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Essay on Women Empowerment: UPSC Essay Paper Sample to Understand

IAS Essay writing is not an easy task for many. This article talks about essay topics for UPSC and how you can improve UPSC essay paper by going through the example of an essay on Women Empowerment for UPSC.

The first step in IAS essay writing should be to introduce the topic. In this case, it is Women empowerment essay for UPSC. So start with an introduction paragraph for the article.

Introduction Para

Women empowerment is defined as empowering women, meaning that women can get power in decision making whether it is at the domestic level or national level. The autonomy of women is very important in order to bring advancement in the political, social and economical aspects of society. Women have been deprived of basic rights for centuries now and it is time to create change in this generation. To be able to create any change, the participation of every woman and man of the nation is important.

The united force of both genders is the only possible way of eradicating the social evils of the past that prevailed in our nation. Women’s empowerment starts at home, men should start taking up responsibility and should relieve women of the household duties the society expects them to do. It is believed that men should not cook or clean, and it is solely the responsibility of the wife or mother to do these activities. The change in such ideology is very important to move towards sustainable development. Men do not need to do every job, even small help at home goes a long way. The need of the hour is to create a change, and every small step counts for that.

Second Para

Your second para for your UPSC essay paper will now move from introducing the topic and will lay focus on the causes of the issue (if any). This will help to talk about the topic as a whole and you will be able to cover all the bases required for IAS essay writing.

Continuation of Second Para

Women have been deprived of every basic right ever since the dawn of civilisation. Women could not vote, could not work, and they had no say in any family matters.  The society has been discriminating against women even though they are the ones who take care of everyone. They might be respected in religious texts, but the same amount of respect is not given in real life. Females are expected to cook for everyone in the family and they are not allowed to work outside their homes even in this generation.

The society sets a lot of restrictions on women. They are expected to walk a certain way, talk a certain way and behave in a certain way. This degrades the self-respect of women and this behaviour is carried down from generation to generation.

Continuation of Para

Now that you have introduced the topic and talked about the cause for women empowerment essay of UPSC, focus this para on the effects of the problems and the impact.

With women not being able to make decisions on their own, society has not been able to develop. The economic sector of the country is the most impacted. How? With women not being allowed education or being allowed to work, they sit at home and just keep doing household duties. This results in a wastage of human capital and resources that could be used for the betterment of society. In the past, women were not even allowed to vote, and this resulted in a false perception of majority voting.

The major issue that arises due to oppression is the toll on mental health. Everyone deserves the freedom and when women are deprived of it, the mental stress on them increases. Their goals are shattered and life changes drastically. A lot of sudden changes take place and it is a very common practice in India to marry a girl off if she asks to be educated after her grade 12th. These practices have led to an under-educated society, and the literacy ratio is the biggest proof. The literacy rate of women in India according to the 2011 census is 64.6% whereas the literacy rate of men is 80.9%.

Also Read: Best Answer Writing Practice Tips for UPSC Exams

The Conclusion Para

This is the final paragraph in IAS essay writing. Concentrate on suggesting solutions and concluding the topic.

Understanding the need for women empowerment is essential but what is more essential is the action taken to ensure this. As stated earlier, the first and foremost step is starting at households. If there is a change in the household then slowly society changes and with that, the government too will have to create stricter laws for the same. The government has already set laws for equality and reservation of women in many areas but it has to ensure that these laws are being followed appropriately.

Educating society on this topic is an important tool. When society has knowledge about right and wrong, decisions can be made to improve the life of not only women but every person in the society that has been a victim of societal expectations and standards. Each and every person should look to participate in the issue of women empowerment. When the country acts united, the purpose of the movement becomes stronger. Governments should not be afraid of interfering in religion if it deprives women of any constitutional right and the abolishment of triple talaq is just the first step towards it.

The ever-changing modern world may be a colourful place to live in but it is not the best! The issues of sexual discrimination continue to this day. To bring changes, women empowerment is needed. Women empowerment is the answer to many problems the society faces in current times. It definitely is time to create major changes!

Also Read: List of Exams Conducted by the UPSC

If you are trying to prepare for IAS essay writing then this article provides you with a sample essay.

This Women Empowerment essay for UPSC practice can help you understand how to write your UPSC essay paper and how you can score maximum marks. All the best to everyone!

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I was searching through the internet and this was the first search and this was very helpful and the essay is what i find the tough part, can you also some tips to boost your vocabulary?

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Gender Justice

Last updated on October 18, 2023 by ClearIAS Team

Gender justice refers to the fair and equitable treatment of individuals of all genders in social, economic, political, and legal contexts. Still, women continue to be under-represented in decision-making roles that directly impact their lives, safety, and well-being. Read here to understand gender justice better.

Progress towards equal power and equal rights for women remains elusive around the world.

Globally, discriminatory laws, policies, and attitudes remain common and ingrained. In crisis settings, women often bear the brunt of violence, marginalization, and economic exclusion.

Gender justice seeks to address historical and ongoing disparities and discrimination based on gender, striving for a more just and equal society where all individuals have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources, regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Table of Contents

Gender justice

Gender justice emphasizes gender equality, which means that individuals of all genders should have equal rights and opportunities. This includes equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and participation in decision-making processes.

• It opposes discrimination based on gender, including discrimination against women, men, transgender individuals, and gender non-conforming people. Discrimination can take various forms, including unequal pay, gender-based violence, and exclusion from certain roles or positions.
• Gender justice promotes the empowerment of individuals, especially women and marginalized genders, by giving them the tools, resources, and support needed to make informed choices, participate in society, and achieve their full potential.

Access to Justice:

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Ensuring that individuals have access to legal remedies and protection against gender-based discrimination and violence is a fundamental aspect of gender justice. This includes efforts to strengthen the legal framework, provide support services, and raise awareness about legal rights.

• Gender justice seeks to prevent and address gender-based violence, which disproportionately affects women and marginalized genders. It advocates for the enforcement of laws against violence, support for survivors, and efforts to change social norms that perpetuate violence.

Empowerment and Rights:

Promoting gender equality and challenging harmful stereotypes and biases are essential components of gender justice. Education and awareness campaigns help change societal attitudes and behaviors.

• Gender justice includes economic empowerment initiatives to reduce gender disparities in income, access to resources, and economic opportunities. This often involves measures to promote women’s participation in the workforce and entrepreneurship.
• Ensuring access to healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health services, is a critical aspect of gender justice. It encompasses issues like family planning, maternal health, and access to contraceptives.
• Gender justice advocates for equal participation of individuals of all genders in political and decision-making processes. This includes efforts to increase the representation of women and marginalized genders in elected offices and leadership positions.

Gender justice recognizes that individuals experience multiple forms of discrimination and disadvantage based on factors such as race, class, disability, and sexual orientation. It aims to address these intersecting forms of discrimination.

Read:  Women’s Reservation Bill

Constitutional provisions of Gender justice

India has a long history of being one of the most unequal and insensitive to gender issues nations in the world.

This is especially true for women, who suffer from a range of social issues like infanticide, foeticide, child marriage, and gender biases regarding the ownership of coparcenary property, among others.

Even in the 21st century, when the entire world has become aware of the attraction of feminism, India has been unable to break free from the constraints of antiquated social practices and customs in various regions.

India continues to be the most significant country in the patriarchal belt of the world, where women are still viewed as less important than males, in a kin-ordered social structure.

Indian women should be treated equally, and the state should protect them, according to the constitution’s creators.

