Encouraging Women: India's Path to Women Empowerment

Akash Kumar Behera

Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar

Abstract
In India, the concept of women's empowerment is complex and includes
elements of politics, the economy, and society. It describes the process of giving
women equal access to opportunities and resources, the ability to reach their full
potential, and full participation in decision-making. India has made great strides
toward women's empowerment throughout the years, thanks to a confluence of
grassroots initiatives, sociocultural shifts, and legislative reforms. To guarantee
the complete empowerment of women in India, a number of issues still need to
be resolved.
Keywords- women's empowerment, India, societal, political, economic,
grassroots campaigns, social movements, legislative changes, patriarchal
culture, cultural influences, social influences, political influences, child
marriage, dowry customs, female infanticide, historical hindrances, gender
equality, women's rights, women entrepreneurs, societal transformation, gender
disparities, women's education, legislative reforms, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,
Mahila Shakti Kendra, gender-based violence, access to finance, cultural
barriers, social barriers, economic development, sustainable development.
 1. Introduction

In India, women's empowerment is a complex idea with social, political,

economic, and cultural facets. In order for women to reach their full potential
and actively engage in all facets of life, it refers to the process of giving them
equal chances, rights, and access to resources. Given India's rich and
complicated social fabric which has historically been marked by
discriminatory practices and gender inequalities the topic of women's
empowerment is vital.
Throughout history, women in India have encountered various barriers and
hindrances, such as violence motivated by gender, restricted opportunities
for education and healthcare, and limited involvement in decision-making
processes. On the other hand, attitudes in society and government policy
regarding women's empowerment have changed significantly throughout
time. Numerous factors, such as grassroots campaigns, legislative changes,
and heightened awareness of gender issues, have contributed to this.
Women in India still confront many obstacles in spite of these developments,
such as limited economic possibilities, gender-based violence, and unequal
access to healthcare and education. A comprehensive strategy including
legislative changes, social awareness campaigns, and economic
empowerment programs is needed to address these issues.
There have been a number of programs in India in recent years that support
women's empowerment. These include the Mahila Shakti Kendra program,
which strives to empower women through skill development and business
training, and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the daughter, Educate the
daughter) campaign, which addresses gender imbalance and promotes girls'
education.

1.1 A Historical Perspective

Indian society has traditionally been patriarchal, with women assigned to
subservient positions within the home and community. Female infanticide,
dowries, and child marriage were common practices that further marginalized
women and constrained their chances for advancement. The 19th century saw
the rise of social reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra
Vidyasagar, who promoted women's education and social change, and marked
the beginning of the Indian movement for women's rights and empowerment.
 Ancient and Medieval Times (3000 BCE–1600 CE): In contrast to later
eras, women in ancient India had a comparatively better standing. In
ancient India, women were educated, engaged in social and religious
activities, and held positions of authority. Some of the earliest Hindu
 scriptures, the Rigveda, include hymns written by female sages like
Ghosha and Lopamudra.
However, during the Middle Ages, a number of factors—including the
growth of patriarchal norms, invasions, and the influence of other cultures
—led to a reduction in women's standing. Women's independence and
autonomy were restricted by the increasing prevalence of customs like
purdah (the seclusion of women) and sati (the burning of widows).

 Colonial Period (1600 CE–1947 CE): As a result of British colonial

policies that upheld patriarchal norms and practices, women's standing in
India continued to deteriorate during this time. Laws and regulations
discriminating against women were introduced by the British Raj. One
such rule was the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act of 1856, which allowed
widow remarriage but restricted inheritance rights.
In spite of these obstacles, the colonial era also saw the rise of a number
of female reformers and activists who were instrumental in the women's
empowerment movement. Women who battled for women's education
and empowerment, such Anandibai Joshi, Pandita Ramabai, and
Savitribai Phule, were also opponents of social inequities.

 Post-Independence Period (1947 onwards): The women’s

empowerment movement entered a new phase following India’s
independence in 1947. The foundation for women's rights and
empowerment was laid by the 1950 adoption of the Indian Constitution,
which codified the values of equality and non-discrimination. In an effort
to advance gender equality, a number of legislative amendments were
proposed. For example, the Hindu Succession Act of 1956 granted
women equal rights to inheritance.

Leading female activists and leaders who promoted women's rights also
rose to prominence during the post-independence era. The goal for
women's empowerment was greatly advanced by leaders like Aruna Asaf
Ali, Medha Patkar, and Indira Gandhi, the first female prime minister of
India.

 Modern Era (1990s onwards): Women's empowerment in India has

advanced significantly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Globalization and economic liberalization have given women more
access to higher education and career prospects. In addition, the
 government has implemented a number of initiatives and programs
targeted at empowering women, including the Mahila Shakti Kendra
program and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.

