International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century : Challenges and Opportunities

• Research Papers • Articles • Case studies

CH. S.D. ST. THERESA’S COLLEGE FOR WOMEN (Affiliated to Adikavi Nannaya University, Rajahmundry) Department of Management Studies, Social Sciences & Women Studies, West Godavari District, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India. In Association with PRIMAX FOUNDATION (Registered Under the Karnataka Society Reg. Act 1960) Reg. No. JNR-S211-2015-16, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969

Managing Editor: Prof. T. Rajeswari., M.Sc.,M.A(Eng).,M.B.A.,M.A.(Soc).,

Co-ordinator: Dr. V. Selvaraj Head & Associate Professor, Nehru Memorial College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli. Dr. S. Saiganesh Professor of Marketing, Dayananda Sagar Business School, Bangalore. Dr. K. V. Ramanathan Professor of Finance & Marketing, Primax Foundation, Bangalore

Publisher: Primax Foundation (Registered Under the Karnataka Society Reg. Act 1960) Reg. No. JNR-S211-2015-16, Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Issue: Vol.V, Issue No. 1 February 2018

COPYRIGHT: 1. All rights reserved. And Copyright 2013, Primax Foundation 2. Reproduction of any part of this Journal in the whole or in part without written permission from the publisher is prohibited 3. All rights reserved ISSN: 2348 - 4969

Contact: Prof. T. Rajeswari., M.Sc.,M.A(Eng.).,M.B.A.,M.A(Soc)., Founder and Managing Editor, Primax Foundation No.B 10 , First Main Road, Devarajurs Layout, Viswa Vidyalaya (PO,) Nagadevanahalli, Bengaluru – 56, Karnataka. India. Ph: +91- 8971725451 Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page II International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities MESSAGE

NARA CHANDRABABU NAIDU AMARAVATI

CHIEF MINISTER ANDHRA PRADESH

I am pleased to know that Ch. S.D. St Theresa's College for Women is organizing a two- day International Conference on the topic Women in 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities on 9th and 10th February.

I am also happy to see that the themes of this conference are aimed at some very crucial aspects such as Woman Empowerment, Woman Entrepreneurship and Violence against Women.

Ch. S.D. St. Theresa's College for Women has contributed immensely over the years for empowerment of women and their education and I'm sure this International Conference will be another milestone in their journey.

I am sure that this conference is going to serve as a great platform for exchange of ideas and thoughts between the attendees and will also encourage a number of women to work towards the progress of society.

I wish the organizers and people attending this event a great success and hope that many such conferences are organized in the years to come which will not just benefit the people attending but also the whole society.

(NARA CHANDRA BABU NAIDU)

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page III Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 MESSAGE

I am glad to learn that 65 years old St. Theresa College for Women, Eluru is holding an International Multi Disciplinary Research Conference on "Women in 24th Century; Challenges and Opportunities". It is in the fitness of things that a reputed educational institution in the coastal Districts of Andhra Pradesh should hold such conference on an important issue engaging the attention of all right thinking people. On the one hand there are plenty of opportunities thrown to women in various fields and on the other hand, the challenges being faced by them are also numerous. The Fundamental Rights in our Constitution guarantee equality before law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India (Article 14| and prohibit discrimination on the ground of sex among other things (Article 15). In the matter of public employment also equality of opportunity is guaranteed under Article 16 of the Constitution. The Fundamental Duties in Article 51A direct the promotion of harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. Yet we are witnessing several crimes, discrimination, atrocities against women in all spheres of life. It is surprising that there are people even today who quote Manu who said "in her childhood (a girl) shall be under the will of her father; in (her) youth, of (her) husband; her husband being dead, of her sons; a woman should never enjoy her free will". We are under a democratic republic, but our cultural ethos are rooted in the past. The mind set has not changed with the changing times. The number of laws passed by the Parliament have not come to the rescue of women to have an equal share and status in the society. No day passes without a report on the atrocities on women. In this context, the Conference assumes significance and I hope fruitful discussions would take place for the benefit of fair gender and to the society.

JUSTICE A. RAMALINGESWARA RAO

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International Seminar " Women in 21st Centuray,, The world is moving towards a closer compact with regards to gender justice. The topic chosen for the international Seminar on " Women in 21st Century, Challenges and Opportunities" sounds a special purpose. The collective role that men and women play in achieving a world where justice and peace prevails, is being recognised and accepted in every society and every nation. It is a fact that no bird can fly on one wing. The contribution made by each individual in nation building is valuable since each is differently gifted. To combat the deep rooted misconceptions and to tide over obstacles of traditionalism, conservatism and dominance requires indomitable courage and poses one of the biggest challenges for women in the 21st Century, in order to make their presence accepted. Women's search for human rights, their role in restoring peace and justice has been shining bright in different fields and in situations. The growing number of women assuming leadership, the increasing number of women's organisations taking lead in the National and international front are evidences of their strength and competence in facing challenges and readiness to grab opportunities to prove their might. At this juncture, I wish to Congratulate the Dept. of Management Studies, St. Theresa's College. Eluru, for this initiative taken under the able leadership of Prof. Utama Durga to organise an international Seminar on a relevant topic. This venture itself is a challenge. I offer my sincere prayers and good wishes for the success and fruitfulness of the Seminar. Let this event pave the way for encouraging budding women leaders who can think positively, plan realistically and act courageously. Let us hope for a morrow where every woman finds opportunity to realise her dream and march forward fearlessly.

Sr. Theresa Cherian Provincial Superior South India

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page V Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 MESSAGE

It made me happy to learn about the International Multidisciplinary Research Conference that is being organised by the Departments of Management Studies, Social Sciences and Women Studies, of Ch. S. D. St. Theresa's College for Women, Eluru. The Theme of the Conference " Women in 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities" is very apt and relevant for our current times when women with great courage and conviction are striving to find an opportunity in every obstacle and a possibility in every problem, so as to overcome all challenges and to make a mark in society..

I am more than certain and very confident that this endeavour will be a very rewarding and enriching experience for both the organisers and the participants. I congratulate the Principal Sr. Dr. Mercy P and all the members of the staff who have very optimistically taken up the challenge to conduct this International Conference. May God Almighty, the Source and Author of all Wisdom and Knowledge bless and crown with success, this important milestone in the annals of this prestigious Institute of Learning.

I extend my sincere gratitude and best wishes to all those persons of good will who have generously co-operated to make this initiative a memory that will long be cherished.

With best regards Mother Ernestine Fernandes Superior and Correspondent.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page VI International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities Principal Message

Salutations to all the women the vital half of the humanity!! Women's value will not be in trying to imitate men or becoming more like men but in honouring their womanhood and feminity and offering to the world their uniquely inherent qualities.

Historical women from the past centuries achieved many goals, changed the world in many ways and paved way for future women. Modern women of the 21st century have abundant goals and opportunities and they use their special ability to adopt and evolve constantly. They are placed in a position of advantage finding their individual and collective voice.

Today's new born infant girls will soon be looking to us for guidance on what their hopes, dreams and responsibilities will be in this new world. Let us ensure that this new century will bring an era of equality, peace and justice and that every girl child will be empowered to realize their potential.

Dr. Sr. P. Mercy Principal

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page VII Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 MESSAGE

It gives me immense pleasure to know that Ch. S. D. St. Theresa's College for women is conducting Two day International Conference on the topic "WOMEN IN 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES". Empowerment of women is not just a goal in itself, but key to all global development goals. The empowerment of women occurs in reality, when women achieve increased control and participation in decision making that leads to their better access to resources, and therefore, improved socio-economic status. The woman's dignity is most vulnerable in caste and communal wars. Women became the soft targets and are made to face physical and psychological violence. Today's women have taken several steps towards successful entrepreneurship, but there is still a lot to be done. Such conferences and workshops are essential and will be very useful in plugging the loopholes in the smooth sail towards success for women entrepreneurs. My best wishes to all concerned for the success of the conference.

Dr. (Smt.) Poonam Malakondaiah, IAS, Principal Secretary to Government, Health, Medical and Family Welfare Dept., Government of Andhra Pradesh

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Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest sons of India, quoted that, '"There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved, it is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing". The women in the 21st century are faced with myriad challenges, while she has better opportunities and mobility compared to previous century. Unlike the earlier generations where the problems women faced were lack of opportunities and restriction of their role as a home maker; the women of today have to compete with the opposite sex in education, employment etc. without having the necessary family support. They double up as a "Super- woman", having to look at both the family & kitchen front and also as bread-winner. Though her independence gives her the opportunities to rise to the sky, family moorings pull her down and balancing this becomes a tight rope affair; which may include sacrifices down the aisle. I congratulate the Ch.S.D.St. Theresa's college for women, for conducting two-day International conference on topic "WOMEN IN 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES". I hope it will bring out the opportunities and challenges women today face and would serve as an eye opener to the students of the college. My best wishes to organisers and participants for the fruitful discussions and outcomes of the conference.

Secretary

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page IX Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 President Desk "

Prof. T. Rajeswari President- Primax Foundation Bangalore, Karnataka. Website : www.primaxfoundation.com www.primaxijcmr.com

Greetings to one and all……. Primax Foundation is providing a healthy academic environment necessary for character building, creative self expression and personality development of students. In the back drop of globalization students should be innovative, creative and entrepreneurial to face the challenges in competitive market. Primax Foundation is an innovative learning organization created to improve the quality of education in India. As one of the non-profitable organizations in the country, Primax focuses on high-quality, low-cost, and replicable interventions to address gaps in the education system. Primax Established in 2015, Registered under the Karnataka Societies Reg. Act 1960, Bengaluru, Karnataka and exempted u/s 12(A) & 80G under I.T. Act 1961. Primax Foundation is established with towering ideals of imparting quality and non-profitable services to the society through Journals, Seminars, Workshops, Educational Training & Skill Development, Study Circles, Counseling & Rehabilitation, Initiating Research Activities etc., for total personality development in the society. Primax Foundation is an upcoming Training and Development Center at Bangalore offering a variety of need based training programs, through on and off campus modes. The primary aim is to ensure employability for the students and molding them to suitably fit into all aspects of corporate requirements. In addition, its intention is to upgrade the quality of research work among the faculty members involved in Science & Humanities, Commerce, Management Education and the allied fields to ensure that all the research work undertaken, is gainfully employed by the industry, society and corporate world. Its operational objective is to disseminate, strengthen and enhance knowledge, across all sections of the society. Through this, space I wish to reiterate ‘let us strive for successes to explore new horizons and keep up our head high’. “The future is not something we wait; it is something we should create. The pure taste of success can only be felt with a spoon of failure”. I hope the present Conference will bring awareness and enlighten of Women Life. I wish all the best to the organizers. With Regards

Prof. T.Rajeswari., M.Sc.,M.A(Eng.).,M.B.A.,M.A(Soc) President- Primax Foundation. Phone: 08971725451 Email: [email protected] “The secret of life is not enjoyment, but education through experience”. And Experience is the only source of knowledge. - Swami Vivekananda

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page X International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities From the Editor's Desk "

Greetings to one and all……. It gives me true happiness to bring out the proceedings of the International conference on "WOMEN IN 21STCENTURY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES". The objective of this conference is to bring women's issues to the centre-stage and discuss aspects pertaining to empowerment of women, women and violence and women entrepreneurship. India is considered to be a developing country since the last two decades. Poverty and unemployment have existed for over a long period of time and have not been eradicated completely. Unless such hurdles are addressed, it is very tough to achieve success of any kind. The position of women in Indian society is an index of civilization and as they in particular are still considered to be the marginalized sections, progress at the local, national and international level is a possibility only if they are accorded the status they deserve. Women as an independent target group account for 495.74 million and represent 48.3 percent of the country as per 2001 census. There is no country that can achieve its potential without adequately investing in and developing women and allies. However, the scenario that is existing in society appears to relegate women to a secondary status. According to a National family and health survey in 2005, total lifetime prevalence of domestic violence is 33.5% and 8.5% for sexual violence among women aged 15-49.The instance of violence has been reported to be lowest among Buddhist and Jain women, and highest among Muslims in India. This International seminar has hopefully addressed various issues relating to women through papers presented by faculty, students and responsible citizens of the country. I hope the discussions put forward will help to reinstate the lost status of women in our society and world- only then will this our endeavor be meaningful. A warm thanks to participants from different universities of India for participating in this crucial debate and for providing an opportunity to make this conference a reality.

With Regards Dr. A. Uttama Durga Devi Convener, International Conference

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page XI Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 Contents

Sl.No. Title of the Articles Page No.

1 Empowerment of Women- through Education - Dr. B. Siva Kumari 1 - 3 2 Women Human Rights Violation in Indian Modern Society 4 - 11 - Dr. K. V. R. Srinivas

3 Women Empowerment and Women Leadership -T. Jagadish 12 - 13 4 Importance of Women Education - Dr. Erulla Abbulu 14 - 16 5 Changing Scenario of Women in the 21st Century - V. Venkataramana 17 - 20 6 Empowering Women through Literature 21 - 23 - Dr. Pankaj Kumar & Pavan Kumar Bonda

7 Impact of “Beti Bachao –Beti Padhao” Programme on the Families of Schedule 24 - 26 Castes and Schedule Tribes - K. Rama Rao

8 Debasing Women – Ins and Outs - Dr. B. V. L. A. Manga 27 - 29 9 Status of Women in Indian Politics - Dr. Kishore Babu Karri 30 - 34 10 Women Empowerment in India - S. Sita Rama Murty 35 - 37 11 Issue and Challenges of Muslim Women’s Rights in India and Shariat Courts 38 - 44 - Naseer Ahmed S & Dr. C. D. Venkatesh

12 Work-Life Balance among Women Employees in Public Sector Banks -A 45 - 50 Case Study of Syndicate Bank - Manjunath S. Mokashi

13 The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act: Evolving Law 51 - 55 - Dr. K. Sudha

14 Education Status of Tribal Women - Malluri Srinivasa Rao & D.Manovikas 56 - 58 15 Women Social Action India – A Review - Dr. B. S. Santha Kumari 59 - 60 16 Impact of Micro-Finance on Socio-Economic Status of Self-Help Group 61 - 68 Members with Reference to West Godavari District, A.P. - Dr. R. Sreenivasa Rao, Dr. V. V. Ratanji Rao Chowdary & R. Satya Sravya 17 Self-Help Groups: A Way to Promote the Rural Women Entrepreneurship 69 - 74 - Dr. K. Nageswara Rao

18 Diversity and Inclusivity of Corporate Boards 75 - 80 - Dr. J. Chandra Prasad, Dr. K. Bhanu Prakash & Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao

19 Women Empowerment through Self Help Groups - Dr. T. M. A. Niveditha 81 - 83 20 Gender Disparity – A Challenge to Indian Sustainable Economic Development 84 - 86 - Dr. Madhu Shalini Kusuma

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Sl.No. Title of the Articles Page No.

21 Indian Rural Women in the Economic Development –A Historical Perspective 87 - 89 - G. Sagar 22 Correlation between Women Entrepreneurs and Gender Equality 90 - 94 - P. Sowjanya Samuel 23 Role of Trade in Women Empowerment in Rural Areas of West Godavari 95 - 98 District (A case study of six successful women entrepreneurs in Duggirala and Ammapalem Villages of West Godavari District.) - Dr. C. Satyadevi 24 Violence against Working Women at Home and Work Place -Some Legal 99 - 104 and Preventive Steps - P. Bharathi Devi

25 Women Empowerment - K. Durga Pavani 105 - 108 26 Financial Inclusion for Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship in India 109 - 111 - B. Surya Prakasa Rao & R. Venkateswarulu 27 Financial Inclusion for Women Empowerment through Education 112 - 114 - V. Ramesh Krishna

28 Women Education – A Key to Empowerment - Dr. P. Swarupa Rani 115 - 118

29 Women Laws and Rights - Dr. T. Niloufer Usha Rani 119 - 121 30 Empowering Women Through Education 122 - 124 - T. Ramakrishnudu & K. Ramakrishna 31 A Bird’s Eye View on Women Empowerment with Special Reference to India 125 - 128 - K. Chandrasekhara Rao 32 Muslim Women and Education in Incredible India; Social Issues and 129 - 133 Challenges: A Case Study of Hyderabad-Karnataka Region - Dr. Omprakash H. M 33 Women In 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities 134 - 138 - Girisha Pushadapu 34 Empowerment of Tribal Women through MGNREG Programme in 139 - 141 Panchayath Raj Institutions: A Study on Anantapuramu District of Andhra Pradesh - B. Ravi Naik 35 Micro Finance a tool for Decision Making and Women Empowerment- A Case 142 - 146 Study of Krishna and East Godavari Districts in Andhra Pradesh - Dr. Bommadevara Baby Rani 36 The Status of Indian Women: Yesterday,Today and Tomorrow 147 - 151 - Dr. P. Ratna Mary 37 Changing Scenario of Women in the 21st Century 152 - 154 - D. Meri Suguna & Dr. M. S. C. Sophia

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Sl.No. Title of the Articles Page No.

38 Empowerment and Coping Strategies in Women: A Study on “Osteoporosis” 155 - 160 in Different Age Groups of People in Eluru - Dr. K. S. V. K. S. Madhavi Rani, Dr. R. Indira, N. Lakshmi Prasanna & G. Suneetha 39 Women in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities 161 - 164 - Kabitha Rani. Bethala 40 Issues and Challenges of Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Areas 165 - 167 - Jaikar kommukuri

41 Muslim Women in 21st century: Women in Social Action - Firdous Jahan 168 - 171 42 Women Empowerment in Andhra Pradesh – A Review (with reference to 172 - 180 Women Empowerment- Issues and Promotional Schemes) - Chinnamanaidu. Jammu & Prof. G. V. Chalam 43 Empowering Women - Powering the Nation 181 - 184 - T. Tirupati Naidu & Karubhukta Venkata Laxmi 44 A Study on Challenges and Opportunities of Women Employees in Indian 185 - 189 Banking Sector - Dr. P. Subbarao & G. Swapna Sabari

45 Violation of Women Rights in India - Dr. Katreddi Satyanarayana 190 - 192 46 A Study on Voilence against Women in India: Origin, Present Status and 193 - 200 Solutions - Krishna Prasada Rao

47 Legal Perspectives of Domestic Violence - Dr. K. Prasanna 201 - 205 48 Women Entrepreneurship – Women Entrepreneur in Present ERA: An 206 - 209 Empirical Study - N. Veknata Krishnaiah

49 Woman in Indian Democratic Scenario - Dr.Trinadh mente 210 - 212 50 Empowerment of Women through Panchayati Raj Institutions in India 213 - 218 - M. Galaiah 51 Work Life Balance: Working Professional Life and Working House Wife 219 - 225 - Dr. Pankajakshi R 52 Saga of Perseverance in Selected Novels of Sudha Murty 226 - 228 - G. Radha Madhavi 53 Social Status of Women - Indian Historical Perspectives 229 - 233 - Yadagiri Kambhampati

54 Atrocities against Women - Ankit Sharma 234 - 236 55 Women Education, Empowerment and International Development 237 - 239 - V. Charankumar & Dr. Bathula. Rajababu 56 Impact of Gender Parity and its Influence on Nutrition of Women 240 - 245 - Dr. P. Jyothi Kumari

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Sl.No. Title of the Articles Page No.

57 Women Entrepreneurs Affecting Factors in Rural India 246 - 248 - B. M. Philomenamma & Dr. G. Sudhakar 58 Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Vision towards the Empowerment of Indian Women 249 - 252 - M. Rambabu 59 The Role of Women Entrepreneurship in Economic Development 253 - 257 - B. Peera Kumar 60 Motivational Factors for Promoting Women Entrepreneurship-Evidence from 258 - 263 Empirical Studies - Siva Krishna Golla 61 Financial Inclusion and Women Empowerment in India – A Review 264 - 270 - Dr. V. Sujatha & Dr. K. Venu Madhava Rao

62 Women in Education - Dr. A. Vijay Gopal 271 - 273 63 Impact of SHG on Socio- Economic Status of Dalit Women in Chejarla Village 274 - 278 of Narasaraopeta Mandal in Guntur District - P. Raja Ramesh 64 Gender Inequality, Equality through Uniform Civil Code 279 - 283 - P. Jayapal Reddy & Dr. D. Chandra Mouli Reddy

65 Women in Corporate Sector - Tanusha V. L. Kurapati & Sai Varshini .T 284 - 287 66 Social Exclusion of Girl Children for Education ISA Barrier for Women 288 - 290 Empowerment in Advanced Career - J. Pavani & Dr. Sr. Lovely Jacob 67 Role of Self Help Groups in Women Entrepreneurship - A Study on 291 - 293 Madanapalle Town, Chitoor District, A.P - Ch. Subbaya Naidu 68 Making Women as best Entrepreneurs- (A Case Study of Madanapalle Town, 294 - 296 Chitoor District, A.P) - Dr. D. Mallikarjuna Rao 69 Women in Corporate World-A Study on Banking Industry Madanapalle 297 - 299 Town,Chitoor District, A.P - Dr. K. Rajesh Kumar, Dr. K. Mallikarjuna & Dr. M. Obulapathi 70 Indian Laws and Constitutional Rights related to Women 300 - 303 - Dr. Jaheeda Begum & Sanda Sridevi

71 Women Enterpreneurship in Present ERA - T. Gangaraju & K. V. Bhavani 304 - 310

72 Women Employment in Informal Sector in India - M. Kutumbarao 311 - 314

73 Empowering Women, Developing Society - Priti Arya 315 - 316

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page XV International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN- THROUGH EDUCATION

Dr. B. Siva Kumari1

Abstract “Where do women and Girls stand today?” It has been widely accepted that there is a latent demand for education among the poor, especially women and girls. Education is a powerful tool that can help improve the lives of people around the world. It is therefore clear that by allowing more women and girls to be educated would be a benefit to society as a whole. Women constitute almost half of the population in the world. But the hegemonic masculine ideology made them suffer a lot as they were denied equal opportunities in different parts of the world. The rise of feminist ideas has, however, led to the tremendous improvement of women's condition throughout the world in recent times. Access to education has been one of the most pressing demands of theses women's rights movements. As previously stated, there is evidence that proves the advantages of empowering women through education. Education is a basic human right, and thus girls and boys all around the world should be entitled to this opportunity - consequently enforcing the ideology of gender equality. If a girl is educated statistics suggest that they will marry later and so on. It can therefore be concluded that by empowering women through education is a great advantage both to women and to society as a whole. Key words: Women education, health, equal opportunities and government policies

Introduction: An Empowerment woman irrespective of 3. To learn the constitutional priorities and Government religion, creed, religion and gender is a constitutional efforts for women empowerment. law, a basic right of the human beings and a force for 4. To study the problems of women empowerment. national development. “Empowerment means gaining 5. To identify the importance of education for achieving execute a power”. Women empowerment is a global women empowerment. issue and it was raised at the NAROIBI in 1985, International Women Conference. Women empowerment Constraining factors: Heavy work load of women; is the process of providing rights, powers, opportunities isolation of women from each other; illiteracy; traditional and responsibilities to women so that they are able to views that limit women’s participation; no funds; internal develop their potential, think. strife/militarization/wars; disagreements/conflicts among women’s groups; un-structural adjustment policies; Empowerment of women is essentially the process of discriminatory policy environment; negative and exhilarate of social, financial and political status of sensational coverage of media women and it involves the building up of a society wherein women can live without the fear oppression, exploitation Indicators of Empowerment: Understanding that and discrimination that go with being a woman in a empowerment is a complex issue with varying traditionally male-dominated society. interpretations in different societal, national and cultural contexts. At the level of the individual woman and her Although women constitute half of the population and household participation in crucial decision-making an active role in social change, yet they are still being processes; extent of sharing of domestic work by men; oppressed and suffered from fewer rights and lower social extent to which a woman takes control of her reproductive status. The extensive discrimination and exploitation functions and decides on family size; extent to which a upon women evoke the need of empowerment of women woman is able to decide where the income she has ear and education can be used as an effective instrument ned will be cancelled to; feeling and expression of pride for achieving it. and value in her work; self-confidence and self-esteem; Purpose: The purpose of the study of women and ability to prevent violence. empowerment is Strategies for the Empowerment: Empowerment 1. To know the need of education in women empowerment. through education is ideally seen as a continuous holistic 2. To study the present scenario of women process with cognitive, psychological, economic and empowerment in India. political dimensions in order to achieve emancipation.

1. Department of Botany, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada, AP.

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Given the complexity of political, societal and c. Campaigns: If one is to have an effect in society, it international interrelations, one has to systematically is important to undertake campaign and lobby think about the strategies and concrete proposals for activities that will put the issue of gender in the minds future action if one hopes to achieve such a goal. A set of the legislators, policy-makers and the larger public. of strategies on education, research/documentation, This will therefore campaigns, networking, influencing policies, training and • media. pushing for a dialogue between stake holders; • raising gender issues within the national policy arena; a. Education: The formal and non-formal education • systems would need to be considered. It would be pressuring to upgrade women’s bureaus (which are important to analyze the gender content and to a result of the UN Decade for Women) into ministries ascertain the manner in which it is addressed/not of women’s affairs; addressed in the educational system. On the basis • lobbying for sex-equity and affirmative action of the analysis, curriculum changes would need to legislation; be brought about. Likewise it would be important to • lobbying for “counter structural adjustment policies;” reorient the teachers on gender issues so that overall organizing pressure groups (like “Greenpeace”); • gender sensitization in the educational system could using consumer power for boycotts; securing access be brought about to information; • Reorienting and reeducating policy makers; • demanding child care centers; and • producing videos • securing equal access for boys and girls in and CDs etc. education; d. Networking: Through networking, it would be • holding workshops/seminars for teachers; possible to share experiences and learn from one • revising teaching materials; another. In this manner, understanding and solidarity among women’s organization (governmental/non- • producing materials in local languages; governmental) and multilateral agencies could be • implementing special programmes for women in forged. This would therefore entail networking at the the field of Adult Education; national, regional and international levels. Moreover, • incorporating issues such as tradition, race, at the international level, South-South linkages were ethnicity, gender sensitization, urban and rural considered to be particularly important. contexts in the programmes; • organizing at least one meeting a year of gender • raising awareness on the necessity for health care sensitive organizations; b. Research/Documentation: The importance of doing • setting up a north-south dialogue and participatory and action research was underscored. collaboration; It was considered important to organize workshops • setting up a south-south cooperation and to train grassroots women to conduct participatory exchange; research where they could develop skills to critically • linking women’s movements all over the world; analyze their existing conditions. This will facilitate • their organizing for collective action. While establishing alternative credit schemes that offer participatory research was considered to be women access to funds. important, it was recognized that traditional e. Training: In our societies, there is a gender division quantitative research was also necessary. The of labor which dictates the kind of training one guiding principle, however, was to share the results acquires. If one talks about women’s empowerment, with the women in a language and manner that was it is important that women have access to the different understandable to them. Research as a strategy training opportunities previously denied them. would therefore entail: This therefore means: • Disseminating information; • preparing for jobs that are usually not open to them; • Producing and disseminating information leaflets • providing income-generating projects that are market- regarding women’s rights; oriented (not welfare-oriented projects) • Referring to women in all national and UN • training capable female leaders at all levels. statistics; f. Media: Considering the attitudinal barriers in • Collecting oral history of women; traditional societies and the role which the mass • Documenting and analyzing successful and failed media play in reinforcing them, the following strategies programmes of the women’s movements; were advanced:

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• organizing mass media campaigns to raise 7. United Nations, Division for the Advancement of awareness; Women, Department of Policy oordination and • creating a social climate friendly to women’s issues; Sustainable Development, Report of the Expert Group Meeting on Measures to Eradicate Violence • resisting the tendency to send women back to the against Women. MAV/1993/1, New York, 1993. kitchen; 8. United Nations. Strategies for Confronting Domestic Finally external climatic favorable conditions are also Violence: A Resource Manual. New York, NY: United required in which education would result in creating equal Nations, 1994. opportunities in higher education in the job market, equal wages for equal work, and last but not the least, create 9. United Nations. Women: Looking Beyond 2000. New leadership qualities that make for their equal participation York, NY: United Nations, 1995. 71) UP Government, in the national parliament. It is the quantitative aspect of Uttar Pradesh Government, http://upgov.nic.in/, education, leading to this transformation given equal (2010-07-05) opportunities in schooling to empowered women in the 10. Verbeek, Marno, 2008, A Guide to Modern parliament is the most daunting of all. Education does Econometrics, 3rd Edition, Chichester: John Wiley have this potential to achieve this. and Sons Ltd. 11. Vlassoff Carol, From Rags to Riches: The Impact of References Rural Development on Women’s Status in Indian 1. Education of woman An Indian History edited by Village, World Development, Published by Elsevier Anuradha Malshe, published by The ICFAI University Science Ltd, vol.22, no.5, 1994, pp.707-19. Press 12. Wheeler, Kathryn A. “How Schools Can Stop 2. Dr. Gyan Singh Gautam, G.Ravi Kumar, A Study On Shortchanging Girls (and Boys): Gender-Equity Recent Innovations In Teacher Education; English Strategies”. Wellesley, MA: Center for Research on Studies International Research Journal : Volume 3 Women 1993. Issue 2 (2015) Issn 2347-3479, Pg 219-223 13. Wolf-Wasserman, M. and Hutchinson, L. Teaching 3. Women and the Widening Horizons in Education Human Dignity: Social Change Lessons for Every 4. 4. M.Kalyan Kumar, Diasporic Elements In Jhumpa Teacher. Minneapolis: Education Exploration Lahiri’s Interpreter Of Maladies; English Studies Resource Center, 1996. International Research Journal : Volume 3 Issue 2 14. Women in the Qur’an: Qur’anic Interpretation by (2015) Issn 2347-3479, Pg 216-218 Women Meeting July 8-13, 1990, Karachi. 5. United Nations Population Fund. A New Role for Men: ShirkatGah: Pakistan, 1990. Partners in Women’s Empowerment. New York, NY: 15. Woolcock, Michael, “Learning from Failures in UNFPA, 1995. Microfinance: What Unsuccessful Cases Tell 78) 6. United Nations Population Fund. Hopes and World Bank, Engendering Development: Through Realities: Closing the gap between women’s Gender Equality in Rights, Resources, and aspirations and their reproductive experiences. New 16. World Bank, The World Bank and Gender Equality: York, NY: UNFPA, 1995. 292 At a glance, http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/ EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTGENDER/0

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WOMEN HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION IN INDIAN MODERN SOCIETY

Dr. K. V. R. Srinivas1

Abstract In the Indian modern country is fast emerging as a global power but for half of its population, the women across the country, struggle to live life with dignity continues. Women, irrespective of their class, caste and educational status, are not safe In the modern society women have been the victims of exploitations since long time in different fields in their life both physically, socially, mentally and economically. There are several causes of sexual as well as moral abuse which are very often highlighted by the media in Indian modern society, and a lot of those also remain unexplored. Although, such violence against women, sexual harassment, exploitation to women is not of recent origin, its trace is found in the history of ancient India. Women are facing problems in every sphere of life whether employment, access to health care or property rights. India is fast developing but women's in India continue to be discriminated. The declining sex ratio in India amply portrays the discrimination shown towards women at the stage of birth. They are victims of crime directed specifically at them, rape, kidnapping and abduction, dowry-related crimes, molestation, sexual harassment, eve-teasing, etc. It is realized that the long run supremacy of male over female in all respect in the patriarchal society in India is highly responsible for arresting the empowerment of women. women are being trafficked for sex, harassment at workplaces and tortured in family and society. The paper has attempted to find out the Indian perspectives women exploitation in modern society.Recent news of Gang Rape in New Delhi 23 Year Old Woman was raped by 6 people in a Moving Bus in New Delhi in December, 2012. The girl was hospitalized for several days and was also taken to Singapore for advanced Treatment. UN Women in India stresses the urgent need to promote and protect the safety of women and girls in India. Every girl and woman should be able to live safely and free of violence. These crimes need to end sexual harassment and violence cannot be tolerated. We urge that political will must translate into concrete action and stronger implementation of already existing laws and regulations. For the improvement of women's issues U.N. declaration of 1975 as women's year and the period of 1975-1985 as women's decade due to the international recognition of the problems faced by women's all over the world. In spite of constitutional and legal safeguards, the women in India continue to suffer, due to lack of awareness of their rights, illiteracy and oppressive practices and customs. This article attempts to understand the stages and different forms of women exploitation in present society. To suggest Create healthy environment for women and girls everywhere by supporting efforts to end violence against them through the education and make strong laws to punish victim immediately. Keywords: Women exploitation, sexual harassment, crime against women, Delhi Gang rape,Indian culture, patriarchy.

Introduction: towards women at the stage of birth. Women may be Indian woman bearing the torch of cultured living have stardom in any stream but are getting harassment through self-sacrifice, physical and mental endurance, every day by their surroundings. They are victims of and compassion is waxing eloquence for retrogressive crime directed specifically at them, rape, kidnapping and drudgery. It lends rationale for under-nutrition of girls, abduction, dowry-relatedcrimes, molestation, sexual unequal health care, inequitable access to resources, harassment, eve-teasing, etc. The crimes against women and denial of property rights all reserved for women born in India are growing at a rampant speed. Women, into a tradition that hails women’s capacity for irrespective of their class, caste and educational status, forbearance. In the 21st century India is fast emerging are not safe. The lack of any serious effort to rectify the as a global power but for half of its population, the women weaknesses in dealing with the crimes against women across the country, struggle to live life with dignity further In the ancient period, there was more dominance continues. Women are facing problems in every sphere of Gods than Goddesses in almost all respect and in of life whether employment, access to health care or the literatures of Hindu religion like Puranas, a few property rights. The attention required is still not being Goddesses are found as powerful like Shakti (one of the paid to the issues that concern this section of population. Hindu Goddesses, it has different forms like Durga, Kali on the other hand. India is fast developing but women’s etc.). In case of society of the material world at that in India continue to be discriminated. The declining sex time, same picture of supremacy of male was found. ratio in India amply portrays the discrimination shown Devdasi, Widow Burning, Polygamy were the initial aspects of women exploitation. Religion, thus through

1. Post Doctoral Fellow (UGC),Dept.of.Political Science & Public Administration, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 4 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities the making of , Devdasi in temple, exploited women and The Objective Of The Paper As Fallows satisfied the desire of temple authorities. Apparently, it 1. To examine the stages of women exploitation. seems that women are being empowered so that they 2. To understand the different forms of women can enable themselves to acquire education, adopt exploitation in present society. culture and represent as they like in society but it is not true at all if sensed with reality. Let us analyze in brief 3. To know the Indian penal and special local laws of about male female work participation over two decades crimes against women from 1981 to 2001, where it is clearly noticed that the 4. To provide some suggestion to overcome of these rate of female work participation is much lower as issues. compared to men. Another real fact is that, still a new Meaning Exploitation: An act that exploits or victimizes born baby girl is considered as “burden in much case someone (treats them unfairly)”capitalistic exploitation and consequently they are treated with ignorance from of the working class”; “paying Blacks less and charging childhood. Therefore, they cannot build their capacity them more is a form of victimization”. and are often suppressed by man folk in the society in subsequent time without any protest due to their inbuilt Meaning of Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment fear of socio-economic isolation. Some of them without is a form of sex discrimination. Sexual harassment is tolerating the exerted force by the men folk choose, dark “unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual way of living like prostitution. A significant proportion of nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working them who are not associated with the prostitution are conditions or creates a hostile work environment.” compelled to face harassment and teasing at different times at different place in the form of Rape, Kidnapping, Exploitation of Women in India Dowry, Sexual harassment, trafficking etc (Dr. Khokan Incidences like sexual abuse by near relatives, co- Kumar Bag, Piyal Basu Roy,March 2012). habitation with near or dear friends and subsequent decline of marriages and issues relating to illegal Problem of Unemployment, Poverty, Economic pregnancy etc. are the real fact, the information of which Inequality, Gender discrimination, Lack of Proper remains mostly in darkness. In addition, girl students Education etc. which are the part and parcel of society, molested by teachers or repeated sexual abuse by prevail mostly in women. In addition, society has been antisocial activists are also an unfortunate reality. experiencing that money controls everything. Although Women exploitation in the form of physical and mental gender discrimination has been banned by the torture on wives by husband is also common, mostly constitution and women have been guaranteed political where women are simply a house wife and not associated equality with men, yet there is a difference between with any employment. As a result, they are compelled constitutional rights and rights enjoyed in reality by to keep their head down in a speechless manner women (Bhuyan and Panigrahy, 2006). The Government tolerating the cruelty of their husband helplessly. This of India had ushered in the new millennium by declaring ultimately makes them mentally disordered for which the year 2001 as ‘Women’s Empowerment Year’ to focus they often take the shelter of suicide or other means of on a vision ‘where women are equal partners like men’. malpractices that result very disgrace social, moral, Government policy has been to promote women’s ethical, and after all economic support to them (Dr. participation in political, social and economic life of the Khokan Kumar Bag, Piyal Basu Roy, March 2012). nation and identical access to health care, quality education, career and vocational guidance, employment, With the passage of time, days and society, there are a equal remuneration, occupational health and safety, lot of movements relating to this exploitation of women social security and public office etc. The objective has but still men are forward in status as compared to women been also to s strengthen legal system aimed at and Indian society is male dominated where female are elimination of all forms of discrimination against women being exploited spatially. According to Purana , there and changing the societal attitudes and community was violence against women in ancient India, but there practices by active participation and involvement of both was strong punishment for that offence irrespective of men and women. Consequently, single or in a group of caste (Das, 1990). people has been using women and women also to Stages of Women Exploitation and Present torture, harassing and exploiting the women in different Indian Perspectives forms in present society. Moreover, in women daily life lack of the women respect and lack of the financial In the grip of growing consumerism, violence against empowerment and patriarchal system is responsible for women has been rapidly increasing and a legitimate exploitation of women in present society. human right issue in connection to their socio- economic stability has got impetus. Trafficking of women

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 5 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 is strongly associated with economic disparity as marriage very often as decided by their family. prevailing in the country which brings massive Sometimes, this results psychologically disorder among development of women into prostitution (Barry, 1995). them. Moreover, the young women or teenagers are Therefore, several researches, systematic investigations victimized to satisfy a few gangsters by providing sex are being performed to find out the spatio- and beauty. temporal variation in this regard to ensure women a Reproductive stage of women: At reproductive age, dignified life. International research network on violence they have to face domestic violence, if get married. against women (IRNVAW) has been studying worldwide Moreover, at this time, they are sexually, psychological pattern of such violence to share experiences and and physically tortured by intimate partner or non- formulate strategy implication in this context. Contrary partner also. Consequently, homicide is very common to popular belief, child prostitutes are not primarily as read out in common newspapers in all parts of the children lower socio-economic circumstances but also country. At the time of elderly, she becomes helpless from families from higher income group (Flowers, 1994). due to absence of workability or sexual beauty. Pre-birth stage of women: If a cyclic concept of Consequently, they are again ignored and exploited. women exploitation is assumed for convenience of Thus, the history of women life is a garland of stigma or research, one can identify the stages at which they are misery. There is no stage at which she gets honour due being victimized. For example, at the stage pre- to their traditional oppressed life lead without protest. birth, despite illegal, sex selective abortion has been Although, this is not true in case of females who are taking place, because in many developing countries like socio- economically established but interestingly some India, it is still thought that baby girl would be a burden of them intentionally insist men folk of society to do of a family in future and in rural areas, the same is offensive works to live more and more economically considered along with the concept that they would not comfortable by advertising themselves in naked way in be economically and socially productive as they have different media. Despite the high level commitment to not physically strong like men. Hence, despite employing achieve MDGs, the millennium project report of 2005 enough labour force for economic development, women states that “gender equality remains an unfulfilled goal”. are not paid properly and thus they are economically The report recognizes the need to include specific deprived section of Indian society (Tripathi and Tiwari, intervention to address gender inequality (Johnson H, 1999). Ollus N & Nevala S, 2008). Therefore, it is a fact that, Infancy stage of women: At the infancy stage, she is each and every part of the country of India is being looked after with ignorance particularly in case of endangered by gender bias significantly which needs education, health care and nutrition. Consequently from immediate careful handling for the sake of human right, the initial stages of development, they remain weak and otherwise, it is clear that this wound will be acute and isolated. This is because of the same reason as stated the resultant effects as experienced everywhere from earlier. Thus, there is a tendency in rural India in particular rural to urban will damage the synthesis between to over-emphasize on baby boy considering their future elements of society (Dr. Khokan Kumar Bag, Piyal probability of application. Basu Roy,March 2012 .

