The New Emerging Women-Power: Ground Realities | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

On July 26, 2018, Hillary Clinton made a powerful statement: "I believe that the rights of women and girls are the unfinished business of the 21st century." This declaration resonated as gender issues and the concept of 'women's empowerment' gained prominence worldwide in recent decades. The increased awareness of this term has triggered a gradual transformation in long-standing ideologies that have justified social inequalities for centuries.

Debates surrounding 'empowerment' have begun to reshape established institutions supporting existing power structures, such as family and state. Women are becoming more conscious of the limitations imposed on them for years, demanding control over their bodies, equal social spaces, and recognition of their identity. In response, governments have stepped up efforts to bridge gender gaps in employment, political participation, healthcare, and resource distribution. India, for instance, has enshrined gender equality in its constitution, emphasizing equal employment opportunities, voting rights, and fair pay for equal work.

Government initiatives like 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' and 'Janani Suraksha' aim to improve healthcare and education for women, while policies like the 'New National Policy for Women' prioritize a socially inclusive, rights-based approach to women's empowerment. The introduction of the Gender Budget Statement promises equitable resource allocation across genders.

Legal definitions have also expanded, encompassing a broader understanding of 'rape' and 'violence.' Laws like the 'Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005' and the 'Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013' address women's exploitation in both private and public spheres. Institutions like the National Commission for Women and the Ministry of Women and Child Development focus on women's issues and policy implementation.

Socio-political and economic changes, globalization, and technological advancements have transformed India. The past decade has witnessed an increase in women's literacy rates and opportunities in the service sector, fostering wage equality in urban areas. Women now occupy key positions previously denied to them, leading to a better understanding of oppressive practices.

However, these transformations appear minor compared to ongoing challenges. Gender-based crimes, such as rape, trafficking, domestic violence, honor killings, acid attacks, and harassment, persist. Deep-rooted issues like child marriage, dowry demands, and female infanticide contribute to skewed sex ratios. Despite achieving gender parity in primary education, high dropout rates for female students persist. While women hold significant positions in governance and corporate sectors, many still struggle as low-paid laborers.

A gender pay gap of 27% persists, especially in rural areas. Maternal mortality rates remain high, and women's mental health issues often go unnoticed. The concept of 'emerging women power' appears superficial in the face of these ground realities.

Most state measures follow a top-down approach, treating women as mere beneficiaries. Empowerment must entail informed decision-making to challenge patriarchal structures. Education plays a pivotal role in shaping gender perspectives, requiring gender-sensitive pedagogy to challenge traditional roles.

Encouraging analytical thinking about exploitation and discrimination among girls can lead to confident and aware women who contribute to gender equality. Stricter laws must be accompanied by attitudinal shifts, better victim treatment, and stronger support for NGOs and self-help groups.

Community institutions, like khap panchayats, perpetuating inhumane practices like honor killings, must be challenged. Recognizing women's economic contributions is vital. Acknowledging the vast amount of unpaid care work they perform and addressing maternity-related discrimination can boost economic productivity.

In conclusion, while headlines tout 'the new emerging women power,' understanding the ground realities adds depth to the gender justice discourse. Recognizing these nuances does not diminish past achievements but highlights the journey ahead. India's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, including gender justice and women's empowerment, must involve comprehensive societal changes and constructive planning to unleash the full potential of the new "women power" in India.