Gender Divide in India
News:
The India Human Development Survey (IHDS) reveals substantial progress in young Indian women’s education, delayed marriage, and autonomy over the past decade, with more women completing higher education and having greater influence in partner selection and social engagement. Despite these gains, women’s participation in wage employment has stagnated, with only 14% of women in their 20s engaged in paid labor in 2022-24. Although most women express willingness to work and receive family support, suitable job opportunities remain scarce. The report underscores the need for policies that enhance women’s economic opportunities, recognizing their readiness to contribute to India’s economic growth.
Introduction
India has made significant progress in narrowing the gender gap, but challenges remain in several critical areas. According to the UNDP’s Human Development Report 2023-24, India’s rank in the Gender Gap Index (GGI) improved to 108th out of 193 countries in 2022, up from 122nd in 2021, reflecting a 14-rank improvement. Despite these gains, persistent issues like gender-based violence, unequal access to education, and the gender wage gap continue to hinder full gender parity. We will explores India’s achievements in closing the gender gap and the challenges that still need to be addressed.
What is the Gender Gap?
The gender gap refers to the disparity between men and women across several dimensions such as health, education, and economic participation. It is measured using indices like the Gender Gap Index (GGI), which highlights gender imbalances in areas such as political participation, economic opportunities, and health outcomes. A lower GGI score signifies fewer gender disparities. India’s current GGI score of 0.437 shows improvement, but there are still significant gaps, especially in economic participation and political empowerment.
India’s Progress in Bridging the Gender Gap
India has made noteworthy progress in several key areas:
Improved Health Outcomes: According to the World Bank, India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has decreased from 174 per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 113 per 100,000 in 2020. Additionally, adolescent birth rates have also declined, signaling improvements in maternal health.
Increased Female Labor Force Participation: While women’s participation in the workforce has risen, it remains low. In 2022, India’s female labor force participation rate was 26.6%, up from previous years but still well below the global average of 47% (World Bank).
Educational Advancements: Female literacy has steadily risen. According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), female literacy in India was 70.3% in 2021, compared to 84.7% for men. However, rural areas still face barriers, and girls in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan face cultural and safety challenges.
Challenges in Closing the Gender Gap
Despite these advancements, key challenges remain:
Gender-Based Violence: Gender-based violence remains one of the most pressing barriers to gender parity. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) found that nearly one-third of Indian women aged 15-49 have faced physical or sexual violence. This highlights the deeply entrenched societal challenges that perpetuate gender inequality.
Unequal Access to Education: Although female enrollment rates have improved, issues like cultural norms, economic barriers, and safety concerns hinder many girls from completing their education, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. According to UNESCO, India has one of the highest numbers of girls out of school globally.
Invisible Labor: Women in India carry the burden of unpaid domestic labor, including childcare and eldercare. According to a UN Women report, women in India spend over 10 times as many hours on unpaid domestic work as men, which limits their economic independence and reinforces traditional gender roles.
Gender Wage Gap: Despite increased participation, the gender wage gap persists. The World Inequality Report 2022 revealed that men earn 82% of total labor income in India, while women earn just 18%. This disparity spans across all sectors, from agriculture to manufacturing and services.
Child Marriage: Child marriage remains prevalent, especially in states like Rajasthan, Assam, and Bihar. The NFHS-5 reports a decline in child marriage from 47% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21, but it still limits girls’ ability to access education and economic opportunities.
Government Initiatives to Address the Gender Gap
The Indian government has implemented various policies to address gender inequality, including:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Aims to protect, educate, and empower the girl child. Launched in 2015, the program targets reducing gender-based discrimination and promoting female participation in society.
Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): Provides rural women with skill development, employment opportunities, and access to government schemes. The program empowers women in rural areas to become more economically independent.
National Creche Scheme: Supports working women by providing affordable childcare services, enabling them to join the workforce.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojana (PMMVY): This scheme provides maternity benefits to women, improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality rates.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Promotes home ownership for women, ensuring inclusion in housing schemes and supporting economic independence.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: A savings scheme aimed at encouraging financial independence for girls by offering incentives for their education and future security.
Nirbhaya Fund: Focuses on improving women’s safety by supporting programs to address gender-based violence.
106th Constitutional Amendment: Provides one-third reservations for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, promoting greater political participation for women.
Global Gender Gap Report 2023
In the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, India ranked 127th out of 146 countries, reflecting persistent gender gaps in economic participation, educational attainment, health, and political empowerment. Although India has seen some positive developments, the gender gap remains large, particularly in the economic and political spheres.
Way Forward
To close the gender gap further, India can adopt a multi-faceted approach:
Legal Reforms: Strengthen laws addressing gender-based violence, child marriage, and workplace discrimination to protect women’s rights.
Gender-Sensitive Education: Introduce gender-sensitive curricula to challenge stereotypes and provide equal opportunities for boys and girls.
Recognition of Unpaid Labor: Acknowledge and value unpaid care work to reduce the burden on women and encourage shared responsibilities in caregiving.
Pay Equity and Workplace Diversity: Enforce equal pay policies and promote women leaders to ensure workplace equality and create safer, more inclusive environments for women.
Conclusion
India’s journey toward gender parity has witnessed remarkable progress, but substantial challenges persist. Government policies, improvements in health outcomes, labor force participation, and political representation have contributed to this progress. However, gender-based violence, unequal access to education, and the gender wage gap continue to act as significant barriers. Through continued efforts in legal reform, education, and social empowerment, India can reduce the gender gap and improve the lives of women and girls, fostering an environment of true equality.
Practice Essay:
“Bridging the Gender Gap in India: Progress, Challenges, and the Path Forward”.