Childhood stage of women: At the time of childhood, Different Forms of Women Exploitation in Present due to constant ignorance, women are victimized in the Society form of child abuse and trafficking for lucrative business Exploitation of women are various forms and different spread all over the world both for labour and sex. natures. It include crimes involving sexual exploitation Therefore, it cannot be denied that the child labour act for economic gains like prostitution & trafficking, adultery, of 1986 does not bring remarkable positive impact as abduction, rape, wrongful confinement, and murder etc the majority of child labour in rural India is female on the one hand and crimes related to women’s property (Tripathy, 2003). like dishonest misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, The adolescence stage of women: At the stage of domestic violence, dowry extortion and outraging the adolescence, pitiable form of violence or exploitation is modesty of women etc on the other. These crimes are noticed in the form of prostitution, trafficking, early not only injurious and immoral for the women but for the marriage, crime committed against women etc. This is society as a whole. a stage when they become matured, can understand Domestic Violence: In Indian family the man is the the social and economic bondage and being realized master and women is the inferior and subordinate partner this tyranny, they are either compelled to choose and societal pressure force women to maintain this prostitution or unintentionally abused for sex. In addition, status quo. Wife beating is the most prevalent form of being considered as burden, they have to face early

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 6 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities violence against women in the Indian society and it is will must translate into concrete action and stronger viewed as a general problem of domestic discord. implementation of already existing laws and regulations. (Anne F Stenhammer, December 20 2012, New Delhi) Female Infanticide and Feticide: This is playing a significant role in lop sided sex ratio in India. Poor families Rape victim and accused relationship in India: Rape in certain regions of the country sometimes resort to in India has been described by Radha Kumar as one of killing baby girls at birth, to avoid an unwanted burden India’s most common crimes against women. Official on family resources. Sex selective abortion has also sources show that rape cases in India has doubled been common in the country. It’s dangerous to abort between 1990 and 2008(Wikipedia). Rape is the fastest the foetus after 18 weeks of pregnancy and quiet harmful growing crime in India compared to murder, robbery and for mother too at such a late stage. kidnapping. According to the report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), every 60 minutes, two women Dowry : The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 marks the are raped in this country. According to the Delhi police first attempt by the Government of India to recognize report A total of 703 cases of rape were reported in the dowry as a social evil and to curb its practice. The act year 2012. The biggest number of such crimes was was modified with the Dowry Prohibition Amendment Act reported from neighbours. One-quarter of the victims were of 1984, which has again been modified with Dowry minors, 27.9 percent of culprits were known to victims Prohibition Bill 1986. Women’s organization have played and 28.38 percent were friends and 8.35 from relatives. key role in this process of change. The 1961 Act define These figures are underestimations as many incidents dowry and makes the practice of dowry- giving and taking, go unreported due to fear of stigma and non awareness a punishable offence. Dowry is one of those social evils of rights. There are also the countless cases of eve that no educated woman will own up with pride; still teasing, indecent gazes, pinching, brushes and many are adhering to it. Practices of dowry tend to comments that infringe upon the rights of women, subordinate women in the society. especially in overcrowded spaces and public transport Recent news of Gang Rape in New Delhi: 23 Year buses and trains. There is a need for a drastic change Old Woman was raped by 6 people in a Moving Bus in in attitudes and mindsets towards such incidents. Poor New Delhi in December, 2012. The girl was hospitalized investigations, harsh cross examination of victims, for several days and was also taken to Singapore for senseless adjournment of cases and faulty assessment advanced Treatment. of evidence and furnishing of evidence by victims in Delhi gang rape victim regains consciousness, next presence of culprits are areas that need reforms. 48 hours critical: The 23-year-old victim of the brutal Table - 1 : Rape victim and accused relationship - gang rape has reportedly regained consciousness at 2012 Delhi’s Safdarjung hospital where she is being treated Sl. No. of rape Percentage for her injuries. NDTV reported that the girl is Accused relationship communicating with doctors and nurses by writing No victim of rape victim because she is still not in a position to talk. Despite the 1 Neighbours 207 29.32% encouraging signs however, she is still in critical 2 Friends 200 28.32% condition, and doctors say that the next 48 hours will be critical (FP Staff Dec 18, 2012, firstpost.com). 3 Relatives 59 08.35% UN Women condemns gang rape of Delhi 4 Employers/co-workers 17 02.41% student: UN Women expresses indignation and 5 Other Known persons 197 27.90% condemns the ghastly gang- rape of the 23-year-old Delhi 6 Unknown/stranger 26 03.68% student, who is critically injured and battling for her life in a New Delhi hospital. This attack is an attack against Total 706 99.98% all women in India. Violence against women is not a Source: Delhi Police (The Hindu news Staff Reporter NEW women’s issue but a human rights issue. UN DELHI, January 19, 2013

Women joins the Government and people of India in The above table shows Maximum number of rape victim recognizing that we need to take tougher action together was committed by the known persons such as to change the present reality and culture of impunity. Neighbours, friends, relatives ,employed/co-workers and UN Women in India stresses the urgent need to promote known persons. Only 3.68% cases were committed by and protect the safety of women and girls in India. Every the unknown persons. This table shows women are not girl and woman should be able to live safely and free of safe even their family, neighbours, relatives and known violence. These crimes need to end sexual harassment persons in present society. and violence cannot be tolerated. We urge that political

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Some Indian Penal Code And Special Local Laws Reported Incidents of crime (Incidence 2,03,804): A Of Crimes Against Women total of 2,03,804 incidents of crime against women (both Police records show high incidence of crimes against under IPC and SLL) were reported in the contry during women in India. The National Crime Records Bureau 2009 as compared to 1,95,856 during 2008 recording an reported in 1998 that the growth rate of crimes against increase of 4.1% during 2009. These crimes have women would be higher than the population growth rate continuously increased during 2005 - 2009 with 1,55,553 by 2010. Earlier, many cases were not registered with in 2005, 1,64,765 cases in 2006, 1,85,312 cases in the police due to the social stigma attached to rape and 2007, 1,95,856 cases in 2008 and 2,03,804 cases in molestation cases. Official statistics show that there 2009. Andhra Pradesh, accounting for nearly 7.1% of has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported the country’s population, has accounted for 12.5% of crimes against women. Although Women may be victims total crimes against women in the country by reporting of any of the general crimes such as ‘Murder’, ‘Robbery’, 25,569 cases. West Bengal with 7.6% share of country’s ‘Cheating’, etc, only the crimes which are directed population has accounted for nearly11.4% of total crime specifically against Women are characterized as against womenby reporting 23,307 cases in 2009. ‘Crimes Against Women’. Various new legislations have Crime Rate : The crime against women has increased been brought and amendments have been made in by 4.1% over 2008 and by 31.0% over 2005. The IPC existing laws with a view to handle these crimes component of crimes against women has accounted for effectively. These are broadly classified under two 95.6% of total crimes and the rest 4.4% were SLL crimes categories. against women.(Crime rate 17.4) The rate of crime has 1) The Crimes under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) increased marginally from 17.0 during the year 2008 to i) Rape (Sec. 376 IPC) 17.4 during 2009. Tripura reported the highest rate of crime against women at 42.5 during 2009. ii) Kidnapping & Abduction for specified purposes (Sec. 363 - 373 IPC) Trend Analysis: The proportion of IPC crimes committed iii) Homicide for Dowry, Dowry Deaths or their against women towards total IPC crimes has increased attempts (Sec. 302/304-B IPC) continually during last 5 years from 7.9% in 2005 to 9.2% during 2009. The crime head-wise details of iv) Torture - both mental and physical (Sec. 498- reported crimes during 2005 to 2009 along with A IPC) percentage variation are v) Molestation (Sec. 354 IPC) (vi) Sexual Harassment (Sec. 509 IPC) Methodology: This article based on secondary data. Crime Head-wise Incidents of Crime Against vii) Importation of girls (upto 21 years of age) Women reports identifies number of women exploitation (Sec. 366-B IPC) which was held during the 2005 to 2009. The value of 2) The Crimes under the Special & Local Laws(SLL) this reports consist of the women exploitation in different Although all laws are not gender specific, the causes such as rape, kidnap, dowry death, torture provisions of law affecting women significantly have ,molestation, sexual harassment, Sati Prevention been reviewed periodically and amendments carried Act,1987, Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, Indecent out to keep pace with the emerging requirements. Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, Dowry The gender specific laws for which crime statistics Prohibition Act, 1961. The Crime Head-wise Incidents are recorded throughout the country are - of Crime Against Women during 2005 - 2009 is shown in i) Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 chart I. Temporal Growth of crimes committed against ii) Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 women reports identifies number of women exploitation which was held during the 2003 to 2009. The value of iii) Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) these reports consist of the women exploitation in Act, 1986 different causes such as rape, kidnap, torture, iv) Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987 molestation, sexual harassment.

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Table - 1 : Chart I -Crime Head-wise Incidents of Crime Against Women during 2005 - 2009 and Percentage variation in 2009 over 2008

Sl. year Crime Head No Percentage variation 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 in 2009 over 2008

1. Rape (Sec. 376 IPC) 18,359 19,348 20,737 21,467 21,397 -0.3 2. Kidnapping & Abduction 15,750 17,414 20,416 22,939 25,741 12.2 (Sec. 363 to 373 IPC) 3. Dowry Death (Sec. 302 / 304 6,787 7,618 8,093 8,172 8,383 2.6 IPC) 4. Torture (Sec. 498-A IPC) 58,319 63,128 75,930 81,344 89,546 10.1 5. Molestation (Sec. 354 IPC) 34,175 36,617 38,734 40,413 38,711 -4.2 6. Sexual Harassment 9,984 9,966 10,950 12,214 11,009 -9.9 (Sec. 509 IPC) 7. Importation of Girls (Sec. 366- 149 67 61 67 48 -28.3 B IPC) 8. Sati Prevention Act,1987 1 0 0 1 0 -100.0 9. Immoral Traffic (Prevention) 5,908 4,541 3,568 2,659 2,474 -6.9 Act, 1956 10. Indecent Representation of 2,917 1,562 1,200 1,025 845 -17.6 Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 11. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 3,204 4,504 5,623 5,555 5,650 1.7

Crime head-wise analysis (IPC) Rape (Sec. 376 IPC) (Incidence 21,397 Rate 1.8): An increasing trend in cases of rape has been observed during 2005 - 2008. However, incidence of rape has marginally declined during 2009 as compared to 2008. These cases reported an increase of 5.4% in 2006 over 2005, an increase of 7.2% in 2007 over 2006, an increase of 3.5% in 2008 over 2007 and a decline of 0.3% in 2009 over 2008. Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest number of Rape cases (2,998) accounting for 14.0% of total such cases reported in the country. However, Mizoram has reported the highest crime rate 8.3 as compared to National average of 1.8. Rape cases have been further categorised as Incest Rape and other Rape cases. Incest Rape (Incidence 404) :Incest rape cases have increased by 30.7% from 309 cases in 2008 to 404 cases in 2009 as compared to 0.3% decrease in overall Rape cases. Chhattisgarh (107) has accounted for the highest (26.5%) of the total such cases reported in the country. Rape Victims: There were 21,413 victims of Rape out of 21,397 reported Rape cases in the country. 11.5% (2,470) of the total victims of Rape were girls under 15 years of age, while 15.6% (2,912) were teenaged girls (15-18 years). 59.8% (12,812) were women in the age-group 18-30 years. 3,124 victims (14.6%) were in the age-group of 30- 50 years while 0.4% (95) were over 50 years of age. Offenders were known to the victims in as many as 20,311 (94.9%) cases. Parents / close family members were involved in 2.0% (404 out of 20,311) of these cases, neighbours were involved in 35.1% cases (7,129 out of 20,311) and relatives were involved in 7.3% (1,481 out of 20,311) cases. Kidnapping & Abduction (Sec. 363-373 IPC) (Incidence 25,741 Rate 2.2): These cases have reported an increase of 12.2% as compared to previous year (22,939). Uttar Pradesh (5,078) has accounted for 19.7% of the total cases at the National level. Delhi UT has reported the highest rate at 9.3 as compared to the National average of 2.2. Dowry Deaths (Sec. 302, 304B IPC) (Incidence 8,383 Rate 0.7): These cases have increased by 2.6%over the previous year (8,172). 26.6% of the total such cases reported in the country were reported from Uttar Pradesh (2,232) Bihar (1,295) (15.4%). The highest rate of crime (1.4) was reported from Bihar as compared to the National average of 0.7. Torture (Cruelty by Husband & Relatives) (Sec. 498-A IPC)(Incidence 89,546 Rate 7.7): ‘Torture’ cases in the country have increased by 10.1% over the previous year (81,344). 18.0% of these were reported from West Bengal (16,112). The highest rate of 22.8 was reported from Tripura as compared to the National rate at 7.7.

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Molestation (Sec. 354 IPC) (Incidence 38,711 Rate comparatively higher as compared to the National rate 3.3): Incidents of Molestation in the country have of 17.4. Among 35 cities, Delhi (3,701) has accounted decreased by 4.2% over the previous year (40,413). for 15.4% of total crimes followed by Hyderabad (1,896) Madhya Pradesh has reported the highest incidence (7.9%). The crime rate was significantly higher in (6,307) amounting to 16.3% of total such cases. Tripura Vijayawada, Lucknow and Vishakhapatnam at 92.6, 55.5 has reported the highest rate (10.8) as compared to the and 54.6 respectively as compared to average of mega National average of 3.3. cities at 22.2. Delhi city has accounted for 23.8% of Rape cases, 38.9% of Kidnapping & Abduction cases, Sexual Harassment (Sec. 509 IPC) (Incidence 11,009 15.2% of Dowry Deaths and 14.1% of Molestation cases Rate 0.9) The number of such cases has decreased by among 35 cities. Hyderabad has reported 11.9% of cases 9.9% over the previous year (12,214). Andhra Pradesh of Cruelty by Husband and Relatives. Lucknow has has reported 32.0% of cases (3,520) followed by Uttar reported 14.5% of cases of Eve-teasing. All the 4 cases Pradesh 22.9% (2,524). Andhra Pradesh has reported under Importation of Girls were reported from Kolkata the highest crime rate 4.2 as compared to the National city. It is worthwhile to mention that Bengaluru, Chennai, average of 0.9. Mumbai and Jaipur have booked more cases under Importation of Girls (Sec. 366-B IPC) (Incidence Special & Local Laws among the mega cities. 17.3% 48): A decrease of 28.3% has been observed in such (134 out of 774) of cases under Immoral Traffic cases as 48 cases were reported during the year 2009 as (Prevention) Act and 83.3% (567 out of 681) of Dowry compared to 67 cases in the previous year (2008). Bihar Prohibition Act cases were registered in Bengaluru city (31) has reported the highest number of such cases accounting alone. Similarly, 15.9% (123 out of 774) and 14.6% (113 for 64.6% of total such cases at the National level. out of 774) cases under Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act Crime-head wise analysis 2.1 as compared to the were registered in Chennai and Mumbai respectively. National (Special Laws) average of 0.2. All the 44 cases under Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act cases were registered in Jaipur Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act Sati Prevention Act city. (Incidence 2,474 Rate 0.2) (Incidence Nil):No case was registered under this Act in 2009 as against one V CONCLUSION case reported from Chhattisgarh in 2008. Cases under Though the status of women in India, both historically this Act have registered a decline of 6.9% during the and socially, has been one of the respect and reverence, year as compared to the previous year (2,659). 28.9% but the hard truth is that even today, they are struggling (716) cases were reported from Tamil Nadu whereas for their own identity, shouting for diffusion of their voices Daman & Diu reported the highest crime rate of women. and fighting for their own esteem. Every day, they cross Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act among the fears and fraught for individuality. Despite the (Incidence 845 Rate 0.1) A decline of 17.6% was constitutional guarantee of equality of sexes, rampant noticed in cases under this Act as compared to previous discrimination and exploitation of women in India year (1,025). Andhra Pradesh with 704 cases has continues. The incidence of dowry deaths, woman sexual accounted for 83.3% of total such cases at the National harassment, molestation and ill-treatment of women are level which has also reported the highest crime rate of on increase. It is high time now that women should get 0.8 as compared to the National average rate of 0.1. a respectable and dignified position in the Indian society. Awareness in the women as well as society should be Dowry Prohibition Act (Incidence 5,650 Rate 0.5) the created and their equal rights should be effectively cases under this Act have increased by 1.7% as implemented. Crimes against women should be made compared to the previous year (5,555). 24.1% cases punishable and a In the era of globalization and with were reported from Andhra Pradesh (1,362) followed by revolution in means of communication and information Bihar (1,252) accounting for 22.2% of total cases at the technology, the media role has become more crucial for National level. The highest crime rate was reported from women empowerment in Indian modern society. In Orissa at 2.3 as compared to 0.5 at the National level. modern society changes have been taking place in Crime against Women in Cities (All-India 2,03,804 everywhere in almost every field but to protect honour of Cities 23,983): 35 cities having population over 10 lakh women. International Women Day is celebrated, a have been identified as Mega cities as per population number of women organizations have been working for census 2001. A total of 23,983 cases of crimes against women freedom and empowerment. But all of those are women were reported from these 35 cities as compared external in nature as mentality is the product of society to 24,756 cases in the year 2008 reporting a decrease and culture. In the same family, a boy gets more liberty of 3.1%. The rate of crime in cities at 22.2 was than a girl. Moreover, there is lack of security of girls in Indian society.

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In Indian modern society it is very much essential to all References women get educated to solve all women issues in any 1. Barry, K., (1995). The prostitution of sexuality New society and in any circumstance, in order to live with York: NY University Press. honour, Education will only give them strength and 2. Bhuyan, D., Panigrahy. R. L. (2006). Women societal status. This will increase the women smooth Empowerment. New Delhi: Discovery Publishing living in modern society. Every woman has a fundamental House. right to be safe Protesting injustice, if a woman is able to protest herself with the right and education, then that 3. Chande, M. B. (1997). The Police in India New Delhi: protest her life becomes miserable. It should be Atlantic Publishers and Distributors. remembered that the socio economic empowerment 4. Chandra, R. (Ed.). (2004). Status of Women in India must be ensured by the nation to minimize the exploitation in Social Development in India. New Delhi: Isha which can help to improve the status of women. The Books. recent gang rape has created a fear among women, which 5. Das, S. (1990). Crime and punishment in Ancient I think is a very unfortunate and serious thing. The court India New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. should consider this fact and a speedy trial resulting 6. Gordon, L.P. (2002) Violence against Women NY. into the harshest punishment possible for those animals Nara Science Publishers. who are committed the heinous crime, will if not remove that fear, will at least ensure that a person will think 7. Flowers R. B. (1994). The Victimization and before committing such a crime. The fear should be in Exploitation of Women and Children- A Study of the mind of the offenders not the innocent people and Physical Mental and Sexual Maltreatment in United hope our judiciary will understand the gravity of the States. USA: Mc Fasland & Company. situation and will ensure that the correct judgments 8. Johnson H, Ollus N & Nevala S (2008) Violence without taking much time is made. Finally the offender against women: An international perspective NY: may set free, and the victim may treat as offender Imarvelous Springer. India. May god punish the Guilty, that’s my prayer. 9. Mukhejee, D. (2005). Women and Urban Crime. New Delhi: Kalpaz Publication. Suggestion 10. Rao, M.K. (2005) Empowerment of Women in India 1. Lack of well-planned educational, economic and New Delhi: Discovery Publishing House. social programmes from grass root level is highly responsible for such acute and pitiable scenario of 11. Renzetti C.M. & Bergen R.K eds. (2005) Violence the women in the country. In this context it should against Women UK: Rowman & Littlefield Publisher. be mentioned that women being vulnerable by this 12. Tripathi, R.S. & Tiwari, R.P. (1999) Perspective sort of negligence are compelled to divert themselves on Indian Women New Delhi: APH Publishing to choose dark route of survival in the form of abused Corporation. or sexually exploited product of consumption. In most 13. http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/cant-do- cases, they cannot get justice despite their voices without-critical-analysis-of-the-ast/ for survival to get rid of violence. article4326386.ece 2. We need communities and individuals to be a part of 14. Dr. Khokan Kumar Bag, Piyal Basu Roy,(March this change in mindsets, attitudes and beliefs. We 2012) Changing Face of Women Exploitation call on the Government of Delhi and India to do in International Journal of Social Science Tomorrow everything in their power to take up radical reforms, Vol. 1 No. 1 ISSN: 2277-6168 March|2012 ensure justice and reach out with robust public services 15. FP Staff Dec 18, 2012 http://www.firstpost.com/ to make women’s lives more safe and secure. india/delhi-gangrape-victim-regains-consciousness- 3. Create healthy environment for women and girls next-48-hours- critical-561535.html everywhere by supporting efforts to end violence 16. Anne F Stenhammer,( December 20 against them, bringing them to the center of peace 2012) Regional Programme Director, UN Women building, advancing their political participation and South Asia leadership and increasing their economic empowerment. 17. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/04/world/asia/ murder-charges-filed-against-5-men-in-india-gang- 4. Create awareness everywhere about women to end rape.html?_r=0 exploitation against women and girl through the education and strong social, moral, and cultural values 18. Staff Reporter January 19, 2013http:// and make strong laws to punish victim immediately www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/womens- in Present Indian society. safety-will-be-given-top- priority/article4322668.ece

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND WOMEN LEADERSHIP

T. Jagadish1

Abstract The subject of empowerment of women has becoming a burning issue all over the world including India since last few decades. Many agencies of United Nations in their reports have emphasized that gender issue is to be given utmost priority. It is held that women now cannot be asked to wait for any more for equality. They have demanded equality with men in matters of education, employment, inheritance, marriage, the position and status of women all over the world has risen incredibly in the 20th century. We find that it has been very low in 18th and 19th centuries in India and elsewhere when they were treated like ‘objects’ that can be bought and sold. For a long time women in India remained within the four walls of their household.

Introduction female leaders from some of the top companies in the A long struggle going back over a century has brought United Kingdom and the United States, including: women the property rights, voting rights, an equality in Accenture, Bank of America, Deloitte & Touché, civil rights before the law in matters of marriage and Deutsche Bank, The Economist Group, Enterprise Rent- employment (in India women had not to struggle for voting A-Car, Ernst & Young, IBM, International Paper, Johnson rights as we find in other countries).Two Acts have also & Johnson, Kohler, Lloyds. been enacted to emancipate women in India. These are: These women came from 19 different business sectors; Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 the highest representation was Finance (26%), followed and the Compulsory Registration of Marriage Act, 2006. by 7% each in Computer, Education & Consulting, Health The Domestic Violence Act recognizes that abuse be Products & Services and Real Estate. Age breakouts of physical as well as mental. the female leaders included: 30-39 years (24%), 40-49 Anything that makes a woman feel inferior and takes years (49%) and 50+ years (27%). The majority (69%) away her self-respect is abuse. Compulsory Registration of the women was married, 5% lived with a domestic of Marriage Act can be beneficial in preventing the abuse partner and 26% were single. Forty-one percent had of insti-tution of marriage and hindering social justice dependent children living with them in the home. especially in relation to women. For comparison purposes, the female leaders in this Women are playing bigger and bigger role in economic study were matched to a representative sample of male field: as workers, consumers, entrepreneurs, managers leaders drawn from Caliper’s database, representing and investors. According to a report of The Economist, similar job titles. ‘Women and the World Economy’, in 1950, only one- In today’s large organization, as women climb up the third of American women of working age had a paid job. corporate ladder they vanish. While the statistics vary We can now see women in almost every field: slightly around the world, this is an extremely consistent architecture, lawyers, financial services, engineering, pattern. medical and IT jobs. They have also entered service At the lowest levels, more than half of the employees in occupations such as a nurse, a beautician, a sales organizations are female. As you move to each worker, a waitress, etc. successively higher level in the organization, the number While much research has been published comparing of women steadily shrinks. At the CEO level, worldwide, the leadership styles of women and men, this study there are only 3% to 4% who are women. specifically focused on the personality qualities in a The majority of people we talk with make the assumption woman and man and motivational factors which are at that women will excel at nurturing competencies such the core of the underlying gender differences. as developing others, inspiring and motivating others, This study included a valid and reliable personality relationship building, collaboration and teamwork. The assessment, the Caliper Profile, as well as a chart above demonstrates that these competencies are demographic analysis and in-depth interviews with 59 more positive for women. But those competencies with

1. Lecturer, Department of Business Administration, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 12 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities the largest positive differences are taking initiative, • Roy, T.K., Niranjan, S. Indicators of women’s displaying integrity and honesty, and driving for results. empowerment in India. Asia-Pacific Popul These are not nurturing competencies J. September 2004; 19:23–38. These competencies highlight that women were seen • Nancy, Riley. Gender, power and population as more effective in getting things done, being role Change & Verbar. Popul Bull. May 1997;52. models and delivering results. These skills describe • National Family Health Survey Subject Reports, leaders who take on difficult challenges, ensure that Number 3. ; March 1997. people act with integrity, and who simply achieve • International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) challenging results. and Macro International. National Family Health Finally, as women move up the ladder in an organization, Survey (NFHS-3), 2005–06: India. Vol. I. ; 2007. the higher they move the more positively they are • Kantor, P. Women’s empowerment through perceived. home-based work: evidence from India. Dev Change. 2003;34:425–445. The degree that senior executives and boards of directors are putting men into senior positions, fearing that women • Irene, Casique. What difference does it make? will not perform well at higher levels, we hope that this Women‘s autonomy and power and use of information adds to the assurance that they need not contraception in Mexico. in: Paper Presented at worry about that. the XXIV IUSSP General Population Conference, Salvador, Bahia. ; August 2001. References • Dyson, T., Moore, M. Kinship structure, female • World Bank. Engendering Development— autonomy, and demographic behavior in Through Gender Equality in Rights, Resources, India. Popul Dev Rev. 1983; 9:35–60. and Voice. A Policy Research Report. Oxford • Mott, F.L., Mott, S. Household fertility decisions University Press, New York; 2001. in West Africa: a comparison of male and female • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW). survey results. Stud Fam Plan. 1985; 16:88–99. Annual Report 2004–2005. MOHFW, New Delhi; 2005.

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IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN EDUCATION

Dr. Erulla Abbulu1

Abstract Women education is very important for the country to fully develop. It is like an effective medicine to cure a patient completely and provide health back. Women education is a big opportunity for India to be developed socially and economically. Educated women are the weapon who yield positive impact on the Indian society through their contribution at home and professional fields. They are the reason of improved economy in the country as well as society. An educated woman has capability to handle her home and professional life. They can effectively contribute in controlling the population of India as they would like to marry at a later age in comparison to the uneducated woman.In India women are working together with men in every field. This is happening because of the women education. It is important for the developing the India from the developing India to developed India. Women are the strength of the nation. In each and every field you can see the women working in high post. Now, women are not only meant for the caring the house, She crosses her limit and achieves her goals. Education is the one of the basic need for the men as well as the women because of it one should aware of the current situation and handles the problems. Here we are providing an essay on the women education which will benefit the students as well as kids.

Introduction Education for women is the single most effective way to Women education refers to every form of education that improve lives and health of a family and a society at aims at improving the knowledge, and skill of women large. A woman with education is a powerful person, she and girls. It includes general education at schools and has the power to educate the children in her family, guide colleges, vocational and technical education, them in taking decisions, contribute economically and professional education, health education, etc. Women offer valuable inputs for improvement on home and social education encompasses both literary and non-literary front. Women constitute almost half of a country’s education.Educated women are capable of bringing socio- population, when 50% of the population is denied economic changes. The constitution of almost all education – a nation remains underdeveloped. democratic countries, including India, guarantees equal Empowered women contribute to the development of the rights to both men and women. society, community and nation in numerous ways. Education is the most important power that shape the Education plays a critical role in the development of a lives of mankind. It empowers with the ability to think, nation whether it is social or economic growth. A nation reason, take appropriate decisions and protect oneself can be educated in the real sense of the term, when its from oppression & abuse. However, in most of the entire population is educated. Over the years, India’s developing world around the globe including India, women literacy rate has improved manifold from 12% in 1947 to are often denied of education opportunities. Even though, 74.4% in 2011. Even though, the literacy rate is still women constitute 48% of the total population in India – below the average of 84% around the world. As per 2011 the women literacy rate in urban area is 79.11% as census report, out of 77,84,54,120 individuals who are against 88.76% males, and the figures are even lower in considered literate in India, 44,42,03,762 of them are the rural scenario where 57.93% women are literate as male and 33,42,50,358 are female. If you look at the against 77.15% literate percentage of educated people, there is a huge gap between male (82.14%, in 2011) and female (65.46%, in males. In 2014, India GDP growth ranges between 4.6% 2011) literacy rates in India. Low women literacy rate – 5.3% (1st – 3rd Quarter) and this growth percentage has a huge negative impact on the overall growth and can be drastically improved if women are educated and development of the society – where women are majorly starts contributing equally economically. responsible for child care and development. As per There are numerous benefits of women education. Here research results, it is proved that children who are taken are few of them: care by educated mom are well-nourished and have all- • Women who are educated are able to take charge of rounded development. their future.

1. Assistant Professor, Benaiah Christian College of Education, Burugupudi, Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.

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• They earn and contribute to their family income 7. Choice to choose a profession of her choice: Women who are educated help reduce child and Educated women can prove be highly successful in maternal mortality Educated women are better the fields of life. A girl-child should get equal equipped to take care of their children. opportunity for education, so that, she can plan to • They are less likely to be taken advantage of and become a successful doctors, engineers, nurses, air- lowers exposure to domestic abuse. hostesses, cook, or choose a profession of her choice. • Have great confidence and takes right decisions. 8. Alleviate poverty: Women education is a pre- • Contributes in a positive way to the society and the requisite to alleviate poverty. Women need to take nation. equal burden of the massive task of eliminating • When women are included in key decision-making poverty. This would demand massive contribution from positions, they take holistic decisions for the educated women. There cannot be much social and development of the society Including women in politics economic changes unless girls and women are given tend to have different growth dimensions. their rights for education. Importance of Women education: Until the middle of nineteenth century, girls and women Educating girls and women is so important for the world were educated only for traditional household works. Now, as a whole. When we consider the entire human the society is witnessing changes in the role-status of population, the percentage of educated women is at women. There is greater emphasis on education girls much lower level than men. and women in the same way as we educate boys and The importance of women education are briefly men. The modern-day parents want to fulfill the aspiration summarized below: of their children without gender parity. 1. Economic development and prosperity: The educated women should insist on exercising their Education will empower women to come forward and civil, social, political and economic rights. This will help contribute towards the development and prosperity improve the overall condition of women in the society. of the country. We can hope for better days while all women of our 2. Economic empowerment: So long as women country will be enlightened and educated. remain backward and economically dependent on Conclusion: men, the helpless condition of them cannot be ‘Educating a boy is educating a person…Educating a changed. Economic empowerment and independence girl is educating a nation’, this statement is 100% true. will only come through proper education and Many surveys and studies worldwide have demonstrated employment of women. that educating women is the single most profitable 3. Improved life: Education helps a woman to live a investment in terms of well-being of children health, good life. Her identity as an individual would never community welfare and building long-term success of get lost. She can read and learn about her rights. developing countries. Education opens a whole new Her rights would not get trodden down. The life or world of opportunities for a girl, it gives her the confidence condition of women would improve a lot, if we take a to tackle different problems of life, become economically broad outlook in the field of female education. independent, make better choices, resolve family or 4. Improved health: Educated girls and women are community issues satisfactorily, stand for her rights and aware of the importance of health and hygiene. guide her children. Over the years, the literacy rate among Through health education, they are empowered to Indian women has increased and as per an article in lead a healthy life-style. Educated mothers can take one of India’s leading newspapers – women enrollment better care of both herself and her baby. for higher studies have increased from 10% (during 5. Dignity and honor: Educated women are now looked Independence) to 41.5% in 2011. Indian government has upon with dignity and honor. They become a source launched a number of programmes to encourage primary, of inspiration for millions of young girls who make secondary and higher education for women. However, them their role-models. the progress is albeit slow but moving steadily. The 6. Justice: Educated women are more informed of their journey to become a successful nation begins with rights for justice. It would eventually lead to decline Universal Education for Women. India can reach its true in instances of violence and injustice against women potential as a nation only when its women population such as dowry, forced-prostitution, child-marriage, are equipped with the power of education. female foeticide, etc. Women education is very important for the country to fully develop. It is like an effective medicine to cure a

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 15 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 patient completely and provide health back. Women 4. Ibid. N1. education is a big opportunity for India to be developed 5. Ibid. N3. socially and economically. Educated women are the 6. Shindu J. (2012). Women’s Empowerment through weapon who yield positive impact on the Indian society Education. Abhinav journal: Vol. 1. Issue- 11. p. 3. through their contribution at home and professional fields. They are the reason of improved economy in the country 7. K. Mahalinga. (2014). Women’s Empowerment as well as society. An educated woman has capability through Panchayat Raj Institutions. Indian Journal to handle her home and professional life. They can of Research: Vol. 3. Issue 3. effectively contribute in controlling the population of India 8. Chibber B. (2010). Women and the Indian Political as they would like to marry at a later age in comparison Process. Mainstream Weekly Journal: Vol. XLVIII. to the uneducated woman. Issue 18. 9. Bhat T. (2014) Women Education in India Need of References the Ever. Human Rights International research 1. Suguna M. (2011). Education and Women journal: Vol. 1 p.3. Empowerment in India. International journal of 10. Ibid. N3. 11. Ibid. N1. Multidisciplinary Research: VOL. 1. Issue 8. 12. www.un.org/milleniumgoals/gender.shtml 2. http://www.abhinavjournal.com/images/ Arts_&_Education/Nov12/1.pdf 13. http://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/gender-equality- and-womens-empowerment 3. http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/ bitstream/10603/8562/9/09_chapter%204.pdf

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CHANGING SCENARIO OF WOMEN IN THE 21ST CENTURY

V. Venkataramana1

Abstract A nation cannot imagine its progress and prosperity without women. Despite progress, the very fact that women, along with being achievers, also are expected to fulfill their roles as wives or mothers, prioritizing home against anything else. Women from past centuries have changed the world in many different ways and have also paved the way for future women. During historical times, women achieved many different goals but still remained unequal and inferior to men. Woman could not vote, hold normal jobs, or even have a place in politics. They mainly managed the home front, including the children and other responsibilities. Women were not in charge of many things and could not speak freely like they can today. Historical women catered to men and their every need while ignoring their own needs for freedom and opportunity. But today the image of woman has undergone drastic changes. Women are now stepping out of their historical role of mother and housewife to obtain a higher quality of living. The modern woman has a much different lifestyle with many different choices. Modern women also look, dress, and act much differently than historical women. Women have also evolved over the centuries and are continuing to adapt to the new environment. The modern women of the 21st century are focusing on themselves and their own lives more than historical women ever had. Goals and opportunities are more abundant for women and the modern woman is taking advantage of them in a positive and healthy way. Women of the 21st century are so amazing because of all of the things they can offer to themselves, to other people, and to the world. Modern women are much more intelligent, stronger, self sufficient, and important than ever before in history.

Introduction is taking advantage of them in a positive and healthy A nation cannot imagine its progress and prosperity way. Women of the 21st century are so amazing without women. Despite progress, the very fact that because of all of the things they can offer to themselves, women, along with being achievers, also are expected to other people, and to the world. Modern women are to fulfill their roles as wives or mothers, prioritizing home much more intelligent, stronger, self sufficient, and against anything else. Women from past centuries have important than ever before in history. changed the world in many different ways and have also Women are an integral part of human society. But for a paved the way for future women. During historical times, woman, there couldn’t have been any man. She is the women achieved many different goals but still remained mother of mankind. Despite holding such an important unequal and inferior to men. Woman could not vote, hold and unquestionable position, the role of women has been normal jobs, or even have a place in politics. They mainly defined by men over millennia. Indian Vedas tell us that managed the home front, including the children and other women held an important place in ancient culture. No responsibilities. Women were not in charge of many ritual was ever complete without the presence of a woman things and could not speak freely like they can today. by her man’s side. All gods are worshipped alongside Historical women catered to men and their every need their heavenly consorts. There is no dichotomy there. while ignoring their own needs for freedom and The strongest of male chauvinist reverentially bows his opportunity. But today the image of woman has head to Goddess Lakshmi, or Durga. It is not considered undergone drastic changes. Women are now stepping a sign of weakness to bow to female deities. out of their historical role of mother and housewife to obtain a higher quality of living. The modern woman has Women at home and society in general, is a different a much different lifestyle with many different choices. cup of tea. They are treated as second class citizens. Modern women also look, dress, and act much differently When man took on the role of a bread winner, and woman than historical women. Women have also evolved over took the natural role of a nurturer, these roles suited the centuries and are continuing to adapt to the new their intended role by the Creator. Man was physically environment. The modern women of the 21st century strong, while the woman was inherently strong. Over a are focusing on themselves and their own lives more period of time the man started believing that his role than historical women ever had. Goals and opportunities was superior to that of the woman as without him there are more abundant for women and the modern woman would be no food at the table. Woman’s role was taken

1. HOD, Economics, Sir C. R. Reddy (A) College, Eluru.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 17 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 for granted. The physically feeble woman was led to joined institutes of higher education. From then on, believe this lie for centuries. women have not looked back. Today at the dawn of the 21st century the women across the world are placed at a Socrates said that the only reason he put up with his position of advantage. They are literally on the move. wife, Xanthippe, was that she bore him sons. He said it They are paying heed to their inner voice. They are no was like putting up with the noise of geese because longer interested in hollow jargon and jingoism. They they produce eggs and chicks. What an analogy from are finding their individual and collective voice. They are the most revered philosopher of all ages! Closer home aligned with their conscience, moving ahead with Manu said in 200 B.C.: “by a young girl, by a young purposeful strides. woman, or even by an aged one, nothing must be done independently, even in her own house”. “In childhood a The twenty first century is the century of change. In this female must be subject to her father, in youth to her New Age, love and compassion has started to rule the husband, when her lord is dead to her sons; a woman roost, and the woman with her natural attributes of must never be independent.”It is only when things went compassion will sow the seeds of global transformation. way beyond the level of tolerance that the women raised These changes have already begun, and soon they will their voices. gain an unprecedented momentum. The time is ripe for women of all races, castes, class, and nationalities to The first such voice was heard loud and clear in the come together to be the harbinger of this change. Mother early 19th century, when the term ‘women suffragists’ Earth is crying for attention, soon like the mythological became a household word in the west. Women across ‘Shakti’ it will show its true might and annihilate all the Europe and United States rose as an entity demanding evil forces along the way. Only women can be empathetic suffrage, or the right to vote. It is to the credit of these to the ‘Mother’s plight in her hour of need. courageous women that today women’s right to vote is a ‘given’ in most of the free world, though there are still Indian scriptures have always spoken about some countries, mainly in the Middle East that still deny ‘Ardhnareeshwar’, the Masculine- Feminine deity. The women their universal right to vote. The suffragists had time has come to invoke that Masculine-feminine balance two points of views. One view was that women’s natural in all of us. Events on Earth demand the emergence of place was at home and the voting rights will enable them the feminine essence of Love all around. In the 21st to help formulate laws that affect life at home. The other century women do not need to look at the historical view was that men and women should be equal in every injustices done to her. It’s time to put all that behind her way and there was no such thing as a ‘natural’ role for a and look forward to her empowered role in this ‘Aquarian woman. age’. Women today need not look anywhere for a perfect role model. They need to look within and listen to their The ‘suffrage’ movement can be seen as the first wave intuition, to take the right action at the right time. All of the ‘feminist’ movement that caught widespread they need right now is to set the right intention, and all imagination in 1960s -1980s. This second wave dealt their intentions will bear fruits sooner than later. Such is with the inequalities of laws, as well as perceived cultural the power of the New Age. inequalities. Although the term ‘feminist’ was coined in 1880, its usage as a movement gained ground in 1960s But the question is how can we change the traditions onwards. ‘Feminists’ were those men and women who that have been entrenched in our systems through ages? wrote, spoke and acted on behalf of women and their All we can say is that no matter how entrenched the rights to social, economical, and political equality. Famous traditions appear, if they do not resonate with our present writer Rebecca West defined feminism the best with her reality, they are no longer true for us. This entire universe now famous comments, “I myself have never been able is ever-changing, why do you and I need to be stuck in to find out precisely what feminism is: I only know that age old systems that no longer serve any purpose? The people call me a feminist whenever I express sentiments entire creation is constantly in motion; even our so called that differentiate me from a doormat, or a prostitute.” traditions are loosening their stranglehold. Let’s try to give them a push, and they will give way. Have you In this phase, women tried to equate themselves with seen a grown up elephant tied to a tiny stake with an men by proving that they were as good as men, if not ordinary rope? Have you ever wondered why doesn’t the better. Women’s Rights Movement gained mass support mighty beast just give a powerful tug and break free? in the latter half of the twentieth century when the The problem is that since childhood the elephant has essential problems like discrimination, inequality and been conditioned to believe that he is not capable of limited opportunities continued to confront women in all breaking free. As a baby, when he was tied to the stake spheres of life. The phrase ‘Women’s Liberation’ for the first time he did try to break free but could not appeared in print media in 1966. Late sixties also marked succeed, eventually he gave up trying, thinking that he a period in human history when more and more women

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 18 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities can’t; and now when he has grown up to be the most 3. Women Have Career Choices. powerful of animals on this Planet, he ‘believes’ that he Many women during past centuries never had the can’t do it. Beliefs are ‘that’ powerful. Women need to opportunity to choose what she would like to do for a break free of their limiting beliefs. By taking one step, career. Women were automatically homemakers and one turn you will affect the lives of women you don’t stayed at home with the children. During the post even know. Get ready to write the history. Will you? modern times, women are able to actually have a Women now account for a larger portion of changes, career and choose what they would like to do for a like government and politics. living. Women are even able to hold jobs that only Women of the 21st century are so amazing because of men could have. Women during this century are all of the things they can offer to themselves, to other entering into career branches that have never been people, and to the world. Modern women are much more done by women before, such as being on the front intelligent, stronger, self sufficient, and important than lines in the military or construction workers. The ever before in history. Women now account for a larger career choices that women have during this time are portion of changes, like government and politics. A multiple, just as they always have been for men. woman’s opinions and thoughts are more important and 4. Women are Equal. considered by others during this century because she Women are seen as equals during this century. is more educated and better informed about the changing Women are not considered inferior or beneath men world. Women in the modern era are also enterprising anymore because the times have changed. ‘Women because of their special ability to evolve and adapt can do any thing a man can do’ is the mentality that perfectly with the changes that are happening around most people have during this day in age. Many of the them constantly. A woman of the 21st century endures restrictions that were placed on women during past many more changes and challenges than historical centuries are being lifted, which gives women are women of past centuries, including technological and more equal opportunity within the world. There is even medical advances. These changes encourage women an equal opportunity law that states the employers of the 21st century to be more flexible and versatile, can not discriminate based on sex. along with increasing their endurance and stress levels. 5. Women are Independent. The women of the 21st century are overcoming more Today women are independent when compared to demands and difficult responsibilities than ever before. historical times because they can do what they want The 21st century woman is so amazing for many reasons, to do. Modern women enjoy having their but the point is that she is amazing! independence, even after marriage and having 1. Women Can Vote. children, to feel like they still know who they are. Today the women in the 21st century have the The independence that 21st century women have is privilege to vote. This is a right that all women can one that only women from past centuries could dream have and actively utilize during each election. Women about. Women in the 21st century are independent could not vote until 1892. Now it is the 19th in terms of doing things for themselves, like working amendment in the constitution of the United States. and or furthering their education. A woman’s Having this right was difficult to obtain and took independence is very important to her these days. women much time to acquire in America. Now it’s 6. Women are Happier. socially unacceptable for any one, man or woman, Pictures of historical women demonstrate that they not to vote. Times have changed drastically on this weren’t as happy as the women in the 21st century topic as women are getting more involved on the topic are. In the 21st century, women are happier because of politics and government. of the many different things they may have going for 2. Women Have a Place in Politics and Government. them and or goals that they may be accomplishing In the 21st century, women can hold an official on their own. Being a woman in the 21st century is position within the political and governmental world. joyful because of all of the choices that a woman During historical times, only men were allowed to can make, with no boundaries and growing benefits. run for president and have an opinion in the 7. Being a Woman is Easy. government. Now, women are more involved and During the 21st century, technology has increased taking an active role in world operations. Many women dramatically which makes being a woman during this have been elected to office within politics and the century much easier and much more productive. government to further change the world. Modern Women have access to more knowledge and women are continuing to evolve in ways that historical information through the use of computers, the women would be proud of.