• Right to Equality (Article 14): Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the law to all citizens, regardless of their gender. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex.
• Prohibition of Discrimination (Article 15): Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on sex, among other grounds. It empowers the state to make special provisions for women and children.
• Equality of Opportunity (Article 16): Article 16 ensures equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. It prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sex, and the state is authorized to make reservations for women in government jobs.
• Protection of Minorities (Article 29): Article 29 protects the educational and cultural rights of minorities, which includes women belonging to minority communities.
• Abolition of Untouchability (Article 17): Article 17 abolishes “untouchability” in any form and prohibits its practice. While this provision doesn’t explicitly mention gender, it has a significant impact on the lives of women from marginalized communities.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) (Article 39): The DPSP includes principles that guide the state in matters of policy. Article 39(a) emphasizes equal pay for equal work for both men and women.
• Rights of Women (Article 42): Article 42 directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief for women.
• Reservation of Seats in Panchayats (Article 243D): This article provides for the reservation of seats for women in Panchayats (local self-government institutions) to ensure their participation in grassroots-level governance.
• Reservation of Seats in Municipalities (Article 243T): Similar to Article 243D, Article 243T mandates the reservation of seats for women in municipal bodies.
• Protection Against Violence (Article 15(3), Article 46, Article 51A(e)): While these articles do not explicitly mention violence against women, they emphasize the need for the state to protect the rights and dignity of women and to promote a culture that respects the dignity of women.
• Right to Privacy (Article 21): The right to privacy, as established by the Supreme Court of India, includes the right to bodily autonomy. This has important implications for issues such as reproductive rights and the prevention of gender-based violence.

Landmark Judgments

Over the years, the Indian judiciary has delivered numerous landmark judgments that have advanced gender justice, including judgments related to gender-based violence, workplace harassment, and property rights for women.

• Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan (1997): This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court of India laid down guidelines to prevent sexual harassment of women in the workplace. These guidelines, known as the Vishakha Guidelines , were an important step toward addressing workplace harassment and creating a safer environment for women employees.
• Shayara Bano v. Union of India (2017): This case challenged the practice of triple talaq (instant divorce) in Islamic personal law, which disproportionately affected Muslim women. The Supreme Court declared the practice of triple talaq unconstitutional, recognizing the importance of gender justice in matters of personal laws.
• Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018): This historic judgment decriminalized homosexuality in India by striking down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized consensual same-sex relations. The judgment was a significant step toward recognizing the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals , including women.
• Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995): In this case, the Supreme Court addressed the issue of bigamy and the practice of Hindu men converting to Islam to marry again without divorcing their Hindu wives. The judgment highlighted the need for legal reforms to protect the rights of women in such cases.
• Vineeta Sharma v. Rakesh Sharma (2020): This judgment clarified the legal rights of Hindu daughters in matters of ancestral property. It affirmed that daughters have equal rights as sons in ancestral property, irrespective of whether the father was alive or not at the time of the amendment to the Hindu Succession Act.
• Independent Thought v. Union of India (2017): This case resulted in the Supreme Court raising the legal age of consent for sexual intercourse from 15 to 18 years, recognizing the need to protect the rights and well-being of girls and prevent child marriages.
• Joseph Shine vs Union of India (2018): This landmark judgment challenged the constitutional validity of Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), an archaic law that criminalized adultery, defining it as a crime committed solely by a man having sexual intercourse with a married woman without her husband’s consent.

Way forward

Gender justice is a multifaceted and ongoing effort to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Achieving gender justice requires the collaboration of governments, civil society organizations, businesses, and individuals to challenge gender-based discrimination and work toward a world where all individuals can live free from gender-related inequalities and injustices.

Social, political, and economic equality for women is integral to the achievement of all Millennium Development Goals . Hence, gender justice entails ending the inequalities between women and men that are produced and reproduced in the family, the community, the market, and the state.

Since 2020, UNDP and UN Women have worked together to empower women, support their leadership, and fulfill the promise of justice and human rights for all. In 2022, this partnership evolved into the Gender Justice Platform , a framework for strategic cooperation and upscaled joint initiatives.

Previous year question

Q. Explain the constitutional perspectives of Gender Justice with the help of relevant Constitutional Provisions and case laws. ( GS Paper 2 2023 )

Related article: Same-Sex Marriage

-Article by Swathi Satish

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Status of Women in India

• Global Gender Gap Report 2023 : India ranked at 127.
• Nagaland elected her first women legislator (Hekani Jakhalu) in the recent election, showing the low participation rate of women in politics in states as well.
• Low female Literacy Rate, child marriage prevalence, son-meta preference, female infanticide etc. are still prevalent in India showing dismal condition of women in India.

Current Context regarding Women Empowerment

• India, under its G20 Presidency, took forward its women-led development agenda through the  G20 EMPOWER 2023 .
• The theme for the second EMPOWER meeting held in  Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala , was  “Women’s Empowerment: A Win-Win for Equity and Economy.”
• This  inclusive, ambitious, and action-oriented G20 Presidency is perfectly timed to accelerate the global focus on empowering women.

Social Structure and Women in India  

• Control over female sexuality was integral to the formation of the social structure, driven by the need to maintain caste purity and economic power.
• Sons are preferred, leading to son preference and daughter neglect in terms of resources and opportunities (missing daughter).
• Media, school books, and societal norms reinforce gender stereotypes and restrict opportunities for girls.
• In urban areas, upper-caste women from the middle class have emerged from seclusion to pursue education and employment.
• Gender disparities persist in terms of enrolment rates, retention, and educational attainment levels.
• Lack of property rights and financial inclusion further hinder their economic empowerment.
• Reproductive Health and Rights : Limited access to healthcare services, high maternal mortality rates, and inadequate family planning measures affect women's overall well-being and decision-making autonomy.
• Although reservation policies have increased women's participation in local governance (Panchayati Raj Institutions), their representation at higher levels of government is still limited.
• Gender-based Violence : Women in India often face various forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, dowry-related violence, and female infanticide.
• Domestic Violence and Dowry Deaths: Violence against women within the family was traditionally considered a family matter rather than a crime against women, but awareness has been growing.
• Female Feticide and Infanticide: According to a survey by the British medical journal Lancet, India has witnessed nearly 10 million female abortions in the past two decades.
• The Delhi gang rape case in December 2016 triggered widespread protests, led to the establishment of the Justice Verma panel, and facilitated fast-track judgments.
• Gender Pay Gap: Women often face disparities in wages and salaries compared to their male counterparts, resulting in a gender pay gap.

Right to safe and legal abortion

• The Supreme Court has held that all women, irrespective of their marital status, are entitled to safe and legal abortion till 24 weeks of pregnancy under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act.

About MTP Act –

• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971 came into force on 1st of April 1972 based on the report of the Shantilal Shah Committee in India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Under the act, terminating a pregnancy between 12 to 20 weeks will require the medical advice of two doctors on the pretext of risk of life to the women, or risk of grave injury (Physical or mental), or a risk of child born being physically or mentally abnormal posing as a seriously handicapped.

Amendment in 2021:

• New amendment allows for abortions based on the advice of one doctor for pregnancies up to 20 weeks and needs the opinion of two doctors for pregnancies between 20 and 24 weeks under seven categories to be eligible for seeking termination under section 3B of rules prescribed under the MTP Act,
• Survivors of sexual assault or rape or incest
• Change of marital status during the ongoing pregnancy (widowhood and divorce)
• Women with physical disabilities (major disability as per criteria laid down under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016)
• Mentally ill women including mental retardation
• The foetal malformation that has a substantial risk of being incompatible with life or if the child is born it may suffer from such physical or mental abnormalities to be seriously handicapped
• Women with pregnancy in humanitarian settings or disasters or emergencies may be declared by the Government.
• The petitioners have challenged their exclusion from availing surrogacy under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 and Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.

      Surrogacy Regulation Act, 2021 -

• It provided a gestation period of ten months from the date of coming into force to existing surrogate mother’s to protect their well-being.
• Only a married couple who has a medical condition necessitating gestational surrogacy can avail it.
• They must first obtain a certificate of recommendation from a District Medical Board.
• It also bans commercial surrogacy, which is punishable with a jail term of 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakhs.

Special Marriage Act

News - Several interfaith couples have chosen to marry under a secular personal law through the Special Marriage Act, 1954.

• It was passed by Parliament on October 9, 1954.
• It governs a civil marriage where the state sanctions the marriage rather than the religion.

Eligibility criteria -

• The Act extends to the people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, across India.
• The minimum age to get married under the SMA is 21 years for males and 18 years for females.

