Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Gender discrimination, rooted in patriarchal norms, remains a pervasive issue in India, hindering equitable development and violating fundamental human rights. It manifests in various forms, impacting women and girls across their life cycle. While India has made legislative strides, deeply ingrained societal biases continue to perpetuate inequalities. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21), sex ratio at birth remains skewed in several states, indicating a preference for sons. Addressing this requires a comprehensive strategy that tackles both overt and subtle forms of discrimination, promoting gender equality and empowerment.
Prevalent Forms of Gender Discrimination in India
Gender discrimination in India is multi-dimensional and deeply entrenched. It can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. Socio-Economic Discrimination
- Unequal Access to Education: Despite improvements, girls, particularly from marginalized communities, face barriers to education due to poverty, societal norms, and lack of infrastructure.
- Employment Disparities: Women’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) in India is significantly lower than that of men. As per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2022-23, the LFPR for women was only 37.0% compared to 73.7% for men. They often face wage gaps, limited access to credit, and underrepresentation in leadership positions.
- Property Rights: Hindu Succession Act, 1956, granted women equal inheritance rights, but implementation remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. Women often lack control over land and other assets.
- Son Preference: This leads to female foeticide, infanticide, and neglect of girls, resulting in a skewed sex ratio.
2. Violence Against Women
- Domestic Violence: Despite the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, it remains widespread, often underreported due to social stigma and lack of awareness.
- Sexual Harassment: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, aims to protect women from harassment, but implementation challenges persist.
- Rape and Sexual Assault: India has witnessed a high incidence of these crimes, highlighting the vulnerability of women and the need for stricter enforcement of laws and improved safety measures. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, 2022, there were 66,658 reported cases of crimes against women.
- Dowry-related Violence: Despite being illegal, dowry demands continue to lead to harassment, violence, and even death.
3. Political and Social Exclusion
- Underrepresentation in Politics: Women constitute a small percentage of elected representatives at all levels of government, despite reservations in local bodies.
- Limited Decision-Making Power: Women often have limited say in household and community decisions.
- Social Norms and Stereotypes: Patriarchal norms restrict women’s mobility, access to resources, and opportunities.
Measures to Eradicate Gender Discrimination
1. Legal and Policy Interventions
- Strengthening Existing Laws: Effective implementation of laws like the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Harassment Act, and Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is crucial.
- Criminal Justice Reforms: Expediting trials in cases of crimes against women, ensuring conviction rates, and providing adequate compensation to victims.
- Equal Opportunity Policies: Promoting equal opportunities for women in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
- Reservation Policies: Expanding reservations for women in legislatures and government jobs. The Women’s Reservation Bill, passed in September 2023, reserves 33% of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
2. Social and Educational Initiatives
- Promoting Gender Sensitization: Raising awareness about gender equality and challenging patriarchal norms through education, media campaigns, and community programs.
- Investing in Girls’ Education: Providing scholarships, incentives, and safe learning environments to encourage girls’ enrollment and retention in schools. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme (2015) aims to address declining child sex ratio and promote education of girls.
- Empowering Women Economically: Providing access to credit, skill development training, and market linkages to enable women to become financially independent. Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme (2017) provides one-stop integrated services for empowering rural women.
- Addressing Son Preference: Promoting the value of daughters and challenging societal biases through awareness campaigns and community engagement.
3. Institutional Mechanisms
- Strengthening National and State Commissions for Women: Providing them with adequate resources and powers to investigate complaints and advocate for women’s rights.
- Establishing Fast-Track Courts: Expediting trials in cases of crimes against women.
- Improving Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting accurate and reliable data on gender-based violence and discrimination to inform policy interventions.
Conclusion
Eradicating gender discrimination in India requires a sustained and multi-pronged approach. While legal frameworks are essential, true progress hinges on transforming societal attitudes and empowering women economically and socially. Investing in education, promoting gender sensitization, and strengthening institutional mechanisms are crucial steps towards achieving gender equality and creating a just and equitable society. Continued monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of policies are necessary to address emerging challenges and ensure lasting impact.
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.