Empowerment simply implies self reliance and sustainability. This applies to everyone irrespective of gender. Why this is relevant in the context of women at macro and micro level is the subject of this discussion.A growth in the country' GDP is not possible without empowering women who account for almost half(48%) of the population. Though India is fifth largest economy in the world, its rank in per capita GDP is 139. The productivity of tiny Japan is more than ours. In terms of productivity to person ratio(per capita GDP), we are very much lagging behind. Tapping the potential of all sections is essential in driving towards progress to have the advantage of demographic dividend. With average age of 27 we have huge working age population, which we have turn into an asset.
It is important to understand
how division of work happened in the past. Since long ago, economic activity
happened with the muscle power of men. Any pursuit be it farming, blacksmithy,
weaving, cattle rearing etc required lot of physical strain. Women took care of
domestic activities like processing of raw and semi-finished grains to finished
ones, raising children, cooking etc, sometimes supporting their family
occupation. Today technology has completely changed the scenario.Irrespective
of the field, work require use of computers reducing manual labour to a great
extent.Lion’s share of GDP is
coming from service sector and it is expected to increase in coming days. Many mechanized alternatives are available to reduce arduous effort at
home. Ready to cook grains and ready mix are available in the market. There is a scope and necessity for every one to enter the work space.
In the post colonial era, equal opportunities are given to all citizens. Education to children is given most importance as it is thought as the means for tomorrow’s livelihood. The education can give a human being, employment if put to right use, income and an identity. Women has the opportunity to show case their skills and abilities. They are competing with men in all platforms. Parents are spending equally on daughters’ education. Women’s earning gives additional income to a family. Double income ensures better standard of living and better education to off springs.
Empowering women from economically weaker sections is vital because if a girl child can support herself with substantial income, marriage with a suitable groom can be performed in a low key affair. Girl’s marriage is not a liability for parents, a social compulsion for big fat wedding will go away.She can help education of her siblings. Also she can take care of her parents during old age.Giving birth to more number of children for want of male child reduces. Small families can lead better life in all terms compared to bigger ones. In developed states, the average number of children a couple gives birth to(Total Fertility Rate) , is less than 2 while in underdeveloped states it is greater than 2.On contrary, this is the result of the fact that educated women tend to have less number of children.
Women empowerment is not a new concept in India. Mostly they supported their family profession in some or the other way. When textile industry flourished in India, a widow could survive her family with the income gained by weaving. A lady from lower middle class and poor sections who earns meagre amounts and that amounts are required to make both ends meet works hard than financially comfortable classes. Middle class wives involve in small time activities like tailoring, small scale food processing etc, which would supplement nominal amounts or reduce otherwise will incur some costs. Platforms are required to enhance their skills, improve their productivity and incomes.
Empowerment doesn’t mean a disinterested engineering degree to float in the marriage market. Since majority students are following the trend, many courses are not finding good entries, which are also required for the society. Interesting studies with good job potential should be pursued to have career. As India has come to one or two child policy (boy or girl), the pride of achievement of a child (పుత్రోత్సాహం) can obtained through any child irrespective of whether it is male or female.
With the growing expenditures and price rise it is becoming difficult to lead a decent living without dual income. Women being employed in various fields give them a different experience to excel. Woman are second to none in all respects. They are leading as engineers, doctors , astronauts, bureaucrats, managers, software etc. Sky is the limit. Financial independence for woman means a lot for their self respect and individuality.
Considering the uncertainties in job market, one’s income will act as buffer in case there is loss of employment (if both are earning). If male member is the only earning member, any unprecedented things come in way making him fatal, she should be able to run the family. And everything goes well, but marriage ends up as a troubled marriage(harassing husband or in-laws) she need not be at anyone’s mercy to sustain herself and children.
Very long working hours in corporate culture makes work- life balance difficult in case both are employed. There is no one to take care of children as most of the families are nuclear . Multi-national organizations can opt for 6day 8-9hour work in place of 5 day 10-12 hour work model. Job market hasn’t grown on par with our available work force. Women reservation is not necessary to have gender equality at work place. A few years age relaxation will help to cope up with the maternity period. Lastly, for a woman to be successful in her career there should be a supportive husband who helps in household chores.
