Is Gender Inequality in India a myth?
We often hear about various laws, provisions, movements, and campaigns being brought about for establishing gender equality in India and an egalitarian order in the society, where both men and women can live without one being dominant and another being subservient. In fact, there is no denial in saying that gender inequality in India has come down to a considerable extent since independence.
Unlike earlier women aren’t denied to do the job they want, to go to a place they like, or to take up the career primarily considered only male bastion due to the prolong social construct and the deep internalization.
Not a single walk of life is left where women haven’t given a tough competition to their male counterparts. There are several instances of women not only getting into unconventional ventures such as Army, Politics, Sports, and many more breaking through glass ceilings but also scaling incredible heights.
However, the deeper reality is not as rosy as it looks from the outside. Women constitute almost half (48%) of India’s population, yet despite several decades of the independence, the status of women in India is still not as equal as their male counterparts. This is a prime example of prevailing Gender Inequality in India.
And, I don’t think I need to state any report or data any xyz organization to substantiate the fact that how grim is the condition of millions of women in our country. The daily news of crime against women in the newspaper, TV and different social networking sites speak a volume about whether we have actually achieved gender equality or it still looks like a pipe dream.
We may have many laws in our country to ensure the gender parity and security of women, but their enforcement is the main concern where lies the actual problem. Otherwise, had there been a quick and effective execution of laws, half of the crimes against women would have already come down. But to eradicate gender inequality in India is a long-term goal to be achieved.
Further, the prevalent male chauvinism adds to the woes of women. This belief that virtue of one being a male one is automatically entitled to many privileges and rights in the family or society is yet to be completed dispelled from the mindset of many people to attain a just and equitable society.
What is your opinion of prevailing gender inequality in India and how to fight it? Tell us in the comments section below!
Currently, I am pursuing B.A(H) Political science from Satyawati College, Delhi University.
I like public speaking, writing and reading in my leisure.
