Economic Impact
Globalisation has influenced the economic landscape for women in India. It has led to an increase in job opportunities across various sectors, including information technology, textiles, and services. Despite these opportunities, women frequently encounter wage disparities, earning approximately 60-70% of what their male counterparts make for similar roles. A notable percentage of women, estimated at around 94%, work in the informal sector, which lacks job security and benefits. The rise of microfinance has empowered many women entrepreneurs, enabling them to achieve economic independence.
Social Impact
The social implications of globalisation for women include improved access to education. Female literacy rates have risen from 39% in 2001 to 70% in 2021. While healthcare access has increased, disparities persist, particularly in rural areas. Women are increasingly involved in decision-making processes within families and communities, contributing to enhanced social mobility.
Cultural Impact
Globalisation has prompted changes in traditional gender roles, challenging societal expectations. The representation of women in media has increased, although it often reinforces existing stereotypes. Additionally, globalisation has led to the commodification of women’s roles, with marketing strategies increasingly targeting women as consumers.
Political Impact
There has been a notable rise in women’s political participation, with women holding approximately 14% of seats in the Lok Sabha as of 2023. Legislative changes, including the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017, and the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, have been introduced to enhance women’s rights. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play important role in advocating for women’s rights and influencing societal norms.
Challenges Faced
Women in India face numerous challenges, including high rates of violence against women, with approximately 30% experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. Human trafficking disproportionately affects women, subjecting them to forced labour and sexual exploitation. The digital divide presents additional challenges, as limited access to technology and the internet, particularly in rural areas, hinders educational and employment opportunities.
Global Perspectives
India is a signatory to various international treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Global movements, such as MeToo, have raised awareness of women’s rights issues, contributing to a broader dialogue on gender equality.
Case Studies
Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as successful models in states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, empowering women economically and socially. Women constitute about 33% of the agricultural workforce, facing challenges related to land rights and access to resources.
Future Trends
There is an increasing focus on digital empowerment initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy among women to bridge the technological gap. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, emphasise gender equality as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Government Initiatives
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign aims to promote the education and survival of the girl child. Mahila E-Haat serves as an online marketing platform for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to showcase and sell their products.
Statistics
According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021, India ranked 140 out of 156 countries. The female labour force participation rate in India was approximately 23% in 2021, lower than the global average of 48%.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of globalisation on women’s employment opportunities in India, denoting both the advancements and challenges faced by women in the informal sector.
- What are the key factors contributing to the gender wage gap in India? Explain how globalisation has influenced these factors.
- With suitable examples, comment on the role of media representation in shaping societal perceptions of women in India amidst the cultural shifts brought by globalisation.
- What is the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in promoting gender equality in India? Discuss the challenges in achieving Goal 5 in the context of globalisation.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of globalisation on women’s employment opportunities in India, denoting both the advancements and challenges faced by women in the informal sector.
- Globalisation has increased women’s participation in the workforce, particularly in sectors like textiles and IT.
- Access to global markets has led to job creation, providing new opportunities for women in urban areas.
- However, women in the informal sector face job insecurity, low wages, and lack of benefits.
- Challenges include gender discrimination, limited access to education and training, and socio-cultural barriers.
- Advancements include increased awareness of women’s rights and the establishment of networks supporting women entrepreneurs.
2. What are the key factors contributing to the gender wage gap in India? Explain how globalisation has influenced these factors.
- The gender wage gap is influenced by occupational segregation, with women often in lower-paying jobs.
- Discrimination in hiring and promotion practices continues to disadvantage women financially.
- Globalisation has led to increased demand for skilled workers, but women often lack access to necessary training.
- Work-life balance challenges, including caregiving responsibilities, impact women’s career progression.
- Globalisation has also encourageed awareness and advocacy for equal pay, prompting some policy changes.
3. With suitable examples, comment on the role of media representation in shaping societal perceptions of women in India amidst the cultural shifts brought by globalisation.
- Media representation has evolved, showcasing women in diverse roles beyond traditional stereotypes.
- Advertising and films often portray empowered women, influencing public perceptions positively.
- However, media can also perpetuate stereotypes, focusing on beauty standards and domestic roles.
- Examples include the rise of female-centric films that challenge societal norms, like “Queen” and “Raazi”.
- Social media has provided a platform for women to voice issues, further shaping perceptions and activism.
4. What is the significance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in promoting gender equality in India? Discuss the challenges in achieving Goal 5 in the context of globalisation.
- SDG 5 aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, crucial for sustainable development.
- It promotes policies that address discrimination and violence against women, enhancing their social status.
- Globalisation can both support and hinder progress, with economic growth sometimes exacerbating inequalities.
- Challenges include inadequate implementation of laws, cultural norms, and the persistence of patriarchal structures.
- Additionally, the informal economy’s growth can limit women’s access to rights and protections under SDGs.
