Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 11. Despite constitutional equality, gender disparities persist in India. Discuss the factors behind this paradox and its impact on inclusive democracy. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
Though the Constitution promises equality (Articles 14, 15, 16), women in India still face discrimination in jobs, education, and politics. This shows a gap between legal rights and real-life equality.
Body
Factors Behind Persistent Gender Disparities
- Patriarchal Norms: Traditional beliefs and social roles continue to limit women’s freedom, decision-making, and mobility—especially in rural and conservative settings.
- Economic Invisibility: Women’s unpaid domestic and care work contributes nearly 40% to India’s GDP (ILO estimate), yet remains uncounted; female Labour Force Participation Rate is just 24% (PLFS 2022–23).
- Educational Gaps: Despite near gender parity in primary enrolment, 35% of girls drop out by secondary school(U-DISE 2021–22), mainly due to domestic responsibilities and child marriage.
- Political Underrepresentation: Women hold only 14% of Lok Sabha seats and 33% in panchayats, despite the 2023 Women’s Reservation Bill, which is yet to be enforced nationally.
- Gender-based Violence: India reported over 4 lakh cases of crimes against women in 2022 (NCRB), creating fear and limiting women’s access to workplaces, transport, and justice systems.
Impact on Inclusive Democracy
- Unequal Voice in Decision-making: Women constitute nearly 50% of India’s population, yet only 14% of Parliament members and 10% of state legislators, limiting gender-responsive governance.
- Skewed Development Outcomes: India ranks 127 out of 146 in the Global Gender Gap Report 2023, with persistent gaps in health, education, and economic opportunity—hindering sustainable development.
- Policy Design Flaws: Only 11% of senior bureaucrats are women (DoPT, 2023), often resulting in gender-blind schemes that overlook the needs of working mothers, widows, or Dalit/Adivasi women.
- Trust Deficit in Institutions: Over 77% of sexual assault cases remain pending in courts (NCRB 2022), deterring women from seeking justice and undermining faith in institutions.
- Economic Barriers: As per NFHS-5, only 43% of women own a bank account and operate it independently, while lack of land titles or digital IDs further excludes them from state benefits and civic participation.
Conclusion
Bridging the gap between rights and reality needs a shift from women-centric to women-led development—through education, safety, and representation. As Amartya Sen said, “Empowering women is key to social transformation.”