Solutions to the challenges faced by women

• Education and Awareness: Promote gender equality education and awareness programs. -> Support girls' education and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Legal Reforms and Enforcement: Strengthen laws and ensure strict enforcement for women's rights.   -> Establish specialized courts and fast-track procedures for gender-based crimes.
• Economic Empowerment: Address gender pay gap and support women entrepreneurs.   -> Enhance financial inclusion and access to resources for women.
• Health and Well-being: Improve healthcare access, including reproductive and preventive care.   -> Provide counselling and support for victims of violence.
• Women's Reservation Bill: It can help in promoting women's political participation and addressing the gender disparity in decision-making roles.
• Social and Cultural Change: Challenge gender norms through awareness campaigns and media.   -> Promote positive role models and narratives for gender equality.
• Support Systems and Services: Establish shelters, helplines, and counselling for women in need.   -> Train professionals to respond sensitively to women's issues.
• Technology and Digital Inclusion: Bridge the digital gender divide and provide digital literacy programs. -> Promote women's participation in the digital economy.

  Government of India's Women Empowerment Programs/Schemes

• Gender Budgeting : Introduced in Australia in the 1980s, India adopted it in 2005-06 to ensure a gender perspective in policy formulation and budgetary commitments.
• Nirbhaya Fund: Established in 2013 with a corpus of Rs. 1,000 crores to promote women's safety and empowerment.
• Maternity Benefit Act: The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, amended in 2017, provides paid maternity leave and crèche facility. Maternity leave increased from 12 to 26 weeks, with the option for work from home based on mutual agreement.
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Campaign promoting awareness and enhancing welfare services for girls in India.
• Working Women Hostel : Aims to provide safe accommodation with daycare facilities for working women in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas.
• Support to Training cum Employment for Women (STEP) : Launched in 1986, it offers training and employment opportunities for women below the poverty line in sectors like agriculture and animal husbandry.
• Swayamsidha : An integrated program promoting women's empowerment through awareness, economic independence, and convergence of services like literacy and health.
• Swa Shakti: Aims to establish self-reliant women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to enhance women's access to resources and address their needs.
• Rashtriya Mahila Kosh: A national mechanism providing micro-credit to poor and asset-less women in the informal sector to meet their financial needs.
• Swadhar : Provides support and necessities to marginalised women and girls facing difficult circumstances, including survivors of violence and natural disasters.

Government response and Measures

• Institutional Measures: Union Ministry of Women and Child Development, National Commission for Women
• Schemes and Initiatives : Promotion of Women SHGs through National Rural Livelihood Mission, Swa Shakti
• Access to Credit: NABARD-SHG Bank Linkage program, Rashtriya Mahila Kosh

Conclusion: Women's issues in India continue to pose significant challenges despite efforts towards empowerment and gender equality. The prevalence of violence, discrimination, and limited economic opportunities hinder women's progress. However, through comprehensive legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and targeted programs, positive steps have been taken. Continued collective action is necessary to address deep-rooted social norms, ensure safety and equal opportunities, and create an inclusive society where women can thrive and achieve their full potential.

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Women Empowerment- Economic Political and Social- Explained Pointwise

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8th march of each year is celebrated as International Women’s Day . This day is to celebrate women power and remind us the crucial role women play in every domain of human life. However, women have been marginalised as a community , and they have been engaged in a long-drawn battle for equal women’s rights. ‘ Women empowerment ‘ is the only way forward to improve the status of women in the society.

What is Women Empowerment? What are the different components?

Women Empowerment- Women empowerment is the promotion of women’s sense of self-worth , their ability to determine their own choices and their right to influence social change for themselves and others . It is rightly said that empowering a man leads to empowering an individual but empowering a woman empowers an entire generation.

Types of Women Empowerment

1. Economic Empowerment- Economic empowerment means having equal access to work opportunities and ensuring their participation in all kinds of markets. This will help women break down all the barriers of inequality and defy traditional roles.

2. Political Empowerment- Political empowerment means women having equal access to leadership role in the political sphere. It also gives increased strength to women’s right voices and issues in the political sphere.

3. Social Empowerment- Social empowerment aims to uplift the social status of women . Social empowerment aims to provide women equal say in the health, family decisions, marriage decisions, childbirth.

What are the advantages of Women Empowerment?

Economic Empowerment

1. When more women work, economies grow- Women’s economic empowerment increases economic diversification and income equality for shared prosperity . According to UN Women, it is estimated that closing the gender gap could give the global economy a USD 7 trillion boost .

2. Growth of businesses- Business companies greatly benefit from increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women , which is shown to increase organizational effectiveness and growth. For ex- According to estimates, Companies with three or more women in senior management functions score higher in all dimensions of organizational performance

Political Empowerment

1. Proper functioning of Democracy- Women’s political participation is a fundamental prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy . It facilitates women’s direct engagement in public decision-making and is a means of ensuring better accountability to women. For ex- Women led SHGs and women rights movement .

2. Gender-sensitive policies- Political empowerment leads to gender-sensitive governance reforms. It makes the elected officials more effective at promoting gender equality in public policy and ensuring their implementation. For ex- Law to protect Sexual harassment at workplace

Social Empowerment

1. Social Justice- Women’s Social empowerment is essential for achieving social justice. It helps in ending gender based discrimination , violence , and other forms of oppression . It also helps to create a more just and equitable society .

2. Sustainable Development Goals- Promotion of social empowerment of women will help in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in accordance with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

What are the Challenges with empowerment of Women?

Economic empowerment

1. Unequal employment opportunities- Globally, the gender gap in labour force participation has been around 30% since 1990 , with men’s participation at around 80% and women’s at 50%. Women also experience ‘ motherhood penalty ‘ with reduction in employment opportunities for women having babies.

2. Employment in informal and vulnerable sectors- According to research by UN Women, nearly 60% of women’s employment globally is in the informal economy . In low income countries it is as high as 90%.

3. Lack of pay parity- Women are paid less than men. The gender wage gap is estimated to be 20% . Women face the challenges of motherhood wage penalty and unpaid care works .

1. Low Representation of Women in Legislature- The representation of women in different legislative bodies remains low across India. For ex- According to the report of Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women, India ranks 148 out of 193 countries in the number of elected female representatives in parliament.

2. Lack of intra party democracy- The political parties lack intra party democracy, which prevents the development of top women leaders. The patriarchal nature of politics is a major challenge to women political empowerment.

Social Empowerment Challenges

1. Gaps in Male Female Literacy Rate- Lack of good girls schools with proper toilets , female infanticide , early child marriage and dowry have led to the educational disenfranchisement of women.

2. Health care Burden- Lack of access to sanitary products , menstrual hygiene and high incidence of cervical and breast cancers have increased the health burden on women in India.

3. Social Safety Concerns- Women are threatened by various acts such as feticides , domestic violence , rape , trafficking , forced prostitution, honour killings, sexual harassment at workplace. These have led to the marginalisation of women in the social sphere.

What have the achievements of Indian Women?

1. Avani Chaturvedi – Sky Warrior

Avani Chaturvedi became the first Indian proud woman to fly solo a fighter aircraft. She flew a MiG-21 ‘Bison’, an aircraft known for its highest landing and take-off speed in the world.

2. Mithali Raj – Lady Tendulkar of Indian Women’s cricket

During India’s series against New Zealand Women – Mithali Raj became the first Indian woman who made India proud by playing in 200 ODI match.

3. Mary Kom – Ms. Knock-out

Mary Kom is the woman who made india proud by becoming World Amateur Boxing champion for a record six times, and the first woman from the country to win a medal in boxing at the Olympics.

4. Gita Gopinath – The Fiscal Scholar

An Indian-American economist, Gita Gopinath became the First Woman Chief Economist at the IMF (International Monetary Fund).

5. Arunima Sinha – The Mount Everest Girl

Arunima Sinha became the world’s first woman amputee to climb Mount Everest in 2013.

6. Usha Kiran – Youngest Female CRPF Officer

Usha Kiran became CRPF’s first woman officer to be posted in the insurgency-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.

7. Tessy Thomas – Missile Woman of India

Tessy Thomas is the first woman who made india proud to head an Indian missile project. Adding to it, with the successful launch of the Agni-V missile project, she also achieved a career milestone.

What are the government initiatives?

What should be the way Forward?

1. Better Education Opportunities- Better implementation of New Education Policy to ensure the protection of girls right to education and their right to be free from discrimination within educational institutions.

2. Skilling and Micro Financing- Training women in non-traditional skills in accordance with the market demand, like machine textiles. Also, we need to focus on creating more public and private sector jobs for women.