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Internet, and smart-phones. Their awareness about References the world and many other things around them is • Reynolds, A. (1999). Women in the Legislatures and increasing and making their life easier. Education, Executives of the World. World Politics, 51(4), 547- shopping, and working can all be found online to 573. increase the time a woman has to herself to • Yoder, J. D., & Kahn, A. S. (1992). Toward a feminist accomplish other things. understanding of women and power. Psychology of 8. Women Have Many Medical Benefits. Women Quarterly, 16(4), 381-388. Historical women did not have the medical benefits • Winter, D. G., & Barenbaum, N. B. (1985). that modern women have. Past histories did not have Responsibility and the power motive in women and epidurals or pain medication when they gave birth, men. Journal of Personality, 53(2), 335-355. and this is something that modern 21st century • Gutierrez, L. M. (1990). Working with women of color: women can enjoy. Also medical advancements with An empowerment perspective. Social work, 35(2). the removal of cancer and the treatments of certain diseases can encourage modern women to live longer • Pleck, J. H. (1977). The work-family role system. than women in past histories. Social Problems. • Paxton, P., & Hughes, M. M. (2007). Women, Conclusion politics, and power: A global perspective. Pine Forge The changing scenario of women in the modern times is Press. reaching its pinnacle of success and women have • Krishna, Raj (1986). Women’s Studies in India: Some become empowered maximum that they are able to move Perspectives. Prakashan, Bombay. through the world with a sense of confidence and grace. • Sakuntala, Narasimhan (1999). Empowering Women: Her spirit is tempered by wisdom today. The roles of an Alternative Strategy from Rural India. Sage women are still developing and changing, depending on publications. Newdelhi. need, circumstance and personal choice. To quote the inspiring words of Swami Vivekananda: “It is impossible • Forbes, Geraldine(2010). Women in Modern India. to think about the welfare of the world unless the condition Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge. Newdelhi. of women is improved. It is impossible for a bird to fly on only one wing.” — Swami Vivekananda.

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EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH LITERATURE

Dr. Pankaj Kumar1 Pavan Kumar Bonda2

Abstract Women's empowerment has become a significant topic of discussion in all disciplines. It points to the approaches regarding other trivialized genders in a particular political or social context. Women's empowerment refers to the ability for women to enjoy their right to control and benefit from resources, assets, income and their own time by writing, performing arts, etc, as well as the ability to manage risk and improve their economic status and well being. Literature has witnessed the roles of women evolving through ages, but until recent times, most of the published writers were men and the portrayal of women in literature was without doubt biased. A lot of it has to be blamed on the fact that in the ancient world, literacy was strictly limited, and the majority of those who could write were male. However, the contribution of women to oral folklore cannot be taken for granted – in folk songs, stories, poetry and literature in general. Women were portrayed in literature through eras. One of the significant literary movements termed as Feminism has occupied an important role in empowering women. Feminist literary criticism strongly takes side of women. Its purpose is not to make another parallel system, but to present the individual existence of women. It stresses on the equality of the sexes and fights against the discrimination against women. It reveals the ideology of patriarchal society in works of art and searches the representation of women in literary texts. Feminist’s see literary text as a battleground where actual power relations between men and women are played out. Feminism is an ideology which seeks to understand the world as well as to change it for the empowerment of women.Women's empowerment has become a significant topic of discussion in all disciplines. It points to the approaches regarding other trivialized genders in a particular political or social context. Women's empowerment refers to the ability for women to enjoy their right to control and benefit from resources, assets, income and their own time by writing, performing arts, etc, as well as the ability to manage risk and improve their economic status and well being. Literature has witnessed the roles of women evolving through ages, but until recent times, most of the published writers were men and the portrayal of women in literature was without doubt biased. A lot of it has to be blamed on the fact that in the ancient world, literacy was strictly limited, and the majority of those who could write were male. However, the contribution of women to oral folklore cannot be taken for granted – in folk songs, stories, poetry and literature in general. Women were portrayed in literature through eras.One of the significant literary movements termed as Feminism has occupied an important role in empowering women. Feminist literary criticism strongly takes side of women. Its purpose is not to make another parallel system, but to present the individual existence of women. It stresses on the equality of the sexes and fights against the discrimination against women. It reveals the ideology of patriarchal society in works of art and searches the representation of women in literary texts. Feminist’s see literary text as a battleground where actual power relations between men and women are played out. Feminism is an ideology which seeks to understand the world as well as to change it for the empowerment of women.

Introduction: Improving education for women helps raise their levels Women’s empowerment has become a significant topic of health and nutrition and reduces fertility rates. of discussion in development and economics. It can also Education increases “people’s self- confidence and point to the approaches regarding other trivialized genders enables them to find better jobs, engage in public debate in a particular political or social context. Women’s and make demands on government for health care, social economic empowerment refers to the ability for women security and other entitlements”. In particular, education to enjoy their right to control and benefit from resources, empowers women to make choices that improve their assets, income and their own time, as well as the ability own and their children’s health and chances of survival. to manage risk and improve their economic status and Education helps to prevent and contain disease, and is well being. While often interchangeably used, the more an essential element of efforts to reduce malnutrition. comprehensive concept of gender empowerment refers Further, education empowers women to make choices to people of any gender, stressing the distinction between that improve their welfare, including marrying later and biological and gender as a role. It thereby also refers to having fewer children. Crucially, education also increases other marginalized genders in a particular political or women’s awareness of their human rights their social context. confidence and their actual ability to assert those

1. Professor of English, Assistant Prof of English, Hindu College, Machilipatnam, Krishna Dt.AP. 2. Assistant Prof of English, SRKR Engneering, Bhimavaram, AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 21 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 rights.Despite significant improvements in recent certain subject matters as well as the publicity and decades, education is not universally available and financial benefits involved in female writing. Alexander gender inequalities persist. A major concern in many Pope applies moral double standards when he countries is not only limited numbers of girls going to expresses special outrage at “those shameless school, but also limited educational pathways for those scribblers” who not only write “libellous Memoirs and that step into the classroom. This includes, more Novels” but are also “for the most part of That sex, which specifically, how to address the lower participation and ought least to be capable to such malice or impudence” learning achievement of girls in science, technology, — that is, women. The image of the immoral female engineering and mathematics (STEM) education author who capitalizes on stories of (sexual) scandal – and thus earns an independent living which gives her a Role of Literature in Women Empowerment dangerous potential for licentious behavior – was the Different authors, particularly female authors, use legacy of early 18th century writings like Delarivière (or literature as a tool or a space to speak about the Mary de la Rivière) Manley’s highly popular satires of empowerment and disempowerment of women. sexual and political corruption (The Secret History of Empowerment is seen as a multi-dimensional social Queen Zarah, 1705, The New Atlantis, 1709) or Eliza process that helps people to gain control over their lives. Haywood’s explorations of power games between It fosters power in people for use in their own lives, genders in works like Fantomina (1725). communities and nations by acting on issues they define As a reaction to such images of ‘immodestly’ public as important. Conversely, disempowerment is depriving women writers, later female authors wishing at least of power of influence, when individuals or groups are formally to conform to ideals of private domestic discriminated against by others. femininity often opted for publishing anonymously and The literature on poverty has largely concentrated on largely refrained from to the public exposure involved in the rural women. The form in which women’s poverty drama. The late 18th century novelist Frances Burney manifests itself depends on the cultural patterns of (1752-1840) was expressly banned by her father from society. Many women are worse affected by their cultural having her plays produced on stage, although she had circumstances, because of traditional household spent months working on her first one. The father advised responsibilities and inequality in land ownership and instead that ‘In the Novel way, there is no danger’, which rights. The disempowerment of women is likely to be a was all the more true that Burney — like Jane Austen, major cause of poverty and other societal ills faced by Ann Radcliffe and many other female writers — published many women. A high illiteracy rate, lack of decision- several novels anonymously. making power over their fertility and early marriage of Female writers continued to experience restrictions in girls limit their chances of coming out of poverty. subject matter as to what aspects of life they were Equally, the lack of assets due to gender discrimination supposed to portray or even be aware of. Many critics of and inheritance customs in many societies limit women’s Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1848) and access and control over resources, especially land. Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1847), unaided by Women’s dependence on their partners often result in the gender-ambiguous pen names of Acton and Ellis their assets being taken away when they become Bell under which the novels were published, were widows. Moreover, the practice and preference of a son unwilling to suppose that such scenes of brutal violence as heir still holds back rural women in their fight against as depicted in these novels could have been even familiar poverty. to ‘lady’ writers. A few years later, Elizabeth Gaskell’s novel Ruth (1853), dealing with the social neglect and In some instances women are seen as objects of the injustice involved in the tragic story of an unmarried opposite gender. They are often victims of sexual violence mother, was banned as dangerous by her husband from – beaten up, kicked out of the house, and subjected to her own house and symbolically burned by some of her death threats by their partners. Violence appears to be male acquaintances. used to resolve a crisis of male identity, at times caused by poverty or an inability to control women. Poverty thus In addition to limitations of schooling and socially has a doubly negative impact on women, as within many acceptable experience, women authors often also had households it tends to breed and exacerbate violence to labour under economic and legal disadvantages. against women and children. Women’s freedom To start with, as Virginia Woolf was to write later, “a continues to be restricted and subjected to high rates of woman must have money and a room of her own if she domestic violence. is to write fiction”. A comparison of the output of 18th and 19th century female novelists with those of their male There was often also much suspicion about the moral contemporaries suggests that many women writers (like consequences that could arise from the treatment of

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Elizabeth Gaskell) found it difficult to reconcile the women is the only weapon. Entire nations, businesses, demands of serious writing with their ‘normal’ household communities and groups can benefit from the duties, to the detriment of the former. Although as yet implementation of programs and policies that adopt the unmarried, Frances Burney wrote her first novel Evelina notion of women empowerment.[3] Empowerment is one (1778) in stolen hours, and delayed revealing the of the main procedural concerns when addressing human publication of her book to her father until critical and rights and development. The Human Development and popular success were already certain. (This success Capabilities Approach, the Millennium Development then helped her to become a semi-professional writer Goals, and other credible approaches/goals point to who received considerable sums of money by empowerment and participation as a necessary step if subscription and for the copy rights of her three a country is to overcome the obstacles associated with subsequent novels.) As an added difficulty, married poverty and development. women writers in the late 18th and early 19th century (like Ann Radcliffe, 1764-1823) could not enter into legal References: contracts or have property of the husband. 1. Nussbaum, Martha C. (2000). “Introduction”. Women and Human Development: The Capabilities to Conclusion Approach. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Most of what female authors portray in literature reflects Press.. ISBN 9781139459358 their own lives and backgrounds. In the social setting, 2. CVeigh, T. (June 6, 2013). “Online Feminist activists literature, especially the short story genre that many of the digital age”. Taipei Times. female authors use to portray others, creates awareness 3. Malhotra, Anju, et al.Innovation for Women’s in order to see things differently. Some fictional short Empowerment and Gender Equality International stories are about real situations, whereas others are too Center for Research on Women (ICRW) (2009) North fictional to be regarded as real representation. It is Washington, D.C. evident that women make up one quarter of the world population, yet they frequently appear at the bottom of 4. Gender and sustainable development: maximizing every economic, social and political scale. When women the role of women A Report to the United Nations are poor, their rights are not protected. They face Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) obstacles that may be difficult to overcome. To end 2008 extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition, empowering 5. Encyclopedia; role of Literature in Empowering Women.

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IMPACT OF “BETI BACHAO – BETI PADHAO” PROGRAMME ON THE FAMILIES OF SCHEDULE CASTES AND SCHEDULE TRIBES

Kongala. Rama. Rao1

Abstract We don’t have the right to kill the girl child. Narendra Damodar Das Modi. Prime Minister of India As for the Oxford dictionary marginalized means treat a person, group, or concept as insignificant peripheral. Indian society has consisted of thousands of endogamous clans and groups called jatis since ancient times. The bramhinical scriptures and texts tried to bring this diversity under a comprehensible scheme which hypothesized four idealised Meta groups called by Varna. The first mention of the formal Varna Indian caste system is in the famous Purush Sukta of the Rigveda, although it is the only mention in the entire body of the Vedas and has been decried as much as later, non –Vedic insertion by numerous Ideologists like Max Muller ambedkar and some other1, different ideas are there in this issue. Across the India Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are facing different social and economic problems. Mainly poverty, illiteracy, discrimination, lack of health facilities, Lack of shelter, child marriages, domestic violence, Trafficking and dowry problem. The girl child of today is the women of tomorrow. Without women no future and no further generations.social reformers are fight for the different women related problems like sati, dowry, womens education and empowerment of women.

Introduction : ensure :that health and strength of workers, men and According to the traditional social organization of India, women, and the tender age of children are not abused Hindu society was dividing into five categories and most ,and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity of the scheduled castes were designated as Panchamas, to enter into avocations unsuited to their age or strength; those of the fifth order .They were ranked below the four that children are given opportunities and facilities to varnas of the Bramhin,the Kshatriaya ,the vishya and develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom the shudra. In British officials, sometime in the nineteenth and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected century, the term, “depressed classes” was used for the against exploitation and against moral and materiel 2 untouchable castles as well as for the tribes. In 1919 abandonment ,for implementation across the India separate representation on a number of bodies was given different mechanism working for the welfare of the children to the depressed classes, which included untouchables may be the girl or boy. Girls are also preferred in specific along with a number of aboriginal tribes. It was not until sectors to undertake piece rate, home based, 1932 that the tem was officially definite to mean only contractual work as in the case of beedi making, agarbatti the untouchables and it was around this time that the making, bangle making and so on, or in the case of 1 term “Scheduled castes” came into vogue to denote this tasks involving sorting, packing, labelling, etc , all the category of India has constituted to accord a separate above works are little bit strengthen the parents financial status to this category for constitutional protection and status for their continuation of daily activities for food, developmental allocations, now the scheduled castes clothes and some other issue and scheduled tribes are separate. Ministry of social The census 2011 indicates the declining situation in the justice is working for the welfare of the scheduled castes. Child Sex Ratio (CSR), calculated as a number of girls For the welfare scheduled tribes a special ministry for every 1000 boys between age group of 0-6 years, The constitution of India emphasizes the importance of with an all time low of 918 in 2011 from 976 in 1961.after improving the well-being of children .Article 39 deals with this indication Government of India has introduced the the directive principles of state policy, which stipulates programme “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” for the improve that the state shall, in a particular ,direct its policy to the Child Sex Ratio (CSR).

1. Research scholar, Department of Sociology & Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

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Child Sex ratio from 1901 to 2011 age group has fallen to an all time low of 914 girls to 1000 boys. Two out of five girls are malnourished and Year Childsex ratio every second adolescent girls is anaemic .six out of the 1901 972 ten girls are child brides and four out of ten have their first child before they are 18 years old1,in this context 1911 964 government of India has introduced the “Beti Bachao 1921 955 Beti Padhao “Scheme across the India. 1931 950 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. (BBBO) 1941 945 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched 1951 946 on 22nd January 2015 at panipat in Haryana. It is a tri- 1961 941 ministerial effort of Ministries of Women and Child Welfare, Ministry of health & family welfare and Human 1971 930 Resource Development. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao main 1981 934 objectives of the Prevention of gender biased sex selective elimination, Ensuring Survival & Protection of the girl 1991 945 child, Ensuring education and participation of the girl 2001 927 child.” Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” programme impact is 2011 914 very high in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes families, and its strong support to families. In the first Source: Census 2011 Phase, 100 districts with low Child Sex Ratio (CSR) Differences between rural and urban girl child were selected for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) The status of the rural girl child is definitely lower than scheme implementation for creating awareness and when compared to the urban girl child. The urban girl advocacy about the issue .The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao child might be helping her mother at home, her brother (BBBP) scheme was extended to 61 districts. might be getting more care and attention, but the fact Impact of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme still remains that she is sent to school, given better food on scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and health care than the one in rural areas. It is a fact The girl child is key to achieving a more equitable status that the urban girl child who belongs to the lower income and role for women of the future. Improvements their group also faces neglect and is overburdened like her condition and greater investment in their development counterpart in rural areas. A village girl child does almost will doubtless lead to a better and more promising future. everything at home –cooking, cleaning, and fetching Low sex ratio is the cause of many social problems. wood, water and sibling care. She works in the field too Scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are facing and is involved in activities like sowing, transplanting, different socio-economic problems; they are unable to weeding and scaring of birds to save the crops1, and send their girl child to school because of poverty and different works attached by the parents. In the urban ignorance on importance of girl Childs education. In urban area care of the employs children, as child labour in the areas as better than the rural areas to attitudes of the hostels, small scale industries and some other works. girl child education and survival.Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Situation of girl child in India. (BBBP) scheme is most helpful scheme to the scheduled In India more than the 50percent of girls not enrol in the castes and scheduled tribes people to save their girl school, those that do are likely to drop out by the age of child and educate them also. 12, out of the 12 million girls born in India, 1 million do Conclusion: not see the first birthday, 3 million do not see their fifteen One of the major social problem in India is Low sex birthday and a million of them are unable to survive even ratio, may be reasons are different like, son preference, their first birth day. One third of these deaths take place dowry problems, mythological issues, so on. Some low at birth. Every sixth girl child’s death is due to gender sex ration indicators are alarming in scheduled castes discrimination, one out of every 10 women reported some and scheduled tribe’s population also. Scheduled castes kind of child sexual abuse during childhood. One out of population main source of income is agriculture daily 4 girls sexually abused before the age of 4.female wage labourers. Their income is very low at the same mortality exceeds male mortality in 224 out of 402 time most of the tribes are livening in forests; their total districts in India. Females are victimized far more than life, income and everything is depended on the forest. In males during childhood.53% of girls in the age group of this connection they have limited sources to take care 5 to 9 years are illiterates. Sex ratio in the 0-6 six years of their children education, especially girl child. The

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 25 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 government of India has launched a scheme is launched 5. Promilla Kapur (2001), Empowering the Indian on 22nd January 2015 at panipat in Haryana. Women, Publication Division. New Delhi. 6. Dr.Purva Jaggi (2016), Girl Child: Think of a world References: without them! July 2016.Social Welfare. Central 1. Kalpana Roy (2000) Women and child development. Social Welfare Board Publication New Delhi. Commonwealth Publications.New Delhi-110002. 7. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers2. cfm? 2. Dr.Gajanafar Alam(2014),Sociology of Marginalized abstract_ id=2287514 communities. Lobus Press. New Delhi.ISBN 978- 8. TK OOmmen (1984), Scheduled castes and 93-82484-13-4 scheduled tribes: A social Report, Vikas Publishinh 3. Siddartha Sarkar (2005), Poverty and Girl Child House Pvt Limited. New Delhi. Labour: A study in brick kilns.Seriels Publications. 9. J.K Jha (2002), Status of girl child India. Arup & Sons. New Delhi. New Delhi 110002. 4. V.B.Jugale (2005), Poverty, Globalization and Human 10. Dr.S.N.Tripathy & Sri Premananda Pradhan(2003) Development. Serials Publication. Discovery Publishing house. New Delhi.

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DEBASING WOMEN – INS AND OUTS

Dr. B.V.L.A. Manga1

Abstract Women play a significant role in educating the family and promoting the country with sustainable development peace, prosperity and stability because a family depends on the prosperity of women who builds up a healthy family environment. The neglect of girls and women has given rise to human distress with growing industrialization, modernization and a total departure of our ancient value system of our country our social and domestic life has undergone drastic changes with prosperity and scientific development many evils in the society have crept in. One of the social evils is the “Violence Against Women (VAW)”. The World Health Organization (WHO) in its research on VAW, categorized it as occurring five stages of the life cycle: 1. Pre birth, 2. Infancy, 3. Girlhood, 4. Adolescence and adulthood and 5. Elderly.The paper throws a light on the Fact Sheet on VAW globally, nationally and regionally. From the Fact Sheet, it is obvious there is a sharp rise in crimes against women and concludes that the crime rate is doubled over the past ten years. That paper makes an attempt to enumerate several provisions inserted in Indian Penal Code and few protective and curative measures adopted by the Government. The dream of creating violence free homogeneous Indian society may remain just as a dream unless the educated mass come together and find out ways and mean of restricting the society on the model accepted by the Indian Constitution.

Introduction are increasing day by day. VAW refers emotional, sexual, Women play a significant role in educating the family physical and verbal abuse against an intimate partner, and promoting the country with sustainable development or other family members. Physical abuse, throwing peace, prosperity and stability because a family depends objects, making derogatory comments, destroying on the prosperity of women who builds up a healthy prosperity, threatening with a weapon, rape and incest family environment. The neglect of girls and women has are few examples of violence, which can happen alone given rise to human distress with growing industrialization, or in combination. It is a chronic problem and its pattern modernization and a total departure of our ancient value develops overtime. It is a widespread problem that affects system of our country our social and domestic life has all people from all religions, geographic, ethic, economic, undergone drastic changes with prosperity and scientific educational and social backgrounds. Now crimes against development many evils in the society have crept in. women have increased in such rate that women have One of the social evils is the “Violence Against Women increased in such rate that women neither feel safe in (VAW)”. The World Health Organization (WHO) in its their own home nor secure outside living with fear in research on VAW, categorized it as occurring five stages their mind. Generally, people do not register the crimes of the life cycle: 1. Pre birth, 2. Infancy, 3. Girlhood, 4. committed against women due to social stigma. It would Adolescence and adulthood and 5. Elderly. sound strange but true that many women think that it is “right for their men to restore to some degree of violence Though Indian constitution guaranteed equality, freedom which has tacit approval of family elders. Generally and opportunity and protection to women, yet they enjoy women do not report this type of harassment for various an unequal status because of loopholes in the judicial reasons. It is this attitude of women that places them in system. This added with literacy ignorance, poverty and vulnerable position for sexual harassment at work place”. lack of awareness of rights contribute to deplorable status of women. The various types of violence against According to this Supreme Court Definition of Sexual women prevalent in the modern Indian society is the harassment at work place is: most in-human custom of dowry, the beastial act of rape, • Physical contact. harassment and exploitation of women, wife battering, • A demand for sexual favours. molestations, eve teasing, kidnapping and abduction and • Sexually coloured remarks. very many such uncivilized and uncouth practices. • Showing / Pornography. While women in India constitute half of the population • Any other physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of and considered to play a distinctly important role in our sexual nature. society, it is ironical that cases of violence against women

1. Retd., Reader Department of Political Science, Matharajah's (Autonomous) College, Vizianagaram.

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United Nations defines it “Any act of gender based violence categorized as crimes against women were reported that results in or likely to results in physical, sexual or under ‘cruelty by husband or his relatives’ (32.6 percent), Psychological harm to women, including threats coercion followed by ‘Assault on women with intent to outrage or arbitrary deprivation of liberty in public or private life. her modesty’ (25 percent), ‘Kidnapping and abduction Usually there is a cycle of violence and abuse, sexual of women’ (19 percent) and ‘Rape’ (11.5 percent). abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse and economic abuse. Crimes against women have more than doubled over the Some facts and figures : Ending violence against women past ten years, according to the latest data released by according to UN women. NCRB. 26 crimes against women are reported every • It is estimated that 35 percent of women worldwide hour or one compliant every two minutes, reveals an have experienced either physical and or sexual India spend analysis on the last decade’s data. Cruelty intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non- by husbands and relatives is the major crimes committed partner at some point of their lives. against women across the country are 10 every hour. Assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty is • Women who have been physically or sexually abused the second most crime against women over the last by their partners are more than twice as likely to decade. Kidnapping and abduction of women is the third have an abortion, almost twice as likely to experience most reported crime followed by rape and dowry death. depression and in some regions, 1.5 times more As many as 66 percent of women reported experiencing likely to achieve HIV, as compared to women who sexual harassment. Andhra Pradesh (A.P) leads in have not experienced partner violence. crimes against women. Again in A.P Guntur, Krishna • Although little data is available – and great variation and West Godavari stands in first three ranks. in low psychological violence is measured across Throughout the State 9606 crimes recorded against countries and cultures – existing evidence shows high women and 40 percent of the share is taken by these prevalence rates. Forty three percent of women in three districts. Only in these three districts for every the 28 European Union Member States have One Lakh women, 19.45 percent crimes were taking experienced some form of psychological violence by place. The percentage of crimes against women Guntur an intimate partner in their lifetime. is 30.7 percent. The lowest crimes recorded 9.1 percent • It is estimated that of all women who were the victims is in Srikakulam district. Maximum number of cyber of homicide globally in 2012, almost half were killed crimes against women recorded is 60.16 percent took by intimate partners or family members, compared place in Krishna and Visakhapatnam districts. Atrocities to less than six percent of men killed the same year. against SC, ST women occurred at optimum level in • Worldwide, almost 750 million women and girls alive Visakhapatnam, East Godvari districts, and Guntur today were married before their 18th birthday. Child district occupying the first three ranks. marriage often results in early pregnancy and social To prevent VAW, several provisions inserted in Indian Penal isolation, interrupts schooling, limit the girls opportunities Code as well as Criminal Procedure code. They are as and increase her risk of experiencing domestic violence. 1) If you have been sexually harassed, ask for the FIR • Around 120 million girls worldwide (slightly more than statement to be recorded in a language you understand. one in ten) have experienced forced sexual acts at If for some reason that is not possible, ask for a some point in their lives. translator and make sure that every detail is recorded. • At least 200 million women and girls alive today have FIR recorded by the women police officer itself. undergone female genital mutilation in the 30 2) Abusing woman with sexually coloured or provocative countries with representative data on prevalence. remarks on social media is crime under IPC section • About 71 percent of women and girls together globally 509, with a fine and a jail of three years. No more are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation. “Friendship” / “Hi Love’s” on face book! According to National Crime Reporting Bureau (NCRB) 3) Making unwanted physical contact against a data, 2016 incidents of rape against women have risen woman’s will is a crime under IPC section 354(A) far more sharply as compared to a rise in other crimes and the man can face up to three years jail. against women. The latest NCRB data for the year 2016 4) Under the same section, it is illegal to show shows that while overall crimes against women have pornography to a woman against her will, and no more risen by just 3 percent, incidents of rape have gone up sick snap chats, perverts. by 12 percent while 2015 saw the registration of 34,651 5) Watching, capturing or sharing images of woman cases of rape, this increased to 38,947 in 2016. engaging in a private act without her consent is Conversely, overall crimes against women rose from voyeurism and is punishable under IPC section 3,29,243 to 3,38,954 in 2016. The majority of cases 354(C). The man can face jail from 1 to 3 years, if it

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is his first offence and from 3 to 7 years if it is a 2016” issued under section 10 of the Indian Wireless repeated offence. Telegraph Act 1933. Grama Panchayats across the country 6) Singing lewd songs directed at women in public introduced Mahila Police Volunteer to act as a link spaces is considered sexual harassment under IPC between rural women and the police with a view to balance section 294 and the offenders could be jailed up to 3 preventive and curative aspects. The sexual harassment months that’s got to discourage all roadside Romeos. of women at workplace Act 2013 came in to effect on December 2013. Women Power line 1090 was In the UN Convention on Elimination of all forms of introduced in the State of UP in November 2012. Ujjawala Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) adopted General a Comprehensive Scheme for prevention of trafficking Recommendation No.19, which notes that “Gender and rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of Based Violence” which impairs or nullifies the enjoyment trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation introduced. by women of human right and fundamental freedoms under general international law is discrimination. All of the above schemes and initiatives are aimed at empowering women and have been innovative steps in From the foregoing discussion it is evident that VAW is their own ways. The responsibility of creating violence on rampant increase in India. Though many laws were free society is collective. Therefore, the approach to made to protect women from violence, the data shows addresses VAW needs to come in a holistic, multi- the number of victims is increasing. Women should be pronged way, designed by putting various arms of the educated with the knowledge of laws and access to governance mechanism in to a structural whole so as to judicial system which can strengthen the position of address these associated concerns that inhibit women women and to enable them to seek remedies and reliefs from speaking up. The dream of creating violence free under the law. Apart from this, we need something else homogeneous Indian society may remain just as a dream which the legislation cannot provide the mindset to understand unless the educated mass come together and find out the fears, compulsions, and pressures on women victims. ways and mean of restricting the society on the model The legal concept and test of a “reasonable man” should accepted by the Indian Constitution. give right of gender to that of a “reasonable woman” as well. To help create a safe environment for the fairer sex in Select Bibliography: public places, streets, public transport, shopping malls, 1) Carlson, B.E (1991). Outcome of physical abuse market areas and educational institutions, the city police and observation of marital violence among adolescent have adopted people-friendly mode of policing to weave in placement, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, New a safety network that can effectively address some of burg Park, California, Sage. the perennial issues. Following constitution of Mahila 2) Abelson, Red (2001), Men, Increasingly are the ones Mitra teams and Mahila Rakshaks as their arms, the claiming Sexual Harassment, New York Times, June department has now launched CLAPP (Community Led 2010. Action Programme by Police) in collaboration with the 3) Cock burn, C. 1983. Brothers: Male dominance and International foundation for Crime Prevention and Victim technological change, London: Pluto Press. Care in Partnership with the city based NGO Vasavya Mahila Mandali (VMM) to set CLAPP on the roll, a four day 4) Crouch, Margaret (2001) Thinking about Sexual training session has been scheduled at the VMM for Harassment: A Guide for the perplexed, New York Mahila Mitras, Mahila Rakshaks and other Coordinators. and Oxford: Oxford University Press. 5) Sakuntala Narasimhan “Support and Sisterhood at Gender sensitization and awareness generation Indian’s First One stop Crisis Centre”, Social Welfare, programming on VAW should become a part of school February 2016, Vol.62, No.11, pp16-17. and college curriculum for the women in difficult circumstances facing, physical, emotional and economic 6) Sujatha Varma, P “Engaging Community to abuse, the Government of India has created One Stop Safeguard Women”. The Hindu, dated 18.1.2018, P.2. centers and Swadhar Grah across the country which 7) Ram Doss, S “Victims of Sexual Harassment at work would provides integrated support and assistance to the place” Social Welfare, December 2010, Vol.57, No.9, distress women. The Ministry of Finance, Government P 5 to 11. of India established a “Nirbhagya Fund” in 2013 with an 8) United Nations ECOSOC, Report of the Special initial corpus of rupees ten crore. This is in intended to Rapporteur on violence against women, E/CN.4/ provide women safety pertaining to the strategic areas 1996/53. of prevention, protection and rehabilitation. Women Help 9) World Health Organization (1996) ‘Violence Against line – 181 established for 24 hours emergency and Non- Women’. WHO consultation, Geneva, WHO. Emergency response for women. The Department of Telecommunications noticed the “Panic Button and 10) Dobash, R.E and Dobash R.P. (1979) ‘Violence Global Positioning System in Mobile Handsets Rules Against Wives’, The Free Press, New York.

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STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIAN POLITICS

Dr. Kishore Babu Karri1

Abstract In India nearly 50 per cent of women in the total population, the secondary status given to women in Indian society has placed her in a disadvantageous position in various fields in terms ofsocial, political, economic empowerment of women and in the field of business, art, medicine, engineering, law and culture, women are given opportunity to prove their skills. But they have failed to gain ground in the field of politics. A Political empowerment necessitates equal participation of women in political process and in decision making bodies. The low representation of women in parliament and state assemblies has been the major concern of various women organizations. This paper is based on secondary data it is observed the last fifteen lokhsabha and Rajyasabha election in India. It’s clearly observed that thenumber of women contesting elections is very low compared to men. It increased from 2.3 in 1952 to 6.5 per cent in the year 1999 and 10.8 per cent in 2009, compared to the population, the percentage of women contestants is very low. Even today, more than 93per cent of the total contestants are men. But interestingly the percentage of women winning elections has always been higher than men.These trends indicate that women’s representation in politics requires special consideration. Today, even best women parliamentarians feel sidelined and powerless within their parties except a few. Male party leaders have shown little willingness to include women in party decision making bodies or help to create a conducive atmosphere for women’s participation in their own organizations. Therefore special measures are required. Otherwise our democracy will remain seriously flawed if it fails to give adequate space for women. Political parties and other organizations should encourage women’s participation in politics and in the exercise of political responsibilities. The strategy should be to encourage a still greater number of women in decision – making power. Finally this paper suggested that no serious efforts have been made by political parties to give more representation for women. Representation of women in legislatures, thereby entering into power position is inevitable for political empowerment and equality of women. Given our political situation, it has become clear that it is difficult for women to enter into legislature without reservation. Therefore demand for 33 per cent reservation in national and state legislature has become a major demand of various women’s organizations.

Introduction: Demographically, according to the 2011 sition in various fields. Therefore, social, political, eco- census, total population of the country was 121.02 cores. nomic empowerment of women has become the main Out of this 49.5per cent were females. According to 1901 agenda of governmental and non-governmental organi- census, the sex ratio of females (per 1000 males) was zations in recent years. Political empowerment neces- 979 and according to the 2011 census, it has declined sitates equal participation of women in political process to 940. This declining trend is because of the apathy and in decision making bodies. The situation in India is towards the girl child. In fact in 1991 the sex ratio had same as in many other countries of the world where decreased to 927 and thereafter there was a slight im- women are underrepresented. A better understanding of provement in 2001. According to 2001 census, out of this position needs a historical analysis of status of every 1000 females, 542 females were literates (655.46 women in India.These statistics show that literacy rate per cent)this shows that 34.54per cent females were and work participation rate of women are increasing day still illiterates in India. In comparison with the male lit- by day but at a very slow pace. Female literacy rate eracy rate, the female literacy rate has always been has never been equal to male literacy rate. Female in- lower. The total work participation rate of women in 2011 fanticide is increasing at an alarming rate because the is 25.68 per cent and it includes in itself 13.45per cent girl child is considered to be a burden to the family. The of rural women and 11.55per cent of urban women. secondary status given to women in Indian society has 71.8per cent of the women employed were in primary placed her in a disadvantageous position in various fields. sector, 21.7per cent in tertiary sector and the remaining Therefore, social, political, economic empowerment of in the manufacturing sector. Considered to be a burden women has become the main agenda of governmental to the family. The secondary status given to women in and non-governmental organizations in recent years. Indian society has placed her in a disadvantageous po- Political empowerment necessitates equal participation

1. Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dept of Economics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 30 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities of women in political process and in decision making stands for absence of any discrimination by law or in bodies. The situation in India is same as in many other their administration. countries of the world where women are Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, underrepresented. A better understanding of this position race, caste, sex, place of birth. It is a guarantee against needs a historical analysis of status of women in India. every form of discrimination. According to article 15(3), The main objective of this paper is to clearly explore the nothing shall prevent the state from making special political representation of women in the country during provisions for the benefit women and children. the last 60 years and 15thloksabha and Rajysabha elections Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity for all Methodology citizens in matter relating to employment or appointment This paper based on secondary data, such data collected to any office under state. Secondly no citizen shall, on from the CSDS New Delhi, and internet also such data grounds of religion, race, cast, sex, decent, place of including sex ratio of women, participation of women in birth residence or any of them, be eligible for, or general elections during the last fifteen elections in India. discriminated against in respect of any employment or Simple percentages were used for the paper office under the state. Results and Discussions: Article 51-A clause (e) says that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India- to promote harmony and sprit of In this paper straightly explain and observe the women common brotherhood amongst all the people of India, contest in general election in India during the last 60 transcending religious, linguistic and religious or sectional years and fifteen loksabha and Rajyasabha. And also diversities, to renounces practice derogatory to the state that the constitutional safe guards of women i.e. dignity of women. provided by the constitution like social, economical and political aspects in India The 73rdConstitutional Amendment has added the following articles to the Constitution providing reservation Constitutional Safe guard of women in India for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions. On attaining Independence in the year 1947, India Article 243-(D) (2) states not less than 1/3 of the seats became a republic. The Constitution of India adopted a reserved under clause (1) shall be reserved for women parliamentary form of government. The government belonging to S. C or as the case may be S.T. functions at different levels. At the apex level, there is the national government and governments at states and Article 243-(D) (3)-extends political reservation to women union territories. At the centre, the parliament consists not less than 1/3 of the total number of seats to be filled of two houses i.e. the Upper House called the by direct election in every panchayat shall be reserved RajyaSabha or the council of states and the Lower House for women and such seats shall be allotted by rotation called the LokhSabha (House of People). At the state to different constituencies in a panchayat. level, the upper house is called the Legislative Council Article 243-(D) (4) extends reservation to elected offices and the Lower House is called the Legislative Assembly. as well. The office of the chairpersons in the panchayats Each state has its own local self governments known or any other level shall be reserved S.C and the S.Ts as Panchayati Raj Institutions both at urban and rural and women in such a manner as legislature of a state areas Rural Panchayati Raj Institution has three tier may, by law provide. structures consisting of the ZillaPanchayath at the district level, TalukPanchayat at the taluk level, and Gram The legal Constitutional framework in India would appear Panchayat at the village level. The Constitution not only a combination of Communitarian perspective on one hand grants equality of treatment to women but also calls and that of liberal democracy on the other hand. In spite upon the state to adopt measures favoring women of such provisions in the Constitution, the decades neutralizing the socio- economic, educational and following independence witnessed a decline in the political disadvantages that they face. The following are women’s participation in politics. These rights appeared the various provisions in the constitution which ensures illusionary as there was a shift from the aims of the equality between men and women. Constitution. The lack of space for participation in political bodies has resulted in their presence in meager Article 14 guarantees equality before law and equal numbers in this decision making bodies. protection of law with in the territory of India. This Article

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Post independent women continued to play a significant role in less conventional activities such as environmental movements, anti-alcohol agitations, peace movements and even revolutionary activities which equally effect power relationships as they have the capacity to influence the state. Yet politics proved to be a very inhospitable terrain for women and continues to be the male domain where entry to women is severely restricted. Representation of women in parliament and state assemblies remain at a very low level. Their representation is 10.8 per cent in parliament. No doubt a few seats have been given to women but it has not been in proportion to women’s strength in population. Table-1 presents the participation of women in the two houses of parliament. Table - 1 : Year wise Membership of Women in the Lokhsabha and RajyaSabha

Members in Loksabha Members in RajyaSabha Year Seats Women Per cent of SeatsWomen Per cent of

1952 499 22 4.41 7.56 7.59 7.31 1957 500 27 5.40 237 18 7.59 1962 503 34 6.76 238 18 7.56 1967 523 31 5.93 240 20 8.33 1971 521 22 4.22 243 17 7.00 1977 544 19 3.49 244 25 10.25 1980 544 28 5.15 244 24 9.84 1984 544 44 8.09 244 28 11.48 1989 517 27 5.22 245 24 9.8 1991 544 39 7.17 245 38 15.51 1996 543 39 7.18 223 19 8.52 1998 543 43 7.92 245 15 6.12 1999 543 49 9.02 245 19 7.76 2004 543 45 8.28 245 28 11.4 2009 543 58 10.68 245 22 8.98 2014 543 66 12.15 239 28 11.71 Average 530 35 6.59 240 21.09 9.00

Source: CSDS data unit, New Delhi

The Table 2 shows number of women contesting elections is very low compared to men. It increased from 2.3 per cent in 1952 to 6.5 per cent in the year 1999, compared to the population; the percentage of women contestants is very low. Even today, more than 93 per cent of the total contestants are men. But interestingly the percentage of women winning elections has always been higher than men. This can be seen from the Table 2. The percentage of males who won elections in 1952 is 26.05 per cent whereas women were 51.16 per cent. In the year 1999, 12.3 per cent men won the elections out of the total male contestants and 17.3 per cent women won out of the total female contestants. In the 14thLokSabha elections 12.6 per cent female contestants won the elections. The author stated the participation of women in loksabha during the last decade it is decreasing trend. Political parties deny tickets to women candidates presuming that they are not capable of winning elections. Theseresults show that the percentage women wining elections is more than the percentage men winning

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Table - 2 : Men and Women as Contestants during Various Elections in India

Male Female Total Number Year of contestant per per Contestant Elected Contestant Elected centwinningz centwinningz

1952 1874 1843 DNA DNA 43 DNA 51.16 1957 1518 1473 467 31.7 45 27 60 1962 1985 1915 459 24 70 35 50 1967 2369 2302 490 21.3 67 30 44.8 1971 2784 2698 499 18.5 86 21 24.4 1977 2439 2369 523 22.1 70 19 27.1 1980 4620 4478 514 11.5 142 28 19.7 1984 5570 5406 500 9.2 164 42 25.6 1989 6160 5962 502 8.5 198 27 13.6 1991 8699 8374 492 5.9 325 39 12 1996 13353 13353 504 3.8 599 39 6.7 1998 4570 4476 500 11.2 274 48 15.7 1999 4649 3976 494 12.3 278 49 17.3 2004 5435 5080 498 9.8 355 45 12.6 2009 8070 7514 484 6.44 556 58 10.43 2014 8251 7578 482 6.36 668 61 10.95 Average 69765 6926 13.94 3235 502 15.52 Source: September 14, 1999, Times of India, New Delhi DNA-Gender-wise data for 1952 not Availabl *Percent to the male and female contestants

Many factors are responsible for this state of affairs. History of freedom movement shows that a large number of women participated in freedom movement. But after that it went on decreasing. The ideology of the Nehru-Gandhi era has totally disappeared. Gender roles have become major obstacles in women’s political empowerment. Traditional division of labour, illiteracy, economic barriers, the type of electoral system, lack of sufficient training etc have been keeping women away from politics. Apart from this, elections have become a very costly affair. Women are not able to generate large amount of money required to fight elections. Centralization of powers and corruptions has become major obstacles for women to participate in politics. Vibuthi Patel observes that, among the majority of Women’s Rights Groups, politics is equated with politicking, dirty maneuvering and manipulation and therefore power and politics remain an anthem to them. Political parties are reluctant to field women candidates. The gender biases of political parties are the major hurdles for women gaining decision making power. Women find it difficult to establish strong foothold in politics without party base. Women backed by family and husband are recognized by the parties. Veteran women politicians are sidelined. No serious efforts are made to mobilize women as a political group.

