Child Sex Ratio

• Dropped from 927 in 2001 to 914 per 1000 males in 2011.

Global Gender Indices

Index 2023 Rank 2024 Rank Remarks
Gender Gap Index 127 (out of 129 (out of India slipped two places in 2024. Ranked 5th in
146) 146) South Asia, ahead of Pakistan.
Gender Inequality Rank 122, Rank 108, Improved by 14 ranks in 2022.
Index (GII) score 0.490 score 0.437
Women, Peace and 128 (out of - India among top 10 worst countries for political
Security Index 177) violence against women.
Missing Females - - India accounts for 4.6 crore of the world's
14.26 crore "missing females."

Women in the Workforce

• Female Labour Force Participation (FLFPR):
o Working age group (15 years and above) 32.8% (below global average of 47%).
• Income Equality:
o Percentage of employed women earning the same or more than their husbands decreased from

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42% (NFHS-4) to 40%.
Key Quote:

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"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved." — Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar

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Education
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Indicator Details
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Literacy Rate Women's literacy is 77%; men's literacy is 84.7% (World Bank, 2023).
Girls’ Dropout Rate 33% drop out due to domestic work (UNICEF).
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Positive Sign India has achieved parity in enrolment across all levels of education.
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Healthcare
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• Anaemia: Nearly 60% of women aged 15-49 are anaemic, compared to 25% of men.
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• Health and Survival Subindex:

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India, along with countries like Vietnam and China, has low scores due to skewed sex ratios.
• Maternal Deaths:
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Unsafe abortions account for 8 maternal deaths daily in India (United Nations Population Fund Report
2022).
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Women in STEM and Leadership

• Only 14% of female researchers work in STEM fields.
• 56% of organizations have just 10-30% women in leadership roles.

Financial Autonomy of Women

Aspect Percentage
Women with a savings bank account they use themselves 79%
Women earning as much or more than their husbands 40%
Women owning a house alone or jointly 42%
Women with mobile phones they use themselves Just over 50%
Married, earning women making decisions jointly with husbands 18%
Women making healthcare decisions alone 10%
Men making healthcare decisions alone 33%

Women in the Economy

• Urban Labour Force Participation Rate:
Women’s participation is less than 25%, while for men it is above 70%.
 • Income Disparity:
Women earn 1.53 times less than men in rural areas and 1.27 times less in urban areas.

Women in Polity and Governance

Area Data
Women MLAs in State Less than 10%
Assemblies
Women in Lok Sabha Slightly below 15% (Global average is 26.2%).
Nagaland’s First Female Hekani Jakhalu
Legislator
Women in Police Force 11%
Women in Bureaucracy 34.3% (up from less than 25% a decade ago).
Women in Judiciary 3 women in the Supreme Court, less than 15% in High Courts, 36.3% in
lower judiciary.

Women’s Safety
• Rape Cases:
India registered 31,677 rape cases in 2021, with an average of 86 daily.
• Crimes Against Women:

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On average, 49 crimes against women are lodged every hour.
• Domestic Violence:

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29.3% of women face domestic violence (down from 31.2%).

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Types of Crimes Against Women:
• Kidnapping, Eve teasing, Rape, Sexual harassment, Dowry deaths, Trafficking, Acid attacks,
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Cybercrimes (pornography, bullying, deep fakes, etc.).
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Causes of Lack of Safety for Women in India

1. Institutionalization of Patriarchy:
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o Patriarchal norms dominate Indian society, where men are often viewed as the dominant
gender, leading to the subjugation and control of women.
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o Traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained, which limits women's mobility, autonomy, and
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safety in public and private spaces.

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2. Objectification of Women:
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o Women are often reduced to mere objects of desire in popular culture, advertising, and media.
o Objectification can lead to a lack of respect for women's autonomy and bodily integrity, making
them more vulnerable to violence and exploitation.
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3. Cultural Lag:
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o As more women step into the public sphere and take up roles outside the home, society is slow
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to accept their changing roles.

