Achieving Gender Equality through Women Empowerment in India: A Study in the Context of Sustainable Development.

Abstract

According to UN data, women and girls constitutes 50% of the world’s population and therefore, half of mankind’s potential. The 5th Sustainable Development Goal is about achieving gender equality and empowering women. However, existing literature suggests that widespread gender inequality acts as a hinderance to sustainable development. This study aims at uncovering the role of women empowerment in achieving gender equality and thereby ensuring sustainable development in India. Qualitative methodology and secondary sources are employed to collect data. According to published studies, contribution of women work force towards economic development of the country is less compared to men work force. Similarly, in the political sphere men dominates and participation of women in decision making process is comparatively less. Women related violence and crime has increased manifolds in the past decade. Studies also state that women participation in climate change dialogue is also less in India. This study concludes that unless women are not empowered and gender equality is not achieved, women cannot play a significant role in economic, political, social, and environmental spheres. And to achieve sustainable development recognizing only men’s contributions will not suffice. Hence, this study tries to draw the attention of the policy makers to commit and work towards women empowerment and utilize the potential of the entire country to attain sustainable development.