2. Legal Changes and the Empowerment of Women in India

In India, legislative reforms have been essential in boosting women's
empowerment. In order to defend women's rights, advance gender equality, and
address problems like violence, discrimination, and economic inequality, a
number of laws and regulations have been passed over time. The following are
some significant legal changes pertaining to women's empowerment in India
I. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: This law forbids the customary
practice of giving and receiving dowries, which is prevalent throughout
much of India. This act attempts to stop common behaviours of
harassment and abuse against women related to dowers and to defend the
rights of women.
II. The 1961 Maternity Benefit Act: This law offers female employees
maternity perks such paid maternity leave and health benefits. It seeks to
advance gender equality in the workforce and protect the health and
welfare of expectant mothers and their unborn children.
III. The 2005 Protection of Women Against Domestic Abuse Act: In
addition to defining domestic abuse, this act offers victims of domestic
abuse protection and legal recourse. It acknowledges that women have
the right to live free from abuse and violence.
IV. The 2013 Act on the Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal of Sexual
Harassment of Women at Work: This law establishes procedures for
handling accusations of sexual harassment at work and defines what
constitutes sexual harassment. It seeks to give women a dignified and safe
workplace.
V. The Act of 2006 Prohibiting Child Marriage: Under this act, girls
under the age of eighteen and boys under the age of twenty-one cannot
marry. This act aims to stop child marriage and safeguard children's
rights, as it is a significant obstacle to girls' education and development.
VI. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005: This
law protects women who are victims of domestic abuse and defines the
term. It also offers legal recourse. It acknowledges that women have the
right to live free from abuse and violence.
VII. The 2013 Act Preventing, Prohibiting, and Redressing Sexual
Harassment of Women at Work: This law establishes procedures for
 handling accusations of sexual harassment at work and defines what
constitutes sexual harassment. It seeks to give women a dignified and safe
workplace.
VIII. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: This law forbids males
and girls under the ages of 21 and 18 from getting married. This act aims
to stop child marriage and safeguard children's rights, as it is a significant
obstacle to girls' education and development.
IX. The 1976 Equal Remuneration Act: This law guarantees equal
compensation for equal labour and forbids discrimination in
compensation based on gender. It seeks to close the gender wage gap and
advance gender equality in the workforce.
X. The 2001 National Policy for Women's Empowerment: This policy,
which is not a law, offers a framework for women's empowerment in a
number of areas, including labour, education, and health. It establishes
policies and tactics for advancing women's empowerment and gender
equality in India.
3. Findings
3.1 statistics
In order to achieve the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5), which
prioritizes gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by
2030, and to strengthen economies in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is
imperative that women be given the opportunity to participate in economic and
social life across all sectors. This is particularly important in India, where there
are still strong social norms and attitudes regarding women's roles and choices,
along with high rates of spousal violence—29.3% of married women between
the ages of 18 and 49, according to the most recent National Family Health
Survey (NFHS-5) for the years 2019–21—and other domestic abuse.
In addition to providing a wealth of health measurements, the NFHS-5 dataset
highlights government initiatives important to a respectable standard of living in
India. During the period of 2015–16 to 2019–21, there was a notable increase in
household electrification (88% to 96.8%), clean cooking fuel use (43.8% to
58.6%), access to improved drinking water sources (94.4–96%), and household
use of improved sanitation facilities (48.5% to 70.2%). Thus, crucial basic
infrastructure serves as the cornerstone for fair human development across
genders as significant indicators of a better living. However, the data also shows
differences in the gendered cost of obtaining basic services and their results in
important areas of development like health and education, which are followed
by indicators of upward mobility like internet use, mobile use, assets, and
decision-making independence. This allows us to depict the state of women's
empowerment in the nation and better reconstruct it in the wake of the Covid-19
pandemic.
Enhancements in the areas of social, political, educational, health, and economic
standing are all included in the category of women's empowerment. Education
is one of the most important factors that determines empowerment. According
to the NFHS-5, women aged 15 to 49 are almost 13% less literate than men as
of 2019–21. The percentage of women over six who have ever attended school
has slightly increased from 68.8% to 71.8%, while just 41% of women between
the ages of 15 and 49 have finished ten or more years of education, compared to
50.2% of men in this age group. Going forward, achieving gender equity in
education will continue to be a top governmental objective.
Economic empowerment encompasses assets, finances, and employment as its
second domain. According to the data, in 2019–21, 43.3% of women aged 15–
49 own a home or land either alone or jointly with others, up from 38.4% in
2015–16. With a notable increase of almost 25% from the previous cycle,
77.4% of women currently possess bank or savings accounts that they actively
utilize. However, the employment statistics is still not at all encouraging. The
female labor force participation rate has been under pressure with a rise in the
working-age population; according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey, it is
20%, while it is 50.6% for men. (PLFS 2019–20)
The weight of unpaid household chores and child care in married couples
frequently influences women's participation in the labor force. The NFHS-5
reports that a noteworthy 23.3% of women aged 20–24—a 3.5% decrease from
2015–16—are married before the legal age, compared to a smaller but
nonetheless considerable 17.7% of men aged 25–29. Even while the general
fertility rate has decreased, the shamefully high 43% teenage fertility rate
among women between the ages of 15 and 19 may be a key indicator of why
women are not joining or staying in the labor.
Furthermore, in 2019–20, only 13.6% of children under the age of five attended
pre-primary school, which probably increased the caregiving responsibility
placed on women. Additional facets of empowerment are found in the
sociopolitical sphere, where they materialize at the nexus of decision-making
and voice. Remarkably, 88.7% of married women typically make decisions on
their own health care, major home purchases, and trips to friends or family. This
is really positive and paves the way for more progress in the field.
The internet is one of the more recent virtual commons and areas of expression,
and the evidence on this is shocking. The percentage of women who say they
have ever accessed the internet is 33%, whereas the percentage for males is
57%. This indicates a significant gender gap in internet usage. This is
particularly pertinent to the distribution of scheme updates and benefits through
mobile devices, which is being marketed as a one-size-fits-all option in light of
the nation's growing mobile usage. It's crucial to balance these aspirations with
reality. As of right now, only 54% of women in the nation own a cell phone,
down from 45.9% in 2015–16.
3.2 Addressing Gaps and Strengthening Interventions
Based on the facts, we should redesign current initiatives to increase their
effectiveness and reach, and where there are gaps, we should support more
recent kinds of interaction. The National Rural Livelihoods Programme, for
instance, uses mobile phones to send important messages and updates to Self-
Help Group (SHG) members. However, since the National Family Health
Survey (NFHS) data shows that only roughly half of the women in the nation
own a phone, interventions for those who do not need to be strengthened. In a
similar vein, given the persistence of high rates of adolescent fertility, underage
marriage, and spousal violence, a significant policy focus may be on utilizing
informal networks to transform ingrained attitudes toward women within IEC
budgets, beginning with a shift in perspective among those in charge of program
implementation. In order to encourage women to work, flagship skill
development programs and entrepreneurship support may be refocused with
renewed zeal, in addition to institutional measures that provide child-friendly
workspaces in both official and informal contexts. Within the field of education,
special focus might be placed on facilitating easier transfers to tertiary
education and providing institutional access to management of menstrual
hygiene. Although we have made great progress toward empowerment, there
are still many kilometres ahead of us before we can call it a night.
4. Discussion