3. Women’s Safety- There must be strict implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act , 2013 to ensure safe working spaces for women. Also Panic Button , Nirbhaya Police Squad are some good steps in the direction of women’s safety.

5. Improvement in Basic Amenities at Rural Level- The improvement in the health and education standards of women in rural areas will lead to all round development of women and a productive women workforce .

5. From Women Development to Women Led Development- Women should be reimagined as architects of India’s progress and development , rather than being passive recipients of the fruits of development.

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• Recently, the Union WCD Minister of India addressed the first ever G20 Ministerial Conference on Women’s Empowerment.

About G20 Ministerial Conference On Women’s Empowerment

• Emphasis: It acknowledged the common objectives and shared responsibilities to advance the goals of equality and development of women and girls in all spheres.
• Held At: Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy in a hybrid format.
• Gender Equality Ministers from the G20 countries
• Representatives of international organisations (UN Women, ILO, OECD)
• Representatives of the business community
• academia and  civil society.
• STEM, digital and financial literacy and environment and sustainability;
• Labour and economic empowerment and work-life balance.
• Call for the protection of women in Afghanistan: Afghan women and girls urgently need the support and the action of the G20 to ensure that their rights are guaranteed and to prevent further actions against women.

India’s Statement

• India reaffirmed its commitment towards addressing gender and women centric issues through mutual cooperation. 
• The Minister highlighted the various initiatives undertaken in India towards fostering gender equality, ensuring better healthcare and strengthening women’s safety & security.
• The Minister also conveyed India’s solidarity with the G20 for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment amongst partner countries.

Initiatives Taken in India 

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) ensures the protection, survival and education of the girl child.
• Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) aims to empower rural women with opportunities for skill development and employment.
• Working Women Hostel (WWH) ensures the safety and security for working women.
• Scheme for Adolescent Girls aims to empower girls in the age group 11-18 and to improve their social status through nutrition, life skills, home skills and vocational training
• Mahila Police Volunteers (MPV) envisages engagement of Mahila Police Volunteers in States/UTs who act as a link between police and community and facilitates women in distress.
• Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) is an apex microfinance organization that provides micro-credit at concessional terms to poor women for various livelihood and income generating activities.
• The National Crèche Scheme ensures that women take up gainful employment through providing a safe, secure and stimulating environment to the children.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojna aims to provide maternity benefits to pregnant and lactating mothers.
• Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana aims to provide housing under the name of the woman also.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aims to enable a large number of Indian youth including women to take up industry-relevant skill training in securing a better livelihood.
• Deen Dayal Upadhyay National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) focuses on creating opportunities for women in skill development, leading to market-based employment.
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana empowers women and protects their health by providing LPG cylinders free of cost.
• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojna(SSY) – Under this scheme girls have been economically empowered by opening their bank accounts.
• Skill Upgradation & Mahila Coir Yojana is an exclusive training programme of MSME aimed at skill development of women artisans engaged in coir Industry.
• Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) – a major credit- linked subsidy programme aimed at generating self-employment opportunities through establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector
• Female Entrepreneurship: To promote female entrepreneurship, the Government has initiated Programmes like Stand-Up India and Mahila e-Haat (online marketing platform to support women entrepreneurs/ SHGs/NGOs), Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme (ESSDP). Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) provides access to institutional finance to micro/small businesses.
• Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) Scheme exists to provide skills that give employability to women .
• UJJAWALA : A Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Victims of Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation
• SWADHAR Greh (A Scheme for Women in Difficult Circumstances): To provide shelter, food, clothing and care to marginalized women and girls who are in need. 
• NARI SHAKTI PURASKAR
• One Stop Centre Scheme
• Women Helpline Scheme
• Panic Button: The Ministry of Telecom mandated a physical panic button on all mobile phones in the country. This system was then conceptualized in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs and state governments were asked to put in place a dedicated Emergency Response Centre through which the entire system will be operated. 
• Safe City Implementation Monitoring (SCIM) portal under Safe City Project:  In order to provide safety for women in public spaces, the Government has identified eight cities for implementation of Safe City project. (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai) 
• DNA Analysis Facilities in States: In view of the complaints of delay in cases of sexual assault investigations, dedicated DNA analysis facilities have been sanctioned for the forensic science laboratories located at Chennai, Madurai, Agra, Lucknow, Mumbai and Kolkata.
• Need for Global Agenda: The achievement of full gender parity needs a global agenda, addressing all the different aspects of women’s lives with systemic and cross-cutting policies. 
• Multilateral Coordination: Such a global transformative agenda requires a high degree of multilateral coordination that should be promoted by appropriate institutional arrangements, effective both at a national and international level. 
• Integrated Strategy: There is an urgency to promote women’s empowerment through an integrated and shared strategy that includes all sectors of civil society, institutions, the world of culture and work. 
• Role of Private Sector: There is a need to promote initiatives to work on gender equality by collaborating with the private sector. 
• Monitoring: A concrete and structured approach to women’s empowerment needs monitoring and evaluation tools based on indicators. 

Source : PIB

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Women Empowerment in India: Gender Equality, linkage between Women empowerment and economic development, Indicators of Women Empowerment

Women empowerment in india.

Gender Equality

• The first and foremost condition for Women Empowerment is to promote Gender Equality. Gender equality is a human right which entitles all persons irrespective of their gender to live with dignity and with freedom. Gender equality is also a precondition for development and reducing of poverty.
• Empowered women make invaluable contribution to the improvement of health conditions and educational status and productivity of whole families and communities, which in turn improve prospects for the next generation.
• Gender equality will be achieved only when women and men enjoy the same opportunities, rights and obligations in all spheres of life. This means sharing equally, power and influence, and having equal opportunities in economic and social spheres. Equal claim on education and career prospects will enable women to realize their personal ambitions.
• Gender equality demands the empowerment of women, with a focus on identifying and redressing power imbalances and giving women more autonomy to manage their own lives. When women are empowered, the whole family benefit, thus benefiting the society as a whole and these benefits often have a ripple effect on future generations.

How Gender Equality Promotes Economic Development

The Positive effects of Women Empowerment in an Economy.

Linkage Between Women Empowerment and Child Health and Education

• It has been found in various studies conducted by the World Bank, ADB and other renowned research organisations that, educated female-headed households do much better in the provision of health and education of the children at home.
• This happens because women have an inclination towards the healthy development of her children. Moreover, the studies have also found that men as the household head tend to spend their income on luxuries and unproductive purposes like Liquor and Gambling. Such household headed by men tend to spend least on child’s education and health.
• The case for women-headed households is totally different as Women’s tend to minimise the expenditure on unproductive things and spends maximum on their child’s health and education.

Indicators to Measure Gender Equality/Women Empowerment

Ratio of girls to boys in primary, secondary and tertiary Schools

• Education is the single most important factor to ensure gender equality and empowerment.
• Enrolment of girls in primary education, survival and transition to higher levels of education lead to achieving gender parity in education.
• During 2000-01 to 2013-14, substantial progress has been achieved towards gender parity in education as revealed by some important indicators.

