“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Need to take Gender Concerns into account
Better targeting in welfare schemes – Eg- women constitute 63% of agriculture workforce but own only 13% land – incorporating gender concerns can address this gap
Correcting historical disadvantage – Eg- houses registered in the name of women under PM Awas Yojana
Maximizing Economic Returns- The IMF notes that closing the gender gap could boost India’s GDP by 27%.
Improving Efficiency- Eg- involving women in water committees under Jal Jeevan Mission ensures better maintenance as they are the primary water managers.
Upholding Constitutional Mandates- Article 15(3) allows for special provisions for women. Gender-sensitive design fulfills this obligation.
Long term Social Change happens when women are “agents” rather than “beneficiaries.” Eg- Kudumbashree in Kerala
Achieving SDG’s like 1(ending poverty), 3 (health and wellbeing) and 5 (gender equality)
Enhancing development outcomes – Gender inclusion multiplies benefits. Eg- Educating girls improves health, nutrition, and intergenerational outcomes.
Global best practices and commitments – Eg- Gender budgeting advocated by UN Women.
To awaken the people, it is the women who must be awakened. Once she is on the move, the family moves, the village moves, the nation moves.
Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.