Conclusion In India nearly 50 per cent of women in the total population, the secondary status given to women in Indian society has placed her in a disadvantageous position in various fields in terms ofsocial, political, economic empowerment of women and in the field of business, art, medicine, engineering, law and culture, women are given opportunity to prove their skills. But they have failed to gain ground in the field of politics. A Political empowerment necessitates equal participation of women in political process and in decision making bodies. The low representation of women in parliament and state assemblies has been the major concern of various women organizations. This paper is based on secondary data it is observed the last fifteen loksabha and Rajyasabha election in India. It’s clearly

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 33 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 observed that thenumber of women contesting elections empowerment and equality of women. Given our political is very low compared to men. It increased from 2.3 per situation, it has become clear that it is difficult for women cent in 1952 to 6.5 per cent in the year 1999 and 10.8 to enter into legislature without reservation. Therefore per cent in 2009, compared to the population, the demand for 33 per cent reservation in national and state percentage of women contestants is very low. Even today, legislature has become a major demand of various more than 93 per cent of the total contestants are men. women’s organizations. But interestingly the percentage of women winning elections has always been higher than men.These trends Reference: indicate that women’s representation in politics requires 1. Siwal B.R, “Political Empowerment of Women”, special consideration. Today, even best women Women’s Link, April-June, 2001, pp. 23. parliamentarians feel sidelined and powerless within their 2. MazumdarVina, “Women in the Political Process”, parties except a few. Male party leaders have shown inMaithreyiKrishnaraj (ed), Women Studies in India. little willingness to include women in party decision Some Perspectives, Popular Prakashana, New Delhi, making bodies or help to create a conducive atmosphere 1986, pp.97. for women’s participation in their own organizations. 3. Pylee M. V., An Introduction to the Constitution of Therefore special measures are required. Otherwise our India, Vikas Publishing House Private Ltd, New democracy will remain seriously flawed if it fails to give Delhi, 2007, pp. 103,104,143, 144 adequate space for women. Political parties and other organizations should encourage women’s participation 4. Vibuthi Patel, “Getting a Foot Hold in Politics, in politics and in the exercise of political responsibilities. Women in Po litical Decision Making Process”, The strategy should be to encourage a still greater Social action , Vol. 65,No.1, Jan-March, 2005, pp.40. number of women in decision – making power. Finally 5. NarayanaJayaprakash, ShethDhirubai, Yadav this paper suggested that no serious efforts have been Yogendra, KeshwarMadhu, “Enhancing Women’s made by political parties to give more representation for Representation in Legislatures. An Alternative to the women. Representation of women in legislatures, thereby Government Bill for Women’s Reservation”, Manushi, entering into power position is inevitable for political No.116, 2000, pp. 7.

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA

S. Sita Rama Murty1

Abstract Women make 50 percent of population of our country and it cannot be wholly progressive without women participation, socially, economically and politically. Women in India, during the early Vedic period, enjoyed equal status with men in all aspects of life. The status of women began to decline in approximately 500 B.C.The position of women further declined during the medieval period when child marriages, sati and other evil practices became a part of social life. During the British rule, many reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Ray, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar and etc., fought for the betterment of women. During the freedom movement, almost all the leaders of freedom struggle were of the view that women should be given equal status in free India. The conditions of women improved after independence with education, constitutional provisions, legal rights, government policies and programmes. However, sexual harassments and atrocities on women have been taking place in our society. We need to progress further in achieving equality and justice to women in the country as enshrined in our constitution.

Introduction: sense of respect and responsibility towards women as A bird cannot be expected to fly with a single wing. This equals. saying can be legitimately applied to the imbalanced Need for women empowerment. conditions of our country due to gender bias. Women make 50 percent of population of our country. Unless Need for empowerment of women arose due to centuries women are given their due role, the country cannot be of domination and discrimination done by men over wholly progressive. Whatever progress, we achieved women, women is suppressed a lot. They are targeted technologically and economically is inadequate unless to various types of violence and discriminatory practices and until women are given their due role. done by men all over the world and India is no different. Swami Vivekananda traced the downfall of India to the Meaning of women Empowerment: continued neglect of women and the masses. Ill Women Empowerment in simple words can be treatment of women and grinding of the poor through understood as giving power to women to decide for their caste restrictions and poverty are the two great evils own lives or inculcating such abilities in them, so that eating into the vitals of our nation. they could be able to find their rightful role in the society. According to Swami Vivekananda, there is no hope of According to the United Nations, women empowerment rise for that family or country where there is no education has mainly five components. of women, where they live in sadness. For this reason 1) Generating women’s sense of self worth. they have to be raised first. 2) Women’s right to have and to determine their choices India is a complex country. India society consists of 3) Women’s right to have access to equal opportunities people belonging to almost all kinds of religious beliefs. and all kind of resources. In every religion women are given a special role and every 4) Women’s right to have the power to regulate and religion teaches us to treat women with respect and control their own lives, within and outside the home. dignity. We have through centuries developed various 5) Women’s ability to contribute to create a more just types of customs, traditions and practices. These social and economic order. customs and traditions, good as well as bad, have Thus women empowerment is nothing but the recognition become a part of our society’s collective consciousness. of women’s basic human rights and creating an Women hood in India has always been placed in an environment where they are treated as equals to men. exalted position. God is worshipped as Mother. We also The concept of women empowerment focuses on giving give great importance to our mothers, daughters, sisters, strength and skills to women to rise above from their wives and other female relatives or friends. But, at the miserable situation. It also stresses on the need to same time, Indians are also famous for treating their educate men regarding women issues and inculcating a women badly both inside and outside their homes

1. Retd Lecturer in Economics, Munisib Street, Payakaraopeta, Visakhapatnam District.

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Our society has so developed that various types of ill During freedom movement, almost all the leaders of the practices, both physical and mental, against women have freedom struggle were of the view that women should be become a norm since ages. For instance, the practice given equal status in free India and all types of of child marriages, sati, dowry, parada, sexual discriminatory practices must stop. After Independence, harassment at work places, domestic violence and other the conditions of women were improved due to education, types of discriminatory practices, all such acts consist constitutional provisions, legal rights, government policy of physical and mental element of harassment. The and programs, women in India now participate in areas reasons for such a behavior against women are many such as education, sports, politics, culture, services but the most important one are the male superiority sector, science and technology. complex and patriarchal system of society. Women Education Women Employment in India: Women education plays a vital role for multi dimensional Women in India, during the early Vedic period enjoyed progress of the country. It will help in the attainment of equal status with men in all aspects of life. Works by universal education. Female education gained ancient Indian grammarians such as Patanjali and momentum in the post independence period. But the Katyana suggest that women married at a mature age gulf between male and female education is high even and probably free to select their own husbands in practice now. Female education is useful to the society in many of swayamvar or live in relationship called Gandarva ways. marriage. Scriptures such as Rig-Veda and Upanishads 1) Educated women protect their health, they beget mention women sages and seers notably Gargi and healthy children, in turn, there will be healthy Maitreyi. Women were allowed to undergo initiation and population in the country. study Vedas. In medieval times, this was dismissed on 2) They provide healthy and nutritious food to their family. the ground that this was only in case of previous age. In approximately 500 B.C. the status of women, began to 3) They practice family planning, so the growth of the decline. Although reform movements, such as Jainism population will decline. allowed women to be admitted to religious orders, by 4) They lead planned life and impart the same to their and large, women in India faced confinement and children, the future citizens of the country. restrictions. The practice of child marriage is believed to 5) Infant mortality and Maternal mortality rates will have started around the 6th century B.C. decline. Several Dharmasastras mention the restricted role of 6) They participate in economic activities, family income women such as Manusmiriti- and also national income will increase. Her father guards her in her childhood, her husband 7) Women education leads to rapid social change. guards her in her youth and her sons guards her in her old age. Constitutional rights of women The position of women in society deteriorated during the The constitutional rights are those which are provided in medieval period, when child marriages, sati, and ban of various provisions of the constitution. remarriage by widows became a part of social life in The preamble, the fundamental rights, the directive some communities in India. The Muslim conquest in principles of state policy and other constitutional Indian subcontinent brought purdah system to Indian provisions provide several general and specific safe society. Among the Rajaputs of Rajasthan, the Jauhar guards to secure women’s human rights. was practiced. In some parts of India, some devadeses were sexually exploited. Polygamy was practiced among Preamble Hindu Kshtriya rulers for some political reasons. In many The preamble of the constitution of India assures justice, Muslim families women were restricted to zenena areas social, economic and political, equality of status and of of the house. opportunity and dignity of all the individuals. During the British rule, many reformers such as Raja Fundamental Rights Ram Mohan Ray, Ishwar Chandra Vidya Sagar fought The policy of women empowerment is well entrenched for the betterment of women. Raja Ram Mohan Rai’s in the fundamental rights in our constitution. These rights efforts led to the abolition of Sati under the Governor and justifiable in the court of law. The governments are General William Cavandish Bentinck in 1829. Iswar obliged to fallow them. Chandra Vidya Sagar’s crusade for improvement in the 1) Article 14 ensures to women the right to equality. situation of widows led to the widow remarriage Act of 2) Article 15(1) specifically prohibits discrimination on 1856. the basis of sex.

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3) Article 15 (3) empowers the state to take affirmative Legal Right of women action in favour of women. The legal rights are those which are provided in the various 4) Article 16 provides for equality of opportunity for all laws (Acts) of the Parliament and the State Legislature citizens in matters relating to empowerment or and safe guards for women. Some of them are appointment to any office. 1) The Immoral Traffic (prevention) Act 1956. Directive Principles of the State Policy. 2) The Dowry Prohibition Act.1961. Directive principle of the state policy also contains 3) The Maternity Benefit Act 1961. important provisions regarding women empowerment and 4) The Medical Termination Act 1971. it is duty of the government to apply these principles 5) The equal Remuneration Act 1976. while making laws or formulating policy. Although these 6) The Commission of Sathi (prevention) Act 1987. are not justifiable in the courts but they are essential for the governance. 7) The Pre-conception and pre Natal and diagnostic techniques (Regulation and prevention of miss use) 1) Article 39 (a) provides the state to direct its policy Act 1994. towards securing for men and women equally the right to an adequate means of livelihood. 8) The prohibition of child marriage act 2006. 2) Article 39 (b) mandates equal pay for equal work for 9) The sexual harassment of women at work place both men and women. (preventive procedures) Act 2013. 3) Article 42 provides the state to make provisions for Conclusion securing just and human conditions of work and It can be said that the condition of women in India maternity relief. improved after independence with the help of women Fundamental Duties education and women rights. However, we need to progress further in achieving equality and justice to Fundamental duties are enshrined in part IV-A of the women as enshrined in our constitution. The laws must constitution and are positive duties for the people of India be properly implemented and severe punishments must to follow. It also contains a duty related to women rights. be given. Efforts are needed from the governments, Article 51 (A) expects from the citizens of the country NGOS’ and the citizens of the country. We must educate to promote harmony and the spirit of common and sensitize not only the female members about their brotherhood amongst the people of India and to renounce rights but also the male members about the issue of practices derogatory to the dignity of women. women and try to inculcate a feeling of togetherness, equality and justice towards women. Other constitutional provisions Through 73rd and 74th constitutional Amendments of References: 1993, a very important policy right has been given to a 1. Feminism, Theory, Criticism, Analysis: Sushila Singh woman which is a land mark in the direction of women 2. Indian constitution: Bright Carriers Institute, Naisark, empowerment in India. With this amendment women New Delhi. are given 33.33 percent reservation in seats of different levels of election in local government –panchayat, black, 3. Education: Swami Vivekananda zilla parishad and municipality. 4. www.google.com 5. www.wikipidia.com

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ISSUE AND CHALLENGES OF MUSLIM WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN INDIA AND SHARIAT COURTS

Naseer Ahmed S1 Dr. C. D. Venkatesh2

Abstract In Islam, divorce is considered as an exception to the status of marriage. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) declared that among the things which have been permitted by law, divorce is the worst.1 Divorce being an evil, it must be avoided as far as possible. But sometimes this evil becomes a necessity. When it is impossible for the parties to carry on their union with mutual love and affection, it is better to allow them to be separated instead of compelling them to live together in an atmosphere of hatred and sufferings. With the consideration of Islam which emphasizes on the protection of family life and avoidance of divorce taken based on caprice and whim and nervousness, the consideration of procedure of divorce can have an effective role in its prevention. Accordingly, as opposed to Indian Muslim-Sunnis law, in Iranian Muslim- Shi’a laws, there are some formalities for divorce such as refer to the court, determination of arbitrations, etc which are taken into account. Key Words: Issues of divorced women, broken relationship, scientific advice.

Introduction This move has made the matrimonial issues and India’s 65 million Muslim women, often called a minority problems faced by women, more complicated and stirred within a minority their double handicap of gender and a debate about the legality and sanctity of these courts faith, are challenging medieval religious laws that have under Indian legal system. For instance, the last section oppressed them for centuries. In recent years, Muslim of the model Nikahnama on Iqrarnama says: ‘… agar women have fought fundamentalist interpretations of khuda-nakhwasta kisi wajah se hamare dermian koyee Islamic law (Sharia), which have long allowed men in nazaa paida ho jaye to darul kaza….sharyeee panchayat, India to divorce their wives for trivial matters and deny mustanad alimdeen hamare dermian salis hoga aur wo them financial support, asking the courts to take into job bhi faisla karega ham dono uske paband consideration basic human rights. This is very much rahenge’(God forbidden for some reasons if some evident from the reaction of Muslim women against the misunderstading is created between us, in that case release of model nikahnama and the clauses mentioned Darul Qaza, Sharyee Panchayat, Ulema would take the in this regarding marital issues. The recent release of decision and whatever judgment he gives would be binding model Nikahnama by the All India Muslim Personal Law on us). This clause apparently closes the option for Board (AIMPLB) and its campaign over establishing and women to approach the secular courts. strengthening Shariat Courts/Darul Qazas in order to In the light of the above debates and discussions about dispense quick justice to women according to the Quran giving rights to Muslim women and dispensing of quick has created confusion and debate within and outside justice according to Islamic provision, and the argument the community. In presidential address of AIMPLB Bhopal in favour or against the establishment and strengthening convention in 2005, the president of AIMPLB, Syed of Shariat Courts by AIMPLB, the main issue is how far Muhammad Rabe Hasani Nadvi, made the statement the AIMPLB’s insistence on Shariat Courts is justified once again claiming that Darul Qazas were a necessity in a secular democratic state. Further, why do they want because there was little hope for getting decisions based to deprive women of their citizenship rights? Why they on the Shariah from judges in state court’. He further are not taking initiative to make divorce laws in accordance insisted upon the need for Darul Qazas throughout the with the Quran, despite women’s organization continuous country and opposed Muslims taking their disputes to demand for making personal law gender-just? This paper non-Muslim judges, a practice that he argues is ‘not in deals with the some of these issues. keeping with the mentality and the spirit of the Shariah of Islam’. He stated that setting up separate Darul Qazas Statement of the Problem is a means to ensure that ‘the Shariah is applied by The All India Muslim Personal Law Board justify its stand those most knowledgeable of it’ (Sikand 2005). for Shariat Courts by emphasising that all family disputes

1. Research Scholar Bangalore University, Bangalore. 2. Research Guide, Bangalore University, Bangalore.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 38 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities need to resolved among themselves, through Shariah day meeting with women’s organizations, in which there Courts manned by traditionalist ‘ulama, rather than the was a demand from all women’s organizations to change State Courts, which the ‘ulama look upon with the triple talaq system according to the Quran. However, considerable suspicion and distaste even though the no action was taken. The model nikhanama does not latter apply Muslim Personal Law in such matters, as say a word about banning triple talaq, which reflects the being an ‘Islamic duty’. In order to protect Islamic identity gender insensitivity of the members of MPLB), but started in India, they insist that the state must arm Shariah advocating for establishing and strengthening Shariat Courts set up by ulema organizations with legal authority Courts in its model Nikahnama, which was released in extending to all Muslim Indians in matters related to 2005. civil disputes in which both parties are Muslims. The decrees issued by these courts in such disputes, it is Main Objectives suggested, should be recognized by the state as final The main thrust of this paper is: Why should women go and binding (Sikand 2005). to these courts to settle matrimonial disputes while there are provisions for them in secular courts? Do women Further, they argue that non-Muslim judges are not face less harassment and get quick justice according capable of judging such disputes in accordance with to Islamic law by approaching these courts? Who are Shariah. They also claimed that state courts might the women who approach these courts? Should the mode deliberately seek to ‘misinterpret’ the Shariah, which they of justice not it be left to the women to decide? Who see as part of an alleged ‘conspiracy’ to destroy Muslim would guarantee the efficacy of Darul Qazas, the quality identity and 4 absorb Muslims into the ‘national of the presiding judges, the efficiency of the proceedings? mainstream’. At the same time it is also claimed that Can the Board be allowed to take away the right of Indian Shariah Courts might be a cheaper and faster Muslim women to knock on the doors of Indian courts? mechanism for dispensing justice. However, these Does the Board have the authority to restrict Indian arguments seem to strengthen the authority and powers women’s access to the courts for justice? The paper is of the Ulema, who possess a very conservative view based on the experiences of 20 women who went to towards women’s rights. Their advocacy of Shariah courts these courts for Khula, fask-e-nikah, and the settlement probably has a gender bias behind it, as they realize of maintenance, mehr, and the articles given at the time that state courts might interpret the Shariah, in the form of marriage. of Muslim Personal Law, in a manner that departs from traditional fiqh, and thereby grant, more rights to women The study was conducted in the towns of Darbhanga, than the ‘Ulema are prepared to concede. Madhubani, Sakri and Jale of the Darbhanga Commissionaire of Bihar. The information was collected To my mind these ongoing debates either in favor or through in-depth case studies of each woman by the against these courts to a large extent, diverts the main researcher 6 herself. During the survey for a major project issue of women’s rights in matrimonial matters. While entitled ‘Intergenerational mobility of Muslim women in on the one hand, as stated earlier, the Muslim Personal India’ under the Indian Council of Social Science law board declared its intention to set up these courts Research, New Delhi, the divorced women were identified. seemingly in order to dispense quick justice to women From that sample, the women who initiated divorce were according to the Quran, on the other hand, the chosen for case studies. The cases were from the central conservative element from the majority community saw Shariat Court at Phulwari Sharif, Patna and the district this as an opportunity to raise the issue for a uniform Shariat Court, Muzafferpur. civil code (UCC). The political leaders, for their part, take this opportunity to appease Muslims and safeguard their Shariat courts (Darul Qaza) and the All India Muslim vote bank. Surprisingly, none of them seems really Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) : Shariat court/Darul concerned about the genuine problems of Muslim Qaza is an Arabic term, which means the house of Qazi women, which the latter have been facing in matters or an Islamic scholar, who is authorized to give his views related to marriage and divorce, and the pathetic which, however, are not binding on the person going to condition of the victims of instant triple divorce who are this house. It is wrong to describe a Darul Qaza as an left with no support. For instance, the MPLB, despite Islamic court. Shariat Courts are arbitration councils knowing too well that current triple talaq does not follow which have no real or claimed judicial powers or authority true Islamic guidance, is opposing the reform of a system whatsoever. Hence, these councils cannot be termed that is oppressive when it comes to women. They never as a ‘parallel system’ by any stretch of the imagination, tried to transform the pronouncement of triple divorce in unlike what is (mis)understood by many within and accordance with to which that is stated in the Quran, outside the community. Their verdicts are nothing more which is a long due demand of Muslim women’s than recommendations and advice. It is entirely up to organizations (in 2001, the AIMPLB organized a two- the two parties to accept the verdict or reject it. In case

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 39 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 of rejection, the so-called ‘Shariat Courts’ are powerless, Muslim personal Law and Women’s rights: Debates and the Muslim community at large enjoys no authority for Reform : In Muslim Personal Law is a hotly debated to coerce the rejecting party or enforce the verdict issue in India today. Many traditional ‘Ulemas are averse (Zafarul-Islam Khan 2005). to any change in the law as it exists. They see it as divinely revealed, as an integral part of the Shari‘ah. It is to be mentioned here that only the AIMPLB and Hence, they consider changes in the law as tantamount Imarat-e Shar’iyah Bihar and Orissa have a few dozen to interfering with the Shari‘ah. On the other hand, some of such ‘Shariah Courts’ in some cities and towns. The Muslim modernists have been consistently critiquing system has been functional in Bihar since 1917 (which aspects of the Muslim Personal Law as it exists in India I am going to elaborate further), where Shariat Courts today, particularly those that are seen as militating have decided 18,000 cases. The decisions have also against gender justice. They argue that they do not been upheld by law courts. The fact is, of the 22 shariah actually represent the spirit of the Shari‘ah, but, rather, courts established by the AIMPLB in the country from is a deviation from it. However, there has hardly been 1973 onwards, only 6,433 cases have been disposed of any dialogue between the two as to how to go about the and a negligible 461 cases are still under trial. Further, reform. Muhammad Mujib, a noted Islamic scholar and only 31,775 cases have been decided so far in the 26 historian, had described the Shariah as a human Shariah Courts functioning under the Deobandi Imarat-e approach to the divine will. It is quite an apt description Shariah in Bihar, which has been in existence, as stated of the evolution of the Shariah laws. And, besides new earlier, since 1917. These figures are enough to show creative interpretations, there is tremendous scope for that not many Muslims are enthusiastic about the Shariah what is called borrowing from another school if one’s Courts, otherwise the number of cases handled would own school is creating a problem. This practice was have been significantly higher, considering the fact that followed in Turkey during the Ottoman period in as early Indian Muslims number a staggering 150 million (Sikand as the nineteenth century. This method was also followed 2005). A similar initiative is that of the Imarat-i Shariah while drafting the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act of northeast India, which has 88 Darul Qazas under its 1939. When Muslim women found it problematic to wait supervision. For its part, the AIMPLB has a number of for 90 years if their husbands were missing as stated in similar Shariah Courts affiliated to it, including one in the dictates of the Hanafi School, the Ulema, in order to Tamil Nadu, two in Delhi, three in Madhya Pradesh, four overcome this difficulty, borrowed a rule from the Maliki in Andhra Pradesh, five each in Uttar Pradesh and School, which allows the woman to wait only for a period Karnataka, and eleven in Maharashtra. A Shariat Court of four years. has been functioning in Bhopal since the time of nawabi rule. It is the only Shariat Court in India which gets a There is a strong argument amongst the orthodox groups government grant of Rs 60 lakh per annum. In Bhatkal, in India against abolishing the practice of triple talaq in in coastal Karnataka, a Shariat court has been one sitting, which they 10 think is based on the Shariat dispensing justice since the 18th century, and has dealt or the Divine Law. While on the one hand the orthodoxy’s with about 18,000 cases so far (The Hindu 2006). Other strongest argument against abolishing this practice has ‘Darul Qazas’ are local and autonomous bodies always been that it is based on the Shariat, liberals push established by people in various towns and villages. In for a more contemporary understanding of the genesis any case, these so-called ‘courts’ deal only with personal of these Divine Laws. The original message in the Quran law issues like marriage, divorce and inheritance, where was in its intent and design both radical and humanitarian. both parties are Muslim. The corpus of rules articulated centuries after the death of Prophet Mohammad by the Muslim establishment in The Board’s assistant general secretary, Abdul Rahim the light of the dominant patriarchal ethos of the emerging Qureishi, said that ‘Darool Khazas’ were formed to society were incorporated as the Shariat. Liberals point decide cases according to the Muslim Shariat law. These out that the rules characterized by the Ulemas as Sharia, courts are not a parallel system of justice; rather, they despite being entirely the creation of a human agency, form a system of alternate dispute resolution (ADR) that became vested with the sanctity of being either revealed is prevalent the world over. He further said that Darul or divine. In addition, in India, the Anglo-Mohammedan Qazas do not infringe on the law of the land as they law evolved by colonial courts in their effort to apply the were provided for under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian laws of the Quran (in cases where the parties were Constitution. It was on this account that the Shariat Muslim) also began to be construed as part of the Application Act of 1937 was enacted. They are far from Shariat. These laws, the handiwork of those who were interfering with the judicial system of the land. Darul not even nominally Muslim, were justified through the Qazas come in handy in reducing the burden on courts legal fiction that the courts were not interpreting the by disposing of matters related to family disputes, Shariat, but merely applying it (Wadhwa 2004). marriage, and inheritance of Muslims (Pradhan 2005).

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Empirical Findings : First, I would like to discuss some This is evident from the fact that Indian Muslims from of the facts about Shariat Courts (darul Qazas), their southern states extended the 1937 Act to include aims and objectives, functioning, and so on, and second, agricultural land by deleting the phrase ‘save questions discuss the experience of divorced women who relating to agricultural land’. For instance, Tamil Nadu, approached these courts, the problems they faced, and Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh did so in 1949, and Kerala the justice that was meted out to them. An interview followed in 1963. However, in many other states like with the naib Qazi of Imart-e Sharia Phulwari sahrif, Bihar Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttar (which covers the regions of Bihar, Orissa and West Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, highly discriminatory Bengal) and Darul Qaza, Muzafferpur (Muzafferpur, tenurial laws and customs, which are at considerable Stamarhi and Vaisahali districts) was also taken to variance with the Shariat, continue. These virtually highlight the courts’ claim that they provide justice to exclude women from rights in agricultural land. More women, and the existing reality. The women went to specifically, in UP, which has one-sixth of India’s these courts for fask (filed a petition for divorce by ‘faskh’ population, Muslim women’s land rights are still subject or by the action of a Shari’a [Islamic law] court), khula to the UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act and maintenance. 1950. Section 171 of the Act, which defines succession to a man’s land, gives primacy to male lineal Imarate-Sharia was established in 1921 with these descendants in the male line of descent. Only in their objectives: absence can a widow qualify. Daughters come lower in 1. Ensure applications of Islamic laws, as far as the hierarchy. These tenurial laws in Delhi, Punjab, possible, particularly laws relating to marriage, Haryana, HP and J&K are contrary to the rights promised divorce, inheritance, Khula, etc., in their original to Muslim women by Islamic law. Islamic form. Hence, our argument is that Shariat courts, as they 2. Establish the Islamic system of life on the lines laid claim, cannot ensure the application of Islamic laws in down by the prophet so that Muslims may live India mainly for two reasons: first, the Shariat Application within the framework of Islamic laws. Act is not totally in accordance with the Quran, as is 3. Safeguard and look after Muslim interests and rights. evident from the changes other states have carried out 4. Unite all Muslims strictly on the basis of the Kalima, in the laws on inheritance, and second, in a democratic even if they adhered to different schools of law. state Islamic law cannot be applied. Now we would like mention the Darul Qazas (here onwards DQ). There are Here we are concerned mainly with the first two objectives 33 branches of DQs all over Bihar, West Bengal and of the court, which to my mind are directly related to the Orissa, of which 28 operate in Bihar, except for the main rights of women under Islam and the existing reality on Shariat court at Phulwari sharif. There are 24 objectives the one hand, and regulating the lives of Muslims within of DQs, but here I am restricting myself to those that the framework of Islamic laws in a secular democratic are directly related to women. The reason for highlighting state on the other. We would like to elaborate more on its objective is to see how far they are met in the event this. For instance, take the first objective of the Shariat of a woman approaching it. And if these are not met, Court, where it says ‘ensure application of original Islamic what are the reasons for it? The objectives are: Settling laws ……’. In a democratic secular state, only the claims for separation on the grounds of non-payment of personal laws of different communities are applied, not maintenance and other violations of women’s rights. the Islamic laws. As far as Muslims are concerned, they 1. Settling claims for separation on the grounds of non- are governed by the Muslim Personal Law Shariat Act compliance of the order of DQ for the maintenance of 1937, which is not the original Islamic law as far as the wife. matrimony and inheritance are concerned. For instance, the pronouncement and validity of triple talaq at one go 2. Settling claims for Khula. is certainly not the Islamic/quranic way of pronouncing 3. Settling claims for Haqq-e-hazanat (the right of the divorce, but is considered so in practice. Another mother to rear her children). example is the 1937 Act related to inheritance, in which 4. Settling claims for mehr, alimony and maintenance. it excluded a critical form of property - agricultural land 5. Settling claims for the return of articles given in jahez and women’s entitlement to it - which is certainly not (dowry). what the Quran says about inheritance (Chapter 2, Ai- 6. Settling disputes relating to the protection of the Baqarah and Chapter 4, An-Nissaa; a total of 14 verses), interests of minors. but is the interpretation of various schools of jurisprudence 7. Confirmation of the validity of a Nikah and certificates that relate to inheritance in the Quran, and not from the of marriage. Quran itself. 8. Authorizations of Nikah.

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Looking at the data obtained from the central Shariat mehr, maintenance for iddaat and all her claims of (Imarat-e-sharia) court, Patna, with regard to the cases matrimonial rights. And defendant Md. Arzoo S/O md. it had dealt with from 1993-2000, we find that the cases Akhater Hussain has no responsibility against her wife. of khula were much less than those of fask, that is, Now the complaint is no longer wife of the defendant. there were 33 cases of khula and 1,004 cases of fask. After completing her iddat she is free to remarry and the Out of 1,004 cases only 94 women filed a case for non- defendant owes no responsibility of her Mehr and payment of maintenance, mehr, and return of jahez/ maintenance for iddat period. dowry. The data for how many women received their claim The condition laid by the husband includes: the wife would was not available with the court (IMS, Patna 2000). The not demand her mehr and maintenance either for herself qazi stated that the women who went for khula did not or for her children, even if the children are minor, and the claim any maintenance and mehr because they did not non-refund of her jahez. The reasons stated by women want to live with their husbands, and compromised on for seeking khula were: husband’s suspicious attitude, the conditions of their husbands. Data obtained from less dowry, mother-in-law’s intolerant behavior, Darul Qaza, madarsa Islamia Jamiauloom, Muzafferpur, unnecessary restrictions imposed on them, and so on. Bihar ( which covers three districts) for the year 2004 These women were married for five to 10 years. Some of and 2005 also reveals that the cases of khula are less them had two to three minor children, and the than those of Fask. The total number of khula was four, responsibility was not borne by the husband at the time while those for Fask was 40. When asked about the of khula. reasons for a decrease in khula and an increase in fask, the Qazi said that women are becoming aware of their As far as the custody and maintenance of children were rights and are not ready to forgo or compromise their concerned, in 18 cases, the husband neither claimed rights on mehr and maintenance. He also pointed out the child nor provided any maintenance for bringing up that if women are not receive their rights despite the the minor. The sole responsibility for the women and the several notices issued to the husbands by the Shariat children lay with the women’s parents, some of whom Court, they come to the court to ask for the papers to were retired or had petty businesses. Interestingly, none file a case for maintenance in the civil court. Thus, of these women remarried, while all the men did so after awareness about their rights at both the shariat and civil their divorce with handsome dowries. Six of the divorced levels could be one of the reasons for an increase in the women were working and looking after their children, cases. while the rest of them were dependent on their parents. Hence, we strongly feel that it is high time that the Socio-Economic Background of Women AIMPLB, instead of focusing on DQ, pay attention to Out of the 20 women who were either divorced or sought reformulating the nikahnama to make it more gender- khula and fask, 11 were from Ashraf families and nine just, and incorporate the suggestions given by women’s from non-Ashraf families. Three women were illiterate, organizations, which have been working on the issue of nine had completed secondary education, and seven divorce and 22 maintenance of Muslim women and the were graduates and later completed either teacher’s practical difficulties they have been facing in the society training or Masters with the help of their parents and with regard to their survival and status. took to teaching, and one was a postgraduate. Almost Experiences of women and the claim of AIMPLB all the women were from a lower economic class, and for Darul Qaza their fathers either had petty businesses or were in government service. Four of these women sought khula In this section I will elaborate on the claim of the AIMPLB from the district shariat court, on the terms and for establishing and strengthening Darul Qazas for conditions laid down by their husbands. Since they did providing quick justice to women as per the Islamic not want to live with them, they accepted the terms. I provision. I would also like to mention the various would like to reproduce a copy of a judgment of DQ to objectives of darul qazas functioning in various parts of show how the process of khula is institutionalized, and Bihar, particularly Muzafferpur and Patna, where women how the qazi never tried to put pressure on the husband went for justice. to follow the true path of Islamic teaching and give women The women who filed the cases of fask had various their due, particularly the mehr, which is her right. When reasons for doing so, as stated earlier. While talking to we asked the Qazi why he had never asked the women women who sought faske-nikah about their experience why she was condoning her mehr or why he did not pay in these courts, they stated that they were under the the mehr at the time of the nikah, he said it was not his impression that when it came to seeking divorce and responsibility because the khula is initiated by women settling maintenance/ mehr and other matrimonial rights, with mutual consent. Dated 9 safar, 20 Hijri, the complaint the proceedings would be less time-consuming, less Waheeeda Khatoon D?/O md. Shoab has condoned her expensive, and, above all, the judgment would be more

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 42 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities in line with quranic prescriptions. However, their the matter was not settled by the court, they finally they expectations were wrong. Salma (name changed) had to seek justice in the civil courts. As far as the return explained that it was very difficult to face the Qazi, not of articles given at the time of marriage, and the settling because she was wrong and did not have any proof for of mehr and maintenance are concerned, the court was seeking fask, but because of the way the maulana spoke unable to settle these rights, violation of which is un- to her. He was very harsh, and biased against her. Islamic as well as against human rights. Further, the way they asked questions and pressurize The women’s groups are challenging the Board for its only the women to adjust was one-sided. Despite Salma lack of courage to take strong decisions. They hold that telling him that her husband ill-treats her and does not if the Board recognizes the practice of triple talak in one give her any money or fulfill her day-to-day requirements, sitting to be a reprehensible innovation, how can the he kept on insisting, ‘Wo Tumhara Shauher hai uski same practice then be considered part of the Shariat? khidmat kerna, uska hokum manna thumara furz hai How can the Shariat include or sanctify reprehensible (he is your husband, to serve him and obey him is your innovations? Many women from different Muslim duty)’. Her father and relatives also supported her organizations feel that maulanas or Imams of various allegations, but it was of no use. While the Qazi set Sunni schools of jurisprudence were products of their new dates so that Salma could change her mind, he did times, but now times have changed. It is the time we, not say a word to her husband about his furz (duty). In the women of the community, reflect on the Qur’an and 90 per cent of the cases, the women said that they could Prophetic traditions, and develop new ways of not express themselves or explain their problems to the understanding our laws. They stated that it is time the Qazi as they had no female member who would Board and the Ulema wake up to the needs of the understand their problems. community and start discussing important issues like Women, particularly those whose children were minors, the empowerment of the community, how to improve the added that on every hearing they had to take two male socio-economic status of Muslim women, and their plight witnesses who were present at the time of their marriage during and after riots, rather than focusing on the along with their father or brother, which they found very establishment of shariat courts. difficult. First, it was difficult for the persons concerned to take out the time and second, it was equally difficult Conclusion to convince the persons to do so. As the act of seeking It is, of course, not easy to challenge traditional sources divorce on the part of women in our society is generally of Islamic jurisprudence. It would require not only great perceived as playing with the honor of the family, nobody Islamic scholarship, but also sustained effort in that wants to get involved. direction in a conducive atmosphere free of communal tension. We have to re-codify the Shari’ah laws pertaining The experiences of women and relevant issues to women on the basis of the liberal, modern around it interpretation of the Qur’an, and some ahadith that are Thus, the experiences of the women tell a separate story, in conformity with the Qura’nic spirit. Such an approach, which to my mind does not accord with the AIMPLB’s it is hoped, will be an instrument in the struggle for claims for their campaign of establishing and women’s rights for practicing Muslim women. This strengthening Shariat Courts. I would like to again requires a great deal of research among the authentic highlight some of the objectives of these Shariat Courts Islamic sources, which will require great Islamic in the light of these experiences. The very first objective, scholarship on the part of Muslim women activists in that is, settling claims for separation on the grounds of India. This process has started, and needs to be non-payment of maintenance and other violations of strengthened and supported. Initially they may have to women’s rights, was not fulfilled in these cases. The face opposition from the conservative ‘Ulama, but there women, despite filing several petitions to the shariat is no other way they can demand change. Second, the courts for settling their matrimonial rights after fask or most important task before all of us is to de-politicize all khula, did not receive any of their rights, and had to Muslim issues, which are detrimental to national approach the civil courts, which resulted in harassment integration. Muslims should not be seen only as a vote for the women and her family. As far as Haqqe-hazanat bank. There has to be a sincere effort on the part of the or the right of the mother to rear her children is community and the state to improve the overall condition concerned, in the majority of cases the men did not of Indian Muslims. And if the overall conditions of Muslims claim the custody of children, particularly in case of improve, and they are well-represented in all social minors. The women who were not earning enough to sectors, the conservative element would not get a chance rear their children did file petitions in this court to settle to campaign for strengthening and maintaining a the matter of maintenance for their children, but when communal identity. For this, an aggressive but meaningful

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 43 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 campaign as part of a larger project aiming at creating a 11. Fyzee, A.A.A 1971. Reform of Muslim Personal Law critical class within the Muslim society has to be evolved in India. Bombay: Nachiketa, 1971. by Muslim intellectuals through a scientific and modern 12. Hallaq, Wael B. Hallaq (2001). Authority, Continuity interpretation of Islamic scriptures. and Change in Islamic Law. Cambridge University Press. References: 13. Mahmood Tahir, Mahmood. 1975., Family law and 1. Ahmad Barkat, Ahmad. 1986.; ‘The Millat and the social change. Bombay:; N.M. Tripathy. Mahmood., Reformer’. Hinduatan Hindustan Times, (New Delhi) 1995. ‘“India’,” in Statutes of Personal Law in Islamic 2. Bilimoria, Puroshottam. ‘Muslim Personal Law in countries, 2nd ed., New Delhi, 1995. India: Colonial Legacy and Current Debates.’, http:/ 14. Noorani, A.G. 1985. ‘Judgment in Shah Bano’s /www.law.emory.edu/IFL/cases/ India.htm. Accessed case’., Indian Express (New Delhi) Muslim India, 3 18th April, 2006). (35): ,Nov 1985,515-516. 3. Chowdhary, Fatima., 2005. ‘The other Side of Indian 15. Omid Safi, Omid. (2003). Progressive Muslims: On Muslim Identity’, Free India, 14 March, 2005. Justice, Gender, and Pluralism. Oneworld 4. Daniel W. Brown, Daniel W. (1996). Rethinking Publications. traditions in modern Islamic thought. Cambridge 16. Saumya, Uma., 2005. ‘Muslim Women’s rRights to University Press. mMaintenance in India’, Law & Rights, Issue No. 5. Doi, Abdur Rahman I. 1984. Shariah: The Islamic 175, 30 January, 2005. Law.: London: Ta-Ha Publishers, London. 17. Shams, Peerzada. 1972. Muslim personal law and 6. Engineer, Asghar AliA.A. (ed.). (1987). The Shah uniform civil code. Delhi:, Markazi Maktaba-e- Bano Controversy. Hyderabad: Orient Longman. Islamia. 1972. 7. Engineer, AsgharAli A.A. 2005. ‘Model Nikahnama - 18. Tariq Ramadan, Tariq. (2005). Western Muslims and A Hope Or A Disappointment’?’ Secular Perspective, the Future of Islam. Oxford University Press, USA. May 16-31 May, 2005. 19. Zafarul-Islam Khan, Zafarul-Islam. 2005. ‘Petition 8. Fariddi, F.R., 1972. ‘Islamic personal law in India: against “Shariat courts” is misguided’, The Milli Scope and mMethodology of Reform’, IN in Tahir Gazzette, Tuesday 19, August 2005. Mahmood (ed.), Islamic lLaw in midrn Modern India, 20. Naseer Ahmed S, Research Scholar, Center for pp. 123-27. Bombay:; N.M. Tripaty, 1972.pp123-27. Women’s Studies, Bangalore University, 9. Fazlur Rahman, Fazlur. 1980. ‘Survey of [email protected], mobil 9945673113. mModernization of Muslim fFamily lLaw’., 21. Dr.C.D.Venkatesh, Assistant Professor, Center for International jJournal of Middle East Studies, 11 (4):, Women’s Studies, Bangalore University, Jul 1980,451-65. [email protected], mobil-9880466322 10. Furqan Ahmad, Furqan. 1984. ‘Indian Judicial rRuling of 1983 on Muslim law.’, Muslim India, 2 (24):,Dec 1984, 562.