o This cultural lag creates friction, often leading to hostility, ostracization, and increased
vulnerability to crimes like harassment and assault.
4. Institutional Weakness:
o The legal framework to protect women, though vast, suffers from weak implementation. There is
often a gap between laws on paper and their enforcement.
o Police forces and judicial systems are often gender-insensitive and lack proper training to
handle crimes against women.
o Conviction rates for crimes like rape, domestic violence, and sexual harassment remain low,
which emboldens perpetrators and discourages victims from reporting.
5. Informalization of Workforce:
o With many women working in the informal sector, especially in domestic work, construction,
and unregulated factories, safety measures at workplaces are inadequate.
o Informal workers are often not entitled to legal protections such as maternity benefits, sexual
harassment redressal, or basic workplace safety.
6. Globalization and Technology:
o With globalization and the rise of digital platforms, cyber crimes targeting women, including
stalking, abuse, bullying, pornography, and violation of privacy, have increased significantly.
 o Women working in global industries, such as IT and BPOs, often have to work night shifts,
leading to concerns about their safety during travel and work hours.
7. Lack of Awareness and Education:
o Many women, especially in rural areas, are unaware of their legal rights and the protection
mechanisms available to them.
o The lack of awareness makes it easier for societal norms to dictate and control women's
behavior, often through fear and violence.
8. Economic Dependence:
o Financial dependence on male family members can make it difficult for women to assert their
autonomy or leave abusive situations.
o Economic inequality between men and women also exacerbates power imbalances, leaving
women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
9. Poor Urban Infrastructure:
o Unsafe public transportation, inadequate street lighting, and a lack of well-maintained public
toilets all contribute to the insecurity women feel while navigating urban spaces.
10. Victim Blaming:
o Societal attitudes often place the blame for crimes such as sexual harassment, assault, and
rape on the victims, which discourages women from coming forward.
o Cultural norms around modesty and honor often place the onus on women to "protect

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themselves," which shifts focus away from the accountability of the perpetrators.

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Way Forward
1. Self-Defense Training:

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o Women should be provided with self-defense training from a young age, especially in schools,
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to enable them to protect themselves in unsafe situations.
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o NGOs, government agencies, and civil society organizations can promote such programs to
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build women's confidence and physical capability.

2. Neutral Values in Schooling:
o Schools need to adopt a curriculum that emphasizes gender equality, mutual respect, and non-
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violence, fostering a new generation with progressive attitudes towards women.

o Gender-neutral value systems should be ingrained in students from an early age to combat the
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patriarchal mindset.
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3. Naming and Shaming Perpetrators:

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o Public awareness campaigns aimed at naming and shaming perpetrators of violence against
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women can serve as a deterrent.

o Social media can be effectively used to highlight such cases and raise awareness about the
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consequences of crimes against women.

4. Use of Technology:
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o Technology can play a pivotal role in enhancing women's safety. Panic buttons in public
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transportation, GPS tracking for emergency services, and women-only transport services like
“pink autos” or taxis can help.
o Mobile apps for emergency alerts, quick communication with authorities, and women-specific
helplines should be promoted.
5. Improving Public Infrastructure:
o Authorities must ensure the availability of functional, clean, and safe public toilets for women in
cities and towns.
o Well-lit streets, safer public transport options, and gender-sensitive urban planning can reduce
the risks women face in public spaces.
6. Gender-Sensitive Policing:
o Police forces should be trained to be sensitive to gender issues, and more women should be
recruited into the police force to improve the handling of crimes against women.
o Fast-track courts and specialized public prosecutors should be established to handle crimes
against women more efficiently.
7. Strengthening Local Vigilance:
o Mohalla committees and local vigilance groups can act as informal but powerful support
systems for women, especially in cases of domestic violence that go unreported.
 o Community-driven initiatives can help women report cases of abuse, gather evidence, and seek
timely help.
8. Role Models and Social Movements:
o Celebrities, politicians, and public figures should actively promote campaigns against gender-
based violence.
o Movements like #MeToo have already shown the power of collective action in challenging and
dismantling the culture of impunity for perpetrators of gender violence.
9. Legislative Reforms and Enforcement:
o Laws related to women's safety, such as the Domestic Violence Act, Prevention of Sexual
Harassment at Workplace Act, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, need stricter
enforcement.
o State and national governments should focus on improving conviction rates by investing in the
justice system, reducing pendency of cases, and providing adequate resources for crime
investigation.
10. Economic Empowerment:
o Programs to improve women's access to education, vocational training, and employment
opportunities must be prioritized.
o Special incentives for companies to hire women, close the wage gap, and ensure safe working
environments should be part of government policy.

