Question

Answer the following question in detail with help of a given point.

Discuss measures for women empowerment in India

A) Democratic laws and policies in India

B) Emphasis on development

C) Emphasis on women empowerment

D) The welfare approach of the government

E) Women's Policy of 2016

Answer 1

Women's empowerment can be defined as promoting women's sense of self-worth, their ability to determine their own choices, and their right to influence social change for themselves and others.

A) Democratic laws and policies in India: In India, within the framework of a democratic polity, laws, development policies, plans and programmes have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. The Central Social Welfare Board (CSWB) was established in 1953 to carry out welfare activities for the general welfare of family, women and children.

B) Emphasis on development: In the 1970s the approach towards women’s issues shifted from ‘welfare’ to ‘development’. The 1970s was the ‘United Nations’ Decade for Women. The Report of the Committee on the Status of Women in India titled ‘Towards Equality’ talked of the rights and status of women in the context of changing social and economic conditions in India.

C) Emphasis on women empowerment: Empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities and countries. When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children.

D) The welfare approach of the government: The initial approach to women’s issues in India can be described as a ‘welfare approach’. The focus was on community development through Mahila Mandals, protection of women against injurious work, providing maternity and child care benefits, etc. 

E) Women's Policy of 2016: The Ministry has prepared the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women (2001) and the Draft of the National Policy for Women (2016) that seeks to articulate a vision for the empowerment of women.