Gender equality

Purpose

The aim of gender equality in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (SDG 5) is to end all forms of gender discrimination and empower women and girls with equal rights and opportunities. The goal aims to fundamentally achieve inclusive development of society through multifaceted policies and measures to ensure that women enjoy equal rights with men in education, employment, health, political participation and other aspects.

Eyes on India

Gender inequality remains a profound social challenge for a country with a long history and a large population. Women face significant barriers in multiple areas, including education, employment, and political participation, which not only limit their individual development, but also hinder the progress and prosperity of society as a whole.

In exploring the grand blueprint for global sustainable development, Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17) highlights the key role of global partnership and cooperation in achieving the overall development goals from its unique perspective. Within this broad framework, gender equality issues, particularly those addressed by SDG 5, have been given unprecedented importance.

Achieving gender equality is particularly important in a country like India. It can not only create a more fair and just social environment for women, so that they can give full play to their talents and potential, but also promote the harmony and stability of family and society, and lay a solid foundation for sustained economic growth and all-round social progress.

We must put gender equality at the core of global sustainable development, and work together to eliminate gender discrimination and promote women's rights and interests through strengthening international cooperation, promoting policy innovation and raising public awareness, so that every woman can grow up freely under the sun and write a new chapter in human development together.

Gender inequality:

National challenges

1.Gender discrimination in the workplace

Women in India face widespread gender discrimination in the workplace, not only in terms of access to employment opportunities, but also in terms of pay, promotion opportunities and working conditions.

Women often have less access to high-paying jobs and leadership positions than men, and often experience unfair treatment such as sexual harassment. Such workplace discrimination not only limits women's career advancement, but also undermines their economic independence and social status.

Education is an important way to change one's destiny and social status, but in India, women's access to education is much lower than that of men. Women's literacy rates remain below men's, with 65.5% of females and 82.1% of males, notwithstanding advancements in schooling (National Statistical Office, 2017-2018).Many families prefer to invest their limited resources in the education of male children, believing that female education is not necessary. This perception leads to a lack of access to a good education for a large number of Indian women, which in turn limits their development and self-realization in society.

2.Educational opportunities are unequal

3.Domestic violence

Domestic violence is a widespread problem in India, especially against women. Due to the influence of traditional ideas and social structures, women are often in a weak position in the family and are vulnerable to violence and abuse by their husbands or family members. Domestic violence not only brings physical harm to women, but also leads to great psychological trauma, and may even lead to more serious social problems, such as suicide and divorce. However, due to the hidden nature of domestic violence and social neglect of the problem, many victims often struggle to get timely help and support ‌.

The proportion of female MPS is extremely low ‌ : In India's 2019 general election, for example, the proportion of female MPS was only 11%, well below the global average.

‌ Marginalization in political decision-making ‌ : As women are underrepresented at the political decision-making level, their participation in key policymaking processes is correspondingly reduced. This can lead to policy making that lacks a gender perspective and fails to fully take into account women's needs and interests, further exacerbating gender inequality .

‌ Reduced government representation and effectiveness ‌ : A government that lacks women's voices may struggle to fully reflect the diverse needs and interests of society, which in turn affects the quality of government decision-making and implementation ‌.

4.Women's political participation is insufficient

The root causes of the adverse effects of gender inequality in India

The problem of gender inequality in India is mainly caused by the adverse effects of the following aspects:

1.‌ Bound by tradition ‌ : Indian society is heavily influenced by the caste system, a hierarchy that affects not only social status but also gender attitudes. In many Indian families, boys are seen as the hope and future of the family, while girls are often seen as financial burdens. This traditional concept restricts the development space of women, making them have a low status in the family and society, and lack due respect and protection. It has also led to the neglect of women's education, limiting their access to the job market and exacerbating gender inequality.

2.‌ Inadequate legal system ‌ : Although the Indian government has stepped up its crackdown on rape in recent years, the legal system still has some loopholes and deficiencies. The legal process in India is cumbersome and inefficient, resulting in many rape cases not being handled in a timely and effective manner. In addition, there are some controversies and deficiencies in the definition and punishment of rape in Indian law, allowing some offenders to escape the law.

