Women empowerment in 21st century: A constitutional study

Women empowerment in 21st century: A constitutional study Dr. Rajinder Singh Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University College, Moonak-148033, Distt. Sangrur, Punjab, India Abstract: In the 21st century, the term Empowerment of Women has become a well known subject on many occasions. The vast majority of the politicians so called well wishers of the public never left opportunity to talk about their concern and responsibility in giving priority to the empowerment of women. Since old times, women have been viewed as substandard and subordinate to man. Women s empowerment in India is heavily dependent on many different variables that include geographical location, educations, social status and age. The government of India frames different policies and programmes at different levels cover various proportions and strategies of gender development. Efforts have been made to empower women in a social, economical and political context over the years but due to lack of synchronization and coordination, the achievements are not satisfactory. It is fact not only for unorganized rural women, but also for urban women employees. As the population of women comprises about half of the total population over the globe, they have the right to be strengthened and rejuvenated in order to be the key to various affirmative and multidimensional transformations. Empowering the women enables them to entirely participate in various spheres which is substantial to build grandeur economies, attain internationally agreed goals for sustainability, development and to enhance the quality of life for women, men, families and communities. By enhancing women s control over economic, cultural, social and political spheres; as well as participation in decision making, leads to better prospects and general well-being for present as well as for future generations.women have been playing a major role in shaping the society by providing the moral force in the home environment. The position of women is half of the human capital of the country and one of the indices of national development. Women have gained a lot of ground in politics, the workforce, and even more power within their own households. There was a time in history when women were unable to voice their opinion in politics being unable to cast a vote or run for office, and now in modern time there are more than one woman running in the presidential campaign. Now women and men can both be the bread winners, the stereotypical role place on women are slowly dissolving and both spouse parents are sharing the responsibilities that come with the house and family. They are the embodiment of Shakti, the creator and destroyer of human race. It needs to be recognised that women are builders and molders of nation s destiny. They are the partner and soul of men and behind every successful man, there is a woman. But it is deplorable to treat that they are the most neglected and deprived segment of the society. In most families a daughter is viewed as liabilities and she is conditioned to believe that she is inferior and subordinate to men. Sons are idolized and celebrated. May you be the mother of hundred sons is a common Hindu wedding blessing. It is generally viewed empowerment of women is a solution to gender discrimination. It is now widely believed that empowerment of women that is providing equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities in the decision making process will go a long way in removing the existing gender discrimination.today, empowerment has become one of the most central concerns of 21st century. But practically it is still an illusion of reality. This paper throws light upon several challenges faced by Indian woman and why there is still requirement for their advancement. It will likewise concentrate on the steps taken by the Government and portray suggestions for their development. Keywords: Rights, Empowerment, Violation, Constitutional Safeguards and Protection, Political and Economic Status, Decision making. 158 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

1. Introduction: Woman is an incarnation of Shakti -the Goddess of Power. If she is bestowed with education, India s strength will double. Let the campaign of Kanya Kelavni be spread in every home; let the lamp of educating daughters be lit up in every heart. --Narendra Modi Women have a unique position in every society whether developed, developing or underdeveloped. This is particularly due to the various roles they play during various stages of their life, as a daughter, wife, mother and sister etc. In spite of her contributions and role in the life of every human being, she still belongs to a class or group of society which is in a disadvantaged position on accounts of several barriers and impediments. She has been the victim of tyranny at the hands of men who dominate the society. The position of Indian women is no better compared to their counterparts in other parts of the world. On the one hand she is held in high esteem by one and all, worshipped, considered as the embodiment of tolerance and virtue. But on the other hand she has been the victim of untold miseries, hardships and atrocities caused and perpetuated by the male dominated society. Constitutional safeguards were however provided in independent India declaring that all are equal before the law and any discrimination based on sex, caste, race etc. is unconstitutional. Special provisions made for women were incorporated in the Constitution keeping in view their position in the society. The general provision dealing with equality as such was made in Articles- 14, 15, 16 and Article 23 dealing with traffic in human being. This was followed by Directive Principles (Article- 39 and 42) which deal with equal pay for equal work for women at par with men and maternity benefit for them. There are also brief accounts of the Fundamental Duties towards women and an election provision prohibiting discrimination based on sex etc. There are other such provisions to protect the women from gender bias and discrimination. But unfortunately, the theoretical commitment to gender equality has failed to be transformed into real practice. 