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WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN PUBLIC SECTOR BANKS -A CASE STUDY OF SYNDICATE BANK

Manjunath S Mokashi1

Abstract In terms of Indian context, the issue over work-life balance is step by step becoming a common talk mainly for women employees. Work life balance is a state of equality in which the demand of both professional and personal life is equal. Each position having different set of demands and when such role demands overlap, more than one issues are faced. In reality life and work over-lap and interact. In creation the work life policies employer should think that the commitment of employees can make the difference between those companies which compete at the market and those which cannot. A balanced life for women is one where they spread their energy and effort of key areas of importance. This research study targets in accordance with figure out the working environment of public sector banks for women employees and what is the perception of women about the initiative and policies of banks and effects of those initiatives on their lives. The research is performed among working women of banks with special reference to Syndicate bank of Mangalore city. We suggest that Work-Life Balance is not a problem to be solved. It is an ongoing difficulty to remain managed. Keywords: Work life; working women; Job satisfaction; Social relationship; Family

Introduction to quit (Lobel & Kossek, 1996). Provision of WLBPs Today work-life balance has become an increasingly also contributes to organisational performance and pervasive concern for employers as well as employees. effectiveness (Sands & Harper, 2007). Demographic changes as seen in the increasing number However, employers‘ concern for employees‘ family lives of women in the workplace and dual career families have is not a recent phenomenon. Employers have been generated an increasingly diverse workforce and a greater providing various welfare measures such as good working need of employees to balance their work and non-work conditions, health, safety, and security provisions to lives (Bharat, 2003). In response to these employers employees since industrialization. These welfare have innovative practices that allow employees to find practices became norms of most factories and organisations greater work-life balance (Friedman, Christensen, & either as a result of employers‘ pragmatic concern for DeGroot, 1998). Increasing attrition rates and increasing employees and their families or unions‘ conscious bargain demand for work-life balance have forced organisations for employee welfare. In true sense, World War II brought to look beyond run of the mill HR interventions. As a a considerable interest in employee work-family issues result, initiatives such as flexible working hours, worldwide because of the increase of women employees alternative work arrangements, leave policies and benefits in defense industries which led the federal government in lieu of family care responsibilities and employee to provide facilities such as child care facilities. Post war assistance programmes have become a significant part era saw the increase of government mandated provisions of most of the company benefit programmes and being offered to employees such as health and life compensation packages. Such policies, practices and insurance, social security like pension plans, and benefit programmes are generally referred as family- disability protection in forms of worker‘s compensation friendly policies‘ (FFPs) or work-life benefits and for accidents, and diseases institutionalizing the notion practices‘ (WLBPs) in literature (Kopelman et al., 2006; that employers had at least some obligations to provide Kossek & Ozeki, 1998). The significance and security to employees families (Glass & Estes,1997). implications of such HR interventions are many. In due course of time employers family friendliness has Research findings suggest that WLBPs not only help gone beyond providing mere welfare provisions. employees better manage their work and family roles, but also affect employee attitude and behaviors such as Syndicate Bank -A Public Sectore Bank organisational commitment (Grover & Crooker, 1995), The public banks are those banks which are directly job satisfaction (Kossek & Ozeki, 1998) and intention under the control of State/Central Government. Syndicate

1. Research Scholar Post Graduate, Department of Studies and Research in Social work, Mangalore University, Karnataka.

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Bank was established in 1925 in Udupi, the abode of Table - 3 : Employees are satisfied with the top Lord Krishna in coastal Karnataka. Management in your organization?

Research Methedology S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) The study is a descriptive study. The study was 1 Strongly agree 21 21 conducted among women employees of Syndicate bank Head office Manipal Karnataka and other selected 2 Agree 40 40 branches of Udupi and Mangalore city. Sample of 100 3 Disagree 30 30 women employees selected using convenient sampling 4 Strongly disagree 09 09 Objective of the Study Total 100 100 • To study the working environment of Syndicate bank • To study the perception about the work life balance When it is asked to employees of Syndicate Bank that amongst the working women in Syndicate Bank you are satisfied with the top Management, then majority • To study the effects of work life balance amongst the of 21 % and 40 % were strongly agree and agree working women in Syndicate Bank. respectively while only 30 % and 09% were disagree • To study the initiative taken by the organization for and strongly disagree respectively. effective work life balance. Table - 4 : Are you satisfied with the working hours of the organization? Data Analyses and Interpretation Table - 1 : How is the working Environment in S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) your organization. 1 Highly Satisfied 10 10 S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 2 Satisfied 30 30 1 Participative 30 30 3 Dissatisfied 38 38 2 Autonomy 21 21 4 Highly Dissatisfied 22 22 3 Capricious 25 25 Total 100 100 4 Red Tapism 24 24 When it is asked to respondents that are you satisfied Total 100 100 with the working hours, 10 % and 30 % highly satisfied and satisfied respectively and 38 % and 22 % were When asked to the women employees working environment in Syndicate Bank, then majority of 30 % dissatisfied and highly dissatisfied correspondingly. said participative and 21 %, 25 %, 24 % said autonomy, Table - 5 : After working hours you get enough capricious and red tapism consequently. time for your family?

Table - 2 : Work allotted to you is according to S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) your qualification and skills. 1 Never 12 12 S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 2 Sometimes 20 20 1 Strongly agree 21 21 3 Often 39 39 2 Agree 23 23 4 Always 29 29 3 Disagree 30 30 Total 100 100 4 Strongly disagree 26 26 Total 100 100 On asking to the women employees that you get enough time for your family after the job, then 12 % and 20 % When it is asked to the respondents that Work allotted said never and sometimes respectively and as a group to you is according to your qualification, 21 % and 273% of 39 % and 29 % said often and always in that order. were strongly agree and agree respectively and said And as a group of 30% and 26 % were disagree and strongly disagree correspondingly.

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Table - 6 : Do you feel that you are able to Table - 9 : If yes what are the initiatives that your balance your work life? organization has taken for managing work life?

S. PERCENT S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) OPINION NO. NO. (%) 1 Strongly agree 22 22 1 Flexible work Timings 35 35 2 Agree 32 32 2 Leaves to manage work life 42 42 3 Disagree 22 22 3 Job Share Option 06 06 4 Strongly disagree 24 24 4 All of the above 17 17 Total 100 100 Total 100 100

When it is asked to the respondents that are able to When it is asked to the respondents of Syndicate Bank balance your work life, then mass of 22 % and 32 % that what are the initiatives that your organization has were strongly agree and agree respectively and only 22 taken, then 35% said flexible work timing and mass of % and 24 were disagree and strongly disagree on this 42 % said it is leaves to manage work life and only 6 % fact. said it is job sharing option and 17 % were agree that all Table - 7 : How often do you think or worry about mentioned initiatives has been given to them. work (when you are not actually at work or Table - 10 : Employees have more pressure of traveling to work)? work in the organization or it is evenly S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) distributed?

1 Never think about work 17 17 S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 2 Sometimes 35 35 1 Have Pressure 33 33 3 Often 30 30 2 Evenly distributed 35 35 4 Always 18 18 3 Depends on the situation 30 30 Total 100 100 4 All of the above 02 02 Total 100 100 On asking to the employees that do you get worry about work after the working hours then only 17 % said that On asking to the employees that you have more pressure they never think about work and as a group of 35 % of work or it is evenly distributed then only 33% said think sometimes and 30 % and 18 % of respondents that they have pressure of work and as a group of 35% think often and always respectively. said that it is evenly distributed and 30% respondents said that it depends on the situation and only 2% said Table - 8 : Your organization takes initiative to all given conditions are present. manage work life of its employees? Table - 11 : Policy for work Life Management S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) helps to increase productivity of the 1 Never 18 18 organization? 2 Sometimes 31 31 S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%)

3 Often 40 40 1 Strongly agree 29 29 4 Always 11 11 2 Agree 43 43 Total 100 100 3 Disagree 17 17 4 Strongly disagree 11 11 On asking to the women employee that Your organization takes initiative to manage work your life Total 100 100 then 18 % and 31 % said never and sometimes When it is asked to the employees that work Life Management correspondingly and as a group of 40% were said that policies help to increase productivity, then mass of 29 Syndicate often takes initiative to manage work life and % and 43 % were strongly agree and agree respectively only 11 % respondents said always. and saidthat it improves productivity and only 17 % and 11 % were disagree and strongly disagree accordingly.

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Table - 12 : Employees are able to balance their Table - 15 : Organization provides crèche facility work life due to work life management policy of for children of the employees? the organization? S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 1 Strongly agree 10 10 1 Strongly agree 37 37 2 Agree 20 20 2 Agree 41 41 3 Disagree 55 55 3 Disagree 11 11 4 Strongly disagree 25 25 4 Strongly disagree 11 11 Total 100 100 Total 100 100 When it was asked to the employees that Organization On asking to the respondents that bank’s policies help provides crèche facility for children, only 10 % were in balancing work life , then 37 and 41 % of them were strongly agree and 20 % were agree While as a group of strongly agree and agree in that order and only 11 % 55% and 25 % were disagree and strongly disagree were disagree and 11 % were strongly disagree with the respectively. statement. Table - 16 : Your organization provides maternity Table - 13 : Organization is able to retain its and paternity leave to the employees? employees due to efficient work life management policy? S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 1 Strongly agree 30 28 1 Strongly agree 38 38 2 Agree 50 50 2 Agree 25 25 3 Disagree 10 10 3 Disagree 23 23 4 Strongly disagree 10 10 4 Strongly disagree 14 14 Total 100 100 Total 100 100 When it was asked to the employees that Your On asking to the employees that bank’s policies are organization provides maternity and paternity leave, then helping in employee’s loyalty then crowd of 38 % were 30% were strongly agree and 50 % were agree While strongly agree and agree in that order and said that it only 10 % and 10 % were disagree and strongly disagree creates loyalty among women employees and 25 % respectively. respondents were disagree and only 14 % were strongly disagree about it. Table - 17 : How do you rate the leave policy of the organization? Table - 14 : Rate the Flexible Working Hours provided by the organization due to current Work S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) Life Management Policy? 1 Highly Satisfied 15 15 S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 2 Satisfied 38 38 1 Excellent 25 25 3 Dissatisfied 35 35 2 Good 30 30 4 Highly Dissatisfied 12 12 3 Average 31 31 Total 100 100 4 Poor 14 14 When asked to rate the leave policy of Syndicate bank, Total 100 100 Then 15% and 38 % were highly satisfied and satisfied respectively and 35 % and 12 % were dissatisfied and On asking for providing rating to the flexible working hours due to current policies, 25% and 30 % of them rated highly dissatisfied correspondingly. excellent and good in that order and 31 % rated average and 14 % rated poor.

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Table - 18 : Your organization organizes Holiday and 17 % were disagree and strongly disagree camps and picnics to manage work life and respectively. personal life? Table - 21 : I can make choices about my current S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) working arrangements?

1 Strongly agree 15 15 S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 2 Agree 32 32 1 Strongly agree 25 25 3 Disagree 27 27 2 Agree 32 32 4 Strongly disagree 26 26 3 Disagree 20 20 Total 100 100 4 Strongly disagree 23 23 Total 100 100 When it was asked to the employees that Syndicate bank organizes Holiday camps and picnics to manage When it was asked to the employees that can you make work life and personal life, then only 15% were strongly choices about your current working arrangements, mass agree and 32 % were agree While the majority of 27 % of 25 % and 32 % were strongly agree and agree and 26 % were disagree and strongly disagree respectively and only 20 and 23 % were disagree and respectively. strongly disagree respectively by this statement. Table - 19 : Do you think that if employees have Table - 22 : Employees with family commitments good work-life balance then organization will be have equal career opportunities at the more effective and successful? workplace?

S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 1 Strongly agree 50 50 1 Strongly agree 40 40 2 Agree 41 41 2 Agree 35 35 3 Disagree 08 08 3 Disagree 10 10 4 Strongly disagree 01 01 4 Strongly disagree 15 15 Total 100 100 Total 100 100

When it is asked to the employees that if you have good On asking to the respondents employees with family work-life balance then organization will be more effective commitments have equal career opportunities in and successful, then 50 % were strongly agree and 41 Syndicate bank , then 40 % and 35 % of them were % were agree with this statement and merely 8 % and 1 strongly agree and agree in that order and only 10 % % respondents were disagree and strongly disagree were disagree and 15 % were strongly disagree with the simultaneously. statement. Table - 20 : I feel comfortable in discussing Table - 23 : Request to change working patterns changes to my working arrangements with my are positively received by the manager? manager? S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%)

S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) 1 Strongly agree 25 25 1 Strongly agree 20 20 2 Agree 30 30 2 Agree 25 25 3 Disagree 32 32 3 Disagree 38 38 4 Strongly disagree 13 13 4 Strongly disagree 17 17 Total 100 100 Total 100 100 On asking to the respondents that your request to change When it was asked to the employees that are you working patterns are positively received by the manager, comfortable in discussing changes to your working 25% and 30 % of them were strongly agree and agree in arrangements with your manager, then 20 % were that order and 32 % were disagree and 13 % were strongly agree and 25 % were agree While only 38 % strongly disagree with the statement.

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Table - 24 : Management is committed in helping 4. Padma S, Sudhir Reddy M. Impact of Child care employees to achieve a good work-life balance? responsibility on Work Life Balance (WLB) of School Teachers. International Journal of Advanced Research S. NO. OPINION NO. PERCENT (%) in Business Management and Administration 2013; 1 Strongly agree 15 15 1(1). 5. Gayathri N, Karthikeyan P. Work life blance in India– 2 Agree 35 35 A social responsibility or sa competitive tool. 3 Disagree 29 29 International Research Journal of Business and 4 Strongly disagree 21 21 Management 2013; 1: 103109. Total 100 100 6. Singh S. Work Life Balance: A Literature Review. Global Journal of Commerce & Management When it was asked to the employees that Management Perspective 2013; 2(3): 84-91. of Syndicate is committed in helping employees to 7. Vijayalakshmi, Navneetha. Work Life Balance of achieve a good work-life balance, then 15 % were strongly Women Faculty working in Educational Institutions: agree and 35 % were agree While 29 % and 21 % were issues and problems. International Journal of disagree and strongly disagree respectively. Research in Commerce, Economics and Management 2013; 3(4): 73-75 Conclusion 8. Santhana Lakshmi K, Sujatha Gopinath S. Work From the above discussion, it is reasonable to conclude Life Balance of Women Employees with reference that modern organizations, especially public sector to Teaching faculties. International Monthly Refereed banks, should address the Work Life Balance related Journal of Research in Management and Technology issues among their staff, specifically women and take a 2013; II. holistic approach to design and implement policies to 9. Yadav RK, Dabhade N. Work Life Balance amongst support the staff to manage their work life balance which the working women in Public Sector Banks–a case would add to the performance of these staff members. study of State Bank of India. International letters of Reference Social & Humanistic Sciences 2013; 7: 1-22. 1. Mani V. Work Life Balance and Women 10. Sheel S, Khosla Sindhwani B et al. Quality of Work Professionals. Global Journal of Management and life, employee performance and career growth Business Research Interdisciplinary 2013; 13(5): opportunities. Zenith International Journal of 2013. Multidisciplinary Research 2012; 2(2): 13-21. 2. Shiva G. A study on Work Family Balance and 11. Ramdoss K. Job demand, Family Supportive Challenges faced by working women. IOSR Journal Organizational Culture and Positive Spillover from of Business and Management 2013; 14(5): 1-4. work-to-family among employees in the information technology enabled services in India. International 3. Gayathri N, Karthikeyan P. A Review on Green Human Journal of Business and Social Science 2012; 3(22): Resource Managemetn with Exclusive Allusion to 33-41. Green Work Life Balance. International Research Journal of Business and Management 2013; 5: 40- 45.

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THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT: EVOLVING LAW

Dr. K. Sudha1

Abstract The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 came into existence eleven and a half years ago. There were a few penal provisions like Sections 498A and 304B of IPC in place since the 1980s which address this issue. Criminalizing domestic violence serves a limited purpose. It helps in punishing the offender but it does not provide any kind of help to the survivors of domestic violence. Everything cannot be looked through the prism of criminology. The victim has to be compensated. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (hereinafter referred as DV Act) is meant to meet this requirement by providing multiple remedies through a single window clearance system. A few judicial interpretation of the terms ‘shared household’, ‘respondents’ and ‘relationship in the nature of marriage’ tend to restrict the scope of the implementation of this law. This paper is an attempt to discuss the evolution of the DV Act since its inception.

Introduction with the rise of the women’s movement against the The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, Mathura rape case which led to the amendments in the 2005 (hereinafter referred as DV Act) is well into its rape laws. People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) twelfth year. It came into effect on 26th October 2006. brought out a report on domestic violence titled ‘Inside The journey is interesting. Much effort went into making the Family’ in the eighties.1 This was the first attempt of the law. What has to be seen is whether it has been at considering domestic violence as a human rights as effective as it was supposed to be. There were many concern in India. Dowry deaths used to be a daily feature expectations when this Act came into force. There was in the 80s. The National Crime Records Bureau’s data a dire need for civil remedies as Section 498A, IPC is prove that things have not changed much.2As civil penal provision. The objective of the Act was to provide society woke up to the cause of domestic violence suitable remedies to women. Different forms of violence against women, Sections 498A and 304B of IPC were ask for different kinds of remedies. And more than passed by the Parliament. In fact the international anything else this Act was unequivocally supposed to community also started recognising violence against shield women from domestic violence. Did the journey women as a human rights issue. of these twelve years meet these objectives is something Several efforts of international women’s rights movement to be reviewed. If only laws could prohibit violence in led to drafting of various international instruments like absolute terms the world would be a better place. the Vienna Accord, the Beijing Declaration and the Patriarchy manifests in many forms of violence. As long Convention on the Elimination of Violence against women as violence and patriarchy are there in society women (CEDAW). In the year 1993 the UN adopted the will be subject to it. And as long as there is violence Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against against women at home such legislations will always Women. Art 1 of the Declaration defines violence against remain relevant and will have a utilitarian value. Home, women as “gender-based violence that results in, or is sweet home is one of the sites of violence. This article likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm is an attempt to discuss the circumstances in which or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, this Act came into existence, the salient features of this coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether enactment and its implementation for the past eleven occurring in public or in private life”.1 This and half years. acknowledgment of violence against women has given Violence against Women: Violation of Human Rights international focus to domestic violence as an unacceptable human rights violation.2 It is perhaps the The first UN women’s conference was held in Mexico most universal, yet of the most invisible forms of violence City in 1975. This conference designated 1975-85 as against women.3 the UN decade for women. This was a period when the first generation of feminists evolved in India. It coincided

1. Assistant Professor, Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Nyayaprastha, Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam

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Making of the DV Act matrimonial laws. Aggrieved women had to approach Women’s groups and women lawyers gained a lot of several courts to seek these reliefs. There were no laws experience in the course of navigating through domestic which protect the right to residence of aggrieved women. laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Sections 498A Even the laws which deal with domestic violence only and 304B. They realised that there was a glass ceiling speak of the violence against wives. They are silent to these laws which came in the way of providing justice about women in other domestic relationship such as to victims of domestic violence. Section 498A could be mothers, daughters, sisters, women in live-in sought only as a last resort and it does not meet the relationships and others facing domestic violence.8 requirements of the women. It only penalises the offender Why cannot men use this law? but does not provide any relief to the women. Senior advocates like Indira Jaisingexplored the option of filing Another frequently asked question is why it should be injunction suits in regular civil courts seeking residence gender specific. Are men not equally vulnerable to orders or protection orders. The Family Court Act also domestic violence? No one can deny the fact that does not serve the purpose as it has limited jurisdiction. patriarchy exists and that it manifests in every nook and This led to the idea of having a separate law which corner of our lives. In its Preamble the UN Declaration exclusively deals with domestic violence. Lawyers recognises violence against women as a manifestation Collective painstakingly started codifying the law which of historically unequal power relations between men and 9 was finally passed by the Parliament with a few women. It is this ‘socially imposed’ inequality that modifications as the Protection of Women from Domestic extends to and is reflected within the home, and makes 10 Violence Act, 2005. The Lawyers Collective drew strength women particularly vulnerable to violence. Studies have from its own court room experience, the Canadian law concluded that there is a complex linkage between and international law in bringing out the law. There cannot masculinity and domestic violence, and that violence is 11 be a better legislation in terms of drafting in recent times used as an expression of power and control. Since as the DV Act. Thus in the light of these international legal, moral and social codes are determined by obligations and to meet out the demands of the women’s hegemonic claims of patriarchy, an exploration into the movement within the country the DV enacted by the notion of justice and fairness to women can be embarked Parliament.Twelve years went by, still the DV Act is not upon only after piercing the veil of ‘neutrality’, ‘impartiality’ 12 a very well-known act. There are several myths revolving and ‘formal equality’ within law. In Dennison Paulraj around it. People hardly are aware of its objectives, and Ors v Union of India, rep. by Secretary, Ministry of 13 intent and benefits. Basic information about the law is Law and Justice&Ors the Apex Court upheld the also not being discussed within the legal fraternity also. constitutional validity of Sections 12, 18, 19 and 23 of So discussing the salient features would be a useful the Act. The Court observed that “giving certain exercise. preferential treatment to the wife and treating them as a special category cannot be termed as violative of either Efficacy of the law Article 14 or Article 16 of the Constitution of India”. The Several questions were raised when this Act was Court referred to Article 15(3) which allows the State to passed. One of them is that there are several laws take affirmative action in favour of women and children. including Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Section 498A4 , Reverse discrimination Section 304B5 and other provisions of IPC which tackle the problem of domestic violence. Why do we need a There is a constant buzz about the misuse of Section new enactment? One simple reason is that those laws 498A of IPC and that it is leading to reverse were inadequate to counter violence which happens on discrimination. The Supreme Court in Rajesh Kumar 14 a daily basis. Prior to 2005 there was neither a clear and others v State of UP and another placed certain legal definition of domestic violence nor any restrictions on the power of the investigating officer to comprehensive law in India that specifically addressed arrest the accused under Section 498A. A couple of it.6 Under the criminal laws the perpetrators can be months later the Apex Court decided to revisit the Rajesh prosecuted and punished but the aggrieved women can Kumar judgment as they “can’t write law. We can only 15 neither be provided shelter nor any kind of monetary interpret law.” The storm which gathers around Section reliefs. There were no explicit laws enabling courts to 498A leaves its impression on the DV Act also. It raises issue orders or injunctions restraining domestic violence certain doubts on the use of this Act. Their concern is or to give monetary relief when aggrieved women that the women are using this provision to make monetary approached the court complaining of domestic violence.7 demands and also to settle scores with their in-laws. Issues of maintenance, custody of children and marital Flavia Agnes, reputed women’s rights lawyer, states that property are treated only as ancillary reliefs under the “while it is true that a significant number of cases filed under this section are subsequently withdrawn, the

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 52 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities complexities of women’s lives, particularly within a violent According to the Act an ‘aggrieved person’ is any woman marriage, have to be comprehended beyond the context who is, or has been, in a domestic relationship with the of popular ethics. The conviction of the husband may respondent and who alleges to have been subjected to not be the best solution to her problems”.16 The various any act of domestic violence by the respondent and alternatives that she has to choose from, each one is in ‘domestic relationship’ means a relationship between itself a compromise, may make it impossible for her to two persons who live or have, at any point of time, lived follow up the criminal case. Since Section 498A does together in a shared household, when they are related not protect a woman’s right to the matrimonial home, or by consanguinity, marriage, or through a relationship in offer her shelter during the proceedings, she may have the nature of marriage, adoption or are family members no choice but to work out reconciliation. At this point living together as a joint family.21 It includes wife, ex- she would be forced to withdraw the complaint as the wife22, widow, women in a live-in-relationship, mothers, husband would make it a precondition for any daughters, sisters, joint family members and male and negotiations. If she has decided to opt for a divorce and female children. A study conducted by the Lawyers the husband is willing for a settlement and a mutual Collective in collaboration with ICRW reveals that married consent divorce, again withdrawing the complaint would women are primary users of the Act followed by widows. be a precondition for such settlement.17 These factors The applications by daughters were limited. Mothers clearly explain that the issue of misuse of Section 498A have used the law in a number of instances.23 is a misconception. Even if we assume that it is misused which law isn’t misused? But unfortunately it is mostly Live in Relationship laws which seek affirmative actions which face such Women in ‘relationship in the nature of marriage’have accusations. We are at a curve where the Apex Court been given legal recognition by this Act. Rights and will soon decide whether to arrest or not to arrest the obligations flow out of this relationship according to this accused under Section 498A and whether it amounts to Act. But a two judge bench consisting of Justices making of law or interpreting it.18 Markandey Katju and TS Thakur in D. Veluswamy v D. Patchaiammal24unfortunately tried to place certain Salient features of the law restrictions while interpreting it. They held It is very important to stir clear from the controversy “In our opinion not all live in relationships will amount to revolving around Section 498A when we discuss the DV a relationship in the nature of marriage to get the benefit Act. The objective of the DV Act only to shield women of the Act of 2005… If a man has a ‘keep’ whom he from domestic violence. It does not criminalise or penalise maintains financially and uses mainly for sexual purpose the wrong doer. It is important to go through the salient and/ or as a servant it would not, in our opinion, be a features to appreciate its significance. relationship in the nature of marriage. No doubt the view What is Domestic Violence? we are taking would exclude many women who have had a live in relationship from the benefit of the 2005 Act, The definition of domestic violence under the Act19 but then it is not for this Court to legislate or amend the encompasses many forms of violence. It includes law. Parliament has used the expression ‘relationship in physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and verbal the nature of marriage’ and not ‘live in relationship’. The abuse and economic abuse. These forms of violence Court in the garb of interpretation cannot change the are defined in such a way that different nuanced versions language of the statute.” of life experiences can be brought on to the legal format. Sexual abuse in matrimony has been acknowledged as Society does not support women who are caught up in a form of violence by law and relief is given for the first informal relationships. The delegitimisation of these time. According to Section 375 of IPC sexual intercourse relationships by the Court further pushes them into an by a man with his own wife with her consent or without abyss of deprivation, humiliation and indignity. The her consent is not rape provided she is not under fifteen damage caused by the Veluswamycase was mitigated years of age. Aggrieved women, their legal counsels and to a certain extent by a subsequent decision rendered activists were grappling with an almost non-existent law by the same court inIndraSarma v VKV Sarma25. The on economic abuse of women within the family. This is Court in this case held that “duration of the relationship; one of the most welcome features of the Act. But studies nature and extent of common residence; whether or not reveal that most stakeholders recognise physical, sexual relationship exits; the financial arrangement emotional and verbal abuse as forms of violence. They between the couple; property matters; mutual do not recognise sexual abuse as a form of violence.20 It commitment to a shared life; children; performance of will take some time for society to accept this legal norm. household chores; their public and social life of the couple are to be considered while deciding whether the couple are in a live in relationship”26.

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Respondents: Male or Female? Monetary reliefs and compensation orders can be passed In Hiral P Harsora and others v Kusum Narottamdas by the court entitling her to maintenance, payment for Harsora and others the Supreme Court recently struck actual financial loss caused by domestic violence- such down the word ‘adult male’ before the word ‘person’ in as loss of earning, medical expenses and damage to Section 2 (q) of the DV Act as unconstitutional.27 Now property. The aggrieved person can also claim damages Section 2(q) of the DV Act defines ‘respondent’ as “any for injuries, including mental torture and distress. person who is, or has been, in a domestic relationship The court can grant her temporary custody of children. with the aggrieved person and against whom the This is the only substantive law which restricts the aggrieved person has sought any relief under this Act. visitation rights of the respondent if the Magistrate is of Provided that an aggrieved wife or female living in the opinion that any visit of the respondent may be harmful relationship in the nature of a marriage may also file a to the interests of the child or children. complaint against a relative of the husband or the male The court can grant from time to time interim orders to partner.” prevent further violence and provide immediate reliefs to the affected woman, including right to residence. Residence Order If the court determines that the respondent is committing The Act seeks to address the non-recognition of a or has committed or is likely to commit domestic violence woman’s right to residence in the ‘shared household’. an ex parte order may be passed. While the right to reside is not a new concept in Indian law, previously, this right has never been clearly defined. These remedies are simple to understand and interpret However, it is vital to understand that the right to reside and also easy to apply. granted to the aggrieved woman does not confer on her Need not run from pillar to post the right to ownership over the property. It is merely a procedural safeguard against dispossession.28 Most This Act puts into place a single window clearance system judgments of courts have broadly interpreted the term for women facing domestic violence. Previously a woman ‘shared household’ and elaborated on the right of the had to seek different reliefs from different courts and aggrieved woman to residence in the same. An exception this was both time consuming as well as dangerous to this trend is a Supreme Court judgment in S R Batra given the threat to life encountered in most cases of 33 & Another v Taruna Batra29 where the court severely domestic violence. limited the right to residence by saying that the right Administrative Agencies exists only in property held by the husband, and not the mother-in-law of the aggrieved woman. This ruling was The Court of Judicial Magistrate of the first class or the contrary to the plain meaning of the definition of ‘shared Metropolitan Magistrate has the jurisdiction to decide household’ under Section 2 (s). Batra has been cases under this Act. The Act also attempts to provide distinguished by the Madras High Court and Delhi High women facing domestic violence easier access to court. Courts in P. Babu Venkatesh v. Rani30 and Eveneet It imposes an obligation on state governments to put in Singh v Prashanth Chaudhri & Ors31 respectively and place support structures to help women by introducing the negative impact of the restrictive interpretation in new authorities under the Act such as the Protection the Batra ruling has been rightly whittled down. An Officer (PO) as the key implementing agency of this aggrieved woman can also claim her right to residence law. There has been a gradual increase in the in tenanted premises as long as it is a shared appointment of independent POs on a full time basis 34 household.32 over the past few years. According to report of the Lawyers Collective and ICRW, the POs would not be Kinds of Reliefs effective without adequate infrastructure and budget such The Act provides for a range of remedies. The courts as allowance for transport, mobile phone, private office 35 can issue protection orders against the respondent to space, and official letterheads and so on. The Act is stop him from aiding or committing violence within or ambiguous about who is to serve notice to the outside the home; communicating with the woman; respondent. This is causing a lot of difficulties to POs taking away her assets; and intimidating her family and and women litigants. There is a clear need to address those assisting her against the violence. this issue and to provide requisite personnel/ assistance to POs or in the alternative, designate the police/ court It can grant a residence order to stop the woman from process servers to undertake this responsibility. Despite being dispossessed from the shared household and to civil nature of the Act, the police are also expected to stop or prevent any act that denies her right to peaceful play a very important role under the Act. It also puts occupation in the household. This has already been into place Service Providers registered under the Act, discussed at length. notified Shelter homes and medical facilities and

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 54 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities counsellors to conduct counselling on the direction of department or the social welfare department are the court and welfare experts to assist the court.36The entrusted this job as an additional assignment. It is not Act also imposes a duty on such agencies to inform the constituted as an autonomous agency. The agency woman facing domestic violence of her rights upon lacks infrastructure, protective homes, support staff and receipt of complaint. A Protection Officer can be trained counsellors.37They are not allotting sufficient penalised under the Act for failure or refusal to discharges budget for the implementation of the Act. Budget was his duties as directed by the Magistrate in the protection not allocated for the implementation of the Act under order without any sufficient cause. the Twelfth Five Year plan.38 These adverse The law could be put to good use. But there are several circumstances do dampen the spirits of women in hiccups in implementing the law. Though the Act speaks accessing justice under this Act. This is happening of the enforcement agency State governments are because of lack of political will. If this problem is reluctant to make the said agency an effective one. addressed things will slowly fall in place in getting this Officers belonging to the women and child welfare law implemented on sound lines.

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EDUCATION STATUS OF TRIBAL WOMEN

Malluri Srinivasa Rao1 D. Manovikas2

Abstract "Education is one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to participate fully in the development process." It leads to higher productivity, efficiency and better socio- economic development. Participatory democracy and economic independence are the central elements of empowerment. Empowering the marginalized Tribal women through education will contribute a lot to national development. Stepping into empowerment is a far distant dream for the Tribal women. The educational status of Tribal women is very low compared to their male counterparts. Education of women is conceived as one of the most powerful weapons in the development of a nation. Empowerment of tribal women is challenging issue in the present scenario. Without empowerment of tribal women, meaningful inclusive growth of the country is not possible. Empowerment of tribal women can be measured through the power they have over economic resources to earn income and their per capita income, access to education, access and availability of professional opportunities and participation in economic decision making and their access to political opportunities. Education is a mean to secure empowerment among the marginalized tribal women. 35 Tribal communities are residing in Andhra Pradesh with different socio-economic background. Finally, the paper concludes by arguing for an educational policy to adequately respond to essential education in Andhra Pradesh

Objectives and gain political influence. Data around the world shows The main objectives of this paper are – that increased educational attainment is associated with the empowerment of women (UN, 2004). Educated 1. Women Education and Empowerment women become more affective at improving their own 2. Educational Status of Tribal’s in India well-being and their family s welfare. They are better 3. Opportunities associated the education of the tribal equipped to extract the most benefit from available women services and existing opportunities, and to generate alternative opportunities, roles and support structures. Women Education and Empowerment :- These empowering effects of women’s education are The opening up of the economy by the forces of manifested in a variety of ways, including increased liberalization has resulted in a world order where „survival income earning potential, ability to bargain for resources of fittest has become the norm of the day, even for the within the household, decision making autonomy, control marginalized. In the post liberalization economy where over their own sexuality, and participation in public life survival is more significant than existence, this part (Jose and Thampy 2006). The 2011 census reveals that enquires whether the education given to women in Andhra the total tribal population of Andhra Pradesh is 59, Pradesh has empowered women in all spheres of society 18,073. Traditionally the Chenchus in the Nallamalais so as to survive in the market oriented new world order. are food gatherers and hunters. The Lambadas are The impact of the forces of liberalization had diverse traditionally the cattle breeders. While a majority of tribal patterns in various sectors and regions of the Indian groups inhabiting the Scheduled Areas are agriculturists, economy. Education is central to the process of the Khonds, Konda Reddis and Savaras are largely empowerment, since consciousness raising essentially shifting cultivators. The Yeruulas pursue a variety of a process of education. Education, in the context of occupations ranging from basket making to sooth saying, empowerment is a weapon of great potency, as it provides while the Yanadis living in the countryside are engaged exposure and access to new ideas and way of thinking, in fishing, snake catching, crop watching etc. The tribes and triggered a demand for change. In the absence of of Andhra Pradesh can be classified into different groups education that is relevant to existing knowledge and real on the basis of their geoethnic milieu. The scenario in needs, women are unable to get access to formal sector the tribal areas has been fast changing in the wake of jobs, make career advancement, participate in decision culture contact on unprecedented scale with the making at all levels, and be represented in government development of communications and transport in the tribal

1. Research Scholar Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Achary Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur Andhra Pradesh. 2. Research Scholar Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Achary Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur . Andhra Pradesh.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 56 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities areas. While the process of acculturation is paving way backwardness of tribals. They were vague of socio-cultural integration of tribal s with larger groups generalisations like inappropriate and unattractive of the society, there is also a danger of obliterating the teaching methods adopted by the teachers, etc. It also rich cultural heritage and institutions of positive value. touched other problems like poor economic condition The dynamics of acculturation may result in group and subsistence economy. In such a situation, children maladjustment and disorganization. The rich cultural are seen as economic assets to supplement the family heritage of various tribal groups may soon become a income by working with the parents and with others thing of the past. Since the process of acculturation (Hasnain 2004). In a situation of dire necessitates of cannot be halted it is considered imperative to study life, education becomes a matter of luxury for the tribal and record various facets of socio-cultural life of all the family (Pradhan 2011). All these factors have contributed tribal groups of the state. to work out a broader policy for tribal education. In this background, the Dhebar Commission made Educational Status of Tribal’s in India :- recommendations to provide the mid-day meal, clothing, India advocates inclusive growth, but owing to lack of free book, reading and writing materials, etc. to all the education and skill development, the marginalised tribal children in backward areas. The commission further sections are not becoming part of the inclusive growth. recognizing the topographical factors recommended the To ensure inclusive growth, the Constitution has opening of schools in localities where there were at least empowered the backward classes with reservations in 30 school-going children, though there should be a education and jobs. For this purpose, the Constitution school within one mile. The commission then suggested of India has earmarked certain special provisions to adjustment of timing, vacations, and holidays of schools enable the SCs and STs to access education. These to suit the tribal social and cultural life. It even proposed special provisions were adopted through the amendment to create an atmosphere of tribal culture in the schools. to the Constitution in 1951, and a special clause was added to article 15(4). This clause empowers the state Opportunities associated the education of the tribal to make special provisions for the educational women :- development of the SCs and STs (Sahoo 2009). These There is a saying that “if you educate a boy, you only special provisions too have failed to bring impressive educate an individual; if you educate a girl you are impact on their literacy level as many tribals have their educating the whole family . Education imparts own peculiar and vernacular language different from the knowledge, and knowledge of self identity and human common language spoken in the state where they reside. environment will infuse a sense of confidence, courage It’s found that as many as 22 per cent of tribal habitations and ability among the weaker sections of the society to have less than 100 population, and more than 40 per know and overcome their problems associated with cent have between 100 to less than 300 people, while exploitation and deprivation, and avail socio-economic others have less than 500 people (Panda 2011; Sujatha and political opportunities extended to them (Pradhan 2008). Their literacy rate did not go beyond 8.5 per cent 2011). On November 28, 2001 the Government enacted in 1961. In the same period, the female literacy rate the 93rd Amendment of the constitution making the Right was much more depressing than that of male literacy, to Education a Fundamental Right. There are number of just 3.2 per cent. Recognizing their deprivation and studies exposed the educational development of tribal marginalization in Indian society, the Government of India women by quantitative indicators in the form of enrolment, has started an innovative scheme for the promotion of literacy rate and educational facilities. Though the education among Scheduled Tribes, i.e., the governments have taken several steps in the development establishment of Ashram schools. The Ashram school of tribal education projects and schemes much need to concept started in the Third Plan in all scheduled areas be exercised. The social welfare programmes have been across India. It aims to promote education to the ineffective due to deficiency in the administrative scheme, marginalised in a customized way. In addition to Ashram lack of sore trained management, lack of general schools, there was construction of hostels for boarding preparedness for large investments, lack of accounting and lodging to tribal students in the schedule areas. systems, procedural delays and insufficient of proper These special measures were introduced to achieve monitoring and evaluation. targeted results in elementary education among the The constitutional directive to allow for free and mandatory tribals. In spite of this, the literacy rate has not crossed education for all children up to the age of fourteen years beyond 11.39 percent in 1971 because of the complex has not yet been fulfilled. Experts from the educational nature of issues like absenteeism, stagnation, drop-out, field acknowledge that this lack of success is mainly and seasonal migration by the tribal children. In the due to the slow progress of education among girls, SC meantime, the Dhebar Commission of 1960 identified and STs. It is observed that the literacy among the tribal certain specified reasons for the educational

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 57 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 women has falling behind all other section. The low and villages. Some tribal groups trust that their almighty educational condition of the tribal women is excogitated shall be furious if they send their children to schools run in their lower literacy rate, lower enrolment rate and higher by outsiders. The non tribal teachers in many cases dropouts in the school. When women want to deal with treat themselves „civilized and tribals as „uncivilized issues like wages, savings, accessing government and „savage (Pradhan 2011). The relationship between schemes, skills up gradation, interacting with socio- teachers and children is poor. In a tribal group, a positive political structures the literacy have to be propelled. The thinking teacher, has a special power in the village setting dropout rate for tribals at the secondary level is as high for which tribals are afraid of him. Most of the teachers as 87 percent and for the girls it is almost ninety percent. unwilling to stay near the school or in the village, where as teachers stay in nearby towns. Most of the tribal There are various factors responsible for the slow area schools do not have sufficient teachers and the advance of the educational development of tribal women. schools are depending on stop-gap arrangement The factors like poverty(Poorness), unbiased attitude of teachers. the parents, irrational and bias, problem of suitable teacher, language and communication, inadequate Deficiency of communication becomes a problem infrastructure facilities in education institution, high loss between student and teachers. It is found that tribal and stagnation. First and foremost indicator is poor students are often ridiculed, humiliated and reprimanded economic status is a great deterrent to successful for speaking in their own language, and are punished for education of the tribal children especially for female failing to talk in their standard language or continuously children. In tribal communities, the role of women is lapsing back in the mother tongue (Nambissan 1994: substantial and crucial and women are more important 2752). The basic infrastructure facilities in the tribal than in other social groups, because they work harder school building are very poor which results the children and the family economy and management depends on stay away from the school. Some of the hostel them (Awais, Alam and Asif 2009). The tribal community constructions are very slow, poor with substandard quality think that if the child is taken away from his normal of materials. In reality, most of the primary schools in economic work to attend school, the family deprives of the tribal areas are single teacher-managed whose the little income, which she brings. As a consequence, presence in the school is more of exception than a rule the parents have to feed the child out of their earning (Hasnain 2004). A data revealed at the Primary level, and resulted economic marginalisation of the household. the dropout rate among STs in 2003-04 was 48.9 percent In these circumstances, education, the basic necessity and 70.1 percent at the Upper Primary level (Pradhan of life, is a matter of luxury for the tribal family. A huge 2011). School timing i.e. clash of class hour with the section of tribal parents avoid sending their children to working hour particularly, during the harvesting period, school to grab the costless educational opportunities formal education, poverty, lack of academic atmosphere, offered to them. However tribal and non-tribal teachers unwillingness of the teachers to convince the parents feel hard to convert the tribal parents to send their and parental apathy towards education and lack of proper youngsters to school. The tribal community feels that medical aid, balanced diet and suitable self-employment there is no need for the girls to go to school and waste opportunities are the major factors for which there is their time. Psychological and social factors like illiteracy wastage and stagnation. of the parents and their indifference to education, lack of encouragement by the community, motivation and References “insecurity” of future for being educated. Other factors 1. Census of India Vol.I, Monograph Series Part V B like low social interaction between students and (IV) Registrar General, New Delhi: Ministry of Home teachers, and between teachers and parents, suspicion Affairs, 1961. over the sincerity of the non-tribal teachers and in many 2. Census of India (1991) Series 2, Part-IX (IV), cases shortage of tribal teachers also discourage parents Hyderabad: A.P. Special Tables for Scheduled to send their children to school. Castes & Scheduled Tribes, 1996. Irrational and bias acts a damaging role in contributing 3. Dash. L.N, Education and Inclusive Development in education in the tribal areas. The tribals thinks after India, New Delhi: Regal Publication, 2010. becoming educated and earning jobs, their children may 4. Kumar. A, Tribal Development in India, New Delhi: alienate from them and cut off their links with their families Sarup & Sons, 2002.

