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, but the latter emphasizes empowerment and equal participation. India, despite significant progress, continues to grapple with gender disparities, reflected in low female labor force participation (FLFP) and persistent social biases. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), necessitates a paradigm shift towards viewing women as equal partners in socio-economic development.
Understanding the Concepts
Development of Women: This approach traditionally focuses on providing welfare measures to women – healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation programs – often treating them as beneficiaries. It’s a top-down approach.
Women in Development (WID): This perspective, emerging in the 1970s, recognizes women’s crucial role in economic productivity and social progress. It advocates for integrating women into development planning and ensuring they benefit equally from development initiatives. It’s a bottom-up, empowerment-focused approach.
Barriers to Women’s Equal Participation
- Socio-Cultural Norms: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms limit women’s access to education, employment, and decision-making.
- Economic Disparities: Wage gaps, limited access to credit and property rights, and lack of secure employment opportunities hinder economic empowerment.
- Lack of Access to Education & Healthcare: Lower literacy rates and inadequate healthcare facilities disproportionately affect women.
- Political Under-representation: Limited representation in political institutions restricts their voice in policy-making. (As of 2023, women constitute around 14.44% of the Lok Sabha).
- Violence Against Women: Physical, sexual, and psychological violence restricts women’s mobility and participation.
Strategies for Equal Partnership
1. Economic Empowerment
Microfinance: Expanding access to microfinance institutions like SHGs (Self-Help Groups) empowers women financially. The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) has been instrumental in this regard.
Skill Development: Providing vocational training and skill development programs tailored to market demands enhances employability. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aims to upskill youth, including women.
Property Rights: Ensuring equal property rights for women is crucial for economic security. Amendments to the Hindu Succession Act (1956) have been steps in this direction.
2. Social Empowerment
Education: Investing in girls’ education is paramount. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme aims to improve the sex ratio and promote girls’ education.
Healthcare: Improving access to quality healthcare, including reproductive health services, is essential. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) promotes institutional deliveries.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to combat violence against women is critical. The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, introduced stricter penalties for sexual offences.
3. Political Empowerment
Reservation in Politics: Reserving seats for women in local bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities) has increased their political participation. The Constitution (108th Amendment) Bill, seeking 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, is still pending.
Leadership Development: Providing leadership training and mentorship programs for women aspiring to enter politics.
4. Legal and Institutional Reforms
Equal Pay for Equal Work: Enforcing equal pay for equal work through legislation and monitoring mechanisms.
Strengthening Labor Laws: Protecting women workers from exploitation and ensuring safe working conditions.
Gender Auditing: Conducting gender audits of government policies and programs to assess their impact on women.
Conclusion
Achieving true socio-economic development requires recognizing women not merely as beneficiaries but as equal partners. A multi-pronged approach encompassing economic empowerment, social inclusion, political participation, and robust legal frameworks is essential. Sustained investment in education, healthcare, and skill development, coupled with a change in societal attitudes, will unlock women’s full potential and contribute significantly to India’s progress. Moving beyond welfare-oriented approaches to empowerment-focused strategies is the key to realizing a truly inclusive and equitable development paradigm.
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.