Women Empowerment

Women empowerment is a movement that strives to eliminate the social, economic, and political divide between men and women. The term ‘women empowerment’ only came into existence in the 19th century. Empowerment itself means ‘giving power out.’ Women have been considered a weaker gender worldwide for thousands of years. Although India gained independence, women were still not given equal socio-economic status. Therefore, the Government of India and other non-government bodies work toward the overall development of women in our society. 

The United Nations termed the period from 1975 to 1985 the Decade for Women. Additionally, 2001 was considered the ‘International Year for Women’s Empowerment’, which was also adopted by India.

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Types of Women Empowerment

Women’s empowerment is necessary for the overall development of society. Here are the types of empowerment that focus on different issues women face.

• Social Empowerment

This type of empowerment talks about the social differences women have gone through. India has made a lot of progress after its independence. Still, in a few places, women face injustices regarding health, family decisions, marriage decisions, childbirth, etc. Having an equal say in all of these matters can be a way to give women social empowerment and not limit them to a certain place.

• Educational Empowerment

Since historical times, education has been one of the most important ways for women to acquire equal socio-economic status. Women were denied the right to education in previous times. Even today, female literacy rates across India tend to be lower than in other nations. As a result, it is the need of the hour to grant women access to education to help them study and become the breadwinners of the family. 

Women should be given free and compulsory education to understand their rights and duties in society. Girls that are allowed to attend school and keep learning can grow up to become upstanding citizens of India. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was launched with the idea that women can only be saved if they are educated.

• Economic Empowerment

Financially independent women are seen as powerful people. Having equal access to work opportunities and participating in all kinds of markets can help women break down the barriers of inequality and defy traditional gender roles. Another important way to empower women financially is to enable them to make their own decisions in the way they run their homes.

Many organisations have realised the importance of economic empowerment and are actively working towards making women entrepreneurs and setting up microfinance facilities. Creating more employment opportunities for women can also reduce poverty in the country. 

• Political Empowerment

Politics is one of the strongest and most compelling ways to make a difference in society. It gives women the confidence and skills required to be equal to men in society. Moreover, the participation of women in political activities is critical to creating a sustainable government body. 

India has witnessed a lot of strong female politicians over the past few decades. Indira Gandhi, Prathiba Patil, and Nirmala Sitharaman are a few examples of strong women in Indian politics. 

• Psychological Empowerment

Even though a large population of women are strong and independent, they still cannot step out of their homes alone at night without worry. Women are vulnerable to various crimes such as harassment, exploitation, rape, and honour killing. Not only are these a threat to their survival, but they also have lasting psychological effects that can affect a woman’s confidence.

Psychological empowerment allows women to live a life where they are not controlled by fear. It entails creating a space where women are free to be themselves without fearing for their safety and well-being. 

Also see: UPSC Question Paper

Government Schemes of India for Women Empowerment

In a bid to empower women and combat patriarchal systems in Indian society, the government has created the following schemes:

• Balika Samriddhi Yojana

This scheme was established to lift the overall status of a girl child. The word ‘samriddhi’ means prosperity. The main aim of this scheme is to bring positive change for the whole family in terms of education. It funds the education of underprivileged girls born after August 15th, 1997. 

• Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme

This scheme is offered by the Small Industries Development of India (SIDBI). The organisation provides financial assistance to women for establishing small scale industries up to INR 10 lakhs.

• Udyogini Scheme

This scheme is designed for women in the fields of agriculture, retail, and any other small business. Women between the ages of 18-45 can get loans up to INR 1 lakh through this scheme.

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Conclusion

Women empowerment is a powerful tool to create a sustainable and progressive society. Women in our country face a lot of harassment, verbal abuse, mental abuse, rapes, discrimination at work, etc. However, it is possible to help women defend themselves against these injustices with different kinds of empowerment, such as social, economic, educational, political, and psychological. The Government of India is developing several schemes for supporting women. Some of them are Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme, Mudra Yojana Scheme, Annapurna Scheme, and Dena Shakti Scheme. As a nation, it is our responsibility to give women the freedom and opportunity to lead dignified and fulfilling life.