The article interrogates how gender-based violence is being increasingly normalised through the mechanisms of influencers, algorithms, and online spaces, simultaneously calling upon viewers to be conscious of the content they consume and for inclusive content to stand against bias and support the promotion of gender equality.
Economic Exploitation and Violence against Women in South Asia By Saima Shamim, Yukti Goyal, Sharon Lugun, Kasturi Chakraborty, Adrita Dutta and Sanandita Mukherjee Abstract This study investigates how traditional and cultural practices in South Asian countries fuel ongoing violence against women, and how this violence, in turn, impacts the wider socio-economic landscape of South Asian countries. It looks at issues like son preference, child marriage, female infanticide, and the unequal treatment of women in areas like nutrition, education, and health, all through the lens of patriarchal social structures. The main goal of this study is to explore the long-term effects of violence against women on national productivity and GDP throughout South Asia, making the case that gender-based violence is not just a violation of human rights but also a significant developmental issue. By including Bangladesh as a case study within the larger regional context, the paper aims to uncover how overlapping factors like caste and class intensify the vulnerabilities faced by women. By including a comparative policy analysis with Scandinavian countries, renowned for their gender-equal governance and inclusive economic models, the paper aims to demonstrate how forward-thinking interventions can empower women and enhance national economic performance. The paper wraps up with tailored regional policy recommendations, calling for structural reforms, inclusive leadership, and gender-sensitive public policies. It stresses that academic research should drive practical strategies aimed at reducing gender inequality and unlocking the full economic potential of South Asian nations. What is Economic Exploitation? The term “Economic Exploitation” was introduced by Marx, and it refers to a relationship wherein the distribution of economic wealth is disproportional, i.e., the worker doesn’t receive an adequate amount of income or entitlement. This phenomenon of Economic Exploitation includes elements of gender wage gap, unpaid labour, informal economy and feminisation of poverty. Though Economic Exploitation is visible globally, it is particularly pronounced in South Asia, which is amongst the most populous parts of the world. This economic exploitation is often deeply rooted in structural inequalities, traditional gender roles, and the lack of social security. Women bear the brunt of most of these injustices as they face limited access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities. This creates a cycle of poverty and dependence that is difficult to break. As the region moves towards economic growth and globalisation, it is more imperative than ever to consider how economic policy and labour conditions affect women in these countries. Understanding the multifaceted nature of economic exploitation in South Asia is essential not only for intellectual debate but also for the creation of inclusive and equitable developmental policies. Forms of Economic Exploitation: Though Economic Exploitation occurs in various forms, three of the broadest forms include: Wage Gap and Unequal Pay- Gender wage gaps refer to the stark difference in earnings between men and women, often reflected as a percentage which shows that women are generally the ones to earn less than men. A host of factors like educational attainment, occupational segregation, experience and discrimination play a vital role in influencing this disparity. According to a report by ‘Progress of the World’s Women: Transforming Economies, Realising Rights’, between 1990 and 2013, women’s labour force participation rate (LFPR) in South Asia decreased from 35 to 30 per cent, resulting in a gender gap in labour force participation. This decline is primarily a result of lower participation rates from India, as not only do younger women stay back in education, but also there exists a general lack of employment opportunities for women. The gender pay gap in South Asia is at 33% as opposed to the 24% pay gap that exists globally. A key point to be noted is the fact that in South Asia, the pay gap is alarmingly higher in the urban areas as compared to the rural areas. Agriculture remains the most important source of work in South Asia, which employs 71% of women and 47% of men. Female health and care workers are often paid criminally low wages and are more often than not employed voluntarily. For instance, the Anganwadi Childcare workers in India. The poor and hazardous working conditions adversely impact the lives of thousands of workers, such as the ‘2013 Rana Plaza disaster, where around 3,600 garment workers (most of them women) were either killed or severely injured after an eight-storey factory collapsed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This report also talks about how across South Asia, women do and are also expected to engage more in unpaid care and domestic work as compared to their male counterparts. Such norms and practices give rise to the concept of “double burden” for women, where they need to meet the expectations at their workplace as well as ace all their familial duties, even though they aren’t compensated enough for either of them. Thus, even though there has been a substantial improvement in educational opportunities for women, the same cannot be said for their employment. Gendered Entrepreneurship Barriers- A journal article titled “The Complex Relationship between Education and Female Labour: The Curious Case of India” by Tisya Munjal, examines the paradox of increasing female literacy rate and a declining participation of women in the labour force. This journal also goes on to say that governmental initiatives of programs and policies like “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” and the New Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 have failed to integrate women more effectively into the workforce. Some factors which contribute to such low participation of women in the workforce include- i) Societal and Cultural Norms, where deep-seated patriarchal mindsets and stereotypes restrict women’s work opportunities only to the private sphere, i.e., their respective homes. ii) Often, families encourage their daughters to finish at least some basic level of higher education, not to enhance their employment opportunities. Rather, this is done to boost their marriage prospects. In certain communities, a higher social status is attributed to families where the women are educated but not employed. iii) This journal also goes on to state that the curriculum is unable to adapt quickly to the fast-paced changing
This comprehensive study delves into the deeply entrenched nature of patriarchy as a systemic force perpetuating women’s subordination across societies. Tracing the historical roots of patriarchal structures through cultural, economic, and theoretical lenses, the article explores how gender-based violence, socio-economic limitations, and institutional biases are normalized. Drawing on feminist theory—including liberal, radical, Marxist, and cultural feminism—it outlines the evolution of feminist movements through four distinct waves, each contributing to the ongoing fight for gender justice. Ultimately, the work emphasizes the need for an intersectional approach to dismantle patriarchal systems and promote equity, autonomy, and agency for all women.
This research aims to explore the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs across generations, the opportunities they have leveraged, and the policy gaps that persist. By analyzing these aspects, we can develop strategies to foster a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Unlocking the full potential of women in business is not just about breaking the glass ceiling—it is about creating an environment where every woman, regardless of generation, can thrive and lead.
This post looked at the progress in the realm political participation made by Indian rural women since independence. The historical context of Indian women in politics was provided alongside, the progress made such as in the Panchayati Raj institutions. Additionally, the lingering challenges for women, including women representatives reduced to symbolic figures and the persistence of gender stereotypes were looked into. A comparative study of differing women’s representation in the states of Odisha and Karnataka was also conducted. This study showed how economic progress for women does not automatically translate into political empowerment; unless supported by sufficient political will. Finally, suggestions were made for enhancing the representation of women in Indian politics.
India is moving from women’s development to women-led development, which ensures women’s active participation in society. The government has worked on various schemes focused on improving education, employment, healthcare, and safety for women.
The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme attempts to change the child sex ratio alongside child education, but budgetary slippages and poor inter-departmental coordination continue to constrain the scheme. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana’ funds maternity benefits through conditional cash transfers, but awareness and fund disbursement is insufficiently robust. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana’ issues unsecured credit to women entrepreneurs, but suffers from under-education, misuse of loans, and over-indebtedness amongst women business owners.
While there has been advancement through these programs, a lot more needs work. There needs to be involvement from the government and the private sector as well as civil society to successfully promote the long-term well being and empowerment of women in India.
This post examines the growing participation of rural women in Indian politics, using literature reviews and diverse sources like the Election Commission and internet portals. Additionally, a case study method analysis of women’s participation in politics in the states of Karnataka and Odisha, which have both followed differing trajectories with respect to improving participation; has been undertaken. The study observed that while participation has substantially increased, there remain significant challenges and barriers to be met.
