Grassroots Movements:Women’s Role in Social Changes
यत्र नाययस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवतााः । यत्रैतास्तु न पूज्यन्ते सवायस्तत्राफलााः क्रियााः ।। मनुस्मृक्रत ३/५६ ।।
जह ाँ स्त्रिय ों की पूज ह ती है वह ाँ देवत निव स करते हैं और जह ाँ स्त्रिय ों की पूज िही ह ती है, उिक सम्म ि िही ह त है वह ाँ नकये गये समस्त अच्छे कमम निष्फल ह ज ते हैं। Where women are worshiped, there lives the Gods. Wherever they are not worshiped, all actions result in failure.
CMA Dr. Reena Sharma(Practicing Cost Accountant)
To understand the present, it’s crucial to reflect on the past. Throughout history, women have often been marginalized, denied basic rights, and confined to prescribed gender roles. From the feminist movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to the fight for reproductive rights and workplace equality, women have tirelessly campaigned for recognition, autonomy, and equal opportunities
“Nar” in Sanskrit means “Man” and “Naari” means “Woman”. It is said that “Naari tu Narayani” literally means “Woman you are world creator, preserver and protector.”
Woman is the energy of anyone’s life, very right from the beginning of anyone’s life. When any life is born, it is born through a female in the nature and humans are not an exception. Our life starts from the woman; she is the Adi Shakti (First Energy) of anyone’s life. The woman is the source of mankind and without her the human life wouldn’t exist on earth. The love, care and sacrifice of the mother (including Mother Nature) for her children is matchless, selfless and of course priceless.
The divine qualities in every woman which are compassion, love, care, sacrifice, sensitivity, emotions, life creation, forgiveness and strength.
Women worldwide are breaking stereotypes and seeking equal rights and responsibilities after centuries of subjugation. This transformative phase sees women leading from the front, changing socio-economic, demographic, behavioural, and financial dynamics. The term 'Female' now symbolizes strength ('Fe' for iron) and independence, rather than subordination. Advances in communication and networking technologies have empowered women to challenge the notion of being the 'weaker gender' or merely the 'better half.'
In recent decades, women have increasingly participated in activities once deemed impossible for them. The democratic world order over the past 60 years has driven the push for equal rights in all areas of life. Previously, women were primarily seen as caregivers and were dependent on men, leading to unconscious oppression. The democratic process sparked a shift towards equality, and now women are game-changers in family, society, workplaces, politics, and global stages. It's remarkable how quickly this transformation has occurred, making it entirely possible for the next CEO to be a woman.
Frankly, no one knows what shape this phase of transformation will take as machine learning, artificial intelligence and robotics are expected to make household management more efficient making more and more women free of day to day worries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women’s participation in the workforce increased from 39.9% in 1950 to 57% in 2016. It is likely to head towards 85% in the next decade or so. It is not as positive globally, but tech-push is likely to speed up the process. The changing work culture and practices demand a new set of skills that are very natural to women as compared to men . The amazing skill of integration and cooperation makes women more fit for the jobs required to be executed in the hyper-connected and
interdependent world. The natural traits of stability, consistency, and responsibility make them a better candidate for these roles.
Role Suitability and Gender
The future of women's roles is uncertain as machine learning, AI, and robotics are expected to make household management more efficient, freeing women from daily worries. Globally, the trend is slower, but technology is likely to accelerate it.
Changing work culture demands skills natural to women, such as integration, cooperation, stability, consistency, and responsibility. These traits make women suitable for roles in administration, business, and global home operations. Their multitasking, flexibility, listening, and household management skills are ideal for the hyper-connected world.
Every job requires specific skills, training, and experience, but gender should not be a differentiator. Some roles may suit males better due to physical strength, but evolving technology and mindsets will eventually remove these barriers. Women in combat roles exemplify this change. Administrative and legal rules are evolving to better equip women, but achieving perfect equality will take time. Rules should be more gender-flexible to accommodate women in better roles and positions.
Role of Women in Society & Economy
Financial independence is crucial for women's empowerment, as it accelerates changes in behaviour and mindset. Post-World War II, women's labour force participation increased significantly, leading to economic growth and higher engagement. No country can thrive if half its population is excluded from economic activities. The Scandinavian model shows that higher women's participation improves efficiency and well-being. Despite opportunities in all roles, gender pay discrimination remains a reality.
Role of Women in Agronomy
Despite women's active participation in farm activities across cultures, society often fails to recognize their contributions, still associating 'farmer' with males. In agrarian economies like India, women make up over 50% of the active labor force. In some African societies, women lead farm activities. Recent trends show higher female participation in farm-based economic activities, aligning with their multitasking abilities. Indian women, for instance, have made the country the top milk producer in just two decades.
