1. Economic Participation and Opportunity:
India ranks low in providing equal access and opportunities for men and women in economic participation.
While there are improvements in wage and income parity, the representation of women in senior positions and technical roles has declined.
2. Educational Attainment:
India has performed well in education, but equal access to education for girls is crucial.
Providing girls with job-assured education can improve overall development indices, including nutrition, and break the cycle of early marriage and poor maternal and child health.
3. Health and Survival:
Although there has been improvement in the sex ratio at birth, India's performance in health and survival indicators is a concern.
Ensuring access to education and paid work for girls can positively impact their health and well-being.
Steps to be Taken
1. Political Empowerment:
Increase the representation of women in parliament and state assemblies.
Urgently pass the long-pending Women's Reservation Bill, which proposes to reserve 33% of seats for women.
2. Economic Empowerment:
Provide equal opportunities and access to economic participation for men and women.
Address the drop in women's representation in senior positions and technical roles.
3. Education and Employment:
Ensure equal access to education for girls and promote job-assured education.
Encourage and create opportunities for women to enter the workforce.
Address cultural and patriarchal norms that impede women's progress and safety.
4. Health and Well-being:
Focus on improving the overall health and survival indicators for women, including access to healthcare services.
Address the unpaid domestic work burden on women, which limits their
5. Gender Equality Efforts:
Continue efforts to bridge the gender gap in India, despite the setbacks caused by the pandemic.
Work towards achieving gender equality by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
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