Gender Equality -By Rahul singh Introduction Gender equality is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society . The main aim of the is to achieve a world where people are free to share views irrespective of their gender and get acknowledge and praise for their contribution. The world without equality is like a world without right to present the views so the Sustainable development 5 of Gender equality is yet to achieved and its target to hit the target by 2030. Understanding SDG 5 SDG 5 or Gender equality primary focuses on ending all sorts of Discrimination and providing a variable environment where participation of women is must and they are free to raise their voices against any sort of violence and discrimination that’s prevelant in the society. To get full benefit of the resources we should be just in providing equal opportunities so as to improve the quality of life and make a world a better place. Measures to be taken to end Discrimination to be followed End Discrimination: Discrimination all sorts of is driving wedge in the society, it creates a environment where people feel uncomfortable to share their views and are afraid of violence so discrimination should be ended to give people a just society with free flow of views . End Violence: Violence against women had been a major issue in the society ,it’s more prevalent in the rural areas where people don’t allow their partners to move out of their houses without their permission. Human trafficking and violence is the issue that has to be dealt with as it is a curse to the society where we couldn’t respect women. Eliminate Harmful Practices: In most of the underdeveloped and developing countries and moreover in rural areas child marriage and female infanticide is a common phenomenon which leads to a condition of violence against women and therefore creating a world where women struggle to find their space in the society. Ensure Participation: Participation of women in all aspects is a must for the society as it gives a platform for proper utilisation of the resources of the country and more creating a society where freedom of speech and right to raise the voices against the any discrimination leads to a better society . Action taken by Indian Government in field of gender equality Legal and Policy Frameworks Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005: This law was implemented with the view to ensure the rights of the women in household, main aim was to protect them domestic violence in all respect and protect their rights . The women could file complain in their local police station about any violence against them and police are entitled to take strict action against the people. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: This law was implemented to protect the women in their workplace and provide a urgent redressal and action against the culprit. This safeguard the women and provide a healthy workplace environment where they could work with their own will and seek help for any violence. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: This act prohibits the giving or taking of dowry, a practice that has been a major issue of the society, it address the issue and take action against culprit for taking any sort of gifts taking for marriage. Government Programs to empower women Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): It was launched as course of action for declining girl child ratio in the census of 2011 and it main objective was to restrict malpractices of abortion of child by gender identification by ultra sound technology. It also aims to provide girl child with primary education and empowering them to take part in the society. Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK): This scheme provides women with loan to finance their skills and open ventures so as to take part in the society. This helps in women skill empowerment and helps to putting their skills onboard and earn from it. The Importance of Gender Equality Achieving gender equality is crucial for several reasons: Economic Growth: women participation and upskilling helps growth of the society and economy as a whole as it provides a platform for the women to share their views and also be a part of it . It’s needed as it improves the quality of life of the people and moreover changing views of the people and making a economy great. Health and Well-being: Education and participation of women help upskilling the youth of the society and moreover proving them a better view of the future and decrease in the rate of abuse against women as they could raise their voice against the unjust to them. Peace and Stability: Societies with greater gender equality are more peaceful and stable. Women’s participation helps to give a society new outlook and moreover helps in achieving goal and improving the life of the people. Achieving SDG Goals: Sdg goals which are entitled to be achieved before 2030 are not possible without the participation of women , they are the essential component of the society and their insights can’t be ignored and moreover it’s needed to achieve the upcoming goals and improve the standard of living of the people and helps the country and moreover society as whole to grow. Conclusion To become a global leader we have to make a just full society where expression of views are not suppressed due to gender and everyone as a whole take part and helps in growth of economy as whole. Education of each is necessary and moreover lives of each one matters so female infanticide should not be a part of any developing or developed society . Citations Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline perez Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe The Color Purple by alice walker Possessing the Secret of Joy alice walker Sexual Politics by kate millet The Birth of the Pill: How
