Subject: Women

“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.

Social capital refers to networks, relationships, and norms that enable collective action for mutual benefit. For women, social capital is built through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), PRIs, and grassroots networks.

Women’s Social Capital Advancing Empowerment

Strengthening Collective Voice in governance and community decision-making.

Economic Empowerment – Social capital facilitates microfinance, entrepreneurship, and livelihood diversification. Eg- Kudumbashree (Kerala) and Jeevika (Bihar)

Promoting Information and Knowledge Sharing – Eg- Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) enables peer learning in sustainable agriculture and technology use.

Building Social Solidarity and Mutual Support – Women’s collectives provide psychosocial and emotional support against domestic violence, exclusion, and crises.

Expanding Political Participation- Women constitute 46% of Panchayati Raj representatives (MoPR, 2024), many emerging from SHG or NGO networks.

Improving Social Accountability – act as watchdogs, ensuring transparency in welfare programs. Eg- SHG federations in Andhra Pradesh monitor PDS.

Women’s Social Capital Promoting Gender Equity

Challenging Patriarchal Norms -Collective action enables women to question gender stereotypes and claim public space.

Redistributing Power -women influence policy and community priorities.

Inclusive Development -Strengthens intersectional representation (Dalit, tribal, minority women).

Bridging Social Divides -Networks connect women across caste, class, and regional boundaries, fostering shared identity and solidarity.

Challenges

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

“Missing Middle” finance trap – SHGs they outgrow microcredit but cannot access medium-scale loans.

Regional Imbalance: Concentration of SHGs in southern states (71%); weak in the north and northeast.

Way Forward

Gender Sensitisation in Governance: Mandatory training for bureaucrats and police.

Implementation of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (2023): Ensure 33% reservation in legislatures.

Integrate unpaid domestic work into GDP measurement and social protection systems.

Adopting ILO’s 5Rs (recognition, reduction, redistribution, reward, representation) can help in realising Nari Shakti and SDG 5.

Human Resources