What are the major causes of gender inequality?

In recent years, India has achieved an inspiring transformation of how we treat girls and women across all strata of society. Gendered challenges that were once considered daunting, which included poverty, low literacy, male-dominated structures and cultures, and social practices that sustained women’s subjugation, have been taken on in a variety of ways. Therefore, if we are to examine the major causes of gender inequality, we must also acknowledge and document the change that has happened – and the enabling factors at play.

Poverty to economic empowerment

India’s transformation story vis-à-vis gender must take into consideration the economic enfranchisement of its women. We, as a nation, have made a lot of improvements in increasing the economic representation and opportunities of women. This change represents that great progress has been made reduction of gender gaps in matters of employment and wages for equal work.

Illiteracy to education

Combating illiteracy has been one of the strategies that is assisting the country in increasing the enhancement of gender equality in education. The many initiatives taken to promote education for girls have produced positive effects. From girl-child-centric educational interventions to specific scholarship and programmes, the Government of India’s efforts have played a role in the reduction of the literacy gap, thus creating a good environment in schools and colleges.

Patriarchy to political and economic empowerment

Political empowerment has also undergone tremendous progress in the last ten years in India. More women are visible in the echelons of political leadership and the boardrooms of India Inc. Their presence marks progress in changes in organisational culture regarding gender equality. This indicates expanding acknowledgement of women’s roles in leadership and decision-making processes.

New forms of gender equity

The social change in customs has been a key to greater gender equity in India. Because of the changes in societal perception of gender, there is a greater movement towards parity between the sexes. These positive societal transformations are evident from an enhanced position of India on the Gender Inequality Index – from 127 in 2014 to 108 in 2022.

The social and economic status of women in India has witnessed a change over the past decade. This has shown India’s capability to commit itself to the path of social justice. Many changes have taken place in the economic status, educational attainment, political participation, and recognition by society of women, showing a change for the better in gender sensitivity.

However, there is no room for complacency – we must continue to invest in policy action and grassroots efforts to build on our success. The strategic journey towards gender equality is a constant one. India’s commitment to fighting gender barriers that have for long been a hurdle to forming an equitable society for women is positive to gender equality in the world. Moving forward, everyone’s efforts, voices, and investment will be critical in ensuring that tomorrow’s generation of women can choose, aspire, pursue and live any dream they have in a harmonious, uninterrupted, empowered affluent society, building the society and India of their dreams.

Bal Raksha Bharat, also known as Save the Children India, is an NGO that works for the rights and welfare of girls, boys and women in India. They promote gender equality and women’s empowerment through various programs in education, health, livelihood, and child protection. They are part of initiatives to improve nutrition outcomes for infants and address issues faced by women workers in the garment sector. In times of humanitarian crises, they provide relief and resilience interventions, with a focus on women-headed households and pregnant and lactating women.

They facilitate the formation of the Children’s Council, a tool to institutionalise child participation. They also submit budgetary recommendations to strengthen outlays towards children, especially girls, for investment in their holistic growth. They play a crucial role in advancing girls’ education in India, with projects aimed at shifting social norms related to child marriage and gender equality. They have launched campaigns like ‘#AllyUpForHer’ to spotlight violence against women and girls. These initiatives are making a significant impact on the empowerment of girls and women in India. Their work spans across various sectors, from education and health to livelihood and child protection, all aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering women. 

STC

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