Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The distinction between ‘development of women’ and ‘women in development’ is crucial. The former views women as a vulnerable group needing assistance, while the latter recognizes women as active agents of change, integral to the development process. Historically, approaches focused on welfare measures, but the latter emphasizes empowering women to participate in, control, and benefit from development. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, it will take 132 years to close the gender gap globally, highlighting the persistent challenges. Achieving socio-economic development necessitates the full and equal participation of women, moving beyond mere inclusion to genuine partnership.
Understanding the Concepts
Development of Women: This approach traditionally focuses on providing welfare services to women – healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation programs – often treating them as beneficiaries. It’s a top-down approach.
Women in Development (WID): Emerged in the 1970s, WID recognizes women’s economic contributions and their role in household and community development. It advocates for integrating women into development planning and ensuring they benefit from economic growth. It’s a bottom-up, empowerment-focused approach.
Barriers to Women’s Equal Participation
- Socio-Cultural Norms: Patriarchal structures, gender stereotypes, and discriminatory social practices limit women’s access to education, employment, and decision-making.
- Economic Disparities: Wage gaps, limited access to credit and property ownership, and the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work hinder economic empowerment.
- Political Under-representation: Low representation in political institutions limits women’s voice in policy-making. As of December 2023, women constitute only 14.44% of the total number of Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha (PRS Legislative Research).
- Violence Against Women: Gender-based violence restricts women’s mobility, participation in public life, and overall well-being.
- Lack of Access to Education & Skill Development: Limited educational opportunities and lack of relevant skills restrict women’s employment prospects.
Strategies for Equal Partnership
Economic Empowerment
- Promoting Entrepreneurship: Providing access to microfinance, training, and market linkages for women entrepreneurs. The MUDRA scheme (2015) has significantly supported women entrepreneurs.
- Equal Pay for Equal Work: Enforcing equal pay legislation and addressing wage gaps.
- Land and Property Rights: Ensuring women’s equal rights to inherit and own land and property. The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, was a significant step in this direction.
- Skill Development: Providing vocational training and skill development programs tailored to market demands. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aims to skill, upskill and reskill youth, including women.
Social Empowerment
- Education: Investing in girls’ education and ensuring access to quality education at all levels. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme (2015) aims to address declining child sex ratio and promote girls’ education.
- Healthcare: Improving access to quality healthcare services, including reproductive health services.
- Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent and address violence against women. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, introduced stricter penalties for sexual offences.
Political Empowerment
- Reservation in Political Institutions: Implementing reservations for women in Parliament and state legislatures. Currently, 33% reservation exists for women in local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities).
- Promoting Women’s Leadership: Providing training and mentorship programs to encourage women’s participation in politics.
- Strengthening Women’s Political Networks: Supporting women’s organizations and networks to amplify their voices.
The Intersectionality Approach
It’s crucial to recognize that women are not a homogenous group. Factors like caste, class, religion, and region intersect to create unique challenges for different groups of women. Development strategies must be tailored to address these specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Achieving true socio-economic development requires a paradigm shift from viewing women as beneficiaries to recognizing them as equal partners. This necessitates a multi-pronged approach encompassing economic, social, and political empowerment, coupled with a commitment to dismantling patriarchal structures and addressing systemic inequalities. Investing in women is not merely a matter of social justice; it is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable and inclusive development. Continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of policies are essential to ensure their effectiveness and reach the most marginalized women.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.