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Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Can India Reach Developed Nation Status Without Addressing Its Gender Gap?

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India’s Path to Development Hinges on Empowering Women, but Deep-Rooted Sexism Poses a Major Challenge

India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 faces a stark reality: a significant gender gap. Despite having over 468 million females of working age, only 38.2 million women are employed, highlighting a deep-rooted issue that threatens to stall the country’s economic progress. The recent brutal murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata has brought this challenge into sharp focus, sparking national outrage and prompting calls for systemic change.

Key Takeaways:

  • A safety crisis: Fear of harassment and violence in public spaces, particularly towards women, significantly limits their participation in the workforce.
  • Deep-rooted gender inequality: Societal norms and systemic biases hinder women’s access to opportunities and perpetuate their marginalization.
  • Economic consequences: India’s economic aspirations are jeopardized by an underutilized female workforce, impacting growth and development.
  • Urgent need for action: Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, policy reform, and cultural shifts.

A Shadow of Fear: Safety Concerns Stifle Women’s Participation

The tragic death of the young trainee doctor has exposed the chilling reality of safety anxieties that plague women in India. Despite strides in education and literacy, many women still face constraints on their movement, limiting their access to education and employment opportunities.

"Many young women are allowed to visit nearby markets or facilities, but can’t travel from their homes because of the risk of sexual harassment," says Sunaina Kumar, senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. This fear is further underscored by a 2021 World Bank study, which revealed that female students in Delhi often choose lower-quality colleges closer to home to minimize the risk of sexual harassment during their commute.

Beyond Safety: The Deep-Rooted Problem of Gender Inequality

Even beyond physical safety, deep-rooted societal norms remain a significant obstacle. "There is a deep patriarchy and misogyny within India’s society," notes Jayati Ghosh, economics professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University. This ingrained bias limits women’s access to resources, education, and decision-making power, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage.

While India’s labor force participation rate for women has seen a gradual increase, it still lags far behind other major economies, including the U.S., China, Japan, and Germany. "Women’s employment has two roles: To help economies develop through production, and to ensure power and negotiation within the household remains more equal," explains Eliana La Ferrara, professor at Harvard Kennedy School.

The Economic Cost: A Missed Opportunity for Progress

India’s ambitious goal of becoming a \$5 trillion economy is at risk without the full participation of its female workforce. Economist Girija Borker argues that "highly skilled youth are meant to be the engine of growth over the coming years," but fear and societal constraints prevent women from contributing their full potential.

"Parents who have read about the recent rape and murder incident with a highly educated woman will think ‘what good is it to invest all we have in educating our daughter if something like this will happen?’" says La Ferrara, highlighting the devastating impact of gender-based violence on women’s aspirations and their families’ investment in their education.

The Need for a Multi-Pronged Approach: Breaking the Barriers

Addressing this complex issue requires a multi-dimensional approach involving:

  • Strengthening safety and security: Investing in robust law enforcement, improving public transportation, and creating safe spaces for women are essential for creating a sense of security.
  • Tackling gender inequality: Enacting and enforcing laws that protect women’s rights, promoting education and awareness, and challenging discriminatory norms are crucial steps.
  • Economic empowerment: Creating supportive policies that incentivize women’s participation in the workforce, providing access to childcare and flexible work arrangements, and promoting entrepreneurship are essential for economic growth.

"We need to work on improving the psychology of boys, not men," stresses Nisha Kotwal, an obstetrician and gynecologist, highlighting the importance of early intervention and education to challenge gender stereotypes.

A Long Road Ahead: Hope for a More Equitable Future

India’s journey towards a more equitable and prosperous future requires a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and government policies. "India’s whole system and culture sees females as second class citizens, and this will take decades of work to change," says Kotwal.

While the path to true gender equality is long and challenging, the urgency for action is undeniable. "The image of India becoming more developed is very false [when it comes to gender]," warns Ghosh, emphasizing the critical need for genuine progress toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Whether India will succeed in harnessing the potential of its entire population and achieving its economic dreams remains to be seen, but the future of India depends on it.

Article Reference

Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in breaking news and current affairs.

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