Enrolment of girls as % of total enrolment Class 1 to 5 43.80% 48.02% Class 6 to 8 40.90% 48.60% Class 9 to 12 38.80% 47.10% Number of Girls per 100 boys enrolled Primary education 78 93 Upper Primary 69 95 Secondary education 63 90 Higher education 58 81 Gender Parity Index The Gender Parity Index (GPI) is the ratio of the number of female students enrolled at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of education to the corresponding number of male students in each level. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is the number of pupils enrolled in a given level of education, regardless of age, expressed as a percentage of the population in the theoretical age group for the same level of education. GPI of GER is the ratio of GER of the girls to that of boys in primary, secondary and tertiary education. Thus, the GPI (GER), which is free from the effects of the population structure of the appropriate age groups, for each level of education, is taken as the appropriate indicator to monitor the gender equality in education. Gender Parity Index All India Level 1990-91 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Primary Education 0.76 0.94 0.94 0.95 1 1 1.01 1.01 1.03 1.03 Secondary Education 0.6 0.8 0.82 0.88 0.85 0.88 0.88 0.93 0.99 1 Tertiary Education 0.54 0.69 0.69 0.7 0.7 0.74 0.86 0.88 0.89 0.9 Source: World Bank and MOHRD Ratio of Literate Women to Men The ratio of literate women to men, 15–24 year old (literacy gender parity index) is the ratio of the female literacy rate to the male literacy rate for the age group 15–24. The literacy rate for population in the age group 15-24 years has shown an upward trend both in rural and urban areas and for females as well as males. The youth literacy rate has increased from 61.9% to 86.1% during the period 1991-2011. This period saw a higher increase in literacy rate among female youths (from 49.3% to 81.8%) compared to male youths (from 73.5% to 90%). Over the years, the gap between male and female youth literacy rate has been reduced considerably. As per Census 2011, the ratio of female youth literacy rate to male youth literacy rate is 0.91 at all India level. During the decade 1991 -2001, the percentage increase in ratio of female youth literacy rate to male youth literacy rate is 19.4% whereas during 2001 -2011, the growth was 13.75%. The slow pace of progress in the indicator ‘ratio of female youth literacy rate to male youth literacy rate’ in the last decade can be attributed to the tendency of low growth rates observed for most of the indicators which are nearing the saturation point. With the progress achieved during 1991 – 2011, India is likely to achieve the gender parity in youth literacy rate by 2015. Proportion of Seats held by Women in National Parliament India has witnessed 16 General elections to the Lok Sabha of Nation’s Parliament so far. As in January 2015, India, the world’s largest democracy, has only 65 women representatives out of 542 members in Lok Sabha, while there are 31 female representatives in the 242 member Rajya Sabha and at present, 12.24% seats of Indian Parliament is held by women. According to data released by Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), India ranks 115 in the World for proportion of National Parliament seats held by Women. Source: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha By Himanshu Arora Doctoral Scholar in Economics & Senior Research Fellow, CDS, Jawaharlal Nehru University Revisiting the Basics JOIN THE COMMUNITY Join us across social media platforms.. Your better version awaits you! IAS Preparation UPSC Preparation Strategy UN Women - UPSC Notes International organisations, especially those under the United Nations , are very important for the IAS exam. It is important to know their mandate, achievements and impact, especially with a focus on India. In this article, you can read all about the UN organisation dedicated to working in the field of women empowerment and related issues, UN Women for the IAS exam . UN Women UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here Aspirants would find the article very helpful in their preparation for the  examination. UN Women is the wing of the United Nations that engages in the field of women empowerment and gender equality. The entity was formed to accelerate the progress of achieving the needs of women and girls all over the world. UN Women works with the members of the UN in their march towards achieving gender equality. It works with governments and civil society to come up with policies, laws, programmes and services required to ensure that global standards set to achieve gender equality are effectively implemented, and women and girls worldwide are actually benefitted. Governance systems facilitate women to lead, participate in and actually benefit them. Women have economic autonomy, income security and decent work. Women and girls are not affected by any form of violence against them. Women and girls contribute to and have greater influence in building sustainable peace and resilience, and benefit equally from the prevention of natural disasters and conflicts and humanitarian action. UN Women works to place gender equality as a fundamental ideal to the Sustainable Development Goals . It works for a more inclusive world. The governing body of UN Women is its Executive Board. It governs the operational activities and provides operational policy guidelines to UN Women. The Executive Director of UN Women is Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. UN Women is headquartered in New York. Go through the Reports Published by International Organizations  . UN Women Role The chief roles of UN Women are: Supporting intergovernmental bodies (like the Commission on the Status of Women) to formulate global standards, policies and norms. Assisting member states to implement these policies, providing financial and technical support when requested, and forming effective partnerships with civil society. Leading and coordinating the UN system’s work on gender equality. UPSC aspirants can read in detail about the  Role of Women’s Organization at the linked article. When was UN Women formed? The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) created UN Women in 2010 by merging four parts of the UN system that worked in the field of women empowerment and gender equality. These were: Division for the Advancement of Women (DAW) International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women (OSAGI) United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Why Gender Equality is Important Gender equality is important not only as a basic human right but also because it has several socio-economic ramifications. Yes, it is to be achieved because it is an end in itself. However, there are several good reasons why countries and organizations should push for gender equality and a more inclusive setting. Empowering women fuels thriving economies, spurring productivity and growth. In many regions, women are denied decent work, suffer from gender pay gaps and occupational segregation. Not only do they suffer from violence and discrimination, but they are also denied basic healthcare and education. They also do not find adequate representation in political and economic decision-making. Download UPSC Notes on Gender Equality in India at the linked article and prepare for the upcoming civil services exam. UN Women and India The UN Women’s office in New Delhi is a multi-country office of the entity for four countries namely, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The following image shows the six priority areas of UN Women in India. Candidates should go through the relevant links provided below to do preparation for UPSC exam even better- Get the list of  International Organizations and their Headquarters  on the given link. Aspiring Civil services candidates can check out the links for detailed information- IAS General Studies Notes Links Leave a Comment Cancel reply Your Mobile number and Email id will not be published. Required fields are marked * Request OTP on Voice Call Post My Comment IAS 2024 - Your dream can come true! Download the ultimate guide to upsc cse preparation, register with byju's & download free pdfs, register with byju's & watch live videos. Essay on Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment Students are often asked to write an essay on Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic. Let’s take a look… 100 Words Essay on Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment Understanding gender equality. Gender equality means that men and women have the same rights and opportunities. It’s like having two different types of fruits, say an apple and an orange, and giving them the same amount of care, sunlight, and water to grow. No one is better than the other; they are just different but equally important. What is Women’s Empowerment? Women’s empowerment is about making sure women can make their own choices in life. It’s like teaching someone to ride a bike. Once they learn, they can go anywhere they want, do things on their own, and feel strong. Education and Jobs For true gender equality, both boys and girls should go to school and learn. When they grow up, women should have the same chances to get good jobs as men. Think of it as a game where everyone gets a fair turn to play and show their skills. Leadership Roles Women should also be leaders, like being the captain of a team or the president of a club. This shows everyone that girls can lead and make important decisions just as well as boys can. Equality at Home 250 words essay on gender equality and women’s empowerment. Gender equality means that men and women have the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It’s like a game where everyone gets a fair chance to play, no matter if they are a boy or a girl. Everyone should be able to go to school, work, and take part in making decisions. Women’s Empowerment Women’s empowerment is about giving girls and women the power to make their own choices. It’s like letting them be the captain of their own ship. They can decide what they want to study, where they want to work, and stand up for what they believe is right. Why It’s Important When women and men are equal, it’s good for everyone. Women can bring new ideas and skills to the table, which can help solve problems better and make the world a nicer place to live. It’s also fair that everyone gets to chase their dreams and be happy. Challenges to Overcome Sadly, not all places have gender equality. Some girls are kept from going to school, and some women are not allowed to work or have to work harder for less money. It’s important to change this so that everyone has the same chances in life. How to Support Equality To help, we can make sure that both boys and girls know that they are equal. We can also stand up for our friends if they are being treated unfairly. By working together, we can build a world where everyone is respected and can live the life they choose. 