Addressing Gender Inequality: Bridging Disparities Across Communities

05/05/24

blog

Gender inequality refers to unfair differences in rights, resources, and opportunities between males and females in society. We must understand these complex issues and delve into the reasons for gender inequality in India so we can thoughtfully participate in solutions. In India, great progress has been made in this area. The government, in partnership with progressive institutions, has worked to make tremendous developmental strides. Today, more girls are getting educated than before, and are enjoying firmer pathways to achieve educational fulfilment. The journey from school to college is also becoming more defined for girl children across the country, and there is a rising social understanding that educational attainment is a necessity, not a luxury for girl children.

Reducing the education gap

The Government of India has, through its campaigns on girls’ education, successfully
narrowed the literacy gap. But further efforts must target the root causes of gender bias, which, in turn, contribute to a wide range of issues that girls may be exposed to, including early marriage, menstrual taboos, and lower income over one’s lifetime. We must also recognise that there is an initial cost to making education more inclusive to girls. Regions that were accustomed to investing in boys’ education alone need to make investments to make schools more accommodating. These include onboarding all-female teachers, skills training, and family and community awareness programs on equality. In order to encourage girl children, schools and communities must consider scholarships, girl-only toilets adequate sanitation, and free sanitary pad schemes. These investments need to be supplemented at the societal level, including at the panchayat (village governance) level, to replace outdated prejudices with a commitment to progress and purpose.

Better livelihoods

Women deserve equal livelihood choices and financial security so that they can be self-reliant and confident. Better livelihoods for women also create societal relevance for girl education; it validates the value of girl child education at the community level and gives girl students and their families a reason to invest in education.

With low livelihoods being one of the traditionally cited reasons for gender inequality in India, equal pay, job security, safe transport and strict prevention of workplace harassment and discrimination must be enforced while supporting women to enter non-traditional careers in emerging industries, government projects and leadership tracks. The government has advanced micro-finance programs and self-help groups assisting women in villages with skills training and small loans. Such initiatives must reach deeper across the country.

Better representation

Women who participate in decision-making can craft and implement policies that support the needs of families and communities. They are also able to ensure that a “women’s perspective” can find relevance in the budgeting, planning, and monitoring of policies. India has seen improvement recently due to heavy emphasis on both policymaking and implementation. There are new role model leaders who are loudly countering regressive narratives while progressing positive discourse on female competencies and nation-building capabilities. Slowly but surely, outdated assumptions about gender are being replaced with an understanding that women and men have important roles to play. It starts with each of us – rooting out subtle biases, modelling respect in relationships, and speaking up for equality. We are fortunate that India’s leaders are embracing the opportunity to shape attitudes and support policies affirming the dignity and rights of all.

Bal Raksha Bharat is an Indian non-profit organisation focused on protecting vulnerable children across the country. A major issue they address is gender inequality and bias against girls in Indian society. Specific programmes they run to counter discrimination include providing scholarships and bicycles for rural girls to continue their education, recruiting more female teachers in villages, opening girls’ toilet facilities in schools, and running health clinics catering to young women. They also work at the family and community level to deliver awareness campaigns that challenge deep-rooted anti-female prejudice. These small interventions, over time, make a big difference, as they strike at the heart of the many causes of gender bias.

Geeta Lama

Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations

“I Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations at Bal Raksha Bharat. Based in New Delhi, I oversee Media Relations, Communication and foster relationships with government entities to promote the welfare of children. I have a strong background in public affairs and have successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and corporate partners."