In rural India, many important characteristics, such as equity and inclusiveness, have been ignored for many decades (Mosse, 2018). Even though women constitute nearly half of the total population in India, they are often excluded from local participation and public representation (Kumar, Dhamija, & Dhamija, 2016).
The Indian Constitution provides for the principle of gender equality in its preamble, and women’s equality is provided as a fundamental right. The constitution places obligations on the state to foster the same as part of its fundamental duty and to provide a definitive direction through well-thought-out policies and directions. However, there is still a long way to go even after more than seventy years of independence. Each day, the media is full of stories of atrocities against women. These issues are concentrated more in areas and communities that still accept the age-old concept of male superiority. The social and economic structure in rural India has not changed much over the years. Underemployment, casteism, and lack of education have a major role to play in the marginalization of women, particularly in rural areas.
The gender disparity, especially in rural India, is a glaring and grim reminder of the still rampant problem of gender discrimination. Women still have issues concerning financial exclusion and the lack of education opportunities, medical care, sanitation facilities, and more.
To address the issue of women’s equality and uplift their social status, the Government of India has made a concerted effort by way of laws, plans, and programs in various spheres, with the realization that the way forward is to shift the focus from welfare to development. Thus women’s empowerment has gained recognition as the core issue in uplifting the status of women.
The National Policy laid out the following goals and Women Empowerment objectives for 2001-
(i) Creating an environment through positive economic and social policies for the full development of women to enable them to realize their full potential;
(ii) The de-jure and de-facto enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by women on equal basis with men in all spheres – political, economic, social, cultural, and civil;
(iii) Equal access to participation and decision-making of women in the social, political, and economic life of the nation;
(iv) Equal access of women to healthcare, quality education at all levels, career and vocational guidance, employment, equal remuneration, occupational health and safety, social security and public office, etc.
(v) Strengthening legal systems aimed at the elimination of all forms of discrimination against women;
(vi) Changing societal attitudes and community practices by active participation and involvement of both men and women;
(vii) Mainstreaming a gender perspective in the development process;
(viii) Elimination of discrimination and all forms of violence against women and the girl child; and
(ix) Building and strengthening partnerships with civil society, particularly women’s organizations.