500 Words Essay on Gender Equality And Women’s Empowerment Women’s empowerment is about giving girls and women the power to make choices for themselves. It’s like letting them decide what clothes to wear or what games to play, instead of someone else telling them what to do. Empowerment helps women to speak up, get a good education, and find jobs that they want to do. Why Gender Equality is Important When girls and boys, or women and men, are treated equally, it’s good for everyone. It’s like a team game where every player gets a fair chance to play, making the team stronger. Countries with gender equality are usually happier and wealthier because everyone can work, create new things, and help make decisions. Challenges in Achieving Gender Equality Education and gender equality. Education is a powerful tool for gender equality. When girls go to school and learn just like boys, they can get better jobs and make better choices for their lives. It’s like giving them a key to a big door that leads to a world of opportunities. Women in Leadership Having more women in leadership roles is also important for gender equality. Leaders make big decisions that affect everyone. When women are leaders, they can make sure that the needs and ideas of both women and men are included. It’s like making sure that both sides of a story are heard before deciding what to do. How to Support Gender Equality In the end, gender equality and women’s empowerment are about making sure that everyone, no matter if they are a boy or a girl, has the same chances in life. It’s like a game where the rules are fair for all players, and everyone can win. When we work together to treat everyone equally, we make the world a better place for everyone. That’s it! I hope the essay helped you. If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics: Happy studying! Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Français Español National Feminist Economist/Gender and Economics Policy Specialist Advertised on behalf of. YAOUNDE, CAMEROON Type of Contract : Service Contract Starting Date : 01-Sep-2024 Application Deadline : 25-Jul-24 (Midnight New York, USA) Post Level : Duration of initial contract :. 1 year (renewable) Time left : Languages required :. English   French   Expected Duration of Assignment : UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. Women in West and Central Africa represent the most deprived group of the population in spite of their paramount social and economic role. They have limited access to, and control over critical resources, as a result of social, cultural and economic norms. The new Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy launched in 2024 articulates UN Women’s vision for enabling women’s economic agency, autonomy and well-being. Anchored in UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2022–2025 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, its objective is to provide a framework that galvanizes internal and external stakeholders to work together at the local, national and global level through transformative solutions that improve the lives of women and girls with no one left behind. It identifies three key priority areas, or Gender Equality Accelerators (GEAs), where UN Women can make the most progress: (i) women and the world of work, (ii) gender-responsive climate action and (iii) transforming care systems. In line with the new Women’s Economic Empowerment Strategy, UN Women’s Cameroon, with its Strategic Plan, addresses women’s economic empowerment as one of its key outcomes with work in three main areas:  Rural women, Development and Climate Change, and Employment and migration.  Rural women are key agents for achieving the transformational economic, environmental, and social changes required for sustainable development. But social norms, unpaid care work, limited access to inputs, credit, health care, social protection, and education are among the many challenges they face, which are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering them is key not only to the well-being of individuals, families, and rural communities, but also to overall economic productivity, given women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide. Sustainable development requires action on three fronts: social, economic and environmental. Women are central to progress in each area, as reaffirmed by the RIO + 20 Agreement, which makes commitments to ensuring women’s equal rights and opportunities. This requires the alleviation of discriminatory barriers in diverse areas, among them agriculture, energy, health, education, employment and disaster risk reduction. Climate change disproportionately impacts the poorest and the most vulnerable, especially  women in rural areas. They spend more time collecting essential resources like wood and water due to deforestation and land degradation. Additionally, frequent droughts and heat waves exacerbate food insecurity. moreover, rural women lack access to opportunities for transitioning to a green economy and accessing green finance . Women’s participation in the labor force remains unequal. Many women operate in informal employment with . underpaid, poorly protected jobs without decent work and social protection benefits. UN Women advises national and local governments institutions in developing gender responsive economic policies and supports the capacity building of multiple actors to advocate for, formulate, and implement gender responsive economic policies. UN Women Cameroon country office is seeking to recruit a feminist economist to lead its country programme on gender and economics. Reporting to the Programme Management Specialist, the National Feminist Economist works in close collaboration with the regional feminist economist in the UN Women’s WCARO Regional Office and the WCA Feminist Economist Taskforce, UN Women’s program and operations teams in the Country office.      Duties and Responsibilities Key Functions and Accountabilities 1. Contribute technically to the development of gender responsive economic programmes Conduct research on new areas to promote Women Economic Empowement and gender responsive economic reforms to support GEWE in Cameroon Provide technical support in formulating strategies to scale up reform in key areas such as unpaid care, women’s participation in the green economy, women entrepreneurship and other relevant areas of economic policy to achieve GEWE in the Country Contribute to the coordination and implementation of flagship policy initiatives in the area of gender and economics in the Country Coordinate the production of knowledge, and communications products in the areas of gender and economics at the regional leve 2. Manage the implementation and management of the gender and economics programme Formulate the annual workplan and budget of Women Economic Empowement and Gender and economics programme and manage their implementation; Manage the technical implementation of the programme/project; ensure synergies with other teams; Manage the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports Provide guidance to personnel and partners on Results Based Management tools and performance indicators; Organize Project Steering Committee, project review and/or evaluation meetings, as needed. Lead the coordination of the call/request for proposals, including the organization of technical review committees, and capacity assessment of partners; Review, coordinate and monitor the submission of implementing partner financial and narrative reports; Train partners on Results Based Management and monitor implementation. 3. Provide substantive technical inputs to the management of people and finances of the Gender and economics programme Monitor budget implementation and make budget re-alignments/ revisions, as necessary; Provide substantive inputs to financial reports; Supervise field personnel, Programme Associates and Assistant. 4. Provide technical expertise and assistance to partners Support in the provision of technical advice to Governments, civil society and national institutions to formulate, implement and monitor gender-responsive economic reform Provide support in the development of national strategies to integrate gender in key economic policies and reforms 5. Provide capacity building support to Country Office and partners Provide substantive technical and policy support to country office and UN Country Teams in developing and strengthening programmes to support the implementation of GEWE global norms and standards; Develop, implement and monitor capacity building initiatives, by identifying capacity-building needs and support of the country office through technical assistance, mentoring, training and capacity development initiatives, as needed Develop and deliver training modules, tools, and other capacity building activities and strategies on gender and economics targeting key national and local stakeholders (Ministries of Economy, Finance, Women empowerment & Family, MPs, local municipalities, civil society, women networks) Design and deliver capacity building events for UN Women staff, Government counterparts, and civil society partners on key economic reforms to advance the GEWE agenda in the country 6. Establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with stakeholders, national/local actors and development partners and provide substantive inputs to resource mobilization strategies Support building and maintaining alliances and strategic partnerships for the advancement of gender responsive economic policy at the national level Implement advocacy strategies to influence agenda of key national and local institutions  to promote gender responsive economic policy. Provide substantive inputs to resource mobilization strategies; analyze and maintain information and databases; Prepare relevant documentation such as project summaries, conference papers, briefing notes, speeches, and donor profiles; Participate in donor meetings and public information events, as delegated. 7. Oversee knowledge building and sharing for Gender responsive economic Actively participate in the WEE Community of practice and the WCA Feminist Economist Taskforce to disseminate national lessons learnt and good practices 8. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation. Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: . The incumbent leads a team in the same Unit Competencies Core Values: Respect for Diversity Professionalism Core Competencies: Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues Accountability Creative Problem Solving Effective Communication Inclusive Collaboration Stakeholder Engagement Leading by Example Please visit this link for more information on UN Women’s Core Values and Competencies: https://www.unwomen.org/en/about-us/employment/application-process#_Values Functional Competencies ·       Excellent knowledge of gender and economic policy and women’s economic ·       Ability to design and deliver training and other capacity building strategies in the area of gender and economics to a variety of audiences ·       Strong drafting skills and ability to produce a variety of knowledge products for different audiences and purposes ·       Experience using and applying macroeconomic technical tools. ·       Ability to produce impactful communications materials and knowledge products  ·       Strong knowledge of the region ·       Excellent networking skills ·       Ability to interact with donors, identify and analyze trends, opportunities and threats to fundraising ·       Ability to perform qualitative and quantitative policy research ·       Ability to advocate and provide policy advice ·       Excellent analytical skills; ·       Ability to write policy papers, speeches, briefings; ·       Strong knowledge of programme development, implementation, results based management and reporting Required Skills and Experience Application: All applications must include (as an attachment) the completed UN Women Personal History form (P-11) which can be downloaded from:  https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc . Kindly note that the system will only allow one attachment. Applications without the completed UN Women P-11 form will be treated as incomplete and will not be considered for further assessment. In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly created UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. The creation of UN Women came about as part of the UN reform agenda, bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact. It merges and builds on the important work of four previously distinct parts of the UN system (DAW, OSAGI, INSTRAW and UNIFEM), which focused exclusively on gender equality and women's empowerment. Diversity and inclusion: At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application. UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women’s policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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This amendment forbids the states and the federal government from denying citizens of the United States the right to vote based on sex. Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY) first introduced a joint resolution to Congress in 1971 to proclaim August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day,” but the bill initially failed. Abzug reintroduced the bill in 1973 and it was eventually passed by the House and the Senate. In 1972, Richard Nixon became the first president to issue a proclamation designating August 26 as “Women’s Rights Day.” Every year since, the President has declared August 26 “Women’s Equality Day.” The Idea of Women's Equality The idea of Gender Equality is simple. It refers to equal rights, and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their gender. It is a recognition that every being is equal and deserves equal respect. Note that the idea of Gender Equality is wider than Women's equality. For this blog, I am solely focusing on Women's Equality. Without ensuring the equality of women, a just and inclusive society is not possible for it requires no discrimination, or prejudice against anyone. The importance of ensuring the equality of women is underlined by the fact that development, be it political, economic, or social, is only possible when women have and exercise equal rights. A society can progress only when women and men share equal rights. When one traces the long battle for the provision of equal rights, it can be discovered that the fight for women's rights has a long, illustrious history that dates back millennia. Women and their allies have been at the forefront of campaigning for change, from the suffrage campaigns that battled for women's ability to vote to the struggles to ensure equal pay and prevent gender-based violence . The women's rights movement in India gained momentum during the colonial era and persisted through many periods, resulting in substantial legislative and sociological changes. The previous few decades have seen progress in terms of advocacy for women's empowerment. Since education and financial independence are two prime tools that are necessary to ensure the empowerment of women , various initiatives have been introduced to promote the same. This is done by schemes launched at both national and local levels. Launched in 2015 by the Government of India, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao , aimed to create awareness among the public regarding the need for girls' education. A scheme to benefit working women, the idea of working women hostels was implemented. Schemes like Ujjwala Yojana launched in 2016 which aims to provide 'smoke-free lives' to women are instrumental in ensuring social change and benefit the health of women. At the global level too, the idea of Equality is well understood and implemented. This is evident from the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. A sustainable world is unimaginable without ensuring the basic right of equality for all genders. Gender Disparities and Challenges In many areas of society, there are still gender gaps, which make it difficult for women to advance and develop. These differences are noticeable in a variety of fields, including work, health, and education. In addition, there are still many difficulties that women must overcome, from discrimination and abuse to the influence of ingrained social standards. Some of the prevalent forms of disparities and discrimination are: Lack of Education: An estimate done by UNESCO shows that 129 million girls are out of school. The reasons include poverty, gender bias against females, violence , child marriage , and exploitation. It's known that the chances of a girl stepping into a classroom are less than a boy. Poor Health: Social barriers that restrict women and girls from receiving the greatest healthcare and achieving optimal health include, uneven power relations between men and women, social norms that limit access to education and paid work, and a sole focus on the reproductive functions of women. Violence Against Women : A significant public health issue and a violation of women's human rights, violence against women, particularly against intimate partners and sexual assault, is on the rise. According to estimates made by the WHO, around one in three (30%) women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate relationship abuse or non-partner sexual violence at some point in their lives. Gender Discrimination: Any exclusion or limitation based on gender that prevents girls, boys, women, and/or men from understanding, appreciating, or exercising their full and equal human rights is considered gender discrimination. Usually, this begins in childhood itself. Social Norms: Gender norms are social rules that set limits on how men, women, and children should behave in society and how their gender identities should be expressed. As an example, girls are significantly more prone than boys to engage in household chores. Girls constitute a majority, accounting for around two-thirds of all youngsters participating in domestic responsibilities for a minimum of 21 hours per week. This circumstance can have a detrimental impact on their academic achievements. Likewise, mirroring this situation, women are extensively engaged in domestic labour and offer unpaid caregiving to others for a duration ranging from two to ten times greater than the comparable commitment by men. Women's Representation in Politics and Governance The degree to which women participate in politics and positions of power varies depending on the level of government. Despite the advancements in the discourse on women's equality, women are still notably underrepresented , particularly at higher levels. To have effective governance, there must be a greater representation of women since this results in more inclusive policies that better serve the needs of the entire population. As per the data provided by UN Women , only 26.5% of parliamentarians are women in the lower house. Just six countries have 50% or more representation in the Parliament . The same data reveals that if the trend continues, gender parity in the legislative bodies at the national level cannot be achieved before 2063. Women in leadership positions have been shown to improve the process of decision-making. This is evident from the results of Panchayats in India. UN Women shares research on panchayats (local councils) in India, which discovered that the number of drinking water projects in areas with women-led councils was 62% higher than in those with men-led councils. Women's Economic Empowerment There are multiple challenges for women in terms of their participation in the economy. Women are paid less than men for similar work. Further, they have a reduced chance of getting a loan or accessing any financial resources which acts as a constraint. Societal norms as well as double burden also act as a hindrance. In some cases, discriminatory laws may also constrain them from participating fully in economic activities. On the brighter side, the scope of opportunities for women is now increasing. Women are stepping into business and becoming successful entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship gives women the chance to earn money, accumulate assets, and contribute to economic growth, which promotes more independence. In terms of job creation, it's noted that Women-owned enterprises can give others access to jobs, boosting local economies in the process. Women who have achieved success as business owners challenge conventional gender norms and inspire others to pursue their aspirations. They introduce fresh perspectives and innovative concepts to the industry, contributing to the sector's growth and evolution. By giving women the tools, they need to enter different industries, skill development programmes can increase their employability and financial potential. With certain skills and necessary training, they have been able to gain employment in different sectors and continue to step up the organisational ladder. Further, access to the digital world has opened a window of opportunity for those who cannot step out of their domestic lives. International Best Practices A summary brief published by the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development), "Is the Last Mile the Longest?" highlights that the Nordic Countries- Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway, have been champions of gender equality both at work and at home. Countries like Rwanda where the women in parliament are highest in their percentage are good examples to ensure political participation. The practices adopted by these countries can be modified according to the Indian context and must be taken inspiration from to make gender equality possible. While a lot of work has been done in the education sector, there is still a need to push for girls' education and ensure safe healthcare access across states within India. Most importantly, the cultural and social norms that hinder the growth of women must be questioned. International Frameworks and Commitments Various frameworks and conventions have been adopted and ratified on a global level to promote the cause of women. Two of them are as follows: Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Also known as the International Bill of Rights for Women, CEDAW consists of a Preamble and 30 articles that describe what is discrimination against women. It is a landmark convention that was adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Notably, it is the only human rights treaty that affirms the reproductive rights of women . India ratified CEDAW in 1993. Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: This is considered the most "progressive blueprint" for advancing the rights of women. It was a result of the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995. The framework is focused on the goals of equality, development and peace for all women everywhere. India played a pivotal role in the adoption of this declaration too. Future Challenges and the Way Forward Traditional ideas and societal standards that uphold gender roles and stereotypes still stand in the way of equality. These are deep-rooted norms that must be understood, analysed, and challenged. Gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination continue to be widespread problems that threaten the rights and well-being of women. Several initiatives and policies can be put into place to promote women's empowerment. Preconceptions can be contested and equality to be promoted through gender-sensitive education curricula. Strengthened legislative changes should uphold equal rights while addressing violence and discrimination. Economic empowerment policies can effectively reduce financial disparities. Policies at work that support work-life balance, such as paid parental leave and flexible scheduling, are advantageous to both women and families. Improved access to healthcare is essential, especially for maternity and reproductive health. Creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all requires effective cooperation between governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals to bring a true transformation. It's also important to realise that the task we have at hand, to make a just and equitable world, is mammoth. It requires the efforts of the entire society. Every individual, including men, would need to work together to ensure a society that ensures women's equality. Fighting harmful conventions and behaviours requires involving men and boys in gender equality initiatives. And, as Kamla Bhasin once said, “Men of quality are not afraid of equality.” https://blogs.loc.gov/manuscripts/2022/08/from-suffrage-day-to-womens-equality-day/ https://www.niti.gov.in/empowerment-women-through-education-skilling-micro-financing https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1568243 https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/#:~:text=Goal%205%3A%20Achieve%20gender%20equality%20and%20empower%20all%20women%20and%20girls&text=Gender%20equality%20is%20not%20only,peaceful%2C%20prosperous%20and%20sustainable%20world. