Education as a tool for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in India: An overview

Abstract

Gender equality is not just a moral issue but a crucial aspect of social and economic progress. India has seen a significant rise in its female population but still struggles with gender disparities in education, politics, and leadership. Women often face limited opportunities due to their lack of education, with India ranking 126th in literacy rates among women. Poverty, geographic isolation, and minority status also play a role in hindering children's access to education, further perpetuating gender inequality. Although India has made some progress, it still ranks low in terms of women's leadership roles globally. The country's primary education enrolment rate is high, but girls' timidity in education remains a significant obstacle to achieving gender equality. UNESCO estimates that 129 million girls worldwide are currently out of school, highlighting the need for urgent action. To address these challenges, the Indian government has launched several programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Mahila Shakti Kendra to empower women and promote gender equality. However, more research is required to assess how well these interventions work and find new ways to advance gender equality in education. Achieving gender equality is essential for the progress and prosperity of any society, and India needs to take decisive action to make it happen.