Question

The status of women in India has not improved much since independence.
In light of this statement, list some measures taken by the Government of India to improve the status of women and empower them.

Answer 1

Solution:

• Women in pre-independent ​and independent India​
  • The contributions made by Rani Laxmibai, Savitribai Phule, Sarojini Naidu, and more towards the freedom movement and women’s education are notable.
  • The success of women like Indira Gandhi (former Prime Minister) and Pratibha Patil (former President) has inspired many more women.
  • Despite all these, women have been continually discriminated against in India.
• Steps taken by the government to​ improve the status of women​
  • The government has taken conscious steps and implemented many laws to curb child marriage, dowry, and other evil and discriminatory practices.
  • In Karnataka, 50% reservation has been given to women in local government bodies.
  • The Stree Shakti programme carried out by the Karnataka government encourages the formation of women's self-help groups as a means of social progress.
  • Women’s commissions have been established at the national and state level to look into the violations of women's rights and provide remedies.