We’re Not Surprised That India Is Ranked Low On Gender Parity And Women’s Empowerment

Reasons are many!

Is it really hard to believe that India is still struggling to give its women an environment where they feel safe and equal? We are witnessing it on a regular basis with the various cases that make headlines. From heinous crimes to suppression and illiteracy, women in our country continue to face harsh obstacles even today. In a recently released report by Human Development Index, India is ranked low on women empowerment and Gender parity. Well, we are not really surprised but this could definitely be proof for all those people who turn a blind eye to every problem a woman faces in this country. We will remind you of a few instances that show India continues to fail its women on different levels.

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As per the recent report by Human Development Index, India is among the countries that are low on women empowerment and gender parity. In terms of gender equality, women in our country still lack equal representation in politics, private companies and the labour market, as per the report. Well, there are not many efforts to make companies inclusive for women. In India, women are still burdened with household responsibilities and many of them give up on their careers after marriage. There is still a taboo against housewives who want to restart their careers, and policies are not really inclusive even in this 21st century. Women continue to face sexism in the corporate world, although this is not a problem limited to India.  Pay disparity in every sector is a big issue for professional women. Many actresses have also opened up about it.

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Many recent examples of crimes and suppression are proof that women in India are seen not seen as equals in society. Domestic violence cases are on the rise, and the country still fails in women’s safety despite such alarming cases of rape and murder happening in the country every day. In India, the collective voice of women still fails in front of powerful and rich people. The Wrestlers’ Protest was a very recent example. Girls and women continue to opt out of schools and illiteracy becomes a big barrier in empowering the women in our country. As per the report, 43.5 per cent of women in the age group 15-24, do not participate in education and employment.

Also Read: On Independence Day, A Letter To Those Who Demand Proof When Women Say “I Feel Unsafe In India”

The only positive aspect that the report highlights is that women show a rise in terms of gaining financial independence. The county has seen a drastic rise in women opening bank accounts under their names. But well, real independence will also come when they are fully made capable of earning for themselves through education and work. We still need to fight the stereotypes and regressive ideologies that exist for our women in this country. Unless that happens, we will never be able to make India a place that gives equal importance to its women.

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First Published: August 21, 2023 12:17 PM