2. Review of the Literature: 2.1. B.P Mahesh Chandra Guru, H. S. Shivraj, Madhu Gundlepet and M. Dileep Kumar (2015) published their article entitled Tribal Development in Karnataka State focuses on The Government of Karnataka has implemented certain programmes for the benefit of tribes who remain at the lowest rung of the social and economic orders. Programmes like free housing, drinking water supply, electrical connectivity, ashram schools, scholarships, free text books and uniforms, midday meals and poverty reduction programmes have benefited the tribes who had experienced serious economic constraints; 2.2. N. R. Savatikar (2014) in his article entitled Problems of Education among Scheduled Tribal P.G. students in Karnataka state opined that Education implies the transmission of culture from one generation to another by creating the power to awaken men to their social responsibilities. It provides a strong link between the past and the present with a view to fashioning a future that meets the socio-economic needs of mankind; 2.3. Mamta Mokta (2014) in her paper entitled Empowerment of Women in India a Critical Analysis focuses on Empowerment of women means developing them as more aware individuals, who are politically active, economically productive and independent and are able to make intelligent discussion in matters that affect them. Women do not share the power of decision-making and are not involved in policy making in Indian democracy in proportion to their numerical strength. Thus there is a 159 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

gap between the formal idea of women s participation and their meaningful use of power; 2.4. B. Nagaraja (2013): Women empowerment in India is dependent on many different variables that include geographical location (rural / urban), educational status, social status with caste and class and age. Policies on women empowerment exist at national, state and local levels in different sectors including health, education, economic opportunities, and gender based violence and political participation. The scope and coverage of the schemes launched have been expanding by taking initiative for economic and social empowerment of women and securing gender equality. 2.5. M. Suguna (2011) in her article entitled Education and Women Empowerment in India Women education in India has also been a major preoccupation of both the government and civil society as educated women can play a very important role in the development of the country. Education is milestone of women empowerment because it enables them to responds to the challenges, to confront their traditional role and change their life. So that we can t neglect the importance of education in reference to women empowerment India is poised to becoming superpower, a developed country by 2020; 2.6. Pushpanjali Thapar (2010) published their article entitled Gender Equality and women empowerment in India. They observed that the all round development which includes their physical, social, economical and political development. Keeping in view of this, the Government of India celebrated the year 2001 as the women empowerment year. Without the full and equal participation of women, there can be no sustainable human development; and 2.7. B Nagaraja (2013): Women empowerment in India is dependent on many different variables that include geographical location (rural / urban), educational status, social status with caste and class and age. Policies on women empowerment exist at national, state and local levels in different sectors including health, education, economic opportunities, and gender based violence and political participation. The scope and coverage of the schemes launched have been expanding by taking initiative for economic and social empowerment of women and securing gender equality. 3. Objectives of the Study: 3.1. To analyse the implementation of Legislations and laws for women empowerment; 3.2. To ascertain the factors influencing the status of empowerment of women according to constitution of India; 3.3. To identify the constraints of economic empowerment of women; and 3.4. To suggest the suitable programmes and policy measures to achieve the goal of economic empowerment of women. 4. Need of Women Empowerment in India: You can tell the condition of a country by looking at the status of its women said Jawaharlal Nehru. Empowerment of women has become the solution to many societal problems, said Rameshwari Pandya (2008). In 21st century, women have to come out of her long cherished male supremacy and her weaknesses. She must have capacity to battle the issues of this globe. We have a few ideals of successful women in every field except these numbers can be checked just on fingertips. In India, women occupying highest offices of Prime Minister, President, Lok Sabha Speaker and most eminent positions in the corporate segments yet without a doubt despite everything we witness abusive behavior at home, dowry deaths and mistreatment of women. The female feticide is not an uncommon wonder. The census of 2014 demonstrates that the present sex proportion of 160 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

India, 943 females per 1000 males is still far from satisfactory. Women s contribution in the state assemblies and Parliament was just 8 to 10% respectively. Today, women are missing of chances in different fields of employment and are segregated on account of they are women. Deep biases and severe poverty against women create a pitiless cycle of inequity that keeps them from satisfying their maximum capacity. The incidence of rape and cruel attacks is alarming. Empowerment is the helping tool for women to attain equality with men and to reduce gender bias noticeably. Women play an important role in the development of different sectors and contribute for economic improvement in the visible and invisible form. Hence there is a need of social, political, economical and cultural empowerment of women simultaneously to remove this cruel cycle in which Indian women have been entrapped very badly. The actual truth is dreadful conditions and exploitation of women specially women from deprived sectors of the society and those belonging to rural areas. 