INT. J. NEW. INN.

, 2012, 1(1), 224-225

ISSN:2277-4459

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA AT PRESENT SCENARIO

Sudesh, Kiran1, Navinder Singh1
1

Economics & Management Depts in CDLU Sirsa

1. INTRODUCTION
Women empowerment is not an old phenomenon. In oriental belt of the globe it has got currency only in the recent past. Even the western thinkers looked at the women empowerment in the second half of the last century. It was first time noticed by a group of western development experts in research and investigation that womens participation in the development does not happen unless women become united. This has given birth to a school of thought named Women in Development which has remarkably set a specific trend in including women in theories of development and this stream was strong in 1970s. The educated women do not want to limit their lives in the four walls of the house. They demand equal respect from their partners. However, Indian women have to go to a long way to achieve equal rights and position because traditions are deep rooted in Indian society. Despite all the social hurdles, many women have become successful in their works. These successful women have made name and wealth for themselves with their hard work, diligence, competence and will power. The concept of women empowerment originated from the Brazilian educationist Paulo Frerie. Women in India now participate in all activities such as education, politics, media, art and culture, service sectors, science and technology, etc. Since the drawn of civilization women have obviously been working as an important agent of development but this crucial contribution of women is yet to be recognized. Male domination has enchained women to apartment. Women as an independent target group, account for 495.74 million and represent 48.3 % of the countrys population, as per the 2001 census. No country can achieve its potential without adequately investing in and developing the capabilities of women .In the interest of long term development it is necessary to facilitate their empowerment. In many developing countries, including India, women have much less access to education, jobs, income and power than men. Even after five and half decades of planned development Indian women have not achieved expected success in the mainstream of life. Our country will be

unable to have a competitive edge over others until and unless the status and role of women is improved.

2. OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY

Study the factors of encouraging women to increase their participation in the Indian economy and suggestions to improve women empowerment in India. Study is based on descriptive research and qualitative analysis. The secondary data from the journals, references books has been utilized to provide concrete base to the findings. Factors of encouraging women to increase their participation in the Indian economy: India has traditionally been a patriarchal society with low participation of women in the economy. But the fact remains that women represent nearly fifty per cent of the total population, and it is crucial to encourage womens role in the economy at every level. Promoting women entrepreneurs in economy An increasingly large number of women in India are engaged in the informal economy and operating in the small scale sector and cottage industries. With proper governmental and societal support, these women can create sustainable, organized and growth oriented enterprises with a vision. Intuitional and policy based support: Government policies and regulations regarding business and industry can be formulated with the intent to encourage women in Indian economy activities. Directing women in to high growth areas: Another key part of the strategy must be to facilitate the entry of women entrepreneurs in to areas where high growth is expected. Special incentives, tax rebates, duty cuts and subsidized land and machinery can be provided to encourage women in emerging sectors. Special recognitions and award can be instituted for women participating in such targeted industries. Governmental schemes: The government of India launched a scheme called Trade related entrepreneurrship assistance and development scheme for women during the 11th five-year plan. The scheme envisioned economic empowerment of women through development of their economic empowerment of women through the development of their skills in non-agricultural activities.

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International Journal of New Innovations