Gender equality in India has been a focus of government efforts, with initiatives including ‘Mission Shakti’ and ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ aimed at fostering women’s empowerment and reducing gender disparity.
These programmes underline the need for a holistic approach to achieving gender equality, encompassing legal reforms, gender-responsive education, public awareness, and cultural change.
Working within communities to challenge societal norms and including men and boys as allies in this cause are critical to bringing about the necessary shifts in attitudes.
The Sex Ratio: A Key Indicator Of Gender Equality
- Recently, we celebrated International Girl Child Day. The theme was ‘Invest in Girl’s Rights.’ The primary right here is the right to be born.
- The sex ratio of any country is an important measure of gender equality. It provides insights into women’s status and societal attitudes towards gender.
- The gender composition of a population is influenced by various societal, economic, and cultural factors.
- Gender equality is vital for holistic socio-economic development. It indicates how fair and inclusive a society is.
- India, with its diverse population, faces gender disparities. As per the 2011 Census, the sex ratio in India was 940 females to every 1,000 males.
- This ratio shows a clear gender bias, with fewer females compared to males.
Analysing The NHFS-5 Data And Gender Parity In India
- The NHFS-5 (2019-21 Family Health Survey Data) showed some progress in gender parity.
- However, these figures must be considered with caution.
- Despite the progress, gender equality is still a distant goal.
- As per NHFS-5, the Child Ratio at Birth (CRB) stands at 929, which is lower than the WHO’s natural ratio of 952.
- This figure indicates gender disparity is still an issue in India.
- The accuracy of the NHFS data, based on a sample of 636,699 households, may not fully reflect the country’s demographic complexity.
- A more accurate reflection will be available with the forthcoming national census.
- External factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting migration patterns, might have influenced the data trends.
Strategies For Gender Equality in India
- India needs to concentrate on districts with notable gender disparities. By doing this, we can better allocate resources and efforts.
- Focusing on cities with low child-sex ratios is essential. These urban areas present their own gender-related issues that need unique solutions.
- Encouraging public discussions, conferences, and debates can increase awareness and spark positive change.
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and similar initiatives need to be tailored to local conditions to resonate with communities.
- Involving local communities in the growth of girl children encourages collective action and responsibility.
- Widespread communication campaigns supporting girl child development and education can build public support.
- Challenging gender stereotypes and social norms through education programs can alter mindsets.
- Empowering local governing bodies and community groups allows them to spearhead grassroots-level change. They can adapt strategies to their community’s needs, increasing effectiveness.
Role Of Public Awareness And Cultural Change For Gender Equality
- The Indian government runs programs like ‘Mission Shakti’ to protect and empower women.
- ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ aims to reduce gender disparity.
- These programs focus on improving child-sex ratios and challenging gender biases.
- A multifaceted approach is crucial for gender equality which includes:
- Legal reforms and women’s empowerment
- Gender-responsive education policies
- Public awareness and cultural change
- Strengthening the legal framework and promoting economic status are key elements.
- Education policies should foster safe environments and offer incentives for girl’s education.
- Public awareness and cultural changes can be brought about by regulating media and involving communities in productive discussions.
- Men and boys should also participate as allies in the fight for gender equality.
Gender-Responsive Education Sector Planning (GRESP)
- The education sector plan (ESP) is a country’s roadmap for educational improvements.
- It’s a crucial tool for promoting gender equality in education.
- Gender-responsive education sector planning (GRESP) aids this process.
- GRESP pinpoints gender-related issues in educational systems.
- It makes sure that ESP includes strategies and policies to tackle these issues.
- Appropriate resources, supervision, and accountability are also part of GRESP’s role.
- This approach paves the way for changes across the entire system.
- The result is a more gender-balanced outcome in education.
Source: United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative (UNGEI)
11 October: International Day Of The Girl Child
- The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action were unanimously adopted in 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing.
- This is the most progressive blueprint ever for promoting the rights of women and girls.
- Notably, the Beijing Declaration is the first to explicitly recognise girls’ rights.
- The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 on December 19, 2011.
- This resolution declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.
- The day is intended to acknowledge girls’ rights and address the unique challenges they face worldwide.
- The International Day of the Girl Child emphasises addressing challenges faced by girls. It advocates for their empowerment and human rights.
- Girls in their teens have the right to be safe, educated, and healthy. This applies to both their formative years and their adulthood.
- With the right support, adolescent girls can bring significant change. They can do this as empowered individuals today and as future contributors in various fields.
- They can be tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, leaders of households, and politicians.
- Investing in the potential of adolescent girls not only upholds their rights but also promises a future of equality and prosperity.
- This is a future where women are equal partners in addressing climate change, political conflicts, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability.
- Girls are challenging stereotypes and exclusion, including those affecting disabled children and marginalised communities.
- They are becoming entrepreneurs, innovators, and movement leaders, shaping a relevant world for themselves and future generations.
- In 2015, world leaders adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guide for sustainable progress that includes everyone.
- Gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential to each of the 17 goals.
- Rights of women and girls should be ensured across all goals to achieve justice, inclusive economies, and a sustainable environment for now and future generations.
Note: This editorial analysis is based on the “In pursuit of gender equality: Interpreting India’s changing sex ratio & strategies to adopt”, published on the website of Down To Earth, on October 31, 2023.