Empowering Women in India : Viewpoint

By : Devendra Kothari

Page No: 115-124

Abstract
In the context of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) vision, better utilization of the enormous unexploited or underutilized pool of female working force is crucial to stimulate productivity growth and develop human capital. Greater female labour force participation (FLFP) could boost productivity growth by increasing the labour supply, while poor use of women’s potential places a significant drag on the economic growth.
The main purpose of the paper is to acquire an understanding of the status of women/girls in the ‘modern’ India. It also argues that there is clearly a need for policy initiatives to empower women as gender disparities are not only persisting but increasing rapidly even against the backdrop of economic growth. The paper concludes that women’s empowerment is the single greatest enabler of human development and sustainable economic growth. It does not mean pitting women against men. In this context, the role of patriarchal culture must be discussed and how its impact can be minimized. For this, a strategy known as HDPlus, is proposed.

Author :
Devendra Kothari : Ph.D, Population Development Analyst, Forum for Population Action.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/PROD.2020.61.02.1