5. Measures to be taken for Women Empowerment: Mahatma Gandhi said if you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a whole family. Social change is possible through education hence women s education has to be paid special attention. Global education for all underneath 14 years ought to be entirely executed. A watch must be kept on reduction rate of girls and corrective measures ought to be taken for that. Women should be permitted to work and must be sufficiently given security and support to work. Legislations such as Equal Remuneration Act, Factories Act, Constitutional safeguards such as maternity break and other provisions should be strictly followed. Women should to be given right wages and work at standard with men so that their status can be raised in the public eye. Political strengthening of women is essential for their liberation. They have been given 50% quota as an indication of political strengthening. Strict measures ought to be taken for the execution of Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques Act (1994), Dowry Prohibition Acts and different enactments relating to their liberation. More steps should be taken to upgrade the wellbeing status of women. Maternal mortality must be decreased particularly in the areas which do not have proper health facilities. Proper attention must be given to meet the dietary needs of women at all periods of their life cycle. The social activists should keep a watch on the violence committed on women leaving in poor areas and help them to fight the legal battle for obtaining justice. Schemes should be introduced to help women who are victims of marital violence and those connected in sex activities. 6. Constitution of India and Women Empowerment: The status of women in India has been subjected to many changes over the past few millennia. Women in India now participate in all activities such as education, politics, media, art and culture, service sector, science and technology etc. Our Constitution guarantees equal rights to men and women. The Constitution is firmly grounded in the principles of liberty, fraternity, equality and justice. It contains a number of provisions for the empowerment of women. Women s right to equality and nondiscrimination are defined as justifiable fundamental rights. The Constitution explicitly clarifies that affirmative action programmes for women are not incompatible with the principle of non-discrimination on the ground of sex. The Government of India has always attached great importance to the protection and promotion of the human rights of women and is committed to achieving it. National plans and policies have consistently reflected a vision of progress that is not narrowly confined to expanding incomes, but gives a central place to the achievement of human rights, freedoms and wellbeing for all. The framers of the Constitution were well conscious of the discriminations and unequal treatment meted out to the fairer sex, from time immemorial. They included certain general as well as specific provisions for the upliftment of the status of women. They provided equality of 161 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

status and opportunities explicitly at some places and implicitly in all other places at par with men as citizens of India. It is true that the original Constitution of India did not reflect concerns for gender justice adequately as expected. It provides against discrimination on the ground of sex (Article-15 &16) but it did not take note of discrimination that is based on gender. Giving women certain rights in order to compensate them for their reproductive function is not a charity but an obligation. Although clause 3 of the Article-15 of the Constitution of India says that the state may make special provisions for women, this is a protectionist strategy and not an equalisation measure. Women should be provided with affirmative action by the state in order to help them overcome the handicap which they suffered under the patriarchal regime. As all the fundamental rights are male centric, there is no possibility of getting equality for women. However, this fundamental law of the land through various provisions particularly as laid down in the Preamble, Part-III dealing with Fundamental Rights and in Part IV which deal with Directive Principles of State Policy thrive for securing gender justice thereby putting women at par with men. 7. Preamble: The Preamble to the Constitution of India declares that social, economic and political justice should accrue to all its citizens, which means everybody both men and women should not be denied the fruits of justice. Social justice as interpreted means recognition of greater good to a larger number without deprivation of legal rights of anybody. So it is expected that the state should enact positive measures for the protection of the weaker sections of the community (which includes women also) so as to uphold the Constitutionality of such measures. The expression social and economic justice intends to remove the economic inequalities and rectify the injustice done to the unequals in the society thereby asserting the concept of distributive justice. Again, the Preamble to the Indian Constitution contains various goals including the equality of status and opportunity to all the citizens. This particular goal has been incorporated to give equal rights to the women and men in terms of status as well as opportunity. It has been the basis for much legislation like the Modern Hindu Laws which aim at giving equal status and rights to the women. 8. Fundamental Rights: Even though, all fundamental rights contained in Part-III Articles 12-35 are applicable to all the citizens irrespective of sex, certain fundamental rights with certain specific and positive provisions protect the rights of women. 