Role of Women in Politics
Since gaining the right to vote in 1920, women in the U.S. have gradually entered the male-dominated and now hold significant political power. This trend is global, with women leading in several democracies, though participation is still below 50%. Women leaders are well-suited to the evolving dynamics of democracies, excelling in listening and finding humanistic solutions to issues like climate change, inequality, green economy, healthcare, and family care. Their gender-sensitive approach is crucial for addressing these challenges.In India women reservation bill also passed.
Role of Women in Family
The role of women in the family is crucial for achieving happiness and balance in modern society. While traditional roles focused on raising children, advancements in communication technology and flexible maternity and paternity rules now allow for better work-life balance. Women, often seen as the CEOs of the home, have been key to family success throughout history and continue to excel in professional roles.
As socio-cultural norms evolve, gender barriers are expected to diminish, leading to behavioural changes. The women empowerment movement will persist until true equality is achieved. In modern society, women have transformed from traditional domestic roles to active contributors across various spheres, driving progress and facing challenges on the journey toward gender equality.
In modern society, women's roles have significantly transformed due to evolving socio-cultural norms, economic shifts, and technological advancements. Once confined to traditional domestic roles, women now contribute across diverse spheres. This article explores the complexities of women's roles, the progress made, challenges
encountered, and the ongoing journey toward gender equality. Let's delve into the details and understand the impact of these changes.
Empowerment Through Education and Career
Women's participation in education and the workforce has significantly increased in recent decades. Access to education has enabled women to pursue higher studies and careers in fields like STEM, once dominated by men. Global initiatives promoting girls' education have further emphasized the importance of empowerment through knowledge.
Economic Empowerment and Financial Independence
The rise of women in the workforce has expanded opportunities, enhanced economic empowerment, and increased financial independence. Women contribute to household incomes and drive economic growth through entrepreneurship and leadership roles. Policies supporting gender-inclusive workplaces, equal pay, and parental leave have emerged, despite challenges in certain sectors and regio
Challenges and Persisting Inequalities in India
Gender-Based Violence: High rates of violence, including domestic abuse and sexual harassment, threaten women's safety.
Limited Political Representation: Women are underrepresented in political leadership roles.
Education Disparities: Limited access to quality education impacts girls' future prospects.
Healthcare Disparities: Access to healthcare services and reproductive rights remains a challenge
The role of women in modern society has evolved significantly, with progress towards empowerment and gender equality. Despite advancements, systemic inequalities persist, requiring ongoing efforts to ensure women's full participation and rights in all aspects of life. By promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender equity, we can create a future where everyone thrives.
Women in the Workforce: Challenges and Advancements in India
Challenges:
Gender Bias and Stereotypes: Societal biases limit women's career choices and advancement.
Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and family responsibilities is challenging, especially in traditional societies.
Lack of Access to Opportunities: Limited access to education, skill development, and mentorship restricts women's entry into certain professions.
Advancements:
Increasing Workforce Participation: More women are joining various sectors, including IT, banking, healthcare, and education.
Corporate Initiatives: Policies promoting gender diversity, flexible work hours, and parental leave support women's career progression.
Government Initiatives: Schemes like Mahila E-Haat and initiatives encouraging women's participation in STEM fields contribute to advancements.
Gender Wage Gap and Its Implications in India
Gap in Earnings: Women often earn less than men for similar work, leading to economic disparities.
Implications: The wage gap affects women's economic independence and perpetuates gender inequalities.
Entrepreneurship and Economic Independence Among Women in India
Entrepreneurship Initiatives: Government schemes like Stand-Up India encourage women entrepreneurship. Skill improvement and financial inclusion have opened vast opportunities for millions of housewives.
Increasing Participation: More women are starting businesses in diverse sectors. The rise of women entrepreneurs is a global transformation. Internet and mobile technology have empowered women, especially in developing economies, to start their ventures.
Advancements in technology like robotics, machine learning, and AI will provide women with more free time to explore better opportunities, likely changing gender dynamics forever.
Economic Independence: Entrepreneurship offers women financial independence and decision-making power. Recent data from the Government of India shows that women now make up nearly 14% of total
entrepreneurs, with over 8 million women entrepreneurs today, a significant increase from just hundreds a decade ago. Despite challenges in skill development and gender-based financing, the trend is promising.
Intersectionality: The Impact of Race, Class, and Other Factors on Women's Status in India
Race and Class: Caste plays a crucial role in shaping women's experiences, with marginalized communities facing compounded discrimination.
Impact: Women at the intersection of multiple identities face increased vulnerability to discrimination and limited access to resources.
Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination in India
Gender-Based Violence: High rates of violence, including domestic violence and human trafficking, affect women, especially from marginalized communities.
Discrimination: Gender biases and societal expectations limit women's autonomy and opportunities.
Legal Framework: While laws exist to address gender-based violence, implementation and access to justice remain challenges.
Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector to create awareness, provide resources, and ensure equal opportunities for women in India.