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11. Inclusive Policies and Representation:
o Increasing women’s political representation, especially through gender quotas, can lead to the

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formulation of more inclusive policies.
o Encouraging women in leadership roles across industries, academia, and governance will help

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shift societal norms towards gender equality.
12. Awareness Campaigns: h
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o Continuous public awareness campaigns should be carried out, emphasizing the rights of
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women and breaking down taboos surrounding reporting gender-based crimes.

o Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and amplifying voices against
violence.
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13. Engaging Men in the Solution:

o Gender equality cannot be achieved without involving men in the conversation. Campaigns and
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programs targeting men should be launched to promote shared responsibilities, respect for
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women, and condemnation of violence.

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o Men should be sensitized to gender issues from childhood to help change patriarchal mindsets.
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14. Judicial and Police Accountability:

o Judicial officers, including magistrates and judges, must be sensitized to handle gender-based
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crimes more empathetically.

o Police accountability must be increased by establishing independent watchdog bodies that
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monitor police responses to crimes against women.

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Conclusion:
Ensuring women's safety in India requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses societal norms,
institutional weaknesses, and policy implementation. While significant strides have been made in gender
empowerment, continuous efforts are needed to combat deep-rooted patriarchy, enhance legal and social
protections, and provide equal opportunities for women in all spheres of life.

Women Empowerment in India: Five Dimensions

1. Sense of Self-Worth:
o Women's self-esteem is the foundation of empowerment, fostering confidence and
assertiveness.
o Cultural and societal changes are necessary to address gender stereotypes and patriarchal
norms that lower women’s self-worth.
o Awareness programs that challenge traditional roles and promote positive female role
models are crucial in fostering a sense of self-worth.
2. Access to Resources: a. Education:
o Equal access to education is essential for empowerment.
o Initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao focus on increasing girl child enrollment in schools.
 o Schemes such as Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya provide educational facilities for
disadvantaged girls in rural areas.
b. Economic Resources:
o Access to economic resources like jobs, skills training, and financial independence is a key
enabler.
o Programs like Support to Training and Employment Program (STEP) and Stand Up India
provide training and financial support for women entrepreneurs.
o Mudra Yojana also offers micro-loans to women in rural areas to promote entrepreneurship.
c. Political Resources:
o Political reservation for women in Panchayats (33%) has led to greater representation in local
governance.
o Women's political participation has been encouraged through initiatives like National
Commission for Women and State Women Commissions.
3. Right to Make Decisions:
o Autonomy in personal decisions regarding marriage, family planning, education, and
employment is a key indicator of empowerment.
o Legal reforms such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and laws
preventing child marriage provide women legal protection and freedom to make decisions
about their lives.

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o Amendments to inheritance laws (Hindu Succession Act, 2005) have given women equal
rights to ancestral property, reinforcing their decision-making power.

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4. Right to Control Their Lives:
o Women’s right to bodily autonomy is crucial for empowerment. The recent Supreme Court

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ruling on the right to safe and legal abortion under the MTP Act, 1971 (amended in 2021)
ensures this autonomy. h
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o Laws and regulations against human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual harassment in
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the workplace (POSH Act, 2013) are essential to ensuring women's control over their lives.
o Social movements have empowered women to challenge oppressive norms, such as the
Sabarimala verdict on temple entry and the ongoing Triple Talaq ruling.
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5. Ability to Influence the Direction of Societal Change:

o Women play a crucial role in shaping societal norms through activism and leadership.
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o Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have become powerful engines of change at the grassroots
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level by driving economic empowerment and fostering collective decision-making.

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o Social movements like the Meira Paibis (Manipur), who led protests against alcoholism and
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drug abuse, and expanded their roles to societal development, highlight women's ability to drive
societal change.
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o Women in politics and leadership positions such as in Panchayats and Parliament are
gradually influencing policies and governance towards gender equality.
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Key Observations on Law and Society

• Certainty vs. Severity of Punishment:
o Research shows that it is the certainty rather than the severity of punishment that deters crime.
A high probability of being caught and convicted is a more effective deterrent than harsh
penalties alone.
o Examples: The increase in rape convictions post the Nirbhaya case brought attention to the
importance of certainty in justice.
• Law vs. Culture:
o Laws only indicate the desired direction of societal progress (e.g., anti-dowry, gender equality
laws), but it is culture that shapes whether society actually embraces these changes.
o Without cultural acceptance, even the best laws cannot bring lasting change (e.g., reluctance
to report domestic violence due to societal stigma).

