Hindu Editorial Analysis : 29-September-2023
In the midst of India’s economic growth, the participation of women in the country’s economy, politics, and society has not progressed at a similar pace. Despite significant milestones, there are glaring gaps in the representation of women in decision-making roles.
Historical Achievements:
- Women’s Suffrage: India achieved a significant milestone by granting women the right to vote in 1950, ensuring their equal participation in elections.
- Women Leaders in Politics: Over the years, India has seen charismatic female leaders like Indira Gandhi, Jayalalitha, Mayawati, Sushma Swaraj, and Mamata Banerjee, inspiring generations.
Women in Civil Services:
- Growth in IAS: The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) saw a gradual increase in women representation, rising from 9% in 1970 to 31% in 2020.
- Under-Representation: Despite advancements, women still form a minority in IAS positions, highlighting the persistent gender gap.
Challenges Faced:
- Political Underrepresentation: In the Indian Parliament, women constitute only 14.44% of the Lok Sabha members and a mere 9% in state assemblies, falling behind countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
- Bureaucratic Challenges: Structural issues, biased allotments, and societal perceptions hinder women’s participation in critical sectors like urban development and law enforcement.
Significance of Women’s Participation:
- Female Voter Turnout: Although female voter turnout has increased, this has not translated into more women participating as candidates in elections.
- UN’s Perspective: The United Nations Development Program emphasizes that gender equality in public administration enhances government functioning, responsiveness, and public trust, underscoring the importance of women’s participation.
Economic Participation:
- Entrepreneurship: Only 20.37% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) owners are women, indicating a significant gender gap in entrepreneurship.
- Workforce: A mere 23.3% of women are part of the labor force, with many women engaged in unpaid work not accounted for in official statistics.
Addressing the Challenges:
- Policy Reforms: Implementing policies that encourage women’s participation in diverse sectors, breaking stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity in decision-making roles.
- Changing Perceptions: Challenging societal norms and biases that limit women’s career choices, emphasizing that all professions are open to women.
Why In News
The IMF has predicted a 6.8 percent growth for the Indian economy, a stark contrast to the 1.6 percent forecasted for the US. However, despite this economic progress, women’s involvement in India’s economy, politics, and society has not advanced at a similar pace.
MCQs about Women’s Participation in Indian Economy and Politics
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What milestone did India achieve in 1950 regarding women’s participation in elections?
A. Women’s right to education
B. Women’s right to work
C. Women’s right to vote
D. Women’s right to property
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Which sector in the Indian bureaucracy sees a higher percentage of women?
A. Urban development
B. Law and order
C. Social Welfare
D. Finance
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Which international organization emphasized the importance of gender equality in public administration, as mentioned in the essay?
A. World Bank
B. United Nations Development Program
C. International Monetary Fund
D. World Health Organization
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