| PYQ Relevance: Q) “Though women in post-independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC CSE 2021) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like ‘social attitude towards women’ (2021) and ‘sexual violence against women’ (2014).
On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we are reminded that nearly one in three women worldwide has faced violence by men. While men are often responsible, they can also help create change. This requires rethinking ideas of masculinity based on dominance and promoting equality, kindness, and non-violence instead.
Today’s Editorial focuses on issues related to women and key initiatives taken by the government to address the issues. This content will help answer the writing of GS mains papers.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
UNESCO has a program aimed at changing how men understand and support gender equality, and it is making good progress.
| What is UNESCO’s Transforming MENtalities initiative? The Transforming MENtalities initiative by UNESCO aims to engage men and boys as active participants in promoting gender equality and combating violence against women. This initiative recognizes that traditional notions of masculinity often perpetuate harmful behaviors and attitudes that contribute to gender-based violence. Key objectives: • Challenging Stereotypes: The initiative seeks to redefine masculinity, moving away from traits associated with dominance and aggression towards those promoting empathy, respect, and equality. • Education and Awareness: It emphasizes the importance of education in reshaping boys’ perceptions of gender roles from an early age. • Community Engagement: Encouraging men to participate in community programs that advocate for gender equality and support survivors of violence. |
What are the gender issues in India?
- Gender-Based Violence: Nearly one-third of women in India have experienced physical or sexual violence, as reported by the National Family Health Survey-5. This highlights the pervasive issue of gender-based violence that affects women’s safety and well-being across the country.
- Economic Participation: India has achieved only 36.7% parity in economic participation and opportunity, according to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023. While female labor force participation increased from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23, it remains significantly lower than male participation rates.
- Educational Disparities: Despite efforts to improve access to education, significant gaps persist. Cultural norms and economic constraints continue to hinder girls’ enrollment, retention, and completion rates in schools, affecting their long-term opportunities.
- Political Representation: Women hold 15.1% of parliamentary seats in India, reflecting a gender parity of 25.3% in political empowerment. However, local governance shows better representation with women comprising 44.4% of local council seats, indicating progress at grassroots levels.
- Health Indicators: The Maternal Mortality Ratio in India has improved to 97 per lakh live births (2018-20), showing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal target of 70 by 2030. However, disparities in health outcomes remain, particularly influenced by socio-economic factors and access to healthcare services.
| What are the steps taken by the government? • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this campaign aims to combat female feticide and promote the education and empowerment of girls through awareness campaigns, financial incentives for families, and initiatives addressing gender-based violence. • One Stop Centre (OSC) Scheme: Established in 2015, OSCs provide comprehensive support services for women affected by violence, including medical, legal, and counseling assistance, along with temporary shelter. • Nirbhaya Fund: Created to enhance women’s safety, this fund supports various initiatives aimed at preventing violence against women and ensuring their security across the country. • Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): This initiative focuses on empowering rural women through skill development and employment opportunities, helping them become self-reliant and economically independent. • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): This scheme facilitates financial support for women entrepreneurs to start their businesses, promoting economic empowerment and encouraging women’s participation in the workforce. |
Way forward:
- Promote Inclusive Education and Awareness: Strengthen gender-sensitive education from an early age to challenge stereotypes, reshape societal attitudes, and instill values of equality, empathy, and mutual respect.
- Enhance Implementation of Policies: Ensure effective enforcement of existing gender-focused schemes and laws, while fostering community-driven initiatives that engage men and boys as allies in promoting gender equality and combating violence.