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WOMEN SOCIAL ACTION INDIA – A REVIEW

Dr. B. S. Santha Kumari1

Abstract Women’s Role in Society: This article mainly focus on The modern women are inclined towards the social issues, and trying hard to improve the social status of women at large.Increased awareness and education has inspired women to come out of the four walls of the home. Many woman actively supported and participated in the nationalist movement and secured eminent positions and offices in administration and public life in free India. Traditionally Indian women exist because of the family and for the family.Just like their man counterpart, women are also fond of attending social functions and value her social life quite a lot. Previously, men-folk used to discourage women from leaving their households for attending social functions. Now the spread of education, especially that of women, and with that the changing social attitudes of educated women have changed the order. Key words : Women, Changing , education, social attitude.

Introduction More freedom of choice in marriage is thus an Women’s Role in Society: The modern women are accompaniment to the change in form of the family. inclined towards the social issues, and trying hard to Women’s role in politics: Education of women has improve the social status of women at large. not only helped them to become aware of the political Increased awareness and education has inspired women problems, but they are gradually becoming active to come out of the four walls of the home. Many woman participants in the political life. Some are enrolling actively supported and participated in the nationalist themselves as members of political parties, attending movement and secured eminent positions and offices in party meetings, conventions, and carrying out political administration and public life in free India. Traditionally programs. Some women are attaining influential political Indian women exist because of the family and for the stature of their own and have become instrumental in family. shaping the public opinion for the betterment of women’s Just like their man counterpart, women are also fond of conditions in society. attending social functions and value her social life quite Participation of Women in Socio-economic a lot. Previously, men-folk used to discourage women activities: The woman in modern times is entering into from leaving their households for attending social certain new fields that were unknown to the woman’s functions. Now the spread of education, especially that sphere of role-sets. These are the woman’s participation of women, and with that the changing social attitudes of in economic, political, and social life. educated women have changed the order. The modern woman keenly desires to enter into a work The modern woman has started caring for her health, career because of the pressing economic needs of the figure, cultural needs and interests, academic pursuits, family. In middle class families, much emphasis is given social intercourse, religious activities recreational needs, to the maintenance of high standard of living. To fulfill etc. the economic needs of the family and to achieve higher Woman as a wife: Woman as a wife enjoyed ideally a standard of living the woman participates in economic status almost equally to that of her husband and activities. performed both social as well as biological functions. Marriage: Most women, even the educated, regard Even today, the Indian girls are still brought up on models marriage as a matter of parental choice. Many young portraying selflessness, self-denial, and sacrifice. girls of the middle and upper classes are educated with The desire for mutual affection and love is beginning to a view to marriage rather than to careers. Again, many appear in their conception of their relationship with their girls enter into careers apparently not because they want husbands. them, but because there is nothing else to be done until their parents find them husbands. The husband-wife relationship has become more equalitarian in character and much more companionable.

1. HOD of History, D.N.R.College(A), Bhimavaram.

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Women equality is not universal: Women’s equality Conclusion in terms of education, employment, and power is still The position and status of today’s Women in India an individual rather than a universal achievement. The is considered high in modern Indian Society. The majority of our women are still content to accept an population of women is almost half of the total population inferior status. This is by and large due to the fact that, of India. A country or a community cannot be considered although legally women have equal rights with men, there civilized where women are not honoured. are not enough jobs for women and working women are not adequately protected from exploitation. Indian laws have been made without discrimination against women. As a result Indian women enjoy high Unaware of their legal status: Women are generally position in our society. Women today occupy high ranking not aware of the provisions related to the improvement posts like. I.A.S, I.F.S. Indian Women are also in our of their own position. Even if they know about some of Defense Services. the provisions related to their rights of succession, marriage, or family, they do not desire to invoke them. The modern Indian women participate in various sports Traditional dominance of the authority of the male parents, and games like football, hockey, cricket, table tennis, husband, and other elder members of the family often lawn tennis and also in athletics. The Contemporary restricts the enjoyment of their legal rights by the women. Indian women serve as M.P., M.L.A, governors and The materialization of these problems still depends ministers. Women of recent times like Mother Teresa, largely upon the attitudinal changes in society. Indira Gandhi, Vijaylakshmi Pandit, M.S. Subhalakshmi, Lata Mangeskar and now the president of India Prativa Rural women: Gandhiji’s vision that women must play Patil have achieved international fame. Women have also an equal and important role in national development. achieved high fame in the areas of literature, music and However, the movement for raising the socio-economic acting. More and more women are joining the field of status of women had involved generally the middle-class science and technology. In fact there is no sphere of educated women in major urban centers while the great activity in which women are unsuitable or incompetent. mass of rural women are yet to enjoy the rights and privileges as enshrined in the Constitution. Lets now have a look at the darker side. Though the Indian law does not discriminate between men and Role of Women Welfare Organizations: Among the women, the status of women of our country today is national level, the important organizations are Young practically far below the status of men. Wife burning for Women Christian Association, All India Women’s failure to pay dowry as demanded also continues Conference, National Council of Women, Inner Wheel unabated all over India. It is a matter of great shock that (Women’s section of the Rotary International). In many such cases are increasing in every year. In our country cities, local organizations exist such as Mahila Mandal, bride is burnt or murdered for non-payment of dowry. Mahila Samiti, and Recreation Clubs, etc. The literacy rate of women is also lower than that of Conclusion: Educated women are just on the threshold male persons almost all over India. of transition from tradition to modernity. The women References themselves desire that their status and position in society should rise higher. Though a proper climate for such a 1. Dhameja S K (2002), Women Entrepreneurs : change is still wanting, yet there have been many Opportunities, performance, problems, Deep structural and statutory innovations for the improvement publications (p) Ltd, New Delhi, p 11 of their position. The traditional status and role sets of 2. Rajendran N (2003), “Problems and prospects of women are breaking up and new role-sets based on women Entrepreneurs” SEDME, Vol. 30 no.4 Dec. achievement, independence and equality are gradually 3. Rao Padala Shanmukha (2007) “Entrepreneurship coming up. Development among Women : A case study of self help Groups in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh” The Icfai Journal of Entrepreneurship Development Vol.1V No. 1

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IMPACT OF MICRO-FINANCEON SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF SELF-HELP GROUPS MEMBERS WITH REFERENCE TO WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, A.P.

Dr. R. Sreenivasa Rao1 Dr. V. V. Ratanji Rao Chowdary2 R. Satya Sravya3

Abstract Human development and thereby economic development is measured through employment opportunities in a country. There must also be a balance in the employment opportunities in all the sectors of an economy to minimize the regional imbalances and for an overall development of a country. In a country like India where agriculture is a major source of employment, the growth of employment level in agriculture is usually very low and sometimes it records a zero growth. Empirical evidence on employment in rural India is amply documented that there is high incidence of unemployment and underemployment among the economically weaker sections viz., landless labour, marginal and small farmers. Hence, there is a need for a shift towards entrepreneurial development to increase the employment opportunities. Globalization of Indian economy in 1991 opened up the entry to multinational companies to participate in Indian economic and business activities with a hope they would be major source of employment. While there is a satisfactory improvement in GDP after globalization, employment opportunities have not increased as envisaged. On the contrary, the gap between rural employment and urban employment, employment for skilled and unskilled people, and unemployment for educated and uneducated people has widened. Women, the most important component of Indian economy are ignored mainly in rural areas. Hence, there must be appropriate and adequate efforts to equip the women with necessary skills, education, and financial support and develop their entrepreneurial abilities. This issue has been addressed well through the intervention of SHGs. Keywords: underemployment, Globalization, weaker sections, Self-help Groups.

Introduction only resulted in more unemployment of labour both in India is basically agricultural based country1. Therefore, rural and urban areas, particularly, women. Hence, it is major source of employment, especially in rural area is necessary that women in general and rural women in agriculture. Level of employment is one of the indicators particular, should equip themselves through formal of economic development and it has to be increased in education, in order to participate in non-agricultural all the sectors for an overall development of the country. activities by giving up their dependency in agriculture. But, the growth of employment level in agriculture is very Financial support like credit is also required to support low and in some areas it records a zero growth when these women to improve their employment status. This compared to industrial and service sectors. Empirical has been addressed well through the intervention of SHGs evidence on employment in rural India is amply through the MFIs. documented and it is a fact that there is lack of Hence, there is a need to ensure the role of SHGs in opportunities of employment in these areas. Further, it providing employment opportunities to their members is pointed out that there is a slow growth of employment and also to their family members. in agriculture, growing unemployment of rural labour and gradual shift to non-agricultural employment. These Need for the Study: studies have also brought out the fact that there is high Government of India has been constantly emphasizing incidence of unemployment and underemployment on women development and women empowerment since among the economically weaker sections viz., landless independence1. All the state governments and officials, labour, marginal and small farmers. concerned with women welfare and development are also The changes in the economic policies of the Country putting their best efforts towards this goal. The facilitated the Multinational Corporations (MNCs) to researchers, sociologists and policy makers are participate in India economic activities2. This does not conducting surveys of different nature on women guarantee formal employment but on the contrary has empowerment from time to time and assessing the

1. Professor, Dept. of Management Studies, MBA Program, Sir C.R.Reddy College, Eluru-534 007, A.P., India. 2. Associate Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance, College of Business and Economics, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia, East Africa. 3. Student, Dept. of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Gudlavalluru College of Engineering, Gudlavalluru

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 61 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 achievements of governments on uplifting women status one of the richest districts of the State and named as in Indian society. There is a marked progress in the status ‘rice bowl’ of Andhra Pradesh. Peculiarly, and at the same of women in India over a period of time. However, Indian time, some parts of the district also exhibit the poverty women have remained as one of the nation’s greatest of the state. Thus, the district is the mix of, to some untapped resources. Hence, the Government of India extent, poverty and richness. Study of Empowerment of wants to adopt ‘Empowerment Approach’ by giving more Women in a district like West Godavari will reveal the elevation to women in all sectors of life. It is realized real progress and development of women. The scope of that the neglect of women’s power has been one of the the present study is limited to eight Mandals within the root causes of backwardness of the country. Hence, purview of all the four revenue divisions of the district. there is a significant shift in the developmental programs SHGs are providing major part of finance to micro approaches that entails women to acquire control over enterprises and other agricultural and non- agricultural themselves, their resources and take their own activities in the rural area. Hence, the study considers decisions. However, for effective implementation of this the opinions of women who have joined as members in approach, the prerequisite is the realization by the women their respective SHGs and also run micro enterprises. themselves, of their economic role and potential, and The survey was carried out during November 2015 to subsequently their economic self-reliance. In other March of the year 2016. words, women first of all empower themselves. Therefore, efforts should be initiated to infuse confidence in them. Sampling Design: Training programs to enhance the skills to have access There are four revenue divisions and 46 Mandals in West to credit, educational inputs and improvement in the Godavari district. All the four revenue in the district are bargaining capacities, marketing skills etc., have to be taken for study in the first stage of sampling. In the conducted. Many NGOs, government agencies and second stage, two Mandals are selected from each educational institutions have significantly contributed revenue division. Altogether, eight Mandals are selected towards women empowerment by facilitating direct out of 46 Mandals. All these eight Mandals reflect different participation of women in income generation activities social and economic characteristic features of West and decision-making capacity. There is a concerted effort Godavari District. All the selected eight Mandals are towards elevating the status of women from being mere divided into two groups: Group I and Group II. Group I wage earners or helpers in the man’s business, to consists of Kovvur, Aakiveedu, Palacole and Eluru, become controllers of the economic activity. Today, the Polavaram, Jangareddygudem, Tanuku and state Andhra Pradesh has accepted women’s empowerment Tadepalligudem are included in Group II. The as one of the important tasks for economic development. characteristic features of each selected Mandal in each group are different from the others. Grouping is also done It is against this background, the present study of on the basis of demographic and topographic features, Empowerment of Women through Micro Finance - Role number of SHGs, number of micro enterprises etc. There of Micro Enterprises is taken up with a view to suggest are 10,276 SHGs with 1,13,036 household members put steps to improve the status of women and their conditions. together in all the eight Mandals selected for study. Out Objectives of the Study of these households, 264 members in the selected area have chosen. The sample design is presented in the Keeping in view of above facts, the following are the following Table. objectives of the study: • To examine the changing trends in the status of Source of Data: women in India and assess the present role of women Data is collected from both primary and secondary and their empowerment. sources. Primary data is collected by personal • To study the social and economic status of sample interactions, observations and also with the help of a households of SHGs in West Godavari district. questionnaire from all the sample household members • To give appropriate suggestions, if any, to strengthen of the selected SHGs in the study area.The data is also the practices of SHGs and micro enterprises, and collected from text books, magazines, different web sites suitable measures to the policy makers for meaningful and reputed journals. women empowerment. Hypothesis

Methodology adopted for the study H0:Significant difference in income between the Scope, Period and Area of the Study: households belonging two Groups

West Godavari District of State of Andhra Pradesh in H1 : There is no significant difference in income India is chosen for the present study. This District is between the households belonging two Groups

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Table - 1 : Sampling Design

No. of Mandals in each No. of SHGs No. of responders in Name of Revenue Division division in each Revenue Division each Mandal

Eluru 16 20,756 66 Jangareddy Gudem 06 6,274 66 Narasa- puram 12 13,813 66 Kovvur 12 14,993 66 Total 46 55,836 264

Employment pattern of the SHG members before joining SHGs: The pattern of employment of SHG members in the selected Mandals, in ‘before’ period, is presented in Table 2 and it indicates that among the two Groups, the members in the Group-II have relatively high on an average number of days of employments per year. The major share of the employment in Group II Mandalsis from cultivation 254 days followed by other sources, agricultural labour and non-agricultural labour. The share of employment in agriculture is higher followed by cultivation, non-agricultural labour and other sources in the pattern of employment of the SHG members in Group I Mandals. Activity wise number days of employment of the SHG members indicate that more number of days is reported in cultivation activities in Group-II Mandals which is located away from urban center. Similarly the proportion number days of employment in other sources are relatively higher in Group-II Mandals. It is so because some of the members are undertaking vegetable business in the nearby urban areas. The number of days of employment in non-agricultural labour is relatively higher in Group-I Mandals than in Group-II Mandals because of its nearness to the urban center and employment in construction activity. Table - 2 : Mandal - wise Distribution of Average Number of Working days per year ‘before period’

Name of the Mandals Cultivation Agriculture Labour Non-Agriculture Labour Other Sources Kovvur 258.04 242.72 51.28 148.04 Akiveedu 79.82 212.44 86.32 40.58 Palacole 236.8 253.44 147.48 90.52 Eluru 230.17 220.97 298.79 118.21 Group I Mandals (Average) 201.20 232.39 145.97 99.33 Polavaram 296.88 111.16 86.24 151.76 Jengareddy Gudem 210.82 186.64 37.40 113.46 Tanuku 210.88 140.76 0 201.76 Tadepalligudem 298.24 112.75 30.28 100.25 Group II Mandals (Average) 254.05 137.82 38.48 141.81

Source: Field Survey Employment Pattern of Members ‘after’ Joining SHGs: The employment pattern of SHG members in the current period, that is after five years of formation of SHG Groups is presented in Table-3. It can be observed from the table that a major portion of employment on an averagein ‘after period’ is from ‘other sources’ followed by cultivation, non-agricultural labour and agricultural labour in Group-I Mandals. Same is the picture at Mandal level also. In case of Group-II Mandals, the number of days of employment after joining SHGs is relatively more from cultivationfollowed by other sources,agricultural labour and non-agricultural labour. Same is the position with slight variations in all the Group-II Mandals. Thus one can see the impact of the urban center on the employment pattern of the family members of SHG Groups. The share of employment is relatively high in case of other sources and non- agricultural labour in Group-I Mandals which are located near the urban center, whereas the proportion of employment in cultivation, agricultural labour activities put together is higher in Group-II Mandals which are located away from the urban center. Thus, one can see the impact of urbanization on the employment pattern of the SHG members and their family members.

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Table - 3 : Mandal - wise Distribution of Average Number of Working days per year ‘after period’

Name of the Mandals Cultivation Agriculture Labour Non-Agriculture Labour Other Sources

Kovvur 294.48 167.82 128.04 202.92 Akiveedu 61.80 61.2 149.76 190.68 Palacole 163.64 95.68 163.68 120.48 Eluru 179.26 120.28 199.28 250.27 Group I Mandals(Average) 174.80 111.24 160.19 191.09 Polavaram 231.28 104.12 117.76 160.20 Jengareddy Gudem 258.08 134.36 135.28 123.64 Tanuku 298.03 135.92 20.48 212.08 Tadepalligudem 278.48 108.42 70.00 110.24 Group II Mandals (Average) 266.46 120.70 85.88 151.54 Source: Field Survey

Employment, before joining the SHG and five years after joining the SHG is compared in measuring the impact of SHG on employment of SHG members and their family members. Data regarding these aspects are presented in Table 4 and 5. Impact on the Employment of SHG Members: The SHG members are employed in different activities like cultivation, agricultural labour, non-agricultural labour and other sources, like petty trading, wage employment etc. The impact of employment pattern of the members is measured with help of the changes in the proportion of number of days in different activities of the person in the total days of employment in a year and after joining the SHG’s. The comparative statement of working days before and after joining the SHGs is presented in Table-3. A shift in employment pattern can be observed from the Table in two periods of time. Before joining the SHGs, major employment in all the Mandals was mainly cultivation and agriculture labour. As the SHGs provide micro finance for small entrepreneurial activities, many members have started petty business and could create employment for themselves and for others also. Thus, after joining SHGs, the major employment sources are ‘other source’. However, still agricultural is a considerable sources of employment in the district. Table - 4 : Mandal - wise Distribution of Average Number of Working days Before and After Periods

Non-Agriculture Cultivation Agriculture Labour Other Sources Labour Name of the Mandals Before After Before After Before After Before After Kovvur 258.04 294.48 242.72 202.92 51.28 128.04 148.04 167.82 Akiveedu 79.82 61.80 212.44 190.68 86.32 149.76 40.58 61.2 Palacole 236.8 163.64 253.44 120.48 147.48 163.68 90.52 95.68 Eluru 230.17 179.26 220.97 250.27 298.79 199.28 118.21 120.28 Group I Mandals (Average) 201.21 174.80 232.39 191.19 145.97 160.19 99.14 111.25 Polavaram 296.88 231.28 111.16 104.12 86.24 117.76 151.76 160.20 Jengareddy Gudem 210.82 258.08 186.64 134.36 37.40 135.28 113.46 123.64 Tanuku 210.88 298.03 140.76 135.92 0 20.48 201.76 212.08 Tadepalligudem 298.24 278.48 112.75 108.42 30.28 70.00 100.25 110.24 Group II Mandals (Average) 254.21 266.46 137.82 120.70 38.48 85.88 141.80 151.54 Source: Field Survey

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The change in the employment pattern of the family members depends to some extent upon the loans taken by the SHG members to invest in both agricultural and non-agricultural activities by the family members. Another factor for change in the employment from agricultural to Non-Agricultural activities is the availability and better wage rate in the non-agricultural sector. Table 5 indicates that there is an incremental change in number of days of employment. The change in the number of days is relatively more in non-agricultural labour activities in both the Mandals, and it is relatively low in Group-1 Mandals due to a raise in construction activities in the District as a whole and in the vicinity in particular. Similar changes in the number of days of employment in the other sources of the family members are observed due to an increase the number of auto-rickshaws and petty businesses started by the family members in both the regions. This shift from agricultural to non-agricultural sectors has occurred mainly due to the loan facilities provided by the SHG s to their members. Some of the SHG members have availed loan facilities through SHG and given it to the family members as margin money to purchase auto-rickshaws or to start petty business. Thus on one side the SHG members and on other side their family members are benefited by the loans being provided by the SHGs in the study area. Having presented the employment pattern of the SHG members and their family members the focus of analysis is now shifted to the examination of the levels of income and determinants of the household income of the SHG members. Table - 5 : Mandal - Wise Distribution of Average Number of Working days of Family members of the SHGs HouseholdsBefore and After Periods

Non-Agriculture Cultivation Agriculture Labour Other Sources Labour Name of the Mandals Before After Before After Before After Before After Kovvur 227.96 184.68 241.16 225.64 75.76 167.12 181.04 210.12 Akiveedu 84.4 58.36 204.44 95.56 125.08 225.6 124.36 256.4 Palcole 290.96 243.40 79.96 64.76 235.24 263.68 179.27 244.75 Eluru 201.26 252.26 198.75 98.25 198.28 120.89 150.23 298.42 Group I Mandals (Average) 201.15 184.68 181.08 121.05 158.59 194.32 158.73 252.42 Polavaram 253.36 214.4 145.82 131.88 65.64 114.44 216.52 270.37 Jengareddy Gudem 210.44 266.04 212.32 180.68 66.52 171.85 202.72 266.76 Tanuku 278.92 244.76 155.24 129.52 55.00 85.6 233.84 277.6 Tadepalligudem 210.22 298.76 299.68 268.48 69.27 76.00 200.00 256.28 Group II Mandals (Average) 238.24 255.99 203.27 177.64 64.11 111.97 213.27 267.75 Source: Field Survey

Section – II: Income The income of the household generally indicates the economic status of the household. Being small and marginal farmers and agricultural labour, the income of the SHG member households depend mostly on agriculture, agricultural labour, and non-agricultural labour and other sources like petty business, auto-rickshaw, wage employment etc. Further being located nearer to urban center, possibility of earning income from non-agricultural activity may rise over a period. An attempt is made in this Section to examine the source wise income of the SHG member households, before and after periods in the selected Mandals. Income from agriculture is calculated by taking into account their value of the agricultural produce, produced during the year. Income from both agricultural and non-agricultural labour is calculated by taking into account the number of days employed in the activity and the wage rate of the activity during the year. Income from the petty business, auto-rickshaws and salaries are calculated per month and multiplied with number of months they perform the activity in a year. Thus, the total income of the household is the combination of income from agriculture, agricultural labour, non-agricultural labour and other sources. Total income of the household in a year Per capita Income = ------Total number of persons in the family

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Income from Various Sources: The average household income of the SHG members from different sources and their proportion in their total income of the current period (i.e. after) is presented in Table 6. The Table indicates that among the two Groups, the average household income of the Group-I Mandal is relatively higher than the Group-II Mandals. Among the Mandals, the household income is relatively higher in Palacole and Kovvuru of Group-I. The proportion of income from different sources indicates that the income from the non-agricultural labour is higher than that from agricultural sources (that is from agriculture and agricultural labour). Table - 6 : Mandal - wise Distribution of Average Income of the SHGs Households After Period (in rupees)

Agricultural Non-Agriculture Petty Other Name of the Mandals Agriculture Labour Labour Business Sources

Kovvur 12394 14476 8213 7548 33736 Akiveedu 3726 11150 10859 4844 25488 Palacole 14696 2618 17934 10188 47714 Eluru 15796 1327 11231 9213 56471 Group I Mandals (Average) 11653 7392.75 12059.25 7948.25 40852.25 Polavaram 14724 8524 10677 11382 20666 Jengareddy Gudem 18010 7426 9729 3582 16812 Tanuku 20012 12176 6288 7136 23118 Tadepalligudem 13597 13474 7298 6717 13471 Group II Mandals (Average) 16585.75 10400 8498 7204.25 18516.75

Source: Field Survey

The proportion of income from agriculture is lower in Group-I Mandals when compared to agriculture income in Group-II Mandals. Thus, income from non-agricultural, sources dominated in the total average household income of the SHG members. The proportion is very high in Group-I Mandals, which are located nearer to urban center and relatively less in Group-II Mandals. Income from other sources is higher in both the Groups and it is much higher in Group I Mandals and same is the picture at division level and Group level.

Hypothesis Tested: The selected Mandals are divided into two Groups, basing on the proximity to urban center. Group I Mandals included Kovvuru, Akiveedu, Palacole and Eluru which are relatively with better proximity to urban center. Group-II Mandals, Polavaram, Jangareddygudem, Tanuku and Tadepalligudem, which are relatively with less proximity to urban center. It is hypothesized that there is a significant difference in income between the households belonging these two Groups. The hypothesis is tested with the help of student “t-test” (large sample) for the household income level in the later period.

X1 –X2 T = S.E.

σ2 σ2 1 2 S.E. + n1 n2

The calculate “t” -value 1.493 is significant level, i.e. the hypothesis is found to be true.

Findings of Changes in the Income Pattern: • Changes in the average income pattern of the SHG households are measured by comparing the income of the households in the current period and 5 years before (which is generally the starting period of SHG).

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• The proportion of combined income from agriculture There is a need for designing appropriate strategies for and agriculture labour is almost similar in both the bringing more and more women into the entre preneuriala periods in the Urban Mandals. Similarly at the Mandal rena and providing them with organizational support. There level also in Urban. commendations in this regardderived from the analysis • While the proportion of the combined income from of primary data are given under the following: agriculture and agriculture labour has declined • Provide good transport facilities with cheaper cost to considerably in Rural Mandals put together and same rural villages. it is true at Mandal level also. • Discuss various types of discrimination and • Among the proportions of income from the non- constraints like psychological, socio-cultural, and agricultural sources that from other sources is higher economic and others that might hamper their in both the periods in Urban Mandals. But, it is not entrepreneurial aspirations and suggest measures so high in the Rural Mandals and almost nearer to to overcome them. the income from agriculture. • Provide access to formal and non-formal course/ • A decline in the proportion of income from agriculture training in skills, management of money and and an increase in income from non-agricultural labour enterprise. can be seen in both the Urban and Rural Mandals • Explore new avenues for self-enterprise, upgrade their with an exception of Polavaram in Rural Mandals. knowledge, skills and provide them with suitable • But, income from non-agricultural and agricultural technical guidance, financial and marketing support labour is higher in that division. At the absolute level and infrastructural facilities. a better rate of increase can be seen in the income • Give greater priority to development and provision of level from all the sources in the later period. Same is infrastructure in rural areas such as access to water, the picture at the division level and Group level in the fuel, housing, primary health care and child care various sources of per capita income of SHG centers. Better facilities help them to change in life households. style and subsequently in their attitudes towards their • In Group-I (Urban) Mandals have more labour working family, society and the Nation. days than Group-II (rural) Mandals except other • District Industries centers (DICs) and District Mahila sources before joining into SHGs. Pranganas have to be geared up to organize massive • Surprisingly, after joining into SHGs number of awareness programs for women in exploring the working days increased in Group-II (rural) Mandals possibility of starting micro-enterprises. Women have also. to be given not only initial capital but also help in • Disguised and seasonal unemployment is marketing their products. predominant in the rural economy in India. This is • Policy makers need to recognize the potential of micro because most of the rural workers are in agriculture financial services to support investment and growth and allied activities. in key economic sectors and hence to contribute • The employment and unemployment of the main significantly to national economic growth. workers in the households, before and after joining • The State government should give necessary the SHG is studied. After joining SHG, the number instructions to the developmental agencies to co- of days worked has increased. Percentage of days operate with the financial institutions in conducting unemployed was declined during the period under recovery drives. study. • Establishment of marketing information center at PolicyRecommendations: district level for enhancing the opportunity of marketing outside of locality. Entrepreneurshipd evelopment among women may be • looked at from two angles. One is to create the Training programs should be prioritized and annual environment needed for healthy and sound specific program oriented. Different training programs entrepreneurship and the other is to have more and more should be conducted for different nature of micro- rational motivational campaigns (McClell and,1961). enterprises and for different management functions. Theemergenceofentre preneursina society depends to • To organize refresher programs to groups to reinforce agreatextent on the economic, social, religious, cultural the basic tenets and create better awareness and to and psychological factors prevailing in the society. strengthen group dynamics. Therefore, the reisanurgent need tonurture and create • Suggested to organize activity oriented training anenablingentre preneurialclimate. programs based on the groups choice to initiate the groups into income generating levels.

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References: • Venkata Ravi, R. and M. Venkata Ramana, • SujataViswanathan, Grouping Women for Economic Empowerment of Women through Self-Help Groups: Empowerment, Yojana, Vol. 41(3), March 1997, Pp. Micro Level Study in Andhra Pradesh, Council for 37-42. Social Development, Hyderabad. • Swa-Shakti Project, Swa-Shakti, Ministry of Human • Venkata Ravi, R. and M. Venkata Ramana, Self-Help Resource Development, Government of India, New among Scheduled Caste Women, Indian Economic Deli (Undated). Panorama, Vol. 9(4), January 2000, Pp. 36-40. • Tandon, Snehalata, Self-Help: New Mantra for • Venkata Ravi, R., Growth Pattern of Self-Help Empowerment, Social Welfare, Vol. 48(7), October Groups in India, Small Enterprises Development 2001, Pp. 25-32. Management & Extension Journal (SEDME), Vol. 28(2), June 2001, pp. 17-30. • Tanya Jakimowand Patrick Kilby, Empowering Women: A Critique of the Blueprint for Self-help • Venkateswaran, Sandhya, Environment, Groups in India, Australian National University, Development and the Gender Gap, Sage Canberra. Australia. Publications, New Delhi, 1995. • Tapan, Neeta, Need for Women Empowerment, • Vijay, D. Kulkarni, Empowerment of Women through Rawat Publications, Jaipur, 2010. SHGs, Janata, August 12, 2001. • Thelma Key, Empowering Women through Self-Help • VijayalakshmiPandit, A Vision for Higher Education Groups: Micro Credit Programs, Bulletin on Asia- through Distance Education, Kakatiya Journal of Pacific Perspectives, March 2003. Distance education, Vol. 3(2), July-December 1994. • Titus, M., Building the Regulatory Framework for • VijayalakshmiPandit, P., Women’s’ Empowerment Micro Finance in India, Small Enterprise in the New Millennium and the Challenges to Development, Vol. 11(4), 2000. Distance Education. Paper Presented at the National Seminar on “Human Resource Development: • Tracey L. Moyle, Maureen Dollard and Saswata Challenges to Distance education in New Narayan, Personal and Economic Empowerment in Millennium”, held on 20th& 21st November, 1999 at Rural Indian Women: A Self-help Group Approach, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. International Journal of Rural Management, Vol. 2(2), 2006, P. 245. • Vile, Anand, Avenue for Sustainable Empowerment of Rural Women, Social Welfare, Vol. 48, No. 4, • Vaimalai, M.P. and K. Narender, Micro Finance for 2001. Poverty Reduction, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol. 17(13), March 31 to April 6, 2007. • Walters, S., Her Words on His Lips: Gender and Popular Education in South Africa, ASPBAE Courter, • Vekata Ravi, R. and M. Venkataramana, 1991. Washington, The World Bank). Empowerment of Women through SHGs, SEDME Journal, Vol. 32(1), March 2005, Pp. 37 - 45.

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SELF-HELP GROUPS: A WAY TO PROMOTE THE RURAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Dr. K. Nageswara Rao1

Abstract Among the total Population of 6 Billion of the world 70 % world’s population are poor women, so it is necessary to provide Adequate Financial Assistance to improve their lively hood in Rural Areas. Though India is vast Populated country where maximum women are residing in rural areas and income levels also not satisfied. So banking services are required for poverty elevation and optimize their contirbut9in to the growth of reasonable as well as the national economy. SHGs have emerged as the most vital instrument in the process of participatory development and women empowerment. The rural women are the marginalized group in the society because of socio economic constraints. They remain backward and lower position of social hierarchy ladder. They can lift themselves from the morass of poverty and stagnation through micro finance and formation of SHGs. The present study analyzed the primary data collected from 150 beneficiaries of Srikakulam District of AP to understand the benefits of SHGs on 2 dimensions i.e., Analysis of demographic information, Analysis of Women empowerment where the age, Family system and Number of dependants in the family etc. and reasons of joining SHGs purpose of Loan, Payment of Loan, Income, Savings, expenditure and power in the important decision making are analyzed in women Empowerment.

Introduction the nation in general. Since women constitute 48.46% Definition of Entrepreneur: The term „entrepreneur” has of total population in India as per Census 2011, it is very been derived from the French word „entrepreneur” means essential to employ this resource optimally in the interest to undertake. The term entrepreneur may be defined as of the nation in general and her family in particular. In “an entrepreneur is a person who combines capital and the past ,women were not ready to undertake any work, labour for production”. job and business due to shyness, fear and male dominance in the society. However, of late, India women The planned economic system has been introduced in have come out of the four walls of the kitchen and showed India since April 1, 1951 with the Five Years Plans, which their willingness to take up entrepreneurial activities. has completed its tenth Five Year Plan. The 11th Five Women of today want more economic freedom. Further, Year Plan has begun from April 1, 2007. N o doubt there many women have proved that they are more efficient was development in various sectors of the Indian economy than men in contributing to the growth of the economy. during these plan periods. The production from Just as we need two hands for the smooth function of agriculture has increased from 105 million tons in the our work, similarly, both men and women should involve year 1949-50 to approximately 600 million tons in the in productive activities to build a strong nation. To mitigate year 2007-08 through green, yellow, white and blue the problem of unemployment and underemployment, revolutions. There has been 7-8% annual growth in the the role of women should not only be confined to generate industrial sector. Further, service sector has been employment, but also to provide employment to others. contributing to the growth of Indian economy significantly. They have to undertake entrepreneurial activities to The main reason for considerable percentage of create additional wealth for the nation and to solve the population below the poverty line and India still remaining problem of unemployment and poverty. Entrepreneurship a developing country with lot of problems is due to the development among women, particularly among rural human resources not being used at the optimum level. women, will strengthen the rural and national economy. The first prime minister of independent India, Pandit Self-help Groups (SHGs) SHG is a small group of rural Jawaharlal Nehru, has rightly said that, “the women of poor, who have voluntarily come forward to form a group India should play a vital role in building strong nation”. for improvement of the social and economic status of Further, tile Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi has the members. It can be formal (registered) or informal. said, “the development of every village is nothing but the Members of SHG agree to save regularly and contribute development of nation”. It is well-known fact that the to a common fund. The members agree to use this growth of women in turn develops her family, village and

1. Lecturer in Commerce, SRVBSJBMR College, Peddapuram.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 69 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 common fund and such other funds (like grants and loans Pattanaik (2003) in her study reveals that SHGs are from banks), which they may receive as a group, to give continuously strive for a better future for tribal women as small loans to needy members as per the decision of participants, decision makers and beneficiaries in the the group. The concept underlines the principle of Thrift, domestic, economic, social and cultural spheres of life. Credit and Self-help. But due to certain constraints like gender inequality, exploitation, women torture for which various SHGs are Need of the SHGs not organized properly and effectively. The rural poor are incapacitated due to various reasons, Manimekalai (2005) in his article commented that to run because most of them are socially backward, illiterate, the income generating activities successfully the SHGs with low motivation and poor economic base. Individually, must get the help of NG0s. The bank officials should a poor man is not only weak in socio-economic term but council and guide the women in selecting and also lacks access to the knowledge and information implementing profitable income generating activities. He which are the most important components of today’s remarked that the formation of SHGs have boosted the development process. However, in a group, they are self-image and confidence of rural women. empowered to overcome many of these shortcomings. Hence, the role of SHGs is highly essential which in Sahu and Tripathy (2005) in their edition book views that specific terms covers the following as under: 70 percent world’s poor are women. Access to poor to a. To mobilize the resources of individual members for banking services is important not only for poverty their collective economic development. alleviation but also for optimizing their contribution to the growth of regional as well as the national economy. b. To uplift the living conditions of the poor. Self-help Groups (SHGs) have emerged as the most vital c. To create a habit of saving. instrument in the process of participatory development d. Utilization of local resources. and women empowerment. The rural women are the e. To mobilize individual skills for group’s interest. marginalized group in the society because of socio- economic constraints. They remain backs rd and lower f. To create awareness about rights. positions of social hierarchy ladder. They can lift g. To assist the members financially at the time of need. themselves from the morass of poverty and stagnation h. Entrepreneurship development. through microfinance and formation of Self-Help Groups. i. To identify problems, analyzing and finding solutions Nayak (2007) made an attempt to analyze the in the group. empowerment of poor through SHG and microfinance in j. To act as a media for socio-economic development the Kalahandi district of Odisha. The questionnaires were of the village. prepared and presented to 997 members of sample 80 k. To develop linkage with institutions of NG0s. SHGs. The study found that 89,194 families of Kalahandi l. To help in recovery of loans. district benefited from SHGs and bank linkage programme and suggested strengthening of cooperative m. To gain mutual understanding, develop trust and self- sectors. confidence. Murugan and Begum (2008) made an attempt to examine n. To build-up team work. the predominant barriers to women entrepreneurs. The o. To develop leadership qualities. study was based on the primary data collected from the p. To use as an effective delivery channel for rural credit. sample 100 entrepreneurs of Chennai City. The study reveals that social and cultural barriers are prominent Objectives of the study formidable block for the development of women • To analyse women empower through SHGs. entrepreneurs. The study conclude that entrepreneurs • To analyse the economic gains of the women derived with ability to plan and run a business to deliver quality by SHGs. products. • To analyse the entrepreneurship abilities of women Kamaraja (2009) made an attempt to evaluate the in rural areas derived by SHGs performance of SHGs in Tamil Nadu. The study highlighted the progress of SHGs in India and in Tamil Review of literature Nadu. It revealed that there has been a steady progress There are numerous studies made both by Indians and in the number of SHGs and amount of loan sanctioned. foreigners to examine the empowerment of women and The studies conclude that a timely and regular check of their related issues. Some of the important studies in microcredit through SHGs will contribute to a healthy this regard are as follows. progress and to the overall development of rural women.

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Analysis of Women Empowerment family system is the system that protects everyone in Analysis of women empowerment through SHGs in this the family irrespective of their age and income. However, study is based on two dimensions: Analysis of due to change in family system the future of elderly people demographic information and analysis of women seems uncertain. empowerment. The age, family system and number of In the following table, classification has been made on dependents in the family, etc.., are analyzed in the basis of number of dependents in the family. demographic information. The reason of joining SHGs, Table - 3 : Number of Dependents of Beneficiaries Purpose of loan, repayment of loan, income, savings, expenditure and powers in important decisions are Number of Number of % analyzed in women empowerment. Dependants Beneficiaries Classification has been made on the basis of age group 1-2 58 38.66 of the beneficiaries in the following table. 3-4 45 30.00 Table - 1 : Age-wise Classification of 5-6 31 20.67 Beneficiaries Above 6 16 10.67 Number of Age % Beneficiaries Total 150 100 Source: Compiled by author. Less than 20 10 06.67 20-30 49 32.67 This table reveals that out of the total women respondents 3 8.66% Of the respondents have 1-2 dependents, 30% 30-40 51 34.00 have 3-4 dependents, 20.67% have 5-6 dependents and 40-50 26 17.33 only 10.67% of sample respondents have above 6 Above 50 14 9.33 dependents. This signifies that the Indian rural people are also moving towards 1 or 2 kid’s norm. Total 150 100 Source: Compiled by author. In the following table, classification has been made to record the reasons for which the respondents have joined It is evident from the Table 1 that the 34% of sample the SHGs. respondent are between 30-40 years of age and 06.67% Table - 4 : Reason for Joining SHGs of sample respondent are less than 20 years. They constitute the highest and the lowest respectively in total Number of Reasons % sample respondents. This shows that maximum adult Beneficiaries women in the age group of 30-40 prefer to join SHGs in Getting Loan 67 44.67 the study area and this is more in number as compared to younger and older age groups. Promoting Savings 49 32.66 In the following table, classification has been made on Social Status 21 14.00 the basis of family system. Others 13 08.67 Table - 2 : Family System-wise Classification of Total 150 100 Beneficiaries Source: Compiled by author. Number of Family system % Beneficiaries It is evident from the table 4 that 44.67% women have joined SHGs for getting loan, 33.66% to promote savings, Individual 82 54.67 14% for social status and the rest for miscellaneous Joint 68 45.33 reasons. This signifies that majority of respondents have joined SHGs to avail loan facility as compared to other Total 150 100 reasons. Source: Compiled by author. In table 5, classification has been made to show the Table 2 shows that 54.67% of the women respondents reasons for which the women respondents wish to avail have individual family system where as 45.33% have loan. joint family system. This trend shows that joint family system has been losing its importance even in rural areas due to changing socio cultural system. The joint

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Table - 5 : Purpose of Loan of Beneficiaries

Purpose of Loan Number of Beneficiaries % Personal 27 18 Agriculture 31 20.67 Business 52 34.67 Medical 24 16 House Improvement 16 10.66 Total 150 100 Source: Compiled by author.

It is observed from the table 5 that 18%of sample respondents have taken loan for personal use, 20.67% for agriculture development, 34.67% for business reasons, 16% for medical purpose and 10.66% for house improvements. This indicates that loan has been primarily taken by respondents for productive purposes like business and agriculture. In the table6, classification has been made to show the repayment response of the women respondents who have availed loan through SHGs. Table - 6 : Repayment of Loan by Beneficiaries

Repayment Schedule Number of Beneficiaries % In Advance 12 08.00 In Time 108 72.00 Late 30 20.00 Total 150 100 Source: Compiled by author.

This table reveals that 72% of sample respondents have repaid the loan on time, 8% in advance, while20% have repaid the loan at a later date. This signifies that women respondents are very prompt in repayment of loan they borrowed through SHGs. In the table 7 the monthly income of the women respondents before and after joining SHGs has been classified. Table - 7 : Monthly Income of Beneficiaries

Income Level Number of Beneficiaries Before Joining SHGs% After Joining SHGs % Less than 1000 34 22.67 14 09.33 1000-2000 30 20.00 20 13.33 2000-3000 26 17.33 22 14.67 3000-4000 21 14.00 27 18.00 4000-5000 23 15.33 35 23.33 Above 5000 16 10.67 32 21.34 Total 150 100 150 100 Source: Compiled by author.

It is evident from the above table that income level of sample respondents have increased after joining SHGs. Similarly, the monthly expenditure of the women respondents before and after joining SHGs have been classified in the table8.

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Table - 8 : Monthly Expenditure of Beneficiaries

Expenditure Number of Beneficiaries Before Joining SHGs% After Joining SHGs % Less than 1000 39 26.00 29 19.33 1000-2000 50 33.33 39 26.00 2000-3000 35 23.33 45 30.00 3000-4000 19 12.67 26 17.33 4000-5000 7 04.67 11 07.33 Total 150 100 150 100 Source: Compiled by author.