Right to Safe and Legal Abortion in India

Key Provisions of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971:
• Time Frame for Abortion:
o Abortions up to 12 weeks: Based on the opinion of one doctor.
o Abortions between 12-20 weeks: Requires the opinion of two doctors.
 o Abortions between 20-24 weeks: Permitted for specific categories such as survivors of rape,
incest, or minors under the new amendment (2021).
• After 24 weeks:
o Requires approval from a medical board in the case of fetal abnormalities.
Issues with the MTP Act:
• Fails to recognize women’s complete bodily autonomy.
• No recourse for rape victims or vulnerable women after 24 weeks.
• Delays in medical board decisions can lead to life-threatening situations.
• Criminalization fears among registered medical practitioners lead to reluctance in providing abortion
services.

Surrogacy Regulation in India

Types of Surrogacy:
1. Altruistic Surrogacy: No monetary compensation beyond medical expenses.
2. Commercial Surrogacy: Prohibited in India, involves financial compensation.
3. Gestational Surrogacy: The surrogate mother is not genetically related to the child, only carries the
pregnancy.
Key Provisions of the Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021:
• Only married Indian couples with medical conditions can opt for surrogacy.

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• Commercial surrogacy banned with up to 10 years imprisonment for violations.
• A Surrogacy Board will oversee regulations.

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• Mandatory counseling sessions for intended parents and surrogates.
Global Status of Surrogacy (Table Example):

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Country Commercial Altruistic Gestational Donor Legal Eligibility
Surrogacy Surrogacy Surrogacy h Gametes Criteria
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Allowed
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United Allowed Allowed Allowed Yes Varies by state

States
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India Prohibited Allowed Allowed Yes Only married Indian

couples, medical
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certification
United Prohibited Allowed Allowed Yes (regulated) Must be infertile or have
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Kingdom medical condition

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Canada Prohibited Allowed Allowed Yes Altruistic; must be

infertile or medical
need
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Government of India's Women Empowerment Programs/Schemes

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1. Gender Budgeting (2005-06): Ensures gender perspective in policies.

2. Nirbhaya Fund (2013): Established with Rs 1,000 crore corpus for women's safety.
3. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (Amended 2017): Provides 26 weeks of paid leave and crèche facility.
4. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Promotes girl child education and welfare.
5. Support to Training and Employment Program (STEP): Offers skills training and employment.
6. Rashtriya Mahila Kosh: Provides micro-credit to women in the informal sector.
7. Swadhar Greh: Provides shelter and support to women in difficult circumstances.

Examples of Best Practices and Social Movements

1. Meira Paibis Movement (Manipur):
o Women torchbearers initially fought against alcoholism and drug abuse but later took on larger
societal roles, advocating for human rights and community development.
2. Tamil Nadu Temple Priests:
o For the first time, three women were trained as priests, breaking age-old barriers in religious
practices.
3. Narges Mohammadi (Iran):
o Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her activism on women’s rights and democracy, despite
repeated imprisonment by the Iranian authorities.
Namo Drone Didi Scheme
 Objective:
The Namo Drone Didi Scheme is designed to enhance economic empowerment and financial autonomy
for rural women by training them as drone pilots for agricultural purposes.
Key Features:
1. Training of Women Drone Pilots:
o The scheme provides training to rural women in the use of agricultural drones.
o Women are trained in drone operation for tasks like crop monitoring, spraying fertilizers,
and sowing seeds.
2. Empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs):
o The scheme focuses on equipping 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with
agricultural drones.
o These drones will assist SHGs in improving agricultural productivity and will also generate
additional income for the women.
3. Boost to Economic Opportunities:
o The initiative creates opportunities for self-employment by allowing women to offer drone-
based services to farmers in their communities.
o This leads to financial empowerment, enabling rural women to take part in advanced
agricultural practices.
4. Addressing Rural Agricultural Challenges:

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o The use of drones will help farmers with precision agriculture, improving the efficiency of
farming operations.

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o Reducing manual labor for spraying pesticides and fertilizers, thus reducing health risks for
women involved in traditional farming methods.

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Expected Impact:
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• Increased Incomes: By providing women with skills to operate drones, they will have access to new
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revenue-generating opportunities.
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• Skill Development: The scheme is aligned with the government's focus on vocational training and
skill development among women in rural areas.
• Sustainable Agriculture: The scheme contributes to making agriculture more efficient and
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sustainable by promoting the use of technology in farming.

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Evolution of Women's Organizations in India

The history of women's organizations in India is marked by distinct phases, each reflecting the socio-political
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environment of the time and addressing key issues related to women’s rights and welfare.
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First Phase (1850-1915):

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Focus: Societal reforms, addressing women's rights and social evils.