8.1. Article-14 provides equality before law that is no person in the state will be denied equality before law and equal protection of the law. Thus, women in Indian society enjoy the same protection and treatment as men which are guaranteed by the Constitution; 8.2. Article-15 prohibits any sort of discrimination against women when it declares in clause-1 that the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, caste, race, sex, place of birth or any of them. Article-15(3) provides that, nothing in this Article shall prevent the state from making a special provision for women and children. This obviously refers that whenever any need arises due to peculiar characterstics the women enjoy, the state will not hesitate to meet their special needs by enacting laws for them. This was the intention of the framers of the Constitution and in order to improve the condition of women by giving special protection, this particular clause has been inserted; 8.3. Article-16 guarantees equal opportunity in matters of public employment as Article-16(1) declares that there shall be equality of opportunity for all citizens in 162 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

matters relating to employment or appointment to any office under the state. Article 16(4) of the Constitution provides for the reservation of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class of citizens; 8.4. Article-19 guarantees to all the citizens both men and women the right to freedom of speech and expression. Thus, everyone has a fundamental right to form his own opinion on any issue of general concern. Life and personal liberty of everyone (may be a male or a female) is protected by the Article-21 of the Constitution which provides that No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Right to life is regarded as the most precious fundamental rights amongst all the human rights. The expression Life assured under this Article does not connote mere animal existence or continued drudgery through life. It has got a much wider meaning; and Article-23 of the Constitution specifically prohibits traffic in human beings. 9. Directive Principles of State Policy: Besides the Fundamental Rights, the Constitution in Part-IV under Directive principles of state policy also directs the state to take certain remedial measures for the welfare of the women. Article-37 says that it is the duty of the state to apply these directive principles in making laws. Thus, while special laws are needed to be enacted these principles will be followed. Article-39 which directs the state to secure a social order and promotion of welfare of the people has specific provisions for women also. Article-39 (a) says that the citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood. Article-39 (d) provides that "there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women". Article-39 (e) specifically directs the state not to abuse the health and strength of the workers, men and women. That is why the Constitution imposes upon the state an obligation to ensure that the health and strength of workers, men and women and the underage of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter a vocation unsuited to their age or strength. Article-42 of the Constitution incorporates a very important provision for the benefit of women. It directs the state to make provisions for securing just and humane conditions of work and for maternity relief. The state has tried to implement this directive by enacting the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Article-44 directs the state to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. This particular goal is towards the achievement of gender justice. Even-though the state has not yet made efforts to introduce Uniform Civil Code in India, the judiciary has recognised the necessity of the uniformity in application of civil laws like law of Marriage, Succession, Adoption and Maintenance etc. Finally, through Article-46 the state is directed to promote with special care the educational and economic interests of the weaker sections of the people, and in particular, of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and shall protect them from social injustice and all forms of exploitation. We have already seen that the women have been regarded as economically and educationally backward; hence they require special protection as per the provision of this Article. Apart from these specific provisions, all other provisions of the Constitution are equally applicable to the men and women. It clearly establishes the intention of the framers of the Constitution to improve the social, economic, educational and political status of the women so that they can be treated with men on equal terms. 10. Fundamental Duties: In Part-IV-A of the Constitution, certain fundamental duties are enumerated for the citizens which is obligatory on their parts to do and respect. Article-51 (a) deals with such duties and clause (e) relates particularly to women which says: it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India 163 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

transcend in religious, linguistic and regional and sectional diversities, to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. 11. Women's Representation in Local Bodies: Article-40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states that the state shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self government. The 73rd and 74th Amendments to the Constitution in 1992 provide for reservation of seats for women in election to panchayats and municipalities in Articles 243-D and 243-T. A Bill is pending before the parliament for reservation of seats to women in parliament and state legislature. Though the Indian Constitution provides equality of status and of opportunity to women, discrimination is persisting in one form or the other. Discrimination against women continues to exist even today as it is so deep rooted in the traditions of Indian society. The root cause for the discrimination of women is that most women are ignorant of their rights and the position of equality assured to them under the Indian Constitution and the legal system. Enlightened women should fight to bring awakening in other women regarding their rights through awareness about their status in society as they constitute half of the Indian population. 