3.‌ Economic factors ‌ : India's economic development is rapid, but there are still large pockets of poverty and poor people. People in these areas have a lower standard of living, less education, and relatively lower awareness and emphasis on sex crimes. In addition, with the acceleration of urbanization, the problem of public security in cities has become increasingly prominent, and crimes such as rape have also increased.

The existence of these adverse effects not only limits the individual development of women, but also hinders the progress of Indian society. Gender inequality leads to the lack of opportunities and status for women in economic, political and social fields, which further affects the overall development of the country, such as the development of economic growth potential and the maintenance of social stability.

To counter these adverse effects, the Indian government, social organizations, and businesses are taking the following measures:

Government measures ‌ :

The Indian government has enacted a series of laws and policies to protect women's rights, such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, the first federal statute against sexual harassment implemented in the workplace in India, which provides female employees with legal remedies against sexual harassment by their employers.（Stephens , 2024）

The government has also stepped up efforts to combat sexual crimes and increased rape conviction rates.

The Government is also committed to improving women's education and employment rates through the implementation of various programmes and projects to provide education and employment opportunities for women.

‌ Social Organization and Enterprise Measures ‌ :

Social organizations and enterprises also actively participate in activities to promote gender equality, such as providing vocational training and entrepreneurial support, to help women improve their self-capacity and economic independence.

Some enterprises have also formulated gender equality policies to prohibit sexual harassment and gender discrimination in the workplace and provide equal working environment and promotion opportunities for female employees.

Implementation effect ‌ :

Although the Indian government and all sectors of society have taken a series of measures to deal with gender inequality, the implementation effect still needs to be improved. On the one hand, the influence of traditional ideas is deeply rooted and difficult to be completely changed in a short period of time; On the other hand, problems such as an imperfect legal system and insufficient enforcement also restrict the effective implementation of measures. Therefore, the Indian government and all sectors of society need to continue their efforts to step up reforms and promote the sustainable development of gender equality.

"I do my part for gender equality."

As a student majoring in international trade, I am well aware that gender inequality hinders economic development and social progress. Gender inequality persists in India and globally, limiting the potential of women and affecting the prosperity and stability of society as a whole. Therefore, I propose the following targeted solutions with a view to gradually eliminating gender inequality and promoting sustainable development.

Promote gender-sensitive education ‌

Participate in or organize public welfare activities of gender-sensitive education to raise public awareness of gender equality.

We should advocate the integration of gender equality into school education and improve women's education.

Use social media and other platforms to share gender equality education resources and expand influence.

Strengthen legal protections for gender equality in the workplace

To study and promote international and domestic laws and regulations on gender equality in the workplace.

Participate in or support anti-gender discrimination litigation cases and provide legal assistance to victims.

Work with governments and enterprises to promote the establishment of gender-friendly working environments and systems.

Encourage women to participate in international trade

Advocate women's equal participation and leadership in international trade.

Provide training, mentoring, and resources to help women improve their professional skills and literacy related to international trade.

We will promote gender diversity in international trade and promote international cooperation and exchanges among female entrepreneurs.

Encourage women to participate in politics

Actively participate in or support the campaigns of female political candidates.

Advocating for greater representation of women in political decision-making and promoting a gender-equal political environment.

To enhance women's ability and confidence to participate in politics through education and training.

Expected effect ‌

Through the implementation of the above plan, I expect to gradually eliminate gender inequality and promote the overall progress and development of Indian society. The popularization of gender-sensitive education will raise public awareness of gender equality, the strengthening of legal protection for gender equality in the workplace will effectively combat gender discrimination, and the promotion of women's participation in international trade and politics will enhance women's social status and influence.

‌ Required resources and support ‌

To achieve these goals, we need the concerted efforts and support of governments, international organizations, social groups and individuals. The government should provide policy support and financial input, international aid can provide us with more resources and experience, and social organizations can play a role of bridge and link to promote cooperation and exchanges among all parties. At the same time, we also need the active participation and support of the general public to jointly promote the development of gender equality.

‌ Concluding remarks ‌

Gender equality is not only a social issue, but also an economic one. As a student majoring in international trade, I am well aware of the importance of gender equality for economic development. Let us work together to contribute to gender equality and create a more just, harmonious and prosperous society.

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