On Woman's day 2024 "inspire inclusion"
In the rich tapestry of India’s history, women have held revered positions, from swayamvaras to vital roles in yajnas and the celebration of nari Shakti. Despite this legacy, women’s status declined in later Vedic periods, worsened under Mughal and British rule and persists today due to entrenched patriarchy. The shackles of this dragging mindset are needed to be broken for inclusive growth and glorious future .
With women constituting half of the population, their participation in economy, education, and politics remains disproportionately low . This inequity is rooted in longstanding discrimination, which often begins even before birth. India has declined on women political empowerment index by 13.5% points, with a decline of women participation in politics from 23.1% in 2019 to 9.1% in 2021. According to National Family Health Survey 5, 23.3% of girls still get married before the legal age. Rural jobs have shifted from women to men as gender roles dictate a position of submission to women. There is a higher female drop out in STEM & higher education. More than 50% of Indian adolescent girls are still anaemic . According to a joint analysis by UN Women and the UN Development Program, women achieve only 60% of their full potential and lag behind men by 28% across key dimensions of human development.
By adopting inspire and inclusion policy, Various government agencies alongside philanthropic organisations are making strides to fill up the gender inequality gap & achieve sustainable development goal 5. Governmental initiatives, such as the Nari Shakti Vandana Adhiniyam and the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts, aim to increase female representation in decision-making processes . Programs like Mahila E-Haat, Stand Up India, the Pradhan Mantri Kushal Vikas Yojna etc. Empower women entrepreneurs and facilitate their inclusion in various economic activities. Additionally, legislative measures such as the Nirbhaya Act and the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, alongside schemes like women helplines and Mahila Police Volunteers, provide safe fearless environment for the women . The Indian constitution guarantees women fundamental rights through Articles 14 and 15, mandating the abandonment of practices derogatory to their dignity. The government policies for women empowerment & the socio behavioral changes in the community can inspire the inclusion of more women in various spheres .
Despite historical injustice, contemporary women break stereotypes, with icons like Mary Kom and PV Sindhu inspiring countless others. Trailblazers like Avani Chaturvedi and Gita Gopinath defy norms and pave the way for future generations. As Serena Williams aptly stated, “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We are strongest when we cheer each other on.”
In conclusion, the journey towards gender equality in India is ongoing, marked by both historical milestones and contemporary efforts. By acknowledging the past, celebrating present achievements and advocating for systemic change, we can inspire true inclusion of women in all facets of society.
She rises like a phoenix
Fearlessly facing storms on her journey
courageously charting her own path
She conquers it all
Inspire her, Include her , Celebrate She!
photo downloaded from Google
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