Question

‘Women in India face discrimination, disadvantages and oppression in many ways.’ Highlight any two aspects of life where you witness this inequality.

Answer 1

Women in India continue to face inequality in several aspects of life. Two major areas where this discrimination is clearly visible are:

1. Education: The literacy rate among women (54%) is much lower than that of men (76%). Parents often prefer to spend money on their sons’ education rather than on daughters, believing that sons will support the family in the future. This limits women’s opportunities for higher education and employment.
2. Low Proportion of Women in Highly Paid Jobs: Women have a smaller share in highly paid and respected jobs. Even when women work for equal or longer hours than men, their work is often undervalued and underpaid. They are more likely to be employed in low-paying, less secure jobs.
3. Unequal Wages: Despite the Equal Wages Act, women are often paid less than men for doing the same work. This wage gap reflects gender bias and the undervaluing of women’s contribution in the workforce.
4. Preference for Sons: In many parts of India, parents still prefer sons over daughters. This mindset has led to practices such as female foeticide, causing a serious decline in the child sex ratio (927 girls per 1000 boys).
5. Exploitation and Violence: Women often face harassment and exploitation both at the workplace and at home. Domestic violence and workplace harassment remain major issues, restricting women’s safety, dignity, and equal participation in society.