Abstract |
The condition of women in a society is an index of that society’s place in civilization. India is a multifaceted society where women’s status is heavily dependent on many different variables that include geographical location (Urban/Rural), educational status, social status (Caste and class), and age. As such, women and girls have restricted mobility, access to education, access to health facilities and lower decision-making power, and experience higher rates of violence. Despite existing reservations for women, their political participation is also hindered even at the panchayat (local governing bodies) level and also at the state and national levels. Policies on women’s welfare and empowerment exist at the national, state, and local (panchayat) levels in many sectors, including health, education, economic opportunities, and political participation etc. However, there are significant gaps between policy advancements and actual practice at the ground level. This paper attempts to study the gender inequality and socio-economic problems of women in India. Besides this, the paper also examines various issues which the women are facing in India. |