Name- Shrutee Praharaj Enrollment number- 0791 DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS OF WOMEN IN ODISHA: AN ANALYSIS THROUGH THE LENS OF SDG 5 Introduction The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015, is a global blueprint aiming to achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainability for all. It calls for collective action to address critical global challenges- including poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Central to this agenda are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include 169 specific targets (United Nations, 2021). Among these, SDG 5 focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Why SDG 5? Despite progress in reducing gender inequality, women and girls worldwide continue to face significant challenges. As per the United Nations website, in 56 countries, 20% of the girls between the ages of 15 to 19 years who have been in a sexual relationship have faced physical and/or sexual violence by their partners between the years 2015 and 2016. In 2017, 21% of women in the 20–24 age range or 650 million women were married before turning 18. In 30 countries, 1 in 3 15–19-year-old girls had been exposed to genital mutilation around 2017. Between 2000 and 2016, women performed house labour and worked as nurses in nearly 90 nations without receiving pay which was roughly three times that of men. Women are also paid 16% less than men (Küfeoğlu, 2022). SDG 5 Goals and Targets SDG 5 outlines several specific targets aimed at ending gender-based discrimination and violence, ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health rights, and promoting women’s participation in all aspects of society. Key targets include: 5.1 End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere 5.2 Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation 5.3 Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation 5.4 Recognise and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate 5.5 Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life 5.6 Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights as agreed in accordance with the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development and the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome documents of their review conferences 5.A Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws 5.B Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women 5.C Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels ((United Nations, n.d.) About Odisha The name “Odisha” originates from the Sanskrit term ‘Odra Vishaya’ or ‘Odra Desa,’ which referred to the ancient region located in the Mahanadi River valley and the lower Subarnarekha River. This area included what is now the districts of Cuttack and Sambalpur and part of Midnapore, bordered by Gondwana to the west, Jashpur and Singhbhum to the north, the sea to the east, and Ganjam to the south. Once a land of kings and kingdoms, modern Odisha is renowned for its abundant natural resources, intricate temple architecture, classical dance forms, diverse religious traditions, and vibrant fairs and festivals. Its handlooms, handicrafts, lush forests, rock caves, and scenic hills have long drawn the interest of historians and travellers alike. Odisha’s rich history, including its freedom movement and tribal culture—marked by dance, music, rituals, and traditions—continues to be a subject of research for historians and scholars globally (Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, n.d.). Demographic Indicators The percentage of women in Odisha’s population has declined from 50.6% in 1951 to 49.46% in 2011, primarily due to male migration, especially in urban areas where the female population is lower at 48.23%, compared to rural areas at 49.71%. This urban-rural disparity indicates the need for policy interventions to balance the gender ratio in cities and address the underlying causes of gender imbalance, such as economic migration and societal norms. The sex ratio in Odisha, which stands at 979 females per 1000 males in 2011, is slightly better than the national average of 943, though urban areas have a lower ratio of 932. The higher ratio in rural areas (989 females per 1000 males) may be attributed to male outmigration for employment. While its sex ratio is relatively higher than many other Indian states, it still reflects deep-rooted gender biases and societal challenges, such as female foeticide, that need to be addressed to achieve true gender parity. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Odisha has steadily improved, dropping from 424 per 100,000 live births in 1999-2001 to 222 in 2011-2013. This decline is largely the result of targeted health interventions, such as the National Rural Health Mission, which has improved access to maternal healthcare services in the state. Despite this progress, Odisha’s MMR remains above the national average, highlighting the need for continued efforts to provide quality maternal healthcare, especially in rural and underserved areas. Reducing MMR is critical for achieving SDG 5, as it directly impacts women’s health and well-being. Odisha has made significant strides in improving female literacy, with rates increasing from a mere 4.52% in 1951 to 64.36% in 2011. While urban female literacy peaks at a solid 80.42%, rural female literacy lags at 60.74%. This wide gap between urban and rural literacy rates points to the need for more focused efforts in rural education and empowerment programs. Increased literacy among women is essential for socioeconomic progress and directly correlates with better health outcomes, reduced fertility rates,
The article will be on, the economic implications of gender equality that range from reduction in poverty to increased economic growth, the role of women in various fields and how it impacts the economy at both micro and macro levels. At the macro level, women’s role impacts the overall output and efficiency of the economy. At the micro level, women’s development and its impact on their role and position in the workplace. Gender equality plays a huge role in the development of the economy and its growth. Providing equal opportunities and rights on similar matters gives a wider view of the situation and increases output.