12. Indian Laws for Women Empowerment: Some specific laws were enacted by the Parliament for the empowerment of women. The legal provisions affecting women have been reviewed periodically and various amendments have been made. The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929,Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971, The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition)Act, 1986, The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987, The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act, 1994, The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 and The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 13. Government Policies and Schemes for Women Empowerment: Various policies and schemes were enacted by the Government of India which helped in women empowerment. Some of them include: National Perspective Plan, 1988, National Commission for Women, 1992, National Plan of Action for Girl Child, 1991-2000 and National Policy for Empowerment of Women, 2001. The Ministry of Women and Child Development served as a nodal agency for all matters pertaining to welfare, development and empowerment of women. It involved schemes and programmes for the benefit of women. Various schemes of the Ministry include SEWA, 1972; Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (The National Credit Fund for Women), 1993;Smile Foundation, 2002; Goonj, 2007; Mother and Child Trafficking System (MCTS), 2009; The Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (GMSY), Conditional Maternity Benefit, 2010; Priyadarshini, 2011; The Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, 2012; These various National and International laws and policies have empowered women all over the globe in a significant way but the change is more visible in urban areas, rather than in semi-urban areas and villages due to the patriarchal mindset of people living in that area. 13.1. Legislations and Law for women in India: a) (Article 243 D (3) (xii): one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every panchayat to be reserved for women Including the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes women and such seats to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a panchayat; b) (Article 243 D (4) (xiii): one third of the total number of offices of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level to be reserved for women; c) (Article 243 T (3)) one-third of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Municipality reserved for women Including the number of seats reserved for 164 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes women and such seats to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies in a Municipality; and d) (Article 243 T (4)): Reservation of offices of Chairpersons in Municipalities for the scheduled Castes, the Scheduled Tribes and Women in such manner as the legislature of a State may by law provide. 13.2. Marriage related Laws: a) Special Marriage Act 1954: Any girl of 18 years of age or boy of 21 years can take resort to this law irrespective of caste or religious considerations; b) Hindu Marriage Act 1955: Marriage is deemed to be solemnised on the performance of certain rights, especially Saptapadhi; while first marriage subsists, second marriage is forbidden; right to judicial separation and divorce is made available on certain grounds like, for example, unsound of mind, conversion to a different religion, incurable or communicable diseases, etc; c) Dowry Prohibition Act 1961: Giving, abetting or taking dowry is a cognizable, nonbailable offense against the state and is not punishable with less than five years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 15,000 or the amount representing the value of the dowry; d) Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act 1955: An unmarried woman, a widow or a divorcee of sound mind can also take a child in adoption; and e) Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006: To overcome the shortcomings of the Child Marriage Restraint Act, the Government of India enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. It receives the assent of the president of India 10 January, 2007. The act came into effect from 1 November, 2007 to overcome the constraints of the former legislation in effectively dealing with the problems of child marriage in India and to put in place a comprehensive mechanism. 13.3. Property related Laws: a) The Hindu Succession Act 1956: It vests women with rights in the matter of inheritance as well as the alienation of property at par with males; and b) Equal Remuneration Act 1976: This Act is enacted for providing equal remuneration to men and women, thereby to prevent discrimination against women on the grounds of sex. 13.4. Violation related Laws: a) Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1986: This Act was adopted in India as a follow-up of the International Convention on Immoral Traffic, 1950. This Act Underwent several changes and exists today as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act 1986. This act aims at the prohibition of illegal traffic for purpose of sexual exploitation or abuse. It lays out procedure for rescue of a women or girl; b) Commission of Sati (prevention) Act 1987: This Act provides for the prevention of the commission of sati and its glorification. The Act lays out extensive provisions to check attempts to commit abet or glorify sati. The collector or District Magistrate is empowered by Act to offences relating to Sati; c) Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005: This Act of Parliament received the assent of the President on 13th Sep., 2005. The act provided for more effective protection of the rights of women guaranteed under the Constitution who are victims of any kind occurring within the family and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Under the Act 2005, Domestic Violence covers any abuse or threat thereof that is physical, sexual, verbal, emotional or economic; d) The Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention, Provision and Redressal) Act 2013. It is an act to provide protection against sexual harassment of women at work place and for the prevention and redressal of complaints of sexual harassment and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto; 165 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

