Gender Discrimination in India Essay- 1481 words

“The progress of a nation can be judged by the way its women are treated.” – Rani Lakshmibai

Have you ever been treated unfairly because of your gender? Gender Discrimination is a pervasive problem in India, where women are often denied equal opportunities and rights simply because of their gender. In fact, according to a recent study by the World Economic Forum, India ranks 112th out of 153 countries in terms of gender equality.

Historical Roots of Gender Discrimination in India

“It is a shame that we treat our women as second-class citizens. Women are the backbone of our society and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.” – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose

For centuries, India has been a patriarchal society, where men hold more power and privilege than women. This has led to discrimination against women in various aspects of life, including education, employment and property rights. Patriarchal norms have reinforced the belief that men are superior to women, which has created a culture that devalues women and their contributions.

One of the ways in which patriarchy has contributed to discrimination against women in India is through traditional practices. Dowry, for example, is a practice where the bride’s family provides a significant amount of money, property or other gifts to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. The pressure to provide an adequate dowry often leads to financial strain and can result in violence against women. This practice reinforces the idea that women are inferior to men and that their only worth lies in their ability to provide material goods.

Child marriage is another traditional practice that has contributed to Gender Discrimination in India. This practice involves marrying young girls, often below the age of 18, to older men. This can lead to a lack of education for girls and puts them at risk of health problems and other negative consequences. Child marriage also reinforces the belief that women are meant to be subservient to men.

Sati is another traditional practice that has been used to reinforce Gender Discrimination in India. Sati is the practice of a widow immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. Although it has been illegal in India for many years, it still persists in some parts of the country. The practice reinforces the idea that women’s lives are worth less than men’s lives and that they should be willing to die for their husbands.

Forms of Gender Discrimination

Unequal Pay and Employment Opportunities

Unequal pay is one of the most common forms of Gender Discrimination in India. Women often receive lower salaries than men for the same job, despite having the same qualifications and experience. This contributes to a wider gender pay gap and can lead to financial insecurity for women.

Limited Access to Education

Limited access to education and employment opportunities is another form of Gender Discrimination in India. Women are often discouraged from pursuing higher education and are expected to focus on domestic responsibilities. This limits their career prospects and perpetuates the belief that women are meant to be homemakers rather than pursuing their own careers. In addition, women often face discrimination in the hiring process and are denied opportunities to advance in their careers.

Violence Against Women: Domestic Abuse, Sexual Assault etc

Violence against women is another significant form of Gender Discrimination in India. Women are often subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse, both in public and private settings. This can include domestic violence, sexual harassment and assault. The fear of violence can severely restrict women’s mobility and limit their ability to participate fully in society.

Gender Discrimination affects the daily lives of women in India in numerous ways. For example, women may face harassment and discrimination when accessing public spaces, such as parks, buses and markets. They may also face social stigma and exclusion for pursuing careers or education. This can lead to feelings of isolation and low self-esteem.

In addition, women’s safety is a constant concern, with the fear of harassment and assault often limiting their freedom to travel, work and socialize. This can have a profound impact on women’s mental health and well-being.

Consequences of Gender Discrimination

“The cost of gender inequality is immeasurable. It affects the health, education, and economic well-being of individuals, families, and entire communities.” – Melinda Gates

One of the negative impacts of Gender Discrimination is on women’s health. Discrimination can lead to lower access to healthcare and inadequate treatment for health issues. For example, women may not receive proper treatment for reproductive health issues due to stigma and cultural norms. This can lead to long-term health problems and even death in some cases.

Gender Discrimination also has an impact on women’s education. Discrimination can limit girls’ access to education and perpetuate stereotypes about women’s roles as caregivers and homemakers. This can lead to lower levels of education and fewer opportunities for career advancement, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.

Another consequence of Gender Discrimination is economic disadvantage. Discrimination can limit women’s access to employment and lead to unequal pay for the same work. This can result in financial insecurity and poverty for women and their families.

Overall, Gender Discrimination perpetuates gender inequality in Indian society. Discrimination limits women’s access to education and employment opportunities, perpetuating the belief that women are inferior to men. This, in turn, reinforces patriarchal norms and attitudes that contribute to the continued marginalization of women in Indian society.