Notable Reformers Contribution
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Raja Ram Mohan Roy Campaigned against sati.

Ishwar Chandra Led the campaign for widow remarriage, instrumental in passing the Widow
Vidyasagar Remarriage Act, 1856.
Jyotirao Phule Advocated for the upliftment of women and education of lower castes.
Key Issues Addressed:
• Polygamy
• Purdah (veil system)
• Widow remarriage
• Women’s education
Key Organizations:
Organization Year Founder Key Focus
Mahilla Parishad 1908 Sarladevi Advocated for women’s right to vote and legal
(Ladies Congress) Choudharani reforms in marriage, divorce, and property rights.
Arya Mahila Sabha 1882 Pandita Ramabai First feminist organization in India; focused on
women's emancipation and education.
Deccan Education 1884 M.G. Ranade Promoted widow remarriage and women's
Society education.
 Widow Remarriage 1891 Kandukuri Formed in Madras Presidency, supported widow
Association Veerasalingam remarriage.

Second Phase (1915-1947):

Focus: Nationalism, social reforms, and political engagement of women.
• The period between 1917 and 1927 saw the formation of three significant women’s organizations after
World War I, shifting the focus from social reforms to nationalism and political rights.
Organization Year Key Focus
Women’s India Association 1917 First purely feminist organization in India.
(WIA)
National Council of Women 1925 National branch of the International Council of Women; focused on
in India (NCWI) advising the government on welfare issues.
All India Women’s 1927 Worked for the upliftment of women and national service,
Conference (AIWC) education, and social reform.
Other Organizations:
Organization Founder/Key Key Focus
Leader
Desh Sevika Sangh - Focused on women’s participation in the freedom
struggle.

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Sarla Devi and Bharat Stree Sarla Devi Advocated for women’s rights, with an emphasis on
Mahamandal national and educational reforms.

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Third Phase (1947-1975):
Focus: Post-independence women’s rights, gender equality, and legal reforms.
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Key Developments:
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• Uniform Civil Code debate started gaining attention within the gender politics framework.
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• New Women’s Movement: A push for legal reforms and gender equality in law.
Organization Year Key Focus
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National Federation of 1954 Established by Aruna Asaf Ali and other leaders; focused on
Indian Women (NFIW) women’s rights and mobilizing women at the grassroots level.
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Shramik Mahila Sangathana 1971 Set up by CPI(M) to mobilize lower-middle-class and working-class
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women.
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Anti-price rise movement 1973 Women from CPI(M), Socialist, Congress, and non-party middle-
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class housewives united to address rising inflation.

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Fourth Phase (1975-Present):

Focus: Women's welfare, legal reforms, economic empowerment, and social justice.
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• Since 1975, there has been a surge in the number of women's organizations addressing a wide range
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of issues, from legal aid to economic empowerment.

Key Organizations:
Organization Year Focus
SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s 1972 Founded by Ela Bhatt, aimed at providing employment and self-
Association) reliance to women.
National Commission for 1992 Set up to address grievances and ensure legal rights for women.
Women (NCW)
Rashtriya Mahila Kosh 1993 Provides financial assistance to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to
start small industries or occupations.
Balika Samriddhi Yojana 1997 Supports poor mothers and girl children through educational
and financial assistance.
Swa-Shakti Project 1998 Assists women in starting productive work with financial help
from the government.

Key Contributions of Women's Movements:

• Legal Reforms: Focus on gender equality in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property rights.
• Economic Empowerment: Increased emphasis on women’s economic independence through self-
employment and financial inclusion programs.
 • Political Participation: Growing involvement of women in the political sphere, leading to demands for
representation and reforms like the Women’s Reservation Bill.

Evolution of Women's Organizations in India

Phase Key Focus Notable Organizations Key Figures
1850- Social Reforms, Widow Mahilla Parishad, Arya Mahila Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar
1915 Remarriage, Education Sabha, Widow Remarriage Chandra Vidyasagar, Pandita
Association Ramabai
1915- Nationalism, Women’s WIA, AIWC, NCWI Sarla Devi, Margaret Cousins
1947 Rights
1947- Legal Reforms, Economic NFIW, Shramik Mahila Aruna Asaf Ali
1975 Empowerment Sangathana
1975- Women’s Rights, Economic SEWA, NCW, Rashtriya Mahila Ela Bhatt, Various Women’s
Present Welfare, Political Kosh Movements
Participation

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