e) Whereas sexual harassment results in violation of the fundamental rights of a women to equality under Article 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India and her right to life and to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution and right to practice any profession to carry on any occupation, trade or business which includes a right to a safe environment from sexual harassment and whereas the right to protection against sexual harassment and the right to work with dignity are universally recognised human rights by international conventions and instruments, such as Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women, which has been ratified on the 25thJune, 1993 by the Government of India and whereas it is expedient to make provisions for giving effect to the said Convention for protection of women against sexual harassment at work place. 14. Initiatives for Women Empowerment at International Level: Various initiatives were taken for the empowerment of women at both the International and the National level. The Intergovernmental Women Suffrage Alliance, 1904; the International Congress of Women, 1889; Equal Rights International, 1930s; Coalition of International Women s Organization, 1935; the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, 1995; are some of the movements that have been started for the empowerment of women across the World. 14.1. International Conventions: a) The Beijing Platform and Declaration for Action (BPFA) was adopted by governments, international instruments, the private sector, civil society and media at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women to enhance women s rights, and outline specific commitments to be implemented by all; b) Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979, included a wide-ranging bill of rights for women based on the elimination of discrimination on various grounds; c) Optional Protocol to the Convention, 1999 is an international bill of rights for women; d) 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s): The UN General Assembly adopted 2030 Agenda and the SDG s with an aim to precede Millennium Development Goals (MDG s) while focusing for action in all countries. Gender is relevant across all 17 SDG s and there are a number of targets across the framework which relate directly to women s economic empowerment; e) UN Women s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) were launched in 2010 with an aim for gender equality and the empowerment of UN women. It was based on the following set of principles: i. Empowerment of women; ii. Elimination of discrimination against women and girls; iii. Achievement of equality between women and men as beneficiaries of development, human rights, peace and security; iv. Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all the workers, both women and men workers; and v. Report on progress publically to achieve gender equality. Some other conventions undertaken by the United Nations for the empowerment of women include: i. Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, 1958; ii. Convention against Discrimination in Education, 1960; iii. Convention on Consent to Marriage, Minimum Age for Marriage and Registration of Marriages, 1962; iv. UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, 2000. 14.2. New International Initiatives: Below mentioned are some of the new initiatives undertaken for the empowerment of women at the global level recently. 166 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

a) The 61st Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 61) took place from 13 to 24 March, 2017 based on the theme Women s economic empowerment in the changing world of work. It was therefore a significant opportunity to develop consensus on the critical actions needed to further progress women s economic empowerment globally. b) International Labor Conference will be held in June, 2018 to discuss the topic of Violence against women and men in the world of work. New international instruments on this issue will be recognized. Therefore, considerable efforts were made internationally to empower women but the efforts made within our country are continuous since our struggle for freedom against the British Raj. Since women constituted about half of the total population, Mahatma Gandhi involved women in the nations liberation movement (Feminist movement) which led to the empowerment of women. The freedom of India thus served as a landmark in the history of women empowerment. This resulted in the introduction of the franchise and civic rights of women in the Indian Constitution. Indian National Congress supported the first women s delegation to demand women s political rights in 1917. 15. Government Policy for Women Empowerment: Government policy has been promoting womens self development and empowering women in the various field of the society. The schemes or programmes which have been implemented by the Indian Government are as follows: Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY), Indira Mahila Yojana (IMY), Rastriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), Mahila Samridha Yojana (MSY), Self help Group (SHG), National women s commission(nwc), State women s commission, Kanyashri Prokalpa (West Bengal), Employment cum Production Centers, Women s Development Corporation, Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), Jawarhar Rozgar Yojana (JRY), National Credit Fund for Women (NCFW), Food and Nutrition Board (FND), Information and Mass Education (IME), Institute for Providing Vocational Training for Women, (IPVTW) Women National Training Institute(WNTI), Social Assistance Schemes and Training of Rural Youth and Self-Employment. 