To break the cycle of Gender Discrimination and promote gender equality, it is important to address the root causes of inequality and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. This can be achieved through education, awareness-raising and policy change that promotes gender equality and challenges patriarchal norms and attitudes.

Government Initiatives

“When women are empowered, societies flourish. That’s why the Indian government has launched initiatives to ensure every girl child gets the education she deserves.” – Prime Minister -Narendra Modi

The Indian government has taken several measures to address Gender Discrimination in the country. Here are some of the key initiatives-

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) Campaign

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative was launched in 2015 with the aim of improving the welfare and education of girls in India. The campaign focuses on improving the sex ratio and encouraging families to educate their daughters. The initiative has led to a reduction in female infanticide and a rise in the enrollment of girls in schools.

Effectiveness – The initiative has been successful in raising awareness and promoting education for girls in India. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, there has been a significant increase in the sex ratio in states where the campaign has been implemented. However, there is still a long way to go in terms of changing social attitudes and eliminating Gender Discrimination in India.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act was introduced in 2005 to provide legal protection to women who are victims of domestic violence. The act allows women to seek protection orders, monetary relief and custody of children in cases of domestic violence.

Effectiveness – The act has helped to raise awareness about domestic violence and has led to an increase in the reporting of such cases. However, the implementation of the act has been slow and there are still many cases of domestic violence that go unreported.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act was introduced in 2013 to address the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace. The act requires all employers to establish a committee to deal with complaints of sexual harassment at work.

Effectiveness – The act has helped to create a safer work environment for women and has led to an increase in the reporting of sexual harassment cases. However, many women are still hesitant to report cases of sexual harassment due to social stigma and fear of retribution.

Mahila E-Haat

Mahila E-Haat is an online platform launched in 2016 to support women entrepreneurs and promote their products and services.

Effectiveness-  The platform has helped to promote women entrepreneurship and has provided a platform for women to showcase their products and services. However, the platform has not been widely adopted and there is a need for greater promotion and awareness.

Gender Discrimination is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. It is essential to empower girls and women to reach their full potential and contribute to society. The Indian government has taken steps to address the issue, but there is still a long way to go. Students should be aware of this issue because they are the future leaders and changemakers of the country. By raising awareness and promoting gender equality, they can help create a more just and equal society for everyone. Together, we can work towards creating a society where Gender Discrimination is a thing of the past.

Gender Discrimination in India Essay 150- 200 words 

Gender discrimination is a pervasive problem in India, affecting women in all spheres of life. Historical social norms and traditional practises have reinforced gender inequality, including practises such as dowry, child marriage and sati. As a result, women often have limited access to education, employment opportunities and unequal pay. They are also subjected to violence and harassment, which further limits their ability to lead fulfilling lives.

The consequences of gender discrimination are far-reaching and have a negative impact on women’s health, education and economic status. Gender discrimination perpetuates social inequality and undermines the principles of a just society. Despite the challenges, the Government of India has taken initiatives to address gender discrimination, including the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. However, these measures have had varying degrees of success and require further efforts to make a difference.

It is important to combat gender discrimination in order to create a society that values equality and promotes social justice. This issue is especially important for high school students who will shape the future of India. Raising awareness about gender discrimination and its impact on individuals and society is critical to promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. Working together, we can create a better future where gender does not determine people’s opportunities and circumstances.

Gender Discrimination in India Essay 250 – 300 words 

Gender discrimination is a widespread problem in India and has been for centuries. The patriarchal nature of Indian society has led to discrimination against women, perpetuated by traditional practises such as dowry, child marriage and sati. Women in India face various forms of gender discrimination, including unequal pay, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and violence.

The consequences of gender discrimination are far-reaching and negatively impact women’s health, education and economic status. Women who are discriminated against are less likely to have access to adequate health care, education and employment opportunities, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and inequality. Moreover, gender discrimination perpetuates gender inequality in Indian society and women are underrepresented in various fields.

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to combat gender discrimination, including the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) campaign, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. These initiatives aim to promote gender equality, protect women’s rights and enable women to access education and employment.

Despite these initiatives, gender discrimination remains a major problem in India. More efforts need to be made to address the root causes of discrimination and promote gender equality in all spheres of society. High school students should be aware of this problem and take an active role in fighting gender discrimination. By raising awareness, promoting education and advocating for change, we can work towards a society that is free from gender discrimination and offers equal opportunities to all.