Essay – Why do we need gender equality?
Why do we need gender equality Essay: The early Vedic society was a utopian society in which women enjoyed complete freedom in every sphere of life and were placed as Central to creation of all lives in the universe. During the Rig Vedic period also women enjoyed equal status as men. Though the status of women started to deteriorate from post vedic age till the freedom of India, but recently gender equality has been a topic of international importance.
Various global data and rankings emphasize the poor situation of women in the society. According to the gender gap report of the World economic forum women are paid 34% less than men in India. Women continue to face various development issues in economical, social, security, psychological, and political aspects. For example women have poor access to capital and hold only 2% of total assets in India. They are not provided with equal learning and employment opportunities as compared to their male counterparts. Literacy rate of women is low as compared to men. whereas there are an increased number of cases of domestic violence, sexual harassment and other security related issues for women in the society.
Gender equality is required in the present day society because it has many political, economic and social benefits. Gender equality ensures the proper representation of women in the legislatures and in making gender neutral and friendly laws which have better outcomes for women. If women hold political responsibility then only it is possible to propagate the cause of women empowerment in a country and the world in general.
In Economic terms the national economy will gain much more growth if half of the population i.e. women become economically independent and contribute to it. Globally countries are losing about 160 trillion dollars of wealth because of differences in lifetime earnings between men and women. Women also play a key role in the food production sector and form a large proportion of the agricultural workforce globally.
Gender equality not only fosters economic and political benefits but also many social benefits. For example in a gender equal society children have better educational and nutritional outcomes. It has been proven that women play a white and role in raising children and their healthy wellbeing. In a gender equal society there are decreased number of instances of female infanticide and child marriage, as women get more freedom in personal and social matters. Women also play a pivotal role in shaping targeted and effective social sector schemes. Whereas empowering women can reduce the gaps in educational and health outcomes for women. They play a key role in increasing awareness regarding domestic violence, reproductive health, child care etc. According to a case study, women led gram Panchayats have less instances of caste and sectarian violence with respect to male led gram panchayats.
The principle of gender equality has been enshrined in the constitution of India. Article 14 article 15 and article 16 discuss the fundamental rights of women. It also finds its mention in the directive principles of a state policy, fundamental duties and other political rights. Presently many legal safeguards and special schemes have been implemented by the government of India to raise the status of gender equality in the country and reduce the instances of inequality and injustice against women.
Any society or economy can progress only when its women are progressing and developing, if they are being curbed or their development is being curbed the nation cannot move ahead with its true potential.
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