16. Women Empowerment :Challenges 16.1. Perspective: The most widespread and dehumanizing discriminations against women are on the basis of the biased perspective. The discrimination against the girl child begins from the birth itself. Boys are preferred over girls; hence, female infanticide is a common practice in India. The ordeal that an Indian girl faces at birth is only the beginning of a lifelong struggle to be seen and heard; 16.2. Patriarchate Bottlenecks: The traditional Indian society is a patriarchal society ruled by the diktats of self-proclaimed caste lords who are the guardians of archaic and unjust traditions. They put the burden of traditions, culture, and honor on the shoulders of women and mark their growth. The incidences of honor killing reveal the distorted social fiber in the male-dominated society; 16.3. Economic Backwardness: Women constitute only 29% of the workforce but forms majority of the destitute in the country. There has been a failure in transforming the available women base into human resource. This, in turn, has hampered not only the economic development of women but also of the country as a whole; 16.4. Implementation Gaps Through all these years, the attention is only on developing and devising new schemes, policies and programmes and have paid less attention to the proper monitoring system and implementation short-sightedness, for e.g. despite the presence of The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technologies Act and various health programmes like Janani Suraksha Yojana and National Rural Health Mission 167 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

(NHRM), our country has a skewed sex ratio and a high maternal mortality. rate (MMR); 16.5. Loopholes in the legal structure Although there are a number of laws to protect women against all sorts of violence yet there has been the significant increase in the episodes of rapes, extortions, acid, attacks etc. This is due to delay in legal procedures and the presence of several loopholes in the functioning of a judicial system; and 16.6. Lack of Political Will: The still- pending Women s Reservation Bill underscores the lack of political will to empower women politically. The male dominance prevails in the politics of India and women are forced to remain mute spectators. 16.7. Poverty: Currently poverty is the world s greatest threat to international peace. Therefore, poverty should be abolished as a national goal for the development and success. Approximately, one third of the India s population lives on below $1.25 per day. 16.8. Education: In India, after independence, there exists a severe gap between the education of men and women. The 2011 census says that the literacy rate for women is only 65.46 % against 82.14 % of men which is very poor. The Centre for the Study of Society and Secularism says that women continue to be victims of exploitation. Educate women about their actual position in the universe to crash the wall of intolerance, negligence and exploitation. 16.9. Professional inequality: It is practised in occupation, employment and promotion in work. Women often face greater handicaps in male dominated and customized environs in private enterprises and Government offices. 16.10. Health & Safety: The wellbeing and security concern of women are central for the wellbeing of a nation. UNICEF concocted shocking figures on the state of new mothers in India in its 2009 report. The maternal mortality report of India stands at 301 for each 1000, with approximately 78,000 women dying in India every year because of complications arising out of pregnancy and childbirth. A few projects have been set by the Government and NGO's however there are still wide gaps that exist between those under security and those not. 17. Suggestions: The Constitution of India assurances equality to women by presenting (Article 14), equivalent privilege of women, Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, sex, caste or place of birth (Article 15(1)), Equal opportunity for all residents concerning with employment (Article 16) etc. The constitution of India provided at least one - third seats for reservation in Municipalities and Panchayats for ladies by 73rd and 74th amendments (1993). And 33% seats reserved in the Parliament and State Legislatives by the 84th Constitutional Amendment Act (1998). Different welfare schemes have been launched by the Government to empower women such as Training for - Employment Programme (1987), Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (1992-1993), DWACRA Plan (1997), Indira Mahila Yogna (1995), Mahila Samridhi Yojna (1993), Balika Samriddhi Yogna (1997) & Swayam Siddha (12th July, 2001) etc. 17.1. Way ahead starts with bridging the deep-rooted biases through sustained reconditioning. It is only possible by promoting the idea of gender equality and uprooting social ideology of male child preferability. This concept of equality should be first developed in each and every household and from there, it should be taken to the society. This can be achieved by running sustained awareness programs with the help of Nukkad Natak or dramas, radio, television, Internet, etc. across the country; 17.2. Replacing Patriarchy with Parity: A strong patriarchate society with deeprooted socio-cultural values continues to affect women s empowerment. The need of 168 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

the hour is an egalitarian society, where there is no place for superiority. The Government should identify and eliminate such forces that work to keep alive the tradition of male dominance over its female counterpart by issuing inhumane and unlawful diktats. 17.3. Education: Education is the most important and indispensable tool for women empowerment. It makes women aware of their rights and responsibilities. Educational achievements of a woman can have ripple effects for the family and across generations. Most of the girls drop out of schools due to the unavailability of separate toilets for them. The recently launched Swachh Bharat Mission focusing on improving sanitation facilities in schools and every rural household by 2019, can prove to be very significant in bringing down the rate of girls dropping out of school. 17.4. Political Will: Women should have access to resources, rights, and entitlements. They should be given decision-making powers and due position in governance. Thus, the Women Reservation Bill should be passed as soon as possible to increase the effective participation of women in the politics of India. 