Gender Discrimination and the Crying Need For Women Empowerment in India
Gender Discrimination and the Crying Need For Women Empowerment in India
Gender discrimination has become inevitable in India. People are writing about the need for women empowerment but many concrete steps have to be taken before this becomes a reality. India has acquired the unenviable status of being one of the most dangerous countries for women. The numerous amounts of rape, murder, abuse and violence against women are creating uncertainty and fear even in leading cities and towns of India. Women in villages are facing even bigger hurdles. Lack of access to basic healthcare and education facilities has become quite impossible for women in rural parts of our country even as we progress in fields such as technology and science. The attitude towards women is like something out of the Dark Ages and any violation of women’s rights is carried out in broad daylight. Instances of violence against women range from acid throwing to domestic violence, harassment and molestation.
Such incidents are on the rise. While there has also been an increase in the number of crimes being reported nowadays because people are becoming more confident about law enforcement, much remains to be accomplished even now. Women deserve to be treated with respect and given their due. Women also need to be treated as equals. The approach of certain people towards women leaders needs to change. Women empowerment is the key to succeeding in this process. Women also need to be represented in different spheres such as science, technology, manufacturing, academics and sports on a bigger basis. Women can do so much for the progress of society. The girl child needs to be treated with respect and given the dignity she deserves. Women empowerment is a widely discussed topic in media circles as well as parliament house. But the real steps need to be taken by the community and all members of society.
People need to change their attitude towards women. While India’s education system has grown rapidly in recent times, the gap between women and men still remains to be bridged. According to recent statistics, nearly 82% of men are educated as compared to a dismal 65% of women in India. Education is the key to better opportunities. Reservation will not work as much as factors such as early skills training and literacy programs for girls designed to make them succeed in different fields. Women have the merit to ace examinations and emerge as responsible and capable leaders in their field. They deserve to be encouraged and supported by their family, community and leaders if they are to accomplish success.
Whether it is Mary Kom in the field of boxing or Kiran Mazumdar Shaw in the corporate world, women have the ability to emerge as successful and confident professionals in the field. Illiteracy is a curse and women need to be given the chance to be part of the growth and development story. This is only possible if women are given training and education so that they can persevere and emerge as strong and confident leaders in different fields. Women should not be victims of exploitation. They should be given a voice in decision making
Poverty is another hurdle which a significant percentage of women face. Closing the gap and educating women is important as this is the only way that they will be able to carve out a bright future for themselves. Intolerance and exploitation must be opposed at all counts. A third of the population in India lives in poverty. A huge percentage of this includes women.
Women are at special risk when they are living in slums and undeveloped areas. They face greater chances of crime, abuse and exploitation. Women can only rise above difficult circumstances if they are given support and empowerment. While government initiatives to ensure this are a right step in this direction, women also need support from their families and communities if they have to accomplish major things in life.
Sex trafficking is another atrocious crime committed against women. Many states have cases of women being forced into slave and sex trade against their will. This is a gross violation of the rights and safety of women. While non-governmental groups and social activists as well as organizations such as the National Commission for Women are doing stellar work in the field, more agencies for women empowerment, especially at the rural level, will go a long way in improving the status of women in Indian society.
