Changing Dimensions of Women Status in Punjab

Abstract

The present study examines the changing Dimensions of women status in Punjab. The study was based on secondary data collected from various government and reputed sources. The study revealed that sex ratio in Punjab improved from 876 in 2001 to 893 in 2011 but it is much less than the national average of 943. Sex Ratio in 0–6 age group has improved but is less than the national average. There has been a marginal improvement in daughter preference over the time from 1992–2007. Female work participation rate (FWPR) has declined by 5.2 percent in 2011 from the previous census. Low female work participation denies women from becoming economically empowered in Punjab. Participation of women employment under MNREGS projects a healthy trend in Punjab. While comparing the life expectancy of Punjab with all India, it is observed that both males and female of Punjab have better life expectancy at 67.4 and 71.6 respectively as compared to 64.6 and 67.8 for national average respectively. The state achieved female literacy rate of 70.7percent which was lower than male literacy of 80.4percent in 2011. Punjab ranked 14th in Human and Gender development indicators (HDI and GDI) among 32 states/UTs but value of GDI was less than HDI indicating low status of women. The reasons for low status of women were various social formations that regulate their lives and the patriarchal setup.