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/girlseducation https://www.who.int/health-topics/women-s-health https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/how-gender-discrimination-impacts-boys-and-girls https://www.savethechildren.org/us/charity-stories/how-gender-norms-impact-boys-and-girls#:~:text=Gender%20norms%20are%20social%20principles,is%20considered%20to%20be%20appropriate. https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/leadership-and-political-participation/facts-and-figures https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/#:~:text=The%20Convention%20on%20the%20Elimination,bill%20of%20rights%20for%20women. https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2015/01/beijing-declaration Annie Pruthi Annie Pruthi is pursuing her masters in Pol. Science from JMI, New Delhi and is a 1st division Arts graduate from Gargi College, DU. She is an avid reader and an award-winning author. Comments (0) 296 IMAGES Powerful Essay on Gender Equality: Tips and Examples (PDF) [Full Topic Research] Gender equality and women’s empowerment in Gender equality will be achieved essay Gender equality and women’s empowerment Essay Example Powerful Essay on Gender Equality: Tips and Examples Feminism and Gender Equality VIDEO Gender Equality Until It's Time To WORK Gender Equality Essay in english || Gender Equality || #viral #shorts #suhana 10 Lines Essay On Women Empowerment In English/Essay Writing On Women Empowerment/Women Empowerment Essay on Women Empowerment Women Empowerment Let's Get to Work: Accelerating gender equality for the MDGs and the post-2015 development agenda COMMENTS Women Empowerment and Gender Equality in India 35203. women empowerment. The path to women empowerment and gender equality in India is a journey of resilience, struggle, and hope. While there have been significant achievements in doing away gender inequality, the journey toward dismantling deeply ingrained patriarchy and achieving women empowerment and gender parity in India in a true sense ... Gender Parity and Women's Empowerment Gap UN Women: UN Women was established in 2010 by the UN General Assembly to accelerate progress on meeting the needs and rights of women and girls worldwide.; UN Women supports UN Member States as they set global standards for achieving gender equality and works with governments and civil society to design and implement laws, policies, programs and services that benefit women and girls. The New Emerging Women-Power: Ground Realities The New Emerging Women-Power: Ground Realities. "I believe that the rights of women and girls are the unfinished business of the 21st century.". - Hillary Clinton. Gender issues and 'women-empowerment' has become the new buzzword across the globe in the last few decades. The increased familiarity with this term has resulted in the ... Empowering Women, Elevating India As India sets its sights on becoming a ' developed' nation by 2047, empowering women lies at the heart of this challenge. Women empowerment and socio-economic development go hand in hand, as development alone cannot address gender inequalities. Amartya Sen coined the term " missing women " to highlight ongoing gender disparities globally. Essay on Women Empowerment: UPSC Essay Paper Sample to Understand IAS Essay writing is not an easy task for many. This article talks about essay topics for UPSC and how you can improve UPSC essay paper by going through the example of an essay on Women Empowerment for UPSC. The first step in IAS essay writing should be to introduce the topic. In this case, it is Women empowerment essay for UPSC. Women Empowerment UPSC: Schemes, Role of Government Women Empowerment UPSC. Women Empowerment is an important topic of UPSC GS Paper 1, and Social Justice in GS Paper 2. It is also equally important for essay papers in UPSC Mains. To prepare this or other relevant topics related to Gender Equality UPSC, go through the current affairs to be apprised of the latest news Women Empowerment- Issues, Schemes, & Way Forward Notes For UPSC This continues to be a big obstacle to achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. Violence results in a negative impact on the physical, emotional, and all other aspects of women's health. According to the National Crime Records Bureau NCRB, there is an increase of 15.3% in crimes against women in 2021. ... UPSC Previous Year Papers. Gender Justice Last updated on October 18, 2023 by ClearIAS Team. Gender justice refers to the fair and equitable treatment of individuals of all genders in social, economic, political, and legal contexts. Still, women continue to be under-represented in decision-making roles that directly impact their lives, safety, and well-being. Women Empowerment Aspirants should also know that Women Empowerment Essay is a probable choice in UPSC Mains. So making use of these schemes, aspirants can easily draft a good Women Empowerment Essay. ... for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani said at the United Nations that India recognises the centrality of gender equality and women's empowerment in ... Status of Women in India Notes for UPSC Exam India performed the worst in the "health and survival" sub-index of the Global Gender Gap Index 2022, ranking last among 146 countries. Nearly 60 per cent of women between the 15-49 age group are anaemic, compared to 20 per cent of men. The number of anaemic women increased from 53 per cent in 2015-16 to 57 per cent in 2019-21. Women Empowerment and its Process The process of empowerment is a political process, because it aims at changing existing power relationships between women and men. The goal of women's empowerment cannot and should not just be ,to be change hierarchical gender relations, but to change all hierarchical relations in society i.e. class, caste, race, ethnic, and North-South ... Status of Women in India What Does the Constitution Say About Women Empowerment? The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution.. The Constitution not only guarantees equality to women, but also provides the State with the power to take measures of positive discrimination in favor of women in order to mitigate their cumulative socio-economic and political disadvantages. Women: Navigating The Landscape Of Gender Empowerment In India Sarojini Naidu: Nightingale of India, Pioneer of Women's Empowerment; Pandita Ramabai: Women's Rights & Education, Social Reform, and Philanthropy; Jyotiba Phule (Jyotiba Phule: Championing Equality and Social Justice) Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar: Contribution, Advocate for Equality, and Architect of India's Inclusive Constitution Women Empowerment- Economic Political and Social Economic empowerment. 1. Unequal employment opportunities- Globally, the gender gap in labour force participation has been around 30% since 1990, with men's participation at around 80% and women's at 50%. Women also experience ' motherhood penalty ' with reduction in employment opportunities for women having babies. 2. G20 Ministerial Conference On Women's Empowerment 1335. Recently, the Union WCD Minister of India addressed the first ever G20 Ministerial Conference on Women's Empowerment. Emphasis: It acknowledged the common objectives and shared responsibilities to advance the goals of equality and development of women and girls in all spheres. Held At: Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy in a hybrid format. Women Empowerment in India: Gender Equality, linkage between Women Indicators to Measure Gender Equality/Women Empowerment. Ratio of girls to boys in primary, secondary and tertiary Schools. Education is the single most important factor to ensure gender equality and empowerment. Enrolment of girls in primary education, survival and transition to higher levels of education lead to achieving gender parity in ... India's Progress in Gender Equality India's Progress : India stood at rank 122 out of 191 countries with a score of 0.490 in the Gender Inequality Index 2021. The current data shows a significant jump of 14 ranks on GII 2022 vis-a-vis GII 2021. Over the last 10 years, India's rank in GII has become consistently better, indicating progressive improvement in achieving gender ... Role of NGO/SHGs in women empowerment Voluntary action promoted by NGOs engaged in development play a significant role towards rural development which is dependent upon the active participation of the volunteers through Non-Government Organizations (NGO). The various roles of NGOs towards women empowerment are described below. Role played by SHGs for women empowerment and gender ... UN Women UPSC aspirants can read in detail about the Role of Women's Organization at the linked article. When was UN Women formed? The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) created UN Women in 2010 by merging four parts of the UN system that worked in the field of women empowerment and gender equality. These were: UPSC EDITORIAL ANALYSIS : India's demographic journey of hits A gender equal approach and empowerment of vulnerable women can solve most issues and propel India's progress in the SDGs. India's progress in SDGs is directly proportional to the well-being of its population and the route to progress lies in a better understanding of its population dynamics and addressing the issues. QUESTION FOR PRACTICE Women Empowerment Essay for Students in English Essay on Women Empowerment 500 Words in English. Please find below extended essay on Women Empowerment, suitable for class 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students. Iranian women rights activist Mahnaz Afkhami aptly stated that "Women's empowerment is intertwined with respect for human rights". Women's rights are a pressing issue all over the ... Main Answer Writing Practice Challenges to women empowerment: There are several challenges that are plaguing the issues of women's right in India. Education: The literacy gap between women and men is severe. While 82.14% of adult men are educated, only 65.46% of adult women are known to be literate in India. The gender bias is in higher education, specialized professional ... Essay on Gender Equality And Women's Empowerment 250 Words Essay on Gender Equality And Women's Empowerment Understanding Gender Equality. Gender equality means that men and women have the same rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It's like a game where everyone gets a fair chance to play, no matter if they are a boy or a girl. Everyone should be able to go to school, work, and ... UN WOMEN Jobs Background. UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. National and Global Efforts for Women's Equality The United States observes Women's Equality Day on August 26 to mark the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment (also known as Amendment XIX) to the United States Constitution in 1920. This amendment forbids the states and the federal government from denying citizens of the United States the right to vote based on sex. Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY) first introduced a joint resolution to ... assignment business plan case study course work essay report research paper speech term paper thesis