Question

Discuss some steps that can be taken to change the present status of women in Indian society.

Answer 1

Instructions:
Discuss the present status of women in Indian society and then list down some steps that can be taken to change the present status of women in India.

Solution:

The present status of women in India can be comprehencively summed as follows:

• Despite constituting almost half the population, women’s issues are not given adequate attention in India.
• As per Census 2011, the literacy rate among women was 65%, as compared to 82% among men.
• Average salary earnings received by female workers still lag behind the average earnings of male workers.
• In the 17th Lok Sabha, only 14% of the members were female.
• Steps to change the status of women:
• Increased awareness about education: There is a need for continued efforts towards encouraging citizens to educate girls.
• Greater access to schools: Considering that girls drop out of school at primary and secondary levels, owing to factors such as distance and affordability, education needs to be more accessible
• for everyone.

Steps that can be taken to improve the present stuatus of women in India in terms of new legislation and attitudinal and behavioural change.

Legisaltion:

• Strict implementation of wage laws to ensure equal pay for equal work.
• Protection against domestic violence, and prevention of harassment at workplaces.
• Introduction of a law to ensure 33% reservation of seats in Parliament and legislative assemblies for women.

Attitudinal and behavioural change:

• There is a need to bring about an attitudinal and behavioural change within families that focus on making household chores more participative and not restricted to females.