“One day there will be no woman, One day there will be no man, There will be only
humanity, nothing else. Only then will we sing together, Only then will religion be in its
proper place, Only then will there be welfare.”
Since ancient times, when the institution of the family emerged from the primitive human
group, patriarchy has continued. In society, religion, economic activities, politics, and
almost every field have been governed by men. With time, exceptions to this can also be
found in history, and there have been many examples of women occupying important
positions. However, in modern times, the idea of ending inequality between men and
women and the exploitation based on gender emerged as a modern discourse.
Olympe de Gouges prepared the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female
Citizen, which was published in 1791 during the French Revolution. It is considered an
important document of the women’s movement. A major contribution to this movement
was also made by Mary Wollstonecraft through her book A Vindication of the Rights of
Woman, published in 1792. The decisions taken in the Seneca Falls Convention held in July
1848, under the leadership of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, are regarded as
very important milestones in the women’s rights movement. Through these efforts, women
gradually obtained legal, economic, and social rights.
The women’s movement started in Europe and later spread throughout the world. Today, it
has reached a significant stage. However, there is still much to be done because even now
there are many places in the world where women are treated as inferior to men. This
discrimination exists in social, economic, educational, family, religious, cultural, and
political spheres. Until such discrimination continues, development cannot be considered
meaningful.
Another question often raised is whether there are differences between the rights of
women and men in the context of development. If development simply means that women
and men should have equal access to education, healthcare, employment, food security,
housing, and similar facilities, then there should be no discrimination based on gender.
However, another question arises: if women and men are already equal in physical and
social status, why is it necessary to talk separately about women’s rights? The answer is
that even today, in many places, women continue to face discrimination. Therefore, it
becomes necessary not only to ensure equality for women but also to include their
participation in all aspects of development
Marx was the first to rationally reject the idea that inequality between men and women and
women’s subordination arise from natural causes. He argued that women’s dependence
and male dominance originated in primitive societies with the emergence of private
property and class divisions. According to his reasoning, the complete end of women’s
dependence could only be achieved with the abolition of private property and class
distinctions. However, the matter was not so simple because religion was also an
influential factor. Surprisingly, religion symbolized male authority. In every religion, God
was represented as male, and most deities were male. This is why religions imposed the
greatest restrictions on women (while claiming that these restrictions were necessary for
their welfare). Such restrictions were imposed so that their role remained confined to the
home. Politics was also male-centered in most cases because power rested in the hands
of men.
The structure of society was also designed in such a way that property rights remained
minimal for women and inheritance was given preference to men. Despite many reforms in
religion, politics, and family systems, several barriers still exist that obstruct inclusive
development. In practical terms, in countries like India, women do not enjoy equal rights
over property and land. Women face pressure to take care of children and perform
household duties. On top of this, the issue of ‘honour’ is used to impose restrictions on
their participation in public life and employment. Moreover, social evils such as
prostitution and rape affect them disproportionately. During riots, violence, and similar
situations, harming women is often used as an easy means of punishing or damaging a
community.
As the influence of armies on politics gradually declined and democracy emerged,
women’s representation started gaining importance. However, the social structure
continued to be organized in such a way that property rights remained largely in men’s
hands, and inheritance also favored men. Despite reforms in religion, politics, and family
systems, many obstacles still remain in the path of inclusive development.
In practical terms, in countries like India, women still do not enjoy equal rights over
property and land. Women continue to face pressure to raise children and perform
household duties. The question of honour is often used to restrict their movement in public
spaces and their participation in work outside the home. In addition, prostitution and rape
remain social evils that affect women separately. During riots and violence, women are
frequently targeted as an easy means of punishing or harming a community. In jobs,
administration, business, and trade, women’s representation remains very low. In the
Indian context, efforts to confine women only to kitchens, stoves, and childbearing still
continue. Millions of women are not even aware of their rights.
Another important question arises: if development policies fail to include women equally,
can they truly be called development policies? It can be confidently said that no country
can become prosperous without ensuring equal participation of women and men.
According to a World Bank report, if India wants to become a five-trillion-dollar economy,
the participation of women in the workforce must increase. At present, women constitute
only about 27 percent of the workforce in India, whereas the global average is around 37
percent. Women are increasingly entering areas involving risk and employment. In sectors
such as aviation and automobiles, women are now proving their capabilities. Due to the
efforts of women scientists and agricultural workers, the country has become self-reliant in
food production. However, it is unfortunate that despite good education and political
training, women still occupy only about 16 to 18 percent of positions in leadership and
decision-making.
Our neighboring country Nepal is often said to have nearly 80 percent women’s
participation in local bodies. In India, the backwardness of women is a major obstacle to
development. According to the Global Gender Gap Index, if women in India are empowered
in the same way as men, India’s GDP could increase by about 27 percent. The problem is
not limited to that alone. Even educated women in the age group of 50 years are engaged in
unpaid work, and women in both rural and urban areas are often paid less than men for
similar work. According to the Global Gender Gap Report released last year, India ranks
87th among 144 countries in terms of gender equality. Thus, there is still a long way to go
before women attain equality in the true sense.
For many years, our policies and decision-making processes did not include an inclusive
approach. Not only that, there was also a lack of sensitivity toward women’s distinct
identities and problems. But now circumstances are changing. Scholars such as Amartya
Sen have pointed out that if women remain backward, countries also remain backward.
Scandinavian countries are considered to be among the highest achievers in human
development because women enjoy greater participation there. Countries such as Uganda,
Tanzania, Mozambique, and Kerala have increased women’s participation through local
self-government institutions. If women are given special opportunities for self-employment
through self-help groups and rural banks, their income can increase.
Undoubtedly, in recent years there have been positive changes. Women’s representation in
legislatures and local bodies is increasing. In some states, women have also benefited
from 50 percent reservation. Despite this, it is still a fact that women do not enjoy equal
leadership opportunities in comparison with men. There was a time when women were
rarely visible in the fields of art, literature, science, and business. Today, women are
increasingly becoming symbols of creativity and self-respect. The process of
enlightenment is progressing. Indian cinema and television have also begun to portray
women as equal and capable individuals. Women are becoming more aware of their rights
and are raising their voices against injustice.
In simple words, the goal of gender equality has now become a part of inclusive
development. Amartya Sen’s statement clearly explains the development of human
society:
“The true measure of a community’s progress is the status of its women.”
Published in Uncategorized