Table 8 shows that the monthly expenditure of the sample respondents has gone up after joining SHGs. The number of sample respondents (89) whose average monthly expenditure is up to 2,000 before joining SHGs has declined to 68 and the number of respondents (61) whose monthly expenditure is 2,001 and above have increased to 82 after joining the SHGs. In table 9, classification has been made to show the monthly savings pattern of the women respondents in the SHGs. Table - 9 : Monthly Saving Pattern of Beneficiaries

Savings Level Number of Beneficiaries Before Joining SHGs% After Joining SHGs % Less than 100 59 39.33 36 24.00 100-150 39 26 37 24.6 7 150-200 24 16.00 33 22.00 200-250 18 12.00 29 19.33 Above 250 10 06.67 15 10.00 Total 150 100.00 150 100.00 Source: Compiled by author

It is observed from the table 9 that savings of sample respondents have gone up after they become members of SHGs as compared to their earlier savings. In the table l0, classification has been made to show the opinion of women SHG members regarding increase in the power of decision making in their respective families and outside. Table - 10 : Opinion of Beneficiaries regarding increase in the power of Decision Making

Opinion of Beneficiaries Type of Decisions Yes% No % Total % Purchase and Sale of Fixed Assets 62 41.33 88 58.67 150 100 Purchase and Sale of Current Assets 81 54.00 69 46.00 150 100 Purchase and Sale of Domestic Assets 85 56.67 65 43.33 150 100 Purchase and Sale of Ornaments 91 60.67 59 39.33 150 100 Purchase of Home Appliances 97 64.67 53 35.33 150 100 Purchase of Clothes 110 73.33 40 26.67 150 100 Construction and Improvement of Housing Facilities 68 45.33 82 54.67 150 100

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Raising of Loan 63 42.00 87 58.00 150 100 Repayment of Loan 58 38.67 92 61.33 150 100 Savings and Their Investments 62 41.33 88 58.67 150 100 Education and Children 72 48.00 78 52.00 150 100 Participation in Social Activities 92 61.33 58 38.67 150 100 Source: Compiled by author.

REFERENCES: 1. Pattanaik, S (2003) “Smarinika, 2003”, Empowerment through SHGs. 2. Malhotra, M (2004), Empowerment of Women, Isha Books, Delhi. 3. Manimekalai, K (2004),”Economic Empowerment Of Women Through SHGs” Third concept, February. 4. Sahu and Tripathy (2005), Self-Help Groups and Women Empowerment, Anmol publications Pvt Ltd., New Delhi. 5. Vasanthakumari, P (2008),”Women empowerment through micro enterprise Development”, Southern Economist,Vol. 47, No.15, pp.31-34. 6. Gudaganavar, R and Sannasi, S (2008), “Women Entrepreneurship: The Road Ahead”, Southern Economist, Vol.46, No.18, pp.36-38.

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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY OF CORPORATE BOARDS

Dr. J. Chandra Prasad1 Dr. K. Bhanu Prakash2 Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao3

Abstract Having Women on Corporate Boards is a diversity measure justified on the basis of both social equity and business consideration. Global experience indicates that progress in the implementation of gender diversity is typically tardy unless mandated by law.European Countries in general and Scandinavian Countries in particular have progressed significantly in this field, with Norway heading the world with 35.5% representation of Women on their Boards. Effective from01st April, 2015, Listed Companies in India were required to have at least One Woman Director on their Boards, close to 88% of the Companies reportedly have complied. In response to the recent SEBI mandate, a large number of Listed Companies in India seem to have appointed Women Directors, not surprisingly, most Indian Listed Companies have only One Woman Director, although studies have shown that Companies with three or more Women Directors have outperformed those that have had less. Aside from absence of critical mass of Women Directors, a number of other issues have emerged, viz., independence of Women Directors appointed, paucity ofpotential independent Woman Directors and Women Directors’ own perception.Capacity Building, Supportive Boards and Legislative Action are essential for successfulprogress in this field. From a Human Capital perspective, Women constitute 48% of the population of India and their participation in higher education has been increasing. Their presence in Senior Leadership Teams and in Boards of Companies, however, has not been significant enough. This paper is an attempt to explain the extent of participation of Women on Indian Boards, with a focus on cross-country experiences and finally, the competencies needed to be effective on a Board. The paper also provides some recommendations to improve the participation of Women on Boards. Key Words: Diversity, Inclusivity, Glass Cliff

The Prologue on the Boards Of Companies. Of particular significance ‘YatraNaryastuPujyante, RamanteTatraDevata’is the is the European Union (EU) quota, according to which mythological saying which connotes that the God resides at least 40% of the Non-Executive Directors of Publicly- where the Women arerespected and worshipped.Women Traded European Companies should comprise Women are not the better-half rather they are the best by 2020, State-Owned Companies are expected to half,constituting half of the population.This warrants a achieve this goal by 2018 (Ibarra, 2012). However, recent fair and due share to the Women in all dimensions.The empirical evidence from the Scandinavian Countries Corporate Organisations are not an exception.With social indicates that while quotas have been effective in and cultural shifts in society, there has been an increasing the participation of Women Directors on increasing trend to promote greater diversity within Boards, the new Women Directors inducted to various organisations. Nearly 1 Billion Women who are set to boards had significantly less CEO experience and were enter the workforce in the next decade are viewed as younger than the existing Men Directors (Ahern and drivers of economic growth, as the ‘Third Billion’ next Dittmar, 2012). only to India and China (Booz & Co., 2012). Yet, the From a Human Capital perspective, Women constitute inclusion of Women in the highest echelons of business 48% of the population of India and their participation in and management has not been promising. As several higher education has been increasing. Their presence authors (Fairfax, 2006, et al., ) have noted, while there in Senior Leadership Teams and in Boards of Companies, has been progress in the last four decades in the however, has not been significant enough. participation of Women in employment in organisations, the increase at the levels of senior management has This paper is an attempt to explain the extent of not been significant, given the large number of Women participation of Women on IndianBoards, with a focus who are entering the workforce and acquiring higher on cross-country experiences and finally, the education. competencies needed to be effective on a Board. The paper also provides some recommendations to improve In the last two decades, several countries have the participation of Women on Boards. introduced quotas for increased participation of women

1. Director, SD College of Information Technology, Tanuku. 2. Associate Professor & Senior Consultant, VESTAL Institutions, Eluru, AP. 3. Head Marketing, Deepak Nex Gen Foods & Feeds Pvt., Ltd., Hanuman Junction, AP.

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In a Pioneering Book ‘Leadership by Proxy’ by Poonam Barua, 2016, it is stated that lay an archival milestone for creating a ‘Brave New Mindset’ in Corporate India and Businesses Worldwide that will genuinely embrace ‘Balanced Leadership’ as a true goal of Corporate Enterprise, validate and verify equal opportunity with meritocracy, respect inclusive growth for Women who form 50% of the world population, and best practices in the workplace that will reject homogenous All-Male Corporate Leadership as a fundamental economic function to bring optimum rewards of diversity to business growth and societal progress. In India, the Companies Act (Revised) approved in August 2013, for the first time, made it mandatory for all Listed Companies and Other Large Public Limited Firms’ to appoint at least One Woman Director to their Boards. Moreover, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also amended its disclosure requirements to include a similar provision. It requires the Boards Of Directors of all Listed Companies to have an optimum combination of Executive and Non-Executive Directors at least 50 per cent and Non-Executive with at least One Woman Director. This has led to an increase in the pace at which women are being appointed to Boards. Women still go largely under- represented on Corporate Boards and hold just 12.4 per cent of Board Seats in India, slightly lower than the global average of 15 per cent, says a Deloitte Report.The percentage of Women in ‘Top Leadership Roles’is even lower as they constituted 3.2 per cent of Board Chairs in India in 2016, while the global average stood at 4 per cent. Based on a Deloitte Analysis covering 132 companies, the number of Women on Boards in India increased by 4 .7 per cent to 12.7 per cent over the past two years.

Cross Country Canvas of Diversity India is not the first country to do so,many others like Norway, France, Italy, Spain, and Belgium have already implemented such steps by introducing legislation or quota which makes it mandatory to appoint Women Directors in a Company’s Board. As evident from Table-1, in majority of the Countries, including India, gender diversity on Corporate Boards is made mandatory. Except in India and the UAE, where the threshold limit for Women on Corporate Boards is fixed at least One Woman Director, in the rest of the Stated Countries threshold limit fixed for the Women on Corporate Boards ranged between 30 to 40 per cent. Despite the attractive thresholds set the reality is otherwise as could be observed from Table-2. Table - 1: Regulatory Thresholds for Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards

Country Requirement Type Threshold Introduced in Due Date Belgium Mandatory 33% 2011 2017 Denmark Comply or Explain 40% 2013 – France Mandatory 40% 2010 2016 Germany Mandatory 30% 2015 2016 Italy Mandatory 33% 2011 2015 Malaysia Mandatory 30% 2011 2016 Netherlands Comply or Explain 30% 2013 2016 Norway Mandatory 40% 2003 2008 Spain Comply or Explain 40% 2007 2015 UAE Mandatory 1 Woman Director (at least) 2012 – India Mandatory 1 Woman Director (at least) 2013 2015 Source: Catalyst Legislative Board Diversity: Women on Boards

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Table - 2 : Average Proportion Of Women Directors Per Country

Country Proportion (in percentage) India 13 Switzerland 16 Spain 19 USA 21 Germany 23 United Kingdom 23 Netherlands 24 Italy 25 Denmark 27 Belgium 27 Finland 32 France 34 Sweden 35 Norwary 39 Source: www.globalwomen.org

As evident from Table-2,Norway is at the forefront with 39 per cent followed by Sweden, France 34 per cent, Finland 32 per cent, Belgium and Denmark 27 per cent, Italy 25 per cent and Netherlands 24 per cent. India stands with the least 13 per cent. The European Markets have taken the lead in promoting gender diversity, with most of them having adopted regulatory quotas for female representation. Norway was one of the first countries to set a benchmark in 2003, the Norwegian Government passed a law that required companies to have at least 40% of Board Members to be Women. The law came into effect in 2006 and it stipulated that, after an initial grace period of two years, a failure to achieve the 40% quota would invite regulatory action. The approach was subsequently adopted by Other Countries including France, Germany, Italy, Belgium and Denmark. The laws in these countries have resulted in a surge of Women Director Appointments since the last decade. For example, as per the Corporate Women Directors International (CWDI) Report, 2015,Female Representation in Italy went up from 1.9% in 2004 to 25.8% in 2014. In France, the number increased from 7.2% in 2004 to 30.2% in 2014. It indicates that Companies have responded to the regulatory sanctions. Table - 3 : Global Comparison of Key Metrics

NIFTY - 500 India STOXX - 600 Europe S & P - 500 U.S.A. Women in Corporate Boards ( in percentage) Proportion of Women on Boards 13 25 21 Women as proportion of Independent Directors 16 34 - Boards without Women Directors 3 5 1 Boards with Two or More Women Directors 21 80 76 Boards with Three or More Women Directors 5 49 25 Average No. of Women Per Board 1.2 2.8 2.3 Proportion of Women on Committees Audit Committee 12 29 22 Remuneration Committee 13 26 20 Source: Gender Diversity on European Boards, Spencer Stuart Study, Women Participation on Key Committees

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The data from Table-3,suggests that India still lags on some key metrics. Only 21% of NIFTY-500 Boards have Two or More Women as compared to 80% in some other markets. On an average, India has 1.2 Women Directors on Boards, which is significantly less than its European and US Peers. Even on Committee Memberships, Women Directors are under-represented in India. India Inc.has made a good start in adopting gender diversity. Although, it is one of the first developing countries to push for female representation, it still has some way to go to catch up with developed markets, where the average proportion of Women Directors generally ranges between 20%- 40%. Table - 4 : Proportion of Women DirectorsDuring 2010-2016 (NSE Listed Companies)

Country 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Proportion (in percentage) 4.5 4.5 4.6 4.9 5.4 12.5 13.7

Source: Prime Data Base, 2016.

Table-4 shows that in the year 2010 the proportion of Women Directors on Corporate Boards of NSE Listed Companies was only 4.5 per cent which stood at 4.9 by the year 2013, increased to 12.5 per cent in 2015 and stood at 13.7 per cent in the year 2016. Thus, number has nearly tripled over the past six years from 4.5 percent in 2010 to 13.7 percent in 2016. This has helped India close the global gap average, which stands at a 14.7 percent.(CS Gender 3000 Report). Industry Bodies are speaking in unison that at 13%, Women are still under-represented in stewardship roles despite constituting a significant portion of the talent pool in corporate India. This is much lower than Countries like Norway (39%), France (34%), UK (23%) and USA (21%). Only 26 Boards in the Nifty-500 had three or more Women Directorsas on 31stMarch, 2017. Fifteen Companies had no female representation on Boards as compared with only six companies in the S&P-500 as on 31st March, 2017. Following the example of Western Countries which have a ‘30% Club’, India has come up with its own ‘20% Club’, an aspirational target of achieving 20% gender diversity on Corporate Boards by 2020. Very few companies in India have looked at Women Directors in the true spirit of diversity as only 1.6% of the Companies had 30% or more Women on Boards, according to Prime Database.

SUGGESTIONS (i) Commitment from Market Participants Market Participants viz., Companies, Industry Bodies, Investors and Regulators must together commit themselves to the goal of gender diversity. Companies, on their part, need to pick up the baton and take this initiative forward. It requires a shift in the corporate mindset. To reap the full benefits of diversity, companies have to embrace the legislative intent and put in place systems and processes which will end discriminatory practices.The ultimate test of the impact of the forced gender diversity is if companies begin to experience the difference, resulting in a stronger buy-in of the idea. (ii) Must Raise the Bar for Higher Target By pushing for gender diversity, the regulators have taken the first step. But, mandating only one Woman Director may not help achieve the final objective of ensuring gender parity at the leadership levels in Corporate India.Companies must raise the bar, and must target to have 20% of their Boards comprising Women by 2020 and further we need to reach our own Club of 30%. (iii) Tokenism Does Not Work One Woman on Board is tokenism when Women on the Corporate Boards are proved valuable.For a proportional representationWomen should form 50% of the workforce. Unless one is convinced that this is really beneficial for a Board, Administrative Measures and Legislative Measures are just a tick in the box and don’t serve the purpose.Women are believed to bring in a diverse perspective in addition to discipline to a Board with a better sensitivity to customer issues.Companies don’t need to wait for a ‘Superstar Women’ to induct them on Boards. (iv) Drive from Intention to Impact Warranted Companies cannot expect progress by simply putting down policies on paper. According to the BCG Survey on Gender Diversity in Indian Companies,Women’s representation in Indian firms stands at around 27 per cent of the country’s total workforce, while globally,this figure is 38 per cent. Moreover, Women account for just 17 per cent of Senior Management Positions in India, compared to 26 per cent in emerging Asia- Pacific countries.Deplorably,in the BSE-500 Companies, only 3 per cent of the CEOs’ are Women.

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Moreover, gender diversity initiatives have helped Women Leaders in Government and Business. But, more Women Employees in MNCs’ operating in India as we go further down in the employment, we need (33 per cent) than their counterparts employed by to address the gender diversity in Start-ups. It Indian companies (27 per cent). One of the key requires commitment as a country to change. reasons behind the gender diversity programme (vi) SensitisationTo Widen the Spectrum of being ineffective is poor implementation. True to say, Inclusion nearly 50 per cent of interventions are ineffective not Issues like Women-in-Leadership and a leaky because they are poorly designed, but because they pipeline are a global phenomenon and detrimental are poorly executed.The companies need to focus to GDP growth.To arrest the leaky bucket, the on practical challenges faced on the ground to make Companies should run regular sensitisation and the interventions truly impactful.The Indian Corporate awareness workshops that address gender spectrum Sector has to drive itself from ‘Intention to Impact’. inclusion with both Men and Women. For bridging the Diversity Gap in the Workplace and also the Corporate Boards the leading organisations (vii) Identification of Women Directors in India have to understand the current status of There is every need to facilitate a more effective gender diversity and obstacles in the way of process of identification of Women Directors. There improving gender balance. The issue of quotas is no shortage of Competent Women Professionals through political mandates versus voluntary self- in India across a variety of spheres. However, several regulation by firms is one that requires further of these Women are not in the business sector. investigation in countries such as India, where Competent Women Professionals who are present WomenParticipation on Boards is very low compared in other spheres (such as development, media, law, to the rest of the World. politics, art, culture, and sports) and do not have (v) Disclosure Norms access to commercial organisations, it is likely that Corporations are focused on a narrow talent pool, Given the legal context in India, there are several thereby fostering the perception that there is a sound laws but weakin implementation. A quota may scarcity of Women Professionals. not serve the purpose of increasing the true participation of women. A 10-year time frame to (viii) Building A Pool of Effective Directors implement gender diversity in organisations with There is a need for an ‘Effective Director Assessment disclosures in the annual report of the number of and Building Process’. Mid-Career Women with high Women Executives and Director-Level Appointments potential should be identified at the firm-level, and could result in the deepening of Women Participation adequate exposure and grooming need to be provided on the Board. for such ‘Identified Directors’. There is a need for (vi) Structured Interventions training and development of Women Directors. This process is likely to result in building a ‘Pool of More structured interventions from organisations Effective Directors’who can serve as the desired such as Catalyst and Other Women’s Network pipeline for organisations. Existing Executive Organisations and Executive Search Firms could Directors can be groomed during their tenure to be hasten the pace of potential assessment. Business Independent Directors innon-competing industries. Schools can provide platforms for the education of This can be done as part of their personal Women Directors. The mandate to have at least One development process tied to the HR Strategy of the Woman Director on the Board of a certain class of Firm. Companies and the Recent Amendments to the Companies Bill provides an opportunity to enhance CONCLUSION - THERE IS A LONG DISTANCE TO the supply of Women Directors. TREAD (v) The Start-up Engine Be Geared Women still constituted a very small part of the board Indian Start-ups should address the issue of gender make-up. No doubt, there is a clear paucity of potential diversity at workplace, hiring more Women across Independent Woman Directors. In India, the same various roles to boost productivity. I do endorse the Women are also found to be sitting on various Boards. view because the Start-ups are growing at about 10 At the present pace, it may take a century for Boards to per cent and India has a very high chance to lead. achieve a high level of gender diversity. One third of The booming Start-up eco-system in the Publicly Listed Indian Companies did not have a Female Country,undoubtedly, has the potential to position Board Member, despite a quota fixation requiring at least India as the ‘World’s Start-up Engine’.India has done one.While Organisations are working on diversity and an amazing job as a country with some of the Top inclusion, and Women in the Boardroom and as Leaders,

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 79 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 the number still remains small. Few factors preventing indiatimes.com/articleshow/59284663.cms? utm_ Companies from appointing more Women are inadequate source= content of interest & utm_medium = text & statutory quotas for fostering gender diversity, lack of utm_campaign=cpps adequate number of qualifiedWomen to hold board 8. Kenneth R. Ahern, Amy K. Dittmar (2012)., The positions, traditional stereo-types and lack of Women Changing of the Boards: The Impact on Firm Friendly Policies. Valuation of Mandated Female Board Representation, The Quarterly Journal of References Economics, Vol. 127, Issue.1, Feb, p.p. 137– 1. Ajay Tyagi, Chairman, A Study on Corporate India: 197,https://doi.org/10.1093/qje/qjr049 Women on Boards, Securities and Exchange Board 9. Michelle K. Ryan and S. Alexander Haslam (2007)., of India (SEBI), 25th May, 2017. The Glass Cliff: Exploring the Dynamics Surrounding 2. Bacon, J. & Brown, J.K. (1975). Corporate the Appointment of Women to Precarious Leadership Directorship Practices: Role, Selection and Legal Positions, Academy of Management Review, Apr, Status of the Board. New York: Conference Board. Vol.32, No.2, p.p.549-572. 3. Banerji, A., Mahtani, S., Sealy, R. &Vinnicombe, S. 10. PoonamBarua (2016).,Leadership by Proxy: The (2010). Standard Chartered Bank: Women on Story of Women in Corporate India, Bloomsbury Corporate Boards in India, Community Business and India, New Delhi. Cranfield School of Management Report. 11. RocíoLorenzo , Nicole Voigt et.al.,(2017)., The Mix 4. Barsade, S., Ward, A., Turner, J. &Sonnenfeld, J. that Matters,Innovation through Diversity, 26th April. (2000). To Your Heart’s Content: A Model of Affective www.bcg.com Diversity in Top Management Teams. Administrative 12. Soontae An, Hyun Seung Jin (2004)., Interlocking of Science Quarterly, Vol.45, p.p. 802-836. Newspaper Companies with Financial Institutions 5. Bernard M. Bass et al., (1994)., Shatter the Glass and Leading Advertisers, Journalism & Mass Ceiling: Women may make Better Managers, Human Communication Quarterly, Vol.81, p.p. 578–600. Resource Management, Vol.133, Issue.4, Winter. 13. Virginia E. Schein (2007).,Women in Management: 6. Booz & Co. (2012)., Empowering the Third Billion: Reflections and Projections, Women in Management Women and the World of Work in 2012, Booz & Review, Vol. 22 Issue.1, p.p.6-18. https://doi.org/ Company Publications, USA. 10.1108/09649420710726193 7. Claire McCarty Kilian, Dawn Hukai, C. Elizabeth 14. Report of the Credit Suisse Research Institute (Bi- McCarty (2005)., Building Diversity in the Pipeline Annual) (2016).,CS Gender 3000 Report. to Corporate Leadership, Journal of Management 15. The Report of KPMG (2016) on India Towards Gender Development, Vol. 24, Issue.2. http//economictimes. Balanced Boards, KPMG Survey.

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SELF HELP GROUPS

Dr. T. M. A. Niveditha1

Abstract Empowering women to participate fully in economic life across all sectors is essential to build stronger economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for women. The SHGs comprise very poor people who do not have access to formal financial institutions. Microfinance is powerful weapon to remove the poverty in our country like India. Micro finance initiatives like the SHG-Bank linkage programme, MFI Bank Linkage model etc., in India has been increasingly promoted for their positive impact on women empowerment. SHGs have their genesis from the Gramin Bank of Bangladesh which was founded in 1975 by the economist Prof. Mohammad Yunus of Chittagong University. SHGs were established exclusively for the benefit of poor. In India, SHGs first emerged within the Mysore Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) in 1985. SHGs consists not less than five persons and a maximum of twenty with similar economic outlook and social status. The women are not empowered due to lack of Knowledge, Finance, Power and Opportunity. Self-help groups fulfill the four criteria cited – there by making them financially stable and also granting them a sense of empowerment. The social development on the other hand is based upon the active participation of women in developmental activities. Women’s’ empowerment cannot be ignored while devising various policies for rural and socio-economic development. Providing micro-credit to rural women through an organized step will make them enterprising women. Key words: Women empowerment, self help groups, origin, microcredit, functioning

Introduction empowerment’ (Ganesh Murthy et al 2002).SHGs are Empowerment is a multi-dimensional process, which forum for the collective voice of the poor against common should enable the individuals to realize their identity and oppression and exploitation to understand individual and powers in all spheres of life. It consists of greater access common problems and improving their skills and to knowledge and resources, greater autonomy in capacities to manage resources (Dwarakanath making decisions or free from the shackles imposed on 2002).SHGs can play a role in creating awareness of them by custom, belief and practices in the society. health issues through necessary group meetings with Empowering women to participate fully in economic life women, by holding specific capacity-building trainings across all sectors is essential to build stronger on health issues and facilitating exposure to important economies, achieve internationally agreed goals for up-to-date medical information. The members need to development and sustainability, and improve the quality be au fait with medical issues and health promotion, of life for women. Microfinance is powerful weapon to this, equally indicating the responsibility of the SHG to remove the poverty in our country like India. Micro finance fulfill its role for both women and the community. This initiatives like the SHG-Bank linkage programme, MFI said, a substantial influence on women’s health and Bank Linkage model etc., in India has been increasingly empowerment can only be achieved when these activities promoted for their positive impact on women are taken up with a view to improving the public provision empowerment. of health care facilities and accessibility, particularly in light of the RSBY initiative. It can be said that SHGs The SHGs comprise very poor people who do not have have indeed emerged as a health care option for women access to formal financial institutions. They act as the and their families who join these groups but still further forum for the members to provide space and support to awareness, and much greater detailed research is each other. It also enables the members to learn to required among the existing SHGs in these geographical cooperate and work in a group environment. The SHGs areas to ensure the move away from the uni-dimensional provide savings mechanism, which suits the needs of market oriented view of employment generation and the members. It also provides a cost effective delivery social actualization (Chakravarty, 2012). The mechanism for small credit to its members. membership of SHGs made the members aware of the SHG is a voluntary association of the poor with a common gender equality and led to the economic, social and goal of social and economic Chitagubbi et al political independence of members. It also improved the

1. Lecturer in Botany,Dr. V. S. Krishna Govt Degree College (A) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 81 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 position of the respondents in the patriarchal family Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation, was system through gaining knowledge of legal system and the first project in the country, around 1990, to enabled the members to involve in family decision incorporate the SHG concept into a state-sponsored making. Moreover, the members also developed the programme. Since then, SHGs have been associated leadership qualities through the sense of devotion to work, with women. duty consciousness and self confidence etc. (Geetha The women are not empowered due to lack of et al. 2011). M. Bhavani Sankara Rao (2011) has Knowledge, Finance, Power and Opportunity. Self-help highlighted that health of women members of SHG have groups fulfill the four criteria cited – there by making certainly taken a turn to better. It clearly shows that them financially stable and also granting them a sense heath of women members discuss among themselves of empowerment. about health related problems of other members and their children and make them aware of various Objectives Government provisions specially meant for them. SHGs strive to achieve the following: Members make small regular savings contributions over • To save money on regular basis. a few months until there is enough capital in the group • To mutually agree to contribute a common fund in to begin lending. Funds may then be lent back to the order to meet their emergency needs. members or to others in the village for any purpose. In • Takes decisions collectively. India, many SHGs are ‘linked’ to banks for the delivery • of micro-credit. Micro-credit in common parlance refers To solve conflicts through mutual discussion. to small loans that help the poor women to meet their • To provide collateral free loan at the market driven immediate credit needs. rates based on the terms and conditions decided by the group. Evolution of Self Help Groups SHGs have their genesis from the Gramin Bank of Working of SHG Bangladesh which was founded in 1975 by the economist SHGs are working in democratic manner. The major Prof. Mohammad Yunus of Chittagong University. SHGs programme involving financial intermediation by SHGs were established exclusively for the benefit of poor. Within is the SHG-bank Linkage Programme. This Programme a little span of time, SHGs became the vehicle for rural was launched by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural credit delivery system in many parts of the world. In Development (NABARD)in 1992, the apex bank for rural 1997, at the World Micro Credit Summit, held at development in India. Commercial banks, Regional Rural Washington, the developed and developing countries Banks (RRBs),Small Industries Development Bank of agreed to tackle the menace of rural poverty by using India (SIDBI),Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK), Housing and the tool of micro-credit. As many as 53 developing Urban Development Corporation(HUDCO), Housing countries including India have set up SHGs to tackle Development Finance Corporation (H rural poverty. DFC) and Friends of Women’sWorld Banking In India, SHGs first emerged within the Mysore (FWWB),Donors and banks, including Robobank,played Resettlement and Development Agency (MYRADA) in an importantrole in providing refinance facilitiesand loans 1985. to microfinance institutions (MFIs) for on-lending to SHGs Here is a quick timeline of the journey of SHGs in India: and federations of SHGs.SHGs are necessary 1. 1987: The National Bank for Agriculture And Rural toovercome exploitation, create confidence for Development (NABARD) provided MYRADA with a economicself-reliance in poor, particularly women who grant of ¹ 1 million to enable it to invest resources in are mostly invisible in social structure.SHGsbecome the identifying affinity groups, building their capacities basis forchange and build a relationship of mutual trust and matching their savings after a period of 3-6 between thepromotingorganisationand the rural poor months. through constant contact and genuine efforts.Credit delivery through thrift and credit groups (SHGs)emerges 2. 1990: RBI accepted the SHG strategy as an as an alternative to theexisting system of credit alternative credit model. disbursement by the banks. SHGs have been found to 3. 1992: NABARD issued guidelines to provide the help their member’s sound habit of saving and banking. framework for a strategy that would allow banks to lend directly to SHGs. Features of SHGs 4. 1992: SHG-Bank Linkage Programme was launched. • SHGs consists not less than five persons and a 5. The Tamil Nadu Women’s Empowerment Project, an maximum of twenty with similar economic outlook IFAD-supported project implemented through the and social status.

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• SHGs promotes objectives like economic national level but also at the international level. empowerment. It helps in raising resources for Government initiatives alone would not be sufficient to development and freedom from exploitation. achieve this goal. Society must take initiative to create • The nature of SHGs is mostly informal (unregistered). a climate in which there is no gender discrimination and women have full opportunities of self decision making • Periodical meetings of members are conducted to and participating in social, political and economic life of address their socio-economic problems and fixed the country with a sense of equality. savings from the members are collected at such meetings. In most of the developing countries today, more and • Sources of funds for the SHGs accrue from member’s more emphasis is laid on the need for women’s active savings, entrance fee, interest from loans, and income participation in the main stream of development process. from investments and so on. Funds accrued may be It is also widely recognized that apart from managing used for extending loans, carrying out social services household, bearing children, rural women bring income etc. with productive activities ranging from traditional work in the field of working in factories or running small and petty • The savings of members are deposited in a bank with business. They have also proven that they can be better the name of group. entrepreneurs and development managers in any kind • The money lying in the bank is used for extending of human development activities. Economic progress in loan facilities to members of SHGs for 98 purposes any country whether developed or under developed could at an interest rate decided by the group. be achieved through social development. The social • Democratic, flexible and responsive in operations. development on the other hand is based upon the active participation of women in developmental activities. Significant impacts of SHGs on empowerment of Women’s’ empowerment cannot be ignored while women devising various policies for rural and socio-economic The members of SHGs exhibit the following outputs: development. Providing micro-credit to rural women • Improvements in literacy and numerical skills; through an organized step will make them enterprising • Increase in awareness of basic legal rights; women. • Awareness of development activities of government; References • Increase in self-confidence and enhanced social 1. Chakravarty, S and Jha, A. N (2012). The role of status; Self Help Groups. 2 (1):116-128. • Economic empowerment and freedom from 2. Ganesh Murthy, V. S, Radhakrishnan, M. K, exploitation of money lenders, landlords etc. Bhuvaneswari. S and Ganeshn. A (2002). “A study • Enhanced decision making powers in the household on thrift and Credit Utilisation pattern of Self Help affairs. Group (SHG) in Lakshmi Vilas Bank Suriyam palyam • Keenness to educate girl child; Branch, Irode”. Indian Journal of Marketing 34 (1): 12-24. • Active participation in other organizations and political bodies like Panchayats. 3. Dwarakanath, H. D (2002). Rural Credit and women Self-Help Groups. Kurukshetra. 51(1) : 10 • Improved political consciousness and improved awareness about electoral process, societal analysis 4. Geeta Chitagubbi, Rajeshwari Shivalli and S and gender issues. devendrappa (2011). A study on the usefulness of Self Help Group membership to women for The Empowerment of Women has become one of the empowerment Journal of Farm Sciences 1(1):112- most important concerns of 21st century not only at 119.

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GENDER DISPARITY – A CHALLENGE TO INDIAN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Dr. Madhu Shalini Kusuma1

Abstract Empowering women and promoting gender equality is crucial to accelerate sustainable development. As the development agenda notes women’s empowerment and gender equality have a catalytic effect on the achievement of human development, good governance and the promotion of gender equality for the empowerment of women is central to the mandate of UNDP and intrinsic to its development approach. This effort includes advocating for women’s and girls’ equal rights, combatting discriminatory practices and challenging the roles and stereotypes that affect inequalities and exclusion. Gender equality promotes women’s and men’s equal involvement as beneficiaries of local development, employment creation, frontline service delivery and reintegration programmes in every economy which includes a particular focus on increasing women’s access to safe productive livelihoods and increase in the proportion of benefits accruing to women through employment in economic recovery. Sustainable economic development is broadly defined as development which meets the requirements of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development should be a key principle of all policies and actions, which are broadly designed to create a society which is based on freedom, democracy and respect for fundamental rights, fostering equality of opportunity and solidarity within and between generations. The sustainable development should be based on balanced economic growth and price stability, a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at full employment, a high level of education and social progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the quality of the environment and the continuous improvement of the quality of life on earth of both current and future generations. India aims to transition on the path of sustainable development, the current policy focus on the economy which provides a historic opportunity by policymakers regarding women switches from a disadvantaged group to powerful decision-makers with insights to drive strategies for a better future. Key Words: Gender equality, Human development, Combatting discrimination,Public decision-making, Access to finance, Market economy.

Introduction highlighted that a nation’s competitiveness in the long Empowering women and promoting gender equality is term depends significantly on whether women are crucial to accelerate sustainable development. As the educated and enabled to access the same rights, development agenda notes women’s empowerment and responsibilities and opportunities as men. Gender gender equality have a catalytic effect on the equality promotes women’s and men’s equal involvement achievement of human development, good governance, as beneficiaries of local development, employment sustained peace, and harmonious dynamics between creation, frontline service delivery and reintegration the political environment and human populations. The programmes in every economy which includes a promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of particular focus on increasing women’s access to safe women is central to the mandate of UNDP and intrinsic productive livelihoods and increase in the proportion of to its development approach. This effort includes benefits accruing to women through employment in advocating for women’s and girls’ equal rights, economic recovery . combatting discriminatory practices and challenging the Sustainable economic development is broadly defined roles and stereotypes that affect inequalities and as development which meets the requirements of the exclusion. Gender equality strategy, 2014- 2017 is present without compromising the ability of future presented at a pivotal time in the sphere of global policy generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development and the world works towards achieving development should be a key principle of all policies the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) efforts are and actions, which are broadly designed to create a still underway to devise a new set of sustainable society which is based on freedom, democracy and development goals to establish global sustainable respect for fundamental rights, fostering equality of development before and beyond MDGs Economic Forum opportunity and solidarity within and between

1. Hod, Dept. of Commerce, B G B S Women’s College, Narsapur-W.G.Dt., A.P.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 84 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities generations. The sustainable development should be society even though our constitution speaks of equality based on balanced economic growth and price stability, between genders, male superiority is still the order of a highly competitive social market economy, aiming at the day. Women are not treated equal to men their full employment, a high level of education and social entry into various fields requires the approval of the head progress, and a high level of protection and improvement of the family who is mostly a male member all these of the quality of the environment and the continuous hamper the growth of women Illiteracy or low level of improvement of the quality of life on earth of both current Education in Indian women are lagging far behind even and future generations. It is about safeguarding the after more than 70 years of independence many women economic capacity to support life in all its diversity. It is are still illiterate. Those who are educated are inherent based on the principles of democracy and the rule of nature of lack of self-confidence which is essential law and respect for fundamental rights including freedom motivating factor for any women to be successful. and equal opportunities for all with solidarity within and Mobility Constraints has become a problem due to between generations to promote a dynamic economy traditional values and limited driving skills moving aloneis with a high level of employment and education, of health still looked upon with suspicious eyes. Sometimes, protection, of social and territorial cohesion and of inexperienced women feel uncomfortable in dealing with economic protection in a peaceful and secure world, men who show extra interest in them other than work respecting cultural diversity viewed in a broad spectrum, related aspects. Role of women in sustainable women have played a vital role in the global economic economic development is inevitable the urgent need is movement. to create a favourable atmosphere to increase self- employment for women can lead to economic Indian Women and Poverty development of the country. Choudhary and Rayalwar Women in India are very emotionally attached to their (2011) intend to highlight some issues with reference to home and families they are supposed to attend to all the strategic challenges and opportunities from a gender the domestic work, to look after the children and other focus to analyse the prospects of rural small and medium family members. They are overburdened with family entrepreneurship for women. Women have to overcome responsibilities like taking care of husband, children and obstacles specifically in the areas of health, in laws which takes away a lot of their time and energy. environment, policy making, leadership, marketing that According to broad estimates, more than one in five give them access to the same opportunities as men people around the world live in conditions of extreme .Indian women with increased educational opportunities poverty on little more than $1 per day the number of need to get more organized into small groups through poor people has been rising since the 2000s. Studies sustained efforts presents an enormous opportunity for indicate that the gaps between rich and poor are financial institutions and other business providers that widening, and that the majority of the world’s poor are support women-owned businesses and research women. Since the 1990s, the number of rural women indicates that women tend to be loyal customers and living below the poverty line has increased by 50 per cautious investors, in addition to having better loan- cent, in comparison with 30 per cent for men. Women payback rates. accrue less income than men over their lifetime for a variety of reasons. They get paid less for the same work Conclusion and are more likely to work less in order to reconcile Governments must introduce policies, programmes and their careers with child or elder care. These gaps in quota systems which correct this imbalance. Promoting women’s employment history reduce the amount of gender equality and women’s empowerment, and to social security women have and it also decreases the enhance administrative capabilities with the aim of likelihood of receiving credit or loans. All these facts strengthening women’s leadership in politics and other increase women’s vulnerability to poverty, especially in public fields for the development of legal systems old age. ensuring gender equality, democratization and the establishment of national development plans, as well Challenges Vs Sustainability as for other initiatives to facilitate planning, implementing, Challenges faced by Women starts with balance monitoring and evaluating policies, measures and between family and career opportunities, Socio-cultural programs conducted at national machineries for the barriers. The traditions and customs prevailing in Indian purpose of promoting gender equality and women’s societies sometimes stand as an obstacle for women empowerment. Supporting the building of women’s stopping them from growing and prospering. Castes and negotiation capacities and the gender sensitization for religions dominated society and hinder them. In rural promotion of women’s economic empowerment is areas, they face even greater social barriers they are indispensable for enabling women to save themselves always seen with an eye of suspicion, Male dominated

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 85 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 and their families from poverty, live a life with dignity and pp. 1- 4. ghrws.in/ charity/Variorum/ Variorum%20 play a leading role in the society. Advancement of Vol.01%20 Issue% 20III% 20Januray% 202011/ women’s leadership will significantly contribute to the KChaudhari.pdf development of society and economy. However, many • Goyal, M. & Parkash, J. (2011), Women women still have only limited access to educational Entrepreneurship in India- Problems and Prospects, opportunities, proper information and productive International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, resources such as land, property and financial services, Vol.1 Issue 5, pp. 195- 207.http://www. and are often forced to work at low wages under unstable zenithresearch.org.in/images/stories/pdf/2011/Sep employment conditions or in informal sectors. As India aper.pd aims to transition on the path of sustainable • Jamali, D. (2009), Constraints and opportunities development, the current policy focus on the economy facing women entrepreneurs in developing countries, which provides a historic opportunity by policymakers Gender in Management: An International Journal, regarding women switches from a disadvantaged group Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 232-251. www. emeraldinsight. to powerful decision-makers with insights to drive com/1754-2413.htm strategies for a better future. The key priorities to make a truly transformative agenda for women should inter • http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/227163 http:// alia include enhancing their role in private and public www.indiatvnews.com/business/india/breaking- decision-making, enhancing access to finance, training news-successful-female- entrepreneurs-india- and capacity building on technology and capturing gender 3242.html?page=7 disparities for better policy intervention • http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/schemes/ treadwomen.htm References • http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/data-stat.htm http:// • Bhardwaj, G.N., Parashar, S., Pandey, B. & Sahu, www.dcmsme.gov.in/publications/pmryprof/ P. (2012), Women Entrepreneurship in India: pmryproûle.html http://www.dcmsme.gov.in/reports/ Opportunities and Challenges, Vol. 2, Issue 1, pp. CGTMSE%20AR%202012-13.pdf 1-9. www.chimc.in/Volume2.1/Volume2Issue1/ • International Journal of Social Science and Gurendra Nath Bhardwaj.pdfý Interdisciplinary Research ISSN 2277 3630IJSSIR, • Behara, S.R. & Niranjan, K. (2012), Rural Women vol. 2, no. 4, April, 2013. Entrepreneurship in India, IJCEM International • BBR Women Entrepreneurship, (2013). Journal of Computational Engineering & Management, Vol. 15 Issue 6, pp. 6-15 ISSN • Saidapur et al., 2012. (Online): 2230-7893. www.ijcem.org/ papers112012/ • www.indiatogether.org/women/business/renuka ijcem_ 112012_02.pdfý vishwanathan apur et al., 2012. • Choudhary, K.N. & Rayalwar, A.P. (2011), • Mangai et al., 1992. Opportunities and Challenges for Rural women • Jayammal, G, Problems of Women Eentrepreneurs Entrepreneurship in India, Variorum Multi- in Coimbatore, Retrieved September 12, 2012. Disciplinary e-Research Journal, Vol.-01, Issue-III,

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INDIAN RURAL WOMEN IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

G. Sagar1

Abstract Empowerment of rural women is crucial for the development of rural India, women's component is introduced in the programmes for poverty alleviation to ensure flow of adequate funds to this section. The Constitutional Amendment (73rd), Act 1992 provides for reservation of selective posts for women. In the present globalized era, there has been a radical progress in the field of economy. In this progress women’s participation is of greater importance women entrepreneurship have gained potential from the nationwide programs and Self Help Groups. In fact these SGHs are making women as economically independent if not a sound one. They are emancipating their voice in all the spheres including the field of economy. Equal pay for equal work is one of the cornerstones of the gender equality movement world over. But Labour Bureau data show there has been little progress in terms of parity of salaries for men and women for equivalent work in India. Even more alarming is the fact that even though wage disparities have always existed in rural parts of the country, in some spheres of activity, the divide has widened. Indian rural women entrepreneurs become part and parcel of the development of the nation. As rural women is one of the major human resources opened to all natural resources. They even assist men in all walks of life along with agriculture. Henceforth their participation in the area of business and industries can lower the concept of brain and drain within the nation by finding employment in their own rural area. Key words:Rural Women Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Wage Disparities, Problems of Rural Women Entrepreneurs.

