Context: Despite all societal progressive and liberal laws, the state of women continues in a state of dismay.
Dismal state of women within family
As many as 20 deaths happening every day: 7,115 deaths were recorded as dowry-related cases in 2019, according to records of National Crime Records Bureau.
Out of over 340,000 cases of crime against women in 2019 under the Indian Penal Code.
37% were of ‘cruelty by husband or his relatives’.
26% of ‘assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty’.
9% of ‘kidnapping and abduction of women for forceful marriages’.
Despite every fourth married woman facing spousal violence, the proportion of divorced or separated women among ever-married women was less than 1% in 2018-19.
Systematic gender discrimination continuing in society
Poor investment and interest in the education of women: Fails to grant women control over their life choices, especially on marriage or divorce.
Insufficient access to economic resources for women: Weakens her position to exercise decision-making powers.
Constrained sense of self-worth: Despite education and wealth, due to the patriarchal nature of society.
Entrenched social norms related to marital practices and gender roles:
Traditions such as a coming-of-age ceremony in the form of a social function after first menstruation continues in many parts, emphasizing her primary role as a reproductive agent.
Marriage by certain age considered universal, endogamy and arranged marriages are still the norms-- As per 2018-19 National Sample Survey data, 1 in 2 girls (and 1 in 3men) in urban India and 3 in 4 girls (2 in 4 men) in rural India were married before the age of 25 years.
Girls are conditioned to believe that a marriage must be permanent, making them rarely considere a viable or honourable option.
Girls, even in work, tend to accept and justify spousal violence; a survey based on NFHS 2015-16 revealed that 27% of women in paid work faced spousal violence compared to 20% of women not in paid work.
Way forward
Promote role models: Promoting successful women CEOs and sportswomen as role models to alter people’s perceptions. Male role models who actively challenge gender stereotypes would be of help.
Early-stage interventions to reshape gender attitudes among boys and girls alike: School textbooks to be revised and audited to sieve out words and phrases disparaging women.
Steps to be taken to turn schools and colleges into spaces that embrace the idea of gender equality and equal rights.