Opinion | More Than a Social Issue: Why Women’s Empowerment is an Economic Imperative

“Empowering women isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s the smart thing to do.” – Barack Obama

India stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of inclusive economic growth, where the interplay of health, gender equality, and economic policies is more significant than ever. The recently tabled Economic Survey 2024 and the Union Budget have brought to light pressing issues concerning women’s development and health in India.

Among the significant revelations is the troubling rise in obesity among women in specific states, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to women’s health, empowerment, and overall well-being. As we delve deeper into these insights, it becomes evident that addressing gender disparities and empowering women is not just a social obligation but a critical economic imperative.

The Health Crisis: Obesity and Its Implications

According to the Economic Survey, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh have a higher proportion of women with obesity compared to men. In Delhi, 41.3 per cent of women are obese compared to 38 per cent of men. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, 40.4 per cent of women face obesity versus 37 per cent of men, and in Andhra, 36.3 per cent of women are obese compared to 31.1 per cent of men. This data, as reflected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), paints a concerning picture of women’s health in urban areas.

The survey highlights that obesity is more prevalent in urban settings, with 29.8 per cent of men in cities being obese compared to 19.3 per cent in rural areas. Unhealthy diets, increased consumption of processed foods, reduced physical activity, and limited access to diverse foods contribute significantly to this health crisis. The adult obesity rate in India has more than tripled, with the rise among children being the steepest globally, following Vietnam and Namibia, as per the World Obesity Federation.

This situation demands urgent preventive measures to promote a healthier lifestyle. The survey emphasises that to harness the demographic dividend, it is crucial for India’s population to adopt a balanced and diverse diet. This is particularly significant for women, who are primary caregivers and play a pivotal role in the family’s nutritional choices.

The Agrarian Paradox: Women in Agriculture

Moving from the consumer to the producer – while India is predominantly an agrarian economy, employing over 50 per cent of its population, women’s contributions to this sector remain undervalued and under-recognised. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) indicates that 63 per cent of workers in agriculture are women. However, these women face systemic challenges, including limited access to resources, financial services, and land ownership.

As noted by Sumit Kaushik and Shirin Pajnoo in their report titled ‘Addressing Gender Inequality in Agriculture,’ inheritance laws and land rights are often mired in legal complexities, frequently proving to be disadvantageous to women. The Hindu Succession Act of 2005 attempted to address these issues, but state-specific laws on agricultural land inheritance continue to create confusion. The result is a significant gap in land ownership, with women holding only 13.9 per cent of landholdings despite their substantial involvement in agriculture.

Women’s economic empowerment in agriculture is further hindered by lack of access to institutional credit, training, and modern technologies. The gendered yield gap in agricultural productivity, estimated at 20-30 per cent, is primarily due to limited access to crucial agricultural resources and the burden of unpaid care work. Enhancing women’s access to these resources is vital for improving their productivity and economic status.

Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities

The economic and social disparities faced by women extend beyond health and agriculture. The Economic Survey and Budget 2024 outline several initiatives to address these issues, emphasising the need for gender-responsive policies. The Budget proposes hostels, crèches, skilling programs, and support for women Self Help Groups (SHGs), aiming to increase women’s participation in the workforce and boost their economic independence.

The female labour force participation rate has been rising, reaching 37 per cent in 2022-23, driven primarily by rural women. However, the informal sector still employs a vast majority of women, often in low-paying jobs with little job security. Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts to provide women with market-relevant skills, access to credit, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Education and Technological Empowerment

Education, as we understand it, is fundamental to women’s empowerment. Savitribai Phule, a pioneering advocate in the 19th century, eloquently stated, “A woman without education is like a banyan tree without roots or leaves.” This powerful analogy underscores the essential role of education in providing women with the foundation and support they need to thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. Budget 2024 in this respect emphasises expanding educational opportunities and skilling programs for women.

Despite having one of the highest proportions of female STEM graduates globally, the share of female scientists in Research and Development remains low at 18.6 per cent. Addressing this discrepancy involves encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM and providing them with the necessary support and resources.

Technological empowerment is another critical area. Women in agriculture, for instance, need access to modern agricultural technologies and training to enhance their productivity and resilience to climate change. The Union Budget highlights initiatives to promote agri-tech ventures and public-private partnerships, aiming to integrate women into these technological advancements.

Social and Political Empowerment

Empowering women socially and politically is essential for achieving gender equality. The Economic Survey points out the need for a comprehensive care economy to address the disproportionate burden of unpaid care work on women. Developing infrastructure such as childcare facilities and elder care support can significantly increase women’s participation in the workforce.

Political empowerment involves promoting women’s participation in leadership roles. The representation of women in Parliament and state legislatures remains low, highlighting the need for policies that encourage women’s involvement in politics. Leadership development programs and initiatives to support women in political roles are crucial steps towards achieving this goal.

Towards a Gender-Equal Future

Therefore, empowering women requires a holistic approach that addresses both economic and social dimensions, from health and agriculture to education and political participation. Investing in women’s health, education, and economic opportunities is not just about gender equality; it is about fostering a more prosperous and inclusive society. As India transitions towards women-led development, it is imperative to ensure that women are equal partners in the nation’s growth story. By implementing gender-responsive policies and empowering women across all sectors, India can tap into its full potential and achieve sustainable development for all.

Dr. Fauzia Khan is Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Nationalist Congress Party); Manasvi James is Policy Consultant. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.