Women in Empowered India; Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The expanding economy greatly benefits from the contributions of women in India. Women make up about half of our population. Over the past ten years, women’s literacy has increased at a rate that is 3% higher than that of men. Consequently, the number of illiterate women has decreased from 200.7 million in 1991 to 190 million in 2001. Nonetheless, the gender gap in schooling remains significant at 21.7%.There are several reasons for this, including restricted access to schools and inadequate restroom and drinking water facilities. In addition, as agriculture becomes more and more feminized, girls are burdened with caring for younger siblings, gathering water and fuel for cooking, and maintaining the home, all of which impede their ability to learn and grow. Women’s economic independence or self-reliance encourages women’s empowerment; nevertheless, chances for women are restricted by factors such as poverty, ill health, and discrimination, gender inequity and other issues, which eventually cause obstacles to women’s empowerment. Given that women are still discriminated against on many fronts, women’s empowerment is crucial. Several ministries and departments have created and implemented a variety of programs and initiatives to empower women. Attempts have been also made to go beyond empowerment and acknowledge women as agents of sustainable socio-economic growth and transformation. This paper aims to examine contemporary concerns and challenges facing women, as well as strategies and tactics for achieving women’s empowerment.