Challenges Facing Women in Punjab: A Call for Equity and Safety

Women in Punjab have made strides in education, employment, and political representation, yet face persistent barriers. Gender disparities in leadership, coupled with gender-based violence, unequal resource access, and patriarchal norms, hinder true equality. A declining sex ratio and rising crimes against women highlight the need for stronger laws and societal change. This article examines these challenges, supported by data, and highlights Punjab’s initiatives to empower women, calling for collective action to ensure their safety and equity.

Demographic Imbalance: A Persistent Gender Gap

Punjab’s gender imbalance is a pressing issue. The 2011 Census reported women as 47.23% of the population, below the national 48.5%. The sex ratio was 895 women per 1,000 men in 2011, improving to 918 by 2024 (NFHS-5), yet below the national 929. The child sex ratio (0–6 years) in 2011 was 846, compared to the national 914. Initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have driven progress, but son preference persists.

Decadal Sex Ratio in Punjab

Year: Sex Ratio (Females per 1,000 Males)

2024: 918 (NFHS-5)

2011: 895

2001: 876

1991: 882

1981: 879

1971: 865

1961: 854

1951: 844

1941: 836

1931: 815

1921: 799

1901: 832

Education: Bridging the Literacy Gap

Female literacy in Punjab rose from 26.65% in 1971 to 72.8% in 2024, compared to 82.1% for men, with an overall state rate of 77.5%. The gender gap narrowed from 17.58% in 1971 to 9.3% in 2024. In 2011, women’s literacy was 70.73% versus 80.44% for men, with Hoshiarpur at 80.3% and Mansa at 55.7%.

Literacy Rates in Punjab by Gender

Year: Female (%): Male (%): Gap (%): Total (%)

2024: 72.8: 82.1: 9.3: 77.5

2011: 70.73: 80.44: 9.71: 75.84

2001: 63.55: 75.63: 12.08: 69.95

1991: 50.41: 65.66: 15.25: 58.51

1981: 34.35: 51.23: 16.88: 43.37

1971: 26.65: 42.23: 17.58: 34.12

Economic Challenges: Barriers to Workforce Participation

Women’s workforce participation rose from 13.9% in 2011 to 25.2% in 2022–23, but lags the national female average of 36%. In 2011, men’s participation was 55.15%, creating a 41.25% gap. Rural women (14.3%) slightly outperformed urban women (13.2%).

Workforce Participation in Punjab (2011)

Residence: Female (%): Male (%): Gender Gap (%)

Urban: 13.2: 55.9: 42.2

Rural: 14.3: 54.9: 40.6

Total: 13.9: 55.15: 41.25

Rising Crimes Against Women

In 2022, Punjab recorded 5,572 FIRs for crimes against women, down from 5,662 in 2021. Rape cases rose 10% (464 to 517), with 1,478 kidnappings/abductions and 1,640 cases of cruelty by husbands, highlighting ongoing safety challenges.

Honour Killings: A Tragic Reality

Punjab ranks high in honour killings due to rigid caste norms. A 2005–2012 study of 100 cases showed 41% involved only the girl, 12% only the boy, and 47% both, underscoring the need for societal reform.

Chain Snatching: A Growing Concern

Chain snatching has surged in urban areas like Ludhiana and Amritsar, with 2024 incidents like an NRI woman’s chain being snatched in Mohali (The Tribune) highlighting the need for better policing.

Silent Suffering: Addiction’s Impact on Women

Male addiction in Punjab devastates women, particularly wives, causing financial strain, abuse, and stigma. Limited support exacerbates their mental health and family challenges.

Major Safety Concerns for Women

Women face:

• Gender-Based Violence: Rising rape, domestic abuse, and honour killings.

• Public Safety: Harassment in public spaces, worsened by poor infrastructure.

• Domestic Violence: Silenced by stigma and dependence.

• Elusive Safety: True safety requires freedom from fear and access to justice.

Punjab Government’s Empowerment Initiatives

Key programs include:

• Project Hifazat (2024): Enhances responses via the 181 Women Helpline.

• Sakhi One Stop Centre: Offers medical, legal, and shelter support.

• Women Helpline (181): Provides immediate assistance.

• Home for Widows and Destitute, Jalandhar: Supports 250 women with Rs. 2,000/month.

• Financial Assistance to Acid Victims (2017): Rs. 8,000/month for rehabilitation.

• Concessional Bus Travel Facility: 50% fare discounts for women 60+.

• Awareness Programmes: Address gender imbalance.

• Sexual Harassment Act (2013): Ensures safe workplaces.

Conclusion: Building an Equitable Future

Punjab’s women show resilience, yet face violence, economic exclusion, and bias. Government initiatives offer hope, but cultural change is needed. Strengthening enforcement, closing gaps, and addressing addiction’s impact will empower women and uplift Punjab.

References

• Social Security, Women and Child Development, Punjab

• District-wise Decadal Sex Ratio in Punjab. (2022). punjab.data.gov.in

• Saiyed, S. A., & Pathania, R. (2015). International Journal of Applied Research, 1(9), 67.

• Kaur, B., & Nagaich, S. An Overview of Female Labour Force Participation Rate in Punjab. SSRN

• NCRB Data. (2023). Hindustan Times.

• Deol, S. S. (2014). International Journal of Social Sciences, 3(6).