“One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.” – Simone de Beauvoir
Despite progress in education, employment, and leadership – from Kalpana Chawla to Nirmala Sitharaman – Indian society continues to be guided by deep-rooted patriarchal norms.
Women Excelling in Various Fields
Political Sphere:
Droupadi Murmu became India’s first tribal woman President (2022).
Over 46% of PRI representatives are women (MoPR, 2024).
Economic Sphere: Women-led startups form 47.6% of DPIIT-recognized startups (2023).
Science and Technology: Nigar Shaji, ISRO project director for Aditya-L1
Sports: Avani Lekhara (Paralympics), Nikhat Zareen (boxing), and Smriti Mandhana (cricket).
Academics: Women constitute 43% of STEM graduates
Patriarchal Attitudes Persisting in Society
The enduring Devī-Dāsī dichotomy-idolizing women as sacred yet accepting their subjugation-reveals deep-rooted cultural norms that legitimize gender inequality.
Tokenism in representation: Eg-“Sarpanch Pati” culture undermines effective female leadership
Unpaid care burden: Women spend 299 mins/day on unpaid work (NSSO), vs. 97 mins by men.
Triple Burden – Household, Childcare, Work
Media stereotypes: Gender-biased portrayals reinforce traditional roles.
‘Glass ceiling’ – women are less likely to be hired or promoted in sectors such as technology, finance, or engineering. (McKinsey)
Interventions Needed to Change the Milieu
Legal and Institutional Reforms
Gender Sensitisation in Governance: Mandatory training for bureaucrats and police.
Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Ensure 33% reservation in legislatures.
Strengthen POSH Act, 2013: Extend coverage to informal, gig, and agricultural sectors.
Gender Audit Mechanisms: Periodic audits across ministries, corporates, and universities.
Establish fast-track courts for crimes against women as per Nirbhaya Committee recommendations.
Economic and Structural Interventions
Property and Inheritance Rights: Enforce Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 effectively at the ground level.
Labour Market Reforms: Provide maternity benefits, crèche facilities, and flexible work arrangements.
Recognize and Monetize Unpaid Labour: Integrate unpaid domestic work into GDP measurement and social protection systems.
Social and Cultural Interventions
Curriculum Reform: Integrate gender-sensitivity and equality lessons from school level.
Media Accountability: Enforce SC’s 2024 guidelines against gender stereotyping in films and advertisements.
Community Mobilisation: Engage SHGs, PRIs, and youth clubs to challenge gender norms at local level.
Faith-Based Dialogue: Partner with religious leaders to reinterpret traditions supporting equality.
Behavioural and Psychological Change
Male Inclusion Campaigns: Expand “Men for Women” and “HeForShe” initiatives to rural areas.
Positive Role Modelling: Showcase success stories of women achievers in governance and innovation.
Public Awareness Drives: Use Beti Bachao Beti Padhao 2.0 to challenge gender bias in families and media.
Adopting ILO’s 5Rs (recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward, representation) can help in realising Nari Shakti and SDG 5.