment opportunities have become available to women as a consequence of the advent of industrialization and technological growth. These opportunities may be found in a number of fields within the national economy. Indian women are now working in a wide range of settings in order to make a livelihood. These settings include industries, workplaces, schools and universities. Women in today's society are playing major roles in a variety of fields, including but not limited to acting as customers, investors, company owners, scientists, lawyers and medical professionals. The ability of women to attain economic independence is important because it enhances their capacity to make decisions and to take part in the exercise of freedom of choice and action. Being economically independent is vital for women. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Result and Discussion |
The examination of women's education across different periods
in India uncovers a complex historical landscape. In the pre-colonial era, the
Vedic period showcased gender equality in education, with women actively
participating in rituals and philosophical discussions. However, the subsequent
Buddhist era witnessed restrictions, underscoring societal influences on educational
opportunities for women. The colonial period marked a turning point,
challenging traditional beliefs about women's education, thanks to influences
like Christian missionaries and social reformers. Formal education for young
women was introduced, contesting the notion that women did not need education.
Analyzing literacy rates from 1901 to 2011 revealed a gradual improvement, but
persistent gender gaps indicated ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable
access to education for women. The discussion on violence against women traced
its roots to entrenched male dominance, exploring various forms such as
dowry-related crimes, sexual harassment and assaults. The rising crime rates
emphasized the urgency of addressing societal attitudes and implementing effective
legal measures. The research delved into the comprehensive concept of women's
empowerment, recognizing economic empowerment as pivotal for sustainable
progress. Political empowerment, exemplified by the Women's Reservation Bill,
remains an ongoing struggle, highlighting the need for continued efforts to
achieve gender equality in political spheres. While acknowledging strides made
in women's empowerment, the study identified contemporary challenges. The
persistent gender gap in literacy rates and the alarming prevalence of violence
against women underscored the need for holistic strategies. The research
concludes by emphasizing the ongoing journey towards gender equality, urging
sustained efforts in education, legal reforms and societal transformations to
address the multifaceted challenges faced by women in India. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conclusion |
There has been a gradual but significant progress in the empowerment of women in India. The journey of women's education in India, from the ancient Vedic period to the modern era, showcases a fluctuating trajectory. Initially, during the Vedic period, women enjoyed educational parity with men. However, this was followed by a decline in the Buddhist era due to societal constraints. The colonial period marked a pivotal change, with the introduction of formal education for women, driven by social reformers and Christian missionaries. The analysis of literacy rates from 1901 to 2011 reflects an overall improvement, but the persistent gender gaps highlight ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable educational access for women. Violence against women, rooted in societal male dominance, remains a grave concern. Various forms of violence like dowry-related crimes, sexual harassment, and assaults have been legally addressed, but the increasing crime rates against women call for more effective societal and legal reforms. Women's empowerment, encompassing economic, political, and social dimensions, has seen notable advancements. Economic empowerment is crucial for sustainable progress, and political participation, exemplified by initiatives like the Women's Reservation Bill, remains a work in progress. The involvement of women in the political sphere is essential for achieving gender equality. However, the journey towards complete empowerment and gender equality is ongoing, necessitating continued efforts in education, legal reforms and societal transformation. In conclusion, while acknowledging the strides made in women's empowerment in India, the document emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to address the multifaceted challenges women face. Sustained efforts in enhancing educational opportunities, strengthening legal frameworks and transforming societal attitudes are imperative to ensure the complete emancipation and empowerment of women in India. The journey towards gender equality is a continuous one, requiring persistent and collaborative efforts across all sectors of society. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| References | 1. Khatri, R. (2016).‘The Role of Education towards Women Empowerment in India.’ International journal of Advance Research, 4(11) pp-550-555. 2. Jyothsna, K. Y. (2016).‘Status of Women Education in India.’ International journal of Multidisciplinary Advance Research Trends, 3(1) pp-139-155. 3. Mandal, K. C. (2013).‘Concept and Types of Women Empowerment.’ International forum of Teaching and studies, 9(2) pp- 17-30. 4. Panda, D. (2017).‘Women Empowerment in India: Rational and Present State.’ International Journal of Emerging Research in Management & Technology, 6(9) pp-169-175. 5. Sharma, Y. (2013).‘Women Entrepreneur in India.’ Journal of Business and Management, 15(3) pp-9-14. 6. Shettar, R. M. (2015).‘A Study on Issues and Challenges of Women Empowerment in India.’ IOSR Journal of Business and Management, 17 (4) pp-13-19. 7. Suguna, M. (2011).‘Education and Women Empowerment in India.’ International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 1(8) pp-198-204. 8. Suresh, P. (2017). ‘Women Empowerment in India- A Changing Scenario.’ Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, 4(1) pp-335-348. 9. Leela, Menon, “Women and Social Attitude”, Kerala Calling, March 2004. 10. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Human Development Report 1996, New York, 1996. 11. Sachidananda, A.N., Women’s Rights – Myth and Reality, Patna, Sinha Insititute of Social Studies, I983. 12. Kochurani, Joseph, Women Empowerment A Conceptual Analysis, Vimala Books and Publications, Kanjirappally, 2005. 13. Sharma, Sheetal, “Empowerment of Women and Property Rights Key to Rural Development”, Kurukshetra, 54 No.8, June 2006. 14. Arundhati, Chattopadhyay, “Women and Entrepreneurship”, Yojana, 49, No.1, January 2005. 15. Vinod, Teckchandani, “Human Rights Education for Empowerment”, South Asian Journal of Socio Political Studies, 4 No.2, January - June, 2004. 16. Sobha, K & Ijmtst, Editor. (2021). A Study on Women Empowerment in India. International Journal for Modern Trends in Science and Technology. 7. 120-124. 10.46501/IJMTST0711021. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