In recent times, women's entrepreneurship in India has experienced a

remarkable transition that deviates greatly from conventional norms and
practices. This change can be attributed to a number of things, such as improved
access to education and training, shifting social perceptions, and government
programs supporting female-owned enterprises. In addition to reflecting
economic empowerment, the rise of female entrepreneurs in India is a symbol
of a larger social movement in India's direction towards inclusion and gender
equality.

The increasing availability of education and vocational training is one of the

main factors propelling women's entrepreneurship in India. Women who want
to pursue higher education and acquire technical skills have increased
significantly during the last few decades. In addition to giving women the skills
and information needed to launch and run enterprises, this educational
advancement has given them the confidence to defy gender norms and follow
entrepreneurial aspirations.

Another important factor in motivating women to pursue entrepreneurship is the

shift in societal standards and attitudes about women's involvement in the
workforce. Women are more encouraged to pursue careers and work outside the
home, which is fostering an environment that encourages them to look into
starting their own businesses. The perception of women as strong and
competent leaders who can significantly impact the economic world is growing.

In India, government programs and policies have been vital in fostering and
encouraging women's entrepreneurship. Numerous initiatives have been
introduced to encourage women-owned enterprises, including the Stand-Up
India program, which offers financial support and other forms of aid to female
entrepreneurs. Through these activities, women have been able to overcome a
number of obstacles, such as restricted financial access, a dearth of support
systems, and gender biases within the business community.

Notwithstanding the advancements, Indian women entrepreneurs still face many

obstacles. Financing access is still a major barrier, with women frequently
facing challenges in obtaining loans or venture capital for their enterprises. This
problem is exacerbated by elements including a lack of collateral, low financial
literacy, and gender bias in the banking industry. In addition, prejudices and
other social and cultural barriers that women frequently face can obstruct their
goals of becoming entrepreneurs. Another difficulty experienced by female
entrepreneurs is juggling work and family obligations, especially for those who
have caregiving responsibilities.

5. Conclusion
Nevertheless, there are many examples of Indian women entrepreneurs who
have overcome obstacles and succeeded spectacularly in spite of these
difficulties. These success stories show other women that business success is
achievable with effort and commitment, and they also serve as a source of
inspiration. Through empowering women, generating jobs, and advancing
gender equality, women entrepreneurs in India are not only accelerating
economic growth but also encouraging social transformation.

To sum up, women entrepreneurs in India are going through a revolutionary

period driven by things like rising educational standards, shifting social
perceptions, and government backing. India's female entrepreneurs are
contributing significantly to the country's economy and society, despite ongoing
hurdles. Women entrepreneurs in India have the capacity to increase their
influence and spark long-term, sustainable growth and development if they
receive the resources and assistance they need.
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