Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Post-independent India has witnessed remarkable achievements by women in fields like science, politics, sports, and entrepreneurship, exemplified by figures like Indira Gandhi, Kalpana Chawla, and Mary Kom. However, these successes coexist with deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and attitudes that continue to hinder women’s full participation in society. Despite the implementation of various women-centric schemes and educational initiatives, the feminist movement in India has faced challenges in dismantling systemic biases and achieving substantive equality. The persistence of issues like gender-based violence, wage gaps, and limited representation in decision-making roles underscores the need for more comprehensive interventions to address the underlying social milieu.
Beyond Education and Schemes: Interventions for Change
While women’s education and empowerment schemes like the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme (2015) and the Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme (2017) are crucial, they are insufficient to dismantle deeply rooted patriarchal structures. The following interventions are necessary:
1. Legal and Institutional Reforms
- Strengthening Implementation of Existing Laws: Laws like the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), the Domestic Violence Act (2005), and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (2013) require stricter enforcement and greater awareness.
- Criminal Justice System Reforms: Addressing delays in trials, improving investigation procedures in cases of sexual assault, and ensuring victim-friendly courts are vital. The Justice Verma Committee (2013) recommendations remain largely unimplemented.
- Equal Property Rights: Ensuring equal inheritance rights for women, irrespective of religious affiliation, is crucial. Amendments to existing laws and judicial pronouncements are needed.
2. Transforming Media Representation
- Challenging Stereotypes: Promoting positive and diverse portrayals of women in media, moving beyond traditional gender roles. Encouraging media literacy to critically analyze gender biases.
- Regulation of Harmful Content: Addressing the proliferation of online harassment, cyberbullying, and the objectification of women through stricter regulations and content moderation policies.
- Promoting Women in Media Leadership: Increasing the representation of women in decision-making positions within media organizations.
3. Addressing Social Norms and Attitudes
- Community-Based Interventions: Engaging with local communities, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to challenge harmful social norms and promote gender equality.
- Promoting Gender Sensitization Programs: Implementing comprehensive gender sensitization programs in schools, workplaces, and public institutions.
- Men’s Engagement: Actively involving men and boys in promoting gender equality and challenging patriarchal attitudes. Initiatives like ‘HeForShe’ campaign by UN Women can be adapted.
4. Economic Empowerment Beyond Schemes
- Promoting Women’s Entrepreneurship: Providing access to finance, mentorship, and market linkages for women entrepreneurs.
- Addressing the Gender Wage Gap: Implementing equal pay for equal work policies and promoting transparency in salary structures. According to the Oxfam India report (2023), women in India earn 36.4% less than men.
- Recognizing and Valuing Unpaid Care Work: Implementing policies that recognize and value the economic contribution of unpaid care work performed primarily by women.
5. Political Representation and Leadership
- Reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies: Implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill, providing 33% reservation for women in legislative bodies.
- Promoting Women’s Leadership: Providing training and mentorship programs to support women’s political participation and leadership development.
These interventions require a collaborative effort involving the government, civil society organizations, media, and individuals. A holistic and sustained approach is essential to create a truly equitable and just society for women in India.
Conclusion
Changing the deeply entrenched patriarchal milieu in India requires a sustained and multi-faceted approach that goes beyond conventional women’s education and empowerment schemes. Strengthening legal frameworks, transforming media narratives, challenging harmful social norms, and fostering economic independence are crucial steps. Furthermore, actively engaging men as allies and ensuring women’s robust political representation are vital for achieving substantive equality. A long-term commitment to these interventions will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
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.