Can Increased Investments Alone Bridge the Gender Gap in India?


India has made notable strides in gender equality, driven by increased investments in gender-responsive policies and grassroots women's leadership. However, systemic challenges such as entrenched social norms, safety concerns, and economic barriers persist, necessitating a holistic approach for further progress.

Progress in Gender Equality

1.       Gender-Responsive Budgeting

Gender-responsive budgeting has grown to 6.8% of the total budget, according to the Union Budget 2024-25.

Investments focus on women-specific needs in health, education, and economic opportunities.

Public funding has expanded, but private sector involvement remains critical to close funding gaps.

2.       Women's Leadership at Grassroots Levels

Increased representation in panchayats and local governance, with some states achieving gender parity.

The 33% reservation for women in Parliament is expected to transform national-level political representation.

     Challenges Hindering Gender Equality

1.       Social Norms and Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

GBV remains a major barrier, with social norms enabling violence despite a legal framework.

UN Women collaborates with states like Madhya Pradesh to enhance police training and community policing for women's safety.

2.       Labour Force Participation

The Female Labour Force Participation rate (FLFP) is around 37% (Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23).

Systemic barriers such as limited childcare, unsafe transport, and inadequate workplace protections restrict economic opportunities for women.

UN Women works with Tamil Nadu’s garment industry to create safer workspaces.

3.       Climate Change and Gender Impact

India faces significant climate risks, disproportionately affecting women.

Partnerships with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) aim to integrate gender-focused approaches in disaster response and climate resilience.

 Statistical Insights

Area of Focus

Key Statistic

Gender-responsive budgeting

6.8% of total budget

Female Labour Force Participation

37% (2022-23)

Women in local governance

Achieved parity in several states

     Collaborative Efforts and Global Leadership

1.       Public and Private Partnerships

Collaboration with Indian businesses to fund women's empowerment initiatives.

Support for women-led police stations, helplines, and "pink police stations."

2.       India’s Role in Global Advocacy

India actively champions gender equality in international forums.

Successes in grassroots leadership serve as a global best practice.

The Road Ahead

Daniel Seymour of UN Women emphasized the need for a holistic approach that addresses social norms, systemic barriers, and economic challenges. Targeted investments in childcare, transport, and climate resilience can unlock greater opportunities for women.

Susan Jane Ferguson said “India’s progress in gender equality is inspiring. Closing the remaining challenges requires the active involvement of both public and private sectors.”

References

1.       Union Budget 2024-25, Government of India.

2.       Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

3.       UN Women Reports, Gender Equality Initiatives in India

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