17.5. Bridging implementation gaps: Government or community-based bodies must be set up to monitor the programs devised for the welfare of the society. Due importance should be given for their proper implementation and their monitoring and evaluation through social audits. Justice delayed is justice denied. Efforts should be made to restructure the legal process to deliver fair and in- time justice to the victims of heinous crimes like rapes, acid attacks, sexual harassment, trafficking and domestic violence. The idea of fasttrack courts, devised to impart speedy justice to the victims of rapes and other crimes against women, is a good initiative taken by the judiciary and the Government of India. a) Building public awareness and support is crucial for the judicial activism to be successful; b) The National Commission for Women and the National Human Rights Commission could be important allies in addressing violations of women s rights; c) Judiciary should be more vigilant in protecting the rights of women; d) Judiciary should take stringent decision in punishing the offenders; and e) Make more positive judgment in favour of women victims. 18. Conclusion: India has enacted many legislative and constitutional provisions and many progressive plans to improve position of women. Government activities alone would not be sufficient to accomplish this objective. Society must take up activity to make a domain in which there is no sexual orientation inclination and ladies have full chances of self choice making and taking an interest in political, social and financial existence with a feeling of equity. Women s Empowerment could only be accomplished if their social, educational and economic status is improved. The top preference should be given to the education which is the real issue. Development plans should be constructed to remove female illiteracy and creating skills & capability among women for empowering them to remain all alone on their feet. An urgent need for a constant effort at all levels to uproot the issue of gender unfairness in a focused manner. The country which does not respect women have never become great now and nor will ever in future said Swami Vivekananda. To make India a great country, let us strive to empower women to the most extreme We have a long way to go, but we will get there one day. We shall overcome. To conclude we can say that gender equality and women s empowerment are the two sides of the same coin, i.e., one cannot be considered without the other and both can be achieved only through gender justice. Almost all the International organizations have made conventions in favor 169 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10

of women empowerment since long, amongst which the United Nations has been the pioneer. On the contrary, women s participation in the freedom struggle for India developed their critical consciousness resulting in the introduction of civic rights for women in the Indian Constitution. The Five-Year Plans of India also focused on the all-round development of women by initiating a number of welfare measures. The major initiatives taken by the Government at different intervals of time have helped women to withstand various gauntlets in the society and proved themselves, but the most imperative of all is the self-cognizance, awareness about the system, and the exigencies to act as an active agent of transformation for the whole society as women. Until and unless, women themselves come forth and contribute as a catalyzing force; all the initiatives at taken at International as well National level would be of no avail. Thus, in the words of Kofi Annan (Former Secretary-General of UN), There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women. 19. References : 1. Aggarwal, J.C., Teacher and Education in a Developing society, vikas publishing house Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, 2010 2. Agarwal, R.S., Prevention of Crime, Radiant Publication, New Delhi, 1977. 3. Asthana, Pratima, Women Movements in India, Vikas Publication, New Delhi, 1944. 4. Bakshi, Public Interest litigation, Ashok Law House, New Delhi, 2004. 5. Bhattachrya D, Sociological Foundation of Education, Dorling Kindersley Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi 2013. 6. Chatterjee, Madhushree Dasgupta (2016). Political Empowerment of Women: Pathway to Inclusive Democracy, YOJANA. 7. Flathman, Richard E, The Practice of Rights, Cambridge University Press (First Edn, London, New York, Melbourne. 8. Fadia, B.L. Indian Government and Politics, Sahitya Bhawan Publications, Agra, 2007. 9. Indu, Kamal, Bhartatiya Samajik Samasya, Bani Prakason, 7 nabinkundu lane, Kolkata, 2013. 10. Jain, Devaki, Women s Quest for Power-Five Case Studies, Vikash Publishing House, New Delhi, 1980. 11. Jean Dreze & Amartya Sen, Economic Development and Social Opportunity, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2003. 12. Kapoor, Pramila, The Life and World of Call Girls in India, Vikash Publication, Delhi, 1978. 13. Kapoor, M.D., International Law, Allahabad Law Agency, Allahabad, 1998. 14. Kumuda D., Women empowerment in India: A changing Scenario, Volume 3, Issue 8, Aug 2014, ISSN No 2277 8179. 15. Mehta, P. L & Verma, Neena, Human Rights Under The Indian Constitution, the Philosophy and Judicial, Gerry Meandering, Deep and Deep Publications, New Delhi, 1999. 16. Mehta, Ram, Socio Legal Status of Women in India, Mittal Publication, Delhi,. 1987. 17. Mishra, S.N., The Indian Penal Code, Central Law Publication, Allahabad, 2006. 18. National Commission on Population: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. 19. Nora Shimhan, Sakuntala, Empowering Women, An Alternative Strategy From Rural India, Sage Publication, New Delhi, 1999. 20. Sabine, G.H., A History of Political Theory, Henry Holf, New York, 1937. 21. Saravanan Sheela, Violence Against Women in India, A Literature Review, Institute of Social Studies Trust, New Delhi, 2000. 22. Subramaniam, Human Rights and International Challenges, Manas Publication, New Delhi, 1997. 170 The research journal of social sciences October 2018 volume 9 number 10