Q19. What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The challenges faced by women in India are multifaceted and have evolved over time, influenced by socio-economic, cultural, and political factors. Here are some of the continued challenges for women in India:

Body

1. Gender Inequality and Discrimination

  • Workplace Discrimination: Despite legal protections, women often face discrimination in hiring, promotions, and pay. The gender pay gap remains significant.
  • Educational Disparities: Although there has been progress, rural and marginalised communities still see lower female literacy rates and school attendance.
  • Dowry System: The practice of dowry continues to place financial and social burdens on women and their families, often leading to violence and discrimination.

2. Violence Against Women

  • Domestic Violence: Nearly one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner. In India, domestic violence remains a pervasive issue.
  • Sexual Harassment: Despite the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, implementation remains weak, and many cases go unreported.
  • Human Trafficking: Women and girls are often victims of trafficking for forced labour and sexual exploitation.

3. Health and Hygiene

  • Menstrual Hygiene: Lack of access to menstrual hygiene products and education affects the health and school attendance of adolescent girls, particularly in rural areas.
  • Reproductive Health: Limited access to reproductive health services and information leads to high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity.

4. Economic Participation

  • Labor Force Participation: Women's participation in the labour force is significantly lower than men's. Cultural norms and lack of supportive infrastructure (like childcare) contribute to this disparity.
  • Entrepreneurship: Women entrepreneurs face challenges such as limited access to finance, markets, and networks.

5. Political Representation

  • Underrepresentation: Women are underrepresented in political institutions. The NARI SHAKTI VANDAN [CONSTITUTION (106TH AMENDMENT)] ACT, 2023 aims to address this by providing one-third reservation to women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, but its implementation is pending.

6. Social and Cultural Norms

  • Patriarchy: Deep-rooted patriarchal norms continue to dictate women's roles and limit their opportunities.
  • Child Marriage: Despite legal prohibitions, child marriage remains prevalent in some regions, affecting girls' education and health.

7. Legal and Institutional Barriers

  • Implementation of Laws: While India has progressive laws to protect women's rights, the implementation and enforcement of these laws are often inadequate.
  • Judicial Delays: Delays in the judicial process can hinder women's access to justice.

8. Impact of COVID-19

  • Increased Violence: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated violence against women, with many experiencing increased domestic violence during lockdowns.
  • Economic Impact: Women have been disproportionately affected by job losses and economic instability due to the pandemic.

Data and Trends

  • Dowry System: A recent study on 5206 married adolescent girls from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar found that dowry likelihood is lower if the husband is known to the female and if the adolescent's mother has more than 10 years of education. However, it is higher in more educated couples, wealthier families, and rural areas.
  • Violence Against Women: According to the WHO, nearly one in three women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence. In India, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reported that 30% of women aged 15-49 have experienced physical violence since age 15.

‍Conclusion

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach involving legal reforms, effective implementation of existing laws, socio-economic development, and cultural change. Empowering women through education, economic opportunities, and political participation is crucial for achieving gender equality and improving the overall well-being of society.

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