Introduction Life Of Indian Women India is a country which attained independence in 1947, India is a country of contradictions. On the one hand, but the rural-urban divide and the rich-poor divide are women are worshipped as deities, without whose still plaguing India. 68.84 per cent of the Indian blessings, work cannot be initiated. On the other hand, population lives in villages. here are 6, 40,867 villages crimes against women and girls are increasing day by in India. According to 2011 census, the populations of day in India. It is sad that in many cases, the perpetrators rural women who are literate are 58.8 per cent. A woman are known to the victims. The perpetrators could be faces numerous problems to reach her familial needs among relatives, neighbors, friends etc. This increasing a women entrepreneur becomes economically self- mistrust can create havoc in the Indian societal pattern. sufficient after facing challenges. By identifying herself The patriarchal norms are so entrenched in the Indian a successful entrepreneur, she shines in the two faces society that it is very difficult to pull oneself out of this of her life i.e. society and family. According to the “2007 conundrum. When girls are born in most Indian families, Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects” by the United they are not welcome, at times, even by their mothers. Nations, India would continue to have the largest rural They lament that a son could have been a real asset for population in the world until 2050. (Hindustan Times, the family. Upbringing of girls is an expensive affair, 28.2.2008) There are several issues which are creating where there is only loss as the girl gets married off and difficulties in the lives of Indians, like rising crimes against will serve the grooms’ family throughout her life. In India, women, increasing poverty, corruption, nepotism, lack the life of a woman changes a lot after marriage. She of transparency in the official functioning, bureaucratic leaves her parents’ house after marriage and starts living hassles, criminalization of politics, criminal-politician- with the groom’s family. Since childhood, she is bureaucratic entente etc. However, the common Indian socialized into thinking that she has to take up the food citizen is striving to get two ends meet. In fact these habits, dress, rituals etc. of the new family. So, happily SGHs are making women as economically independent or grudgingly, she evolves her identity according to the if not a sound. They are emancipating their voice in all demands of the groom’s family and the groom. A hefty the spheres including the field of economy. sum of money is spent on her dowry. At times, the demand from the groom’s family continues even after

1. HOD, Dept. Of History, B G B S Women’s College, Narsapur, W.G.Dt., A.P.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 87 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 marriage. When the bride’s family fails to satisfy their or caste is equal to marrying a sibling. They act as demands, the bride is tortured. Domestic violence is high kangaroo courts and punish them even by awarding in Indian homes. There is dowry deaths’ occurring every deaths. In many cases, the brutality of such crimes is now and then. It has been pointed out that it is always not even opposed by the parents. Such is the power of the bride who is dying and not the women in the groom’s these Khap Panchayats that the elected Members from side when they are working in the kitchen. Many young these constituencies do not oppose them for fear of losing brides die in the kitchen due to stove-burst, where the the vote bank in the area. groom’s sides mask it as an accident. Dowry-deaths of Indian girls had gone up so much that Section 498A Economic Development was brought in which makes the groom and his family Majority of rural women suffer not only from economic responsible for unnatural death of the bride within 7 years poverty but also from ‘information poverty’. The trend of marriage. It also has other provisions to protect Indian indicating that the timing of implementation was not women after marriage. However, like all other laws, this linked to the initial prevalence of women-owned law has also been misused by a miniscule of the manufacturing establishments which considers the population in order to take revenge on the groom. Some shares of unorganized manufacturing establishments innocent grooms had to face wrong detainment. However, that are women owned. women’s economic development the misuse cannot be a standard to judge the efficacy determined by the Socio-cultural barriers the traditions of the law. If that is the standard utilized, then none of and customs prevailing in Indian societies sometimes the laws can be implemented. Violation of the law cannot stand as an obstacle before women which stop them prevent the law from protecting the real victims of society. from growing and prospering. Castes and religions Right to equal inheritance to women of Hindu, Sikh, dominate our society and hinder women entrepreneurs. Buddhist and Jain religions, who form the majority in In rural areas, they face even greater social barriers. the country have been provided by the Indian State. But, They are always seen with an eye of suspicion. Rural still today, there are very few women who demand the women are vital and productive workers in India’s national property as they feel that it sour their relation with their economy. There is statistical bias in under estimating brothers. In many cases, brothers are forcing them to the role of rural women in development. Women work relinquish their property right. Women lack the support for longer hours than men and contribute substantially system needed to contest in the courts. to family income, they are not perceived as productive workers. (Pankajam and Lalitha, 2005) They are silent Rural women in India are less literate than rural men. workers who are struggling to complete her household There is a negative attitude of the family towards duties from dawn to dusk. But, still, in the family, many educating the girl child. Moreover, lack of separate toilets a times, she is criticized for not being sincere in her job. for girls in schools, lack of security while travelling from If the family members had to pay for the whole household home to school, lack of female teachers in schools, elder work and the free labour she provides in the small sister’s responsibility to look after the younger siblings agricultural land of the rural families, then her real worth when both the parents have to work to meet both ends, could have been realized. She does this day-in and day- are some of the reasons behind the high drop-out rate of out with compromising the family interest, but in very girls from schools. Primary education is free, but parents few families, she gets the respect which she should are not interested to send them to school. Right to get. Equal pay for equal work is one of the cornerstones Education has been passed by the Parliament, but it is of the gender equality movement the world over. But still far when the right will be a reality. Mid Day Meal Labour Bureau data show there has been little progress scheme has been formulated in order to attract the small in terms of parity of salaries for men and women for children to school. However, this scheme received set- equivalent work in India. Even more alarming is the fact backs when many school children died after consuming that even though wage disparities have always existed food from the school kitchen. Majority of rural Indian in rural parts of the country, in some spheres of activity, women do not have the right to choose their partner. It the divide has widened. So while men were paid 70 per is always decided by the family elders and the marriage cent higher wages than women for ploughing work at is arranged with an endogamous group, where caste the end of 2004-05, the difference rose to 80.4 per cent plays a very important role. If the girl wishes to marry in end March 2012 and stood at 93.6 per cent at the someone from other caste or tribe, the traditional leaders start of 2013-14. While men were paid 75 per cent more of the villages oppose. In states like Haryana, there are than women for well-digging work in March 2005, the Khap Panchayats, or traditional village elders who provide difference stood at 80 per cent in the current financial punishments to both the adult girls and boys of the same year. The data indicate that daily wage disparities have village and caste, who falls in love and marries. According by and large remained constant since 1999, though they to the Khap leaders, marrying someone within the village

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 88 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities did rise in the early 2000s. As of 2013, the discrimination meaningful, Indian rural women have also put in 100 in wages paid to women tends to be higher in physically percent initiative effort for successful economic growth intensive activities (such as ploughing and well-digging), which can become a role model for all developing but lower in the case of work such as sowing and countries. harvesting. Outside the agricultural sphere, it appears that gender stereotypes won out once again, if one References considers unskilled non-agricultural work. (Jayaram, 1. Anitha D.Pharm, Dr. R.Sritharan, Problems Being 2003) In rural India, very few women have ownership Faced By Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Areas, over land or productive assets. This proves to be a road The International Journal Of Engineering And block in institutional credit. Majority of the agricultural Science (Ijes) Volume2, Issue 3, Pages 52-55, 2013. labourers are women. They mainly assigned manual 2. Sujata Kumari, Vandana Kaushik and Neeta Lodha, labour. Men perform operations involving machinery. Problems Faced by Rural Women Entrepreneurs of (Kurukshetra, 2003) Agriculture which is the mainstay Rajasthan, Stud Home Comm Sci, 4(2): 115-119 of the rural Indian economy is sustained for the most (2010). part by the female workforce. They are the invisible life 3. Sreenivas Rao Behara, K.Niranjan, Rural Women line of the agrarian rural community life. Rural women Entrepreneurship in India, IJCEM International from childhood days have to bear the burden of taking Journal of Computational Engineering & care of younger siblings, cooking, engaging in domestic Management, Vol. 15 Issue 6, November 2012. chores, looking after the fodder of the domestic animals in their parents’ house. They are married off at a very 4. All-India Report on Evaluation of NREGA: A Survey early age. Indian women are condemned to a life of of Twenty Districts Prepared with Financial Support serfdom, anonymity, facelessness. At the root is the and Research Inputs from Programme Evaluation ‘gender insensitive’ society. (Singh, 2004) According to Organization (PEO), Planning Commission By UNICEF, child marriage is a violation of child rights. Child Institute of Applied Manpower Research, Delhi , brides are often forced to drop out of schools, are subject 2009, iv to the risks of early pregnancy and are more likely to 5. www.nrega.nic.in, Accessed 28.8.13 be exposed to violence and isolation. Approximately, 6. Kurukshetra, 51(3), March 2003, 3 twenty-three million girls in India face this reality. Among 7. Merin S. Thadathil and Vineeth Mohandas, Impact them, majority of them are from the rural areas. (UNICEF, of MGNREGS on Labour Supply . 2012) National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) a Government of India organization has stated that in 2009- 8. Vijay kumbhar, Some Critical Issues of Women 10 and 2011-12, women’s employment has taken an Entrepreneurship in Rural India, european academic alarming dip in rural areas in the past two years. research, vol. I, issue 2/ May 2013. 9. Jyoti Bahl, Status of women entrepreneurship in rural Conclusion India, Asian Journal of Multidimensional Research Rural Indian women are stepping out of their private space Vol.1 Issue 2, July 2012. and making a contribution in building nation economic 10. Kishor N. Choudhary, Dr. Arvind P.Rayalwar, structure like their iniatiave for infrastructure in the village, Opportunities and Challenges for Rural women empowering themselves. The Government of India has Entrepreneurship in India, Variorum Multi- provided an opportunity to rural women to live with dignity Disciplinary e-Research Journal Vol.- 01, Issue-III, and honor and equal footing with the rural man. Earlier, February 2011. the contribution of the rural women was invisible to the 11. Sathiabama. K, Rural Women Empowerment and people with patriarchal mindsets today economic Entrepreneurship Development, eSS Student papers development trying to empower the invisible lifeline of Sathiabama/Women Empowerment April 2010. rural community making their lives successful and

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CORRELATION BETWEEN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AND GENDER EQUALITY

P. Sowjanya Samuel1

Abstract Women remain the most deprived and long-neglected segment of the society, despite the Constitutional guarantees for equal rights and privileges for men and women. . SHGs formed by women in different places have proved that they could indeed bring about a change in the mindset of the very conservative and tradition-bound illiterate women in rural areas. The concept of group formation is the best strategy to enlighten women and provide necessary mental courage for self-employment. This paper makes a strong case for SHGs as a new development paradigm for bringing about gender equity among rural women in India by creating self-employment opportunities through microcredit. The study is based on the premise that poor women can internalize production possibilities in groups only. They are better-equipped to overcome the negative social pressure and gender biases operating against them through group identity and activity. However, the relationship of credit access to self-employment is not automatic but depends on various factors.In reality the Microfinance experiment faces many hurdles which have to be overcome if poverty has to be referred back to the museum.

Introduction uneven development had left the majority of women in “The extent to which society gives equal protection rural areas untouched, unsung and neglected. Declaring to its women is a measure of its progress” that women were not in need of crutches or hand-outs, – Swami Vivekananda.. she stated that instead they need to be empowered to take their rightful place in society (Prabhakar, 2004). Women thy name is creation. The inseparable care and attention for a period of nine months and nine days have Objectives enabled women to nurture life within them, so as to The present study is an attempt to – maintain the spontaneity of the human civilization. 1. To explain the present status of women “When women move forward, the family moves, the village entrepreneurs. moves and the nation moves”. These words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru is the central theme in the socio- 2. To study the various development schemes for rural economic paradigm of the country as it is an accepted women entrepreneurs. fact that only when women are in the mainstream of 3. To make suitable suggestions for promoting women progress can any economic and social development be entrepreneurs. meaningful (Saha and Banerjee,2001). Methodology The women is under increasing scrutiny even at the dawn The methodology is designed with an intention to make of the 21st century. Women constitute half the world’s a critical appraisal of the present day women population still majority of the women do not have equal entrepreneurs & identify the opportunities & challenges. access to land, credit, technology, education, The study is based on Secondary Sources of India. employment and political power. In every society, women play critical roles in the family and outside. In nut shell, Microfinance and Self-Help Groups women have a profound and pervasive effect on the health A Self-Help Group (SHG) is a group that consists of and happiness of their families, communities and local about 10 to 20 persons of a homogenous class who ecosystem. Therefore, inequalities that are detrimental come together with a view to address common problems. to them be it to their physical and mental health, income- They collect voluntary savings on a regular basis and earning ability, education and a decision making power, use the pooled resources to make small interest bearing- to name just a few, are detrimental as well to society at loans to their members. Collective wisdom of the group large and to the environment (Gupta, 2000). and peer pressure are valuable collateral substitutes. Voicing the silence of millions on International Women’s Day, India’s former First Lady Usha Narayanan rued that

1. Research Scholar, Department of Sociology and Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.

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A rural women’s SHG enables members to become self- Basic Types of Entrepreneurship: dependent and self-reliant and provides a forum for Apparently, it can be said that the starting point of members to exchange ideas. It fosters a spirit of self- entrepreneurship would define its type. The two types of help and co-operation among members in members and entrepreneurship may be classified as: gives them strength and confidence to solve their socio- 1. Opportunity-based entrepreneurship - an economic problems problems. Women’s participation entrepreneur perceives a business opportunity and in income-generating activities is believed to increase chooses to pursue this as an active career choice. their status and decision-making power. The Group meeting also serves as a venue for other interventions 2. Necessity- based entrepreneurship – an entrepreneur such as adult literacy programmes. Micro-credit is left with no other viable option to earn a living. It is schemes are thought to be potent agents of social not the choice but compulsion, which makes him/ change in impoverished settings where women are her, chooses entrepreneurship as a career. disadvantaged by their lack of access to resources. “Women Entrepreneurs” –Opportunities Entrepreneurship is challenging and requires capacity to take proper decisions and responsibilities. Entering The growth of the economies of many countries is due into entrepreneurship independently could bring the to the increasing participation of women in desired change in attitude among the rural women, make entrepreneurial activities. It is because of guidance and them conscious of the oppression and induce them to counseling extended to the women in SHGs to un take initiative and seize opportunities. Co-operative earthen their hidden entrepreneurial capabilities by entrepreneurship through Self-Help Groups can foster providing skills, knowledge, adoptability and sensitizing socio-economic development and promote employment. them towards socio-economic status in the society. A woman who can accept challenges, adventures and an Entrepreneurship – A Conceptual study urge to become economically independent can transform Who are Entrepreneurs? And what is Entrepreneurship? in to an ‘Entrepreneur’. A woman entrepreneur can Well many people define it in many waysn based on contribute positive values to the family, community and their perspective. But in short and simple term we can the society. Globally women are indulging from teaching say that „Entrepreneurs are both risk taker and wealth to technical areas. In India by breaking the glass ceiling creator”. And entrepreneurship is a process undertaken women entrepreneurs are developing and intruding into by entrepreneurs to augment his business interest, the male dominated arena as garment manufactures, involving innovation and creativity that will go towards farm owners, business women with many commodities, establishing an enterprise. Entrepreneurs through establishing firms like, tiffin centers, milk centers, petty creation of wealth, is a major means for development. shops etc. Hence entrepreneurship development has been one of Advantages of women Micro Entrepreneurship the priorities in countries world over. Well the concept of entrepreneurship was first established in the early Sustainable development of women especially rural 1700?s.The term „entrepreneurship? comes from the women is not so easy but it is a challenge. Micro French verb “entrepredre” and the German word entrepreneurship is an answer to this challenge. Like a “unternehmen”, both means to “undertake”. Bygrave and Telugu Proverb “Chukka Chukka Hofer in 1891 defined the entrepreneurial process as Sammudramainattu” (water drops will collect as sea) „involving all the functions, activities and actions micro entrepreneur is like a water drop will added to the associated with perceiving of opportunities and creations nations economy to solve the nation’s unemployment of organizations to pursue them? Joseph Schumpeter and other advantages like. introduced the modern definition of „entrepreneurship? • Develop individual economic independence. in 1934.According to Schumpeter, “the carrying out of • Enhance the personal and social capabilities like new combinations we call „enterprises?, and the “individuals whose function it is to c array them out we • Create awareness call „entrepreneurs?. Schumpeter tied entrepreneurship • Develop social net working to the creation of five basic “new combinations” namely: • Enhance the self confidence introduction of new product, introduction of new method • Improve the standard of living of production, opening of a new market, the conquest of a new source of supply and carrying out of a new • Urge to achieve organization of industry. • Dare to participate in political affairs • Economic empowerment • Able to participate in decision making activities.

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• Solve the problems of rural women and the village. • Enhance the leadership qualities. Sustainable Development of women through micro entrepreneurship fetch many benefits like women’s empowerment, socio-economic status, equality, property rights, development of self esteem, prestige, over all market facilities, community development etc.

Constraints of Women Entrepreneurs Due to gender discrimination girls are socialized differently controlled by social norms, morals, beliefs, practices without any rights and decision making powers. Because of these reasons women entrepreneurs are facing many constraints like lack of confidence, dual roles, rigid and male dominated market conditions etc. Table - 1 : Constraints of Women Entrepreneurs Reasons and solutions

S.No Constraints Reasons Solution I. Lack of Confidence Due to differential socialization social Social workers can develop the norms, morals in the family women lack women entrepreneurs within their confidence, support, decision making reach by extending the necessary powers needed for the growth of an inputs. entrepreneur. 2. Over burden ness With the dual roles as, wife and mother The family members like in-laws, due to dual roles women unable to manage the enterprise husband and others can share their effectively because of lack of time, responsibilities to make them free to concentration and over burdened associate with an enterprise personal obligations. 3. Rigid and male Women, entrepreneurs have to depend, The family members, NGO’s GOS by dominated market on their family male members due to rigid providing information about available conditions male dominated market conditions, lack market opportunities, conditions and of awareness, experience, and lobbing services. capacities. 4. Lack shoving Generally Indian women socialized with The most important shoving is self feminine qualities, withdrawal mentality, motivation, family support positive son preference, and restricted movement. Government Policies, timely finances and a suitable environment to establish their enterprises. 5. Lack of proper Indian families and society provide training Equal opportunities, training, skill training to a girl to make her as a good wife rather development freedom to net work with than to uplift her as an entrepreneur she is other businessmen. not allowed to develop net work with other business men, which is considered as a sin and bad culture. Because of societal mind women are not Equal share in the parental property, 6. Lack of access to access to finances like (1) share in the access to private, Government loans, financial support property (2) Government or private loans, support and complete information schemes incentives, etc. from other family members is all walks of their life. 7. Lack of exposure, Due to illiteracy, restricted movement, lack Literacy is the main source of information about of networking, and awareness information about all schemes and training institutions which will provide training, programmes financial assistance and about the enterprise and market facilities. 8. Lack of access to Withdrawal nature, societal zeo pardise, Build the capacities to identify their resources hesitant nature of women keeping Them priorities and shed down the away from all resources hesitations to find a way to grab all kinds of resources.

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90% of the entrepreneurs are from rural areas have very enterprises like all kinds of training facilities, take help less access to bigger credits. Hence majority of them from electronic and print media to give wide publicity to depend on their own groups financial support which is their products and organizing trade fairs, exhibition cum mostly micro finance only. sale, selling units in the busy market areas, networking through friends, relatives, known people, officials to catch Sustainable development of SHG Rural Women more customers. Besides women micro entrepreneurs Entrepreneurship should free from all forms of gender discrimination and The role of micro-credit is to, improve the socio economic atrocities. That is possible only when mind set of their status of women in households and communities. The family members especially male members is positive micro entrepreneurship is strengthening the women towards the women micro entrepreneurs’ deeds. sustainable development and remove the gender inequalities. Self Help Group’s saving are extended as Entrepreneurial Policy micro credit to its members to promote the micro and Policy to support the development of small, micro small scale enterprises to alleviate poverty and to provide enterprises is an important part of the democratic sustainable economic development of the community. governments’ strategy to create better life. As per the Women constitute 90 per cent of total marginal workers policy micro enterprises are engage with one or 5 of the country Rural women are playing a direct and employees usually the owner and her family. It is an indirect role both in farm operations and domestic chores. informal, license free, business with turnover Besides they are capable to manage the livestock Rs.3,00,000/- per year. Trust, SHG women and micro activities with their savings and are able to increase the finances are funding the micro enterprises. The major income levels of their families, and community. Now a advantage of the sector has its employment potential at days rural women are achieving sustainable development low capital cost. The micro, small and medium by associating with the technical know how and are able enterprises development (MSMED) Act 2006 seeks to to cope up with the changing scenario of the production facilitate the development of these enterprises and also field. By acquiring new skills they are able to setting enhance the competitiveness. Micro, small and medium their own enterprises for their sustainable development industries policy 2008 also design for the same and to and also they are able to develop other women of their sustain the MSME sector. The policy extends the villages. provisions to entrepreneurs like 15 per cent capital Majority of the SHG women of rural areas and urban subsidy on the value of the plant and machinery, 20 per areas are managing micro enterprises with livestock and cent low tension power tariff till 36 months, 100 percent domesticated activities because they can be managed subsidy on the net value of value added tax. Women with micro finances. Very few are associated with entrepreneurs are eligible to get the required loan from agriculture and its allied activities. It is evident that micro the banks for 2 per cent less interest than the male entrepreneurs will have continuous income and can entrepreneurs. contribute to their sustainable development. Correlation Between women Entrepreneurs and Recent trends in Micro Entrepreneurs Gender Equality To sustain and develop the entrepreneurial activities and The degree at which entrepreneurship affects the Indian economy it is high time that the women have to economy depends on numerous factors, including the deviate from the traditional enterprises and handle the quality, gender composition, and type of entrepreneurial non traditional enterprises like (1) Mobile Selling Shops, activity. Gender equality and female entrepreneurship (2) Managing Super Markets, (3) Tele Communications, are key factors in economic development. In order to (4) Computer Centres, (5) Food Processing units, (6) study the relationship between gender equality and the Dairy Farms, (7) Milk Preservation Centres, (8) Preparing rate of female entrepreneurship, Milk Products, engaging with (9) sericulture, (10) Acqua The share of women’s contribution to the economic and Culture (11) Agro Culture (12) Health Centre (13) social development depends on the promotion of gender Floriculture etc. equality and gender blind support from the institutions. For which women require only managerial skills and other Although women constitute about fifty percent of the Technical services which can be borrowed from the world population, compared to men, they have less Technical experts. Slowly women can develop the opportunity to control their lives and make decisions Technical Skills to develop their enterprise and for their (Revenga and Sudhir 2012). Various studies show that own sustainable development. Apart from this women entrepreneurs contribute to economic development, job micro entrepreneurs have to utilize all the resources creation, and different aspects of well-being through needed for the sustainable development of their creative destruction. According to Schumpeter, the

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 93 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 entrepreneurial process is a major factor in economic permissions, training with regard to technical know how, development and the entrepreneur is the key to economic family support especially male members, Government’s growth. loan facility with proper interest and subsidy. Besides, the net working of all the women micro entrepreneurs of GEM Women’s Report, 2011 shows that over time, the the local area can be of a greater help to form the MACS, gender gap between entrepreneurs increased in some trusts, associations to have recognition, to extend mutual countries and decreased in others. Overall, as the cooperation, support, knowledge to enhance the economies move to a higher level of development, the motivation, capabilities, confidence, work culture and rate of entrepreneurial activity decreases, regardless of income to erect them with individual sustainable gender. So, in more developed economies that both men development and contribute to the families’community’s and women have different options for employment, and Nation’s sustainable development. individuals seems to be more interested in having secured jobs rather than starting their own businesses. However, References in general, the entrepreneurial gap between women and • David, K., 1992 “Human Behaviour at work” Tata men decreases with economic. Apparently, it may be McGraw Hill Publishing Company, Ltd., New Delhi. assumed that gender equality may lead to more female entrepreneurship. As a result one may conclude that in • Gupta, D., 2000 “Rural Banking for Woman” Social the economies where women are more likely to have Welfare, Vol.45, No.12. Karbanda, S. 1992 “Organing equal opportunities with men, the prevalence of women of working women for social change”, Social Welfare, entrepreneurial activity is higher compared to the Vol.38, No.8. economies where women experience greater rate of • Mehta, S and Sethi, N.1997 “Targeting women for gender inequality. Development”, “ Social Welfare, Vol.34, • Mishra I, 1996 “Small steps to a brighten future”, Conclusions social welfare, vol.xlv, No.12. It is evident that micro entrepreneurship is contributing • Saha, S. and Banerjee, T.2001 ‘Women partners in not only to the sustainable development of women Development”, Employment News, Vol.XXV, No.49. entrepreneurs but also to the sustainable development of the country’s economy. It will enhance the status of • Manimekalai, N. (1999): ‘Nature and Characteristics SHG women and also the type of entrepreneurship. The of Women Entrepreneurs in India’, in success of women will contribute to the success of Soundarapandian, M. entrepreneurship in that local area market and added to (ed.) Women Entrepreneurship Issues and the over all nations economic development. The problems Strategies, Kanishka Publishers and Distributors, of women at the domestic front can be solved with the New Delhi. help family members who can share the women’s • Narasaiah, Lakshmi, M. (2004): Gender, Inequity responsibilities. Where as obstacles faced by the women and Poverty, Discovery Publishing House, New Delhi. entrepreneurs with regard to their enterprise can over • Prabhakar, Vani (2004):Women in Rural India, First come by extending equal opportunities on par with men Edition Dominant Publishers and Distributors, New entrepreneurs with regard to finances, market facilities, Delhi. marketing skills, access to all kinds of information. • Revenga and Sudhir 2012 Besides, they may be provided equal share, equal access • to resources, and net working. By enhancing the abilities OECD Council Report, 2012) of rural SHG women as micro entrepreneurs they can • Nedelcheva, 2012 contribute and involve in the nation’s entrepreneurial • Sarfaraz & Faghih, 2011) activities. Rural women of India are intelligent, hand • Minniti and Arenius 2003 working, competent, rich with indigenous knowledge, • potential and skilled persons. But the only requirement Georgeta, 2012 they needed is timely information, resources, finances, • Bertaux and Crable 2007

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ROLE OF TRADE IN WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN RURAL AREAS OF WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT (A case study of six successful women entrepreneurs in Duggirala and Ammapalem Villages of West Godavari District.)

Dr. C. Satyadevi1

Abstract Women in general and rural women in particular are economically dependent group of the society. Rural women are less educated and are from economically poor sections. They are primarily employed in agriculture sector as daily wage earners. Agriculture and allied activities in rural areas provide seasonal employment. Income is unstable and low. Therefore the better alternative is small trade. Rural women are slowly shifting to small trade especially those people nearer to semi urban areas. Thus they are not liberated. They are not free to do many things. Slowly the mind set of people is changing. The potentialities in women are slowly diverted from kitchen to trade sector. This is a significant step in the process of women empowerment of rural and less educated women. All respondents selected for study are successful entrepreneurs. They are able to prove that they too can do something special in trade. They are able to mange workers and face challenges of market. Key terms: Entrepreneurs,Factors of production,Market forces,Per-capita Income,Empowerment,Technical skills

Introduction • Less opportunities India is a fast developing agricultural economy. Rural • No technical skills Indians depend completely on agriculture and allied • Social evils activities for their livelihood. But agriculture reached optimum state in providing employment to four factors Very peculiar feature of Indian economy and also of production. The alternative to rural sector is to develop Indian society are – trade and small industries. In a family of more than 5 members only one person is Rural women primarily employed in agriculture sector the income earner and all others depend on him. Role of as daily wage earners. Agriculture and allied activities women in income earning is almost nil. Irrespective of in rural areas provide seasonal employment. Income is her education and technical talents, she remains as a unstable and low. Therefore the better alternative is small house wife. trade. Rural women are slowly shifting to small trade Even today 90% of women are confined to house and especially those people nearer to semi urban areas. others are engaged in seasonal agricultural work. Women constitute the half of the population and Women in rural areas are only for house work and man contribute half of the wealth to the nation, but women is the earning member of the family. There is no payment get no opportunity to prove her talents and to achieve for her assistance in agriculture or allied activities. wonders. This is the state of women in the world. Per- Example if animal rearing is a secondary activity, woman capita income can be improved when women also takes care of its work along with household work but become part of income generation. income goes to the husband. Therefore women may not get involved completely in income generation. Specific features of women in rural areas Influence of changing socio economic conditions: • Poverty From past two to three decades there was a drastic • Illiteracy change in the socio-economic conditions in rural areas • Ignorance of India. This change brought a change in the attitude of • Man dominated society the people. • Dependence on agriculture

1. Reader and HOD Commerce, St. Theresa’s College for Women, Eluru.

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• Women are willing to take any occupation to support Sample families. To conduct the study 6 successful women entrepreneurs • Less opportunities in agriculture and allied activities were selected from Duggirala and Ammapalem of West motivated women to shift to trade. Godavari District and through questions and discussions • Health and education are given priority. information was collected. • People are going for comforts and naturally need more With regard to the business, it was collected from income. customers and observation. All these changes resulted into a need for more money. Sample includes; Now family members are looking towards the alternative One women entrepreneur from each category of the sources of income. The immediate solution is the house- following were selected. wife. Thus rural women are given opportunities and • Cool Drinks and soda supplier encouragement but at an insignificant level. • Tailors Women in general and rural women in particular are • Vegetable & Fruit Vendor economically dependent group of the society. Thus they • Fast food and sweets supplier to retailers are not liberated. They are not free to do many things. • RO water plant Freedom depends on economic conditions. A person • Dairy who is economically independent can a free person. Reason for all problems of women is economic Limitations of the study dependence. If they become economically independent • There is no recorded evidence they can be empowered and can be liberated from all • Everything is oral presentation social clutches. • Respondents are not aware of the terms such as Rural women are neither educated nor trained in job empowerment, trade etc skills. They can either go for agriculture work or the small • They were unable to give information on financial business, which do not require special skills or more support, purchases and income. capital. Thus the rural women took a long step to the • They were reluctant to talk about profits. retail trade in unorganized small sector. The potentialities Profile of the respondents in women are slowly diverted from kitchen to trade sector. This is a significant step in the process of women Table - 1 : Age and education empowerment of rural and less educated women. S.No Age in years Total Education Small Trade sector: 1 20 – 30 1 10 passed Small trade sector is the retail trade sector usually deals 2 30- 40 4 Can read and write with basic needs and perishable goods. This is more unorganized small units of retail trade. This sector fills 3 40 -50 1 10th passed the gaps in the market. All respondents are between the age group on 28 to 45 Objectives of the study: years th • To make a study of the status of women Only two passed 10 entrepreneurs All can read and write • To analyze factors influencing the performance of All the respondents were agriculture labourers before women traders starting business • To make a study of the problems and achievements Table - 2 : Nature of business of women traders. S.No Name of the respondent Business • To recommend some practical suggestions. 1 Mrs.G.Kanaka Durga Soda and cool drinks Methodology 2 Mrs.B.Satyavahi Milk dairy For the study data and information is collected from both primary and secondary sources. 3 Mrs.P.Subbalakshmi Sweets & snacks Primary data is collected from the respondents through 4 Mrs. Rajyalakshmi Vegetables and fruits seller direct personal interview 5 Mrs.P Swarupa Rani Tailor Secondary data is collected from books and journals. 6 Mrs.Karuna Water plant RO

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Milk Dairy • If marketing facilities are improved she would like to Mrs. B. Satyavathi is running a mini dairy in Duggirla start readymade dresses. from 8 years. She started with one buffalo and now she • Difficult to get skilled staff. is managing 6 animals with 5 small ones. She sells around 24 litres per day. She employed on person to Vegetable vendor help her. Mrs. Rajyalakshmi wife of a small farmer of one acre whose income was not stable. Problems; She bought a second hand moped and started collecting • No institutional finance vegetables from small farmers and supplying to retailers. • Depend only on her earnings and borrowed from local She started business three years back. She also sells money lenders a few seasonally available fruits. • Less price is paid in local milk collection centres. It Problems is around Rs 48 to 52 per liter milk. But in the market • Not able to get better price it is Rs 60 for one liter milk. • If financial facility is given she like to buy a small • Animal feed is expensive in the markets. What is auto riksha and make a mobile vegetable shop so supplied by milk collection centres is not good quality. that she can directly supply to the customers. Soda and cool drinks Sweets and snacks Mrs. Kanaka Durga started Soda bottle filling business Mrs. Subbalakshmi prepares some sweets and eatables four years back. She inherited this from her father. She at home and supply to the local shops. maintains one second hand moped and supplies soda She is supplying from past 9 years as she was unable bottles to all the shops. In the beginning all in the village to go for farm work due to her knee problem. (Ammapalem) discouraged her saying it is man’s business. Now all are appreciating her. She also started Reasons to shift to business are sale of cool-drinks. • Seasonal employment in agriculture and allied Problems: activities. • No financial support • Interest in business • No vehicle to market the products except old moped • More income • Water Plant Encouragement from husband • Mrs. Karuna continued the business when her husband Opportunity to start business got a job in Eluru and left the business. She is able to Findings of the study make the plant a profitable unit. When she took over the • The striking change in the study is that the women charge it was in losses and all discouraged her. But in small trade empowered financially after shifting with her marketing skills she is able to make it a profitable from agriculture as daily wage earners to small trade. business. Average income increased from Rs40,000 to more Problems; than Rs.1,50,000 per annum for the selected sample She expressed that actually she don’t have a specific of women traders. problem. There is demand for mineral water in the village • All the respondents said that they do business only and she is unable to meet the demand. If some cheap to support the family financially. financial assistance is given she like to expand the unit. • All the respondents were agricultural labour and She employed two boys and a woman to help her. shifted to trade to improve income. • Tailor All members expressed that they have support from the other family members and specially from husband/ Mrs. Swarupa Rani started tailoring 6 years back with children. one machine and now she extended with four suing • machines and four helpers. She is specialised in blouses Four members expressed that if they are given making and also dresses. additional financial help they can improve business and two members said there is no need of the Problems additional finance. • If financial support is given she wish to start better • All the members are the members of DWCRA and advanced machines for making dresses. members and are happy with the group support.

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• Five members agreed that training in basic business • The 1991 Industrial Policy provided for women management, accounting and entrepreneurial skills entrepreneur training through Entrepreneur may help them and others have no idea about all Development Programme at national and state level. these. But none of the women know about it. There should • Some respondents strongly expressed that finance be publicity about all these. and marketing are the major problems. • All should treat women entrepreneurs as economic • All agreed that risk factor is unavoidable and it varied agents and should give equal status with men. with the type of business. • If women are motivated and supported by family members many more women will enter into the trade After the analysis of the study the following problems sector. were identified. • Size of the business is very small therefore the Conclusion activities and expenses are not economical. The study reveals that the role of women can be good • Capital investment is a major problem because the traders like men if proper guidance and support are given. respondents are not willing to expand the business Women who were successful in trade are empowered and are afraid of the risk in business. both economically and socially. They are able to support • Frequently they face criticism from others. the family and because their contribution their children are getting good education. If they are given support from • Dealing with men customers is always a problem the Government on one side and the family from the though majority of the respondents have more women other side they can prove their talent and stand at par customers. with men. • They are not aware of marketing and sales promotion techniques. Reference • All the respondents agreed that balancing both home Books and business is a major problem. • DF Kuratko and TV Rao - Entrepreneurship a South • All expressed that they never had any training but Indian Perspective published by CENGAGE only 40% agreed to take some training course if • Gaurav Datt & Ashwani Mahajan – Indian Economy offered by the Government. published by S.Chand &Co 2011 Suggestions • Khanka.SS – Entrepreneurship Development published by S.Chand & Co • A report on the National Commission on Self Employed women and Women in Informal Sector, • Rajiv Roy- Entrepreneurship published by Himalayan popularly known as “ Shrama Shakti Report” Publishing House emphasized that women possessing skills, • Robert D Hisrich, Michael P Peters and Dean A education and sense of enterprise should be Shepherd – Entrepreneurship encouraged to set up self employment programmes.. • Vasant Desai – Fundamentals of entrepreneurship Identification of deserving women can be undertaken and small business managementpublished by by the DIC at the district level and DWCRA groups. Himalaya Publishing House • There are variety of misconceptions, apprehensions and doubts about the women entrepreneurs. They Journals can be removed by exposing the achievements and • Southern Economist, March 2016 and October 2015 success stories of women entrepreneurs. • Yojana March 2014 • The base of several women entrepreneurs are homes. • A.P Government website It should be changed. Just like men, they should • West Godavari District Handbook also opt for commercial centers for their business, • th even if it is small. Deccan Chronical News paper 6 April 2016 • All women in informal, small trade sector should be given training in skills of management and accounting.

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VIOLENCE AGAINST WORKING WOMEN AT HOME AND WORK PLACE -SOME LEGAL AND PREVENTIVE STEPS

P. Bharathi Devi1

Abstract Despite of the progress made by women in education and in various fields and changes brought in ideas of women’s rights, respect for women is on the decline and crime against women are on the increase. In all regions of the world, women and girls are subjected to violence because of their gender. Despite the fact that differential social, cultural and political contexts give rise to different forms of violence, its predominance and its models are remarkably constant and cross national and social, economic bounders as well as cultural identities.The meaning of term violence is striking someone physically and causing injuring. It may involve verbal abuse or physical stress without the actual hitting which cause injury to the mind and harm the reputation. Rape, murder, abduction, kidnapping, sexual abuse, wife battering, maltreatment at home or offices are the cases of domestic violence against women, eve-teasing, forcing wife or daughter-in law for the female infanticide, forcing widow to commit sati etc., All the violence against women are affecting the large section of the society. The Paper is forced more on Violence against women at home and work place. Women at Home, Although working women help in bringing financial stability to family, their professional life often subjects them to increased domestic violence. According to a study, 80% higher chance of being abused by their husbands than women who remained unemployed. It is also found that women whose husbands had difficulty finding or keeping a job were more than twice as likely to experience domestic violence during that period. A variety of factors at the individual, relationship, community and society increase the incidence of violence against women at home, They include.. Substances (including alcohol), limited economic opportunities, disparities between men and women in economic, education and employment, disobeying husbands’ words, less dowry, in-laws domination, conflicts and tensions within the family, women’s insecure access to and control over property and land rights, male control over decision-making and assets, attitude and practices of husband towards women as subordinate to man, limited legislative and policy frame work for preventing and responding to violence, lack of punishment for perpetrators of violence, low levels of awareness among services provides, law enforcement and judicial actors. Violence against women at Work Place is more of Sexual Harassment. It is a wide spread problem whether it be a developed or developing nation. It appears both in organized and unorganized sectors of the every nation. Violence includes physical contact, a demand or request for sexual favor, making sexually colored remarks, showing pornography, other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature.70% of women are afraid to report their problem of sexual harassment from superiors or colleagues because of fear of further repercussion according to a survey conducted by the Indian Bar Association in 2017. It has also been observed that there are lots of sexual harassment incidents taking place in work place but the victims fear to report the same fear of loss of job, fear of guilt in the society that they have to face, fear of being thrown out of job, or being devoted, will jeopardize their. Some women have lack of knowledge about the prevailing law. Not only the single women, less qualified workers, the white-color women are also the major victims of violence.Violence against women affects personal and professional life and health of women in a large extent. Along with the physical and emotional sufferings, the economic costs of violence are considerable and can amount to loss of money due to medical and health care services of loss of productivity because of increased absenteeism. It affects job performance and leads to lateness, decreased job retention and career advancement. Sometimes it also leads to severe depression, panic attacks, attempting to suicides. Increased rate of crime against women is an area of concern for the law makers at it points out an emergent need to study in depth the root of the problems and remedy. There are a number of legislation and numerous penal provisions to punish the offenders of violence against women. However, it becomes important to ensure that gender does not remain only on paper. The legal and preventive steps are being discussed in the paper.

Introduction origin of social life in the country various countries came Violence is an act of aggression, is an act of exploitation and gone, time has changed people’s mind and environment seen everywhere in the world. Women obviously are the a lot, however, violence against women is not seem to most affected with the violent social structure, they are change a little bit. Time is the real witness of all the sufferings the major victims and objects of this violence, (like sex discrimination, exploitation, oppression, degradation, aggression, discrimination and exploitation. From the humiliation, etc.,) bear by the helpless women.

1. Lecturer in Economics, J.K.C.College, Guntur, AP.

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In all regions of the world, women and girls are subjected male dominated orthodox Indian society raises girls to to violence because of their gender. Despite the fact endure male aggression without protest. Indian social that differential social, cultural and political forms of norms within this conservative environment discourage violence, its predominance and its models are remarkable women’s employment; consequently, employed women constant, and cross national and social economic are subjected to more abuse compared to the bounders as well as cultural identities. Violence against unemployed counterparts. According to the research it women in India is going side by side to the technological is found that violence against women begins at home in important in modern in the world in the world in the the early age both in rural and urban areas by the family country. Violence to the women is of various types and members, relatives, neighbours and friends. The National can happen at any place like home, public place or office. Crime Records saying that, women in India are very much It is the big issue related to the women which cannot be unsafe in their martial home. ignored as it is hindering at most one half growth of the The current statistics based on the National Family country. Women in the Indian society have always been Health Survey data the nature and context of spousal considered as the things of enjoyment from the ancient violence against married employed women across job time. They have been victims of the humiliation, categories. It reveals that the majority of employed exploitation and torture by the men from the time of social women are skilled or unskilled manual workers, and organization and family life. most of them are subjected to spouse violence. Forms of Violence against women: Violence against Furthermore higher categories jobs do not protect women women may be any type and anywhere. Its different from spousal violence. Women’s empowerment, higher forms are Abetting a women’s suicide, Cruelty by education, and or, occupation compared to their partner, husband or his relatives, Attempt to commit rape, Dowry and partner alcoholism further induce cruelty on probation, Sexual harassment, Molestation, Kidnapping employed women. However, standard of living and a and abduction of women, Rape, Indecent representation husband having a comparatively better job are found to of women, Dowry death, Domestic violence, Immoral reduce spouse violence. trafficking etc., WHO has defined domestic violence as range of Violence against women in the country is getting more sexually, psychological and physically coercive acts frequent and alarmingly with huge sound. It is deeply used against adult and adolescent women by the rooted in the Indian society even after increasing current or former male partner. From the WHO multi education level of the people. Violence against women country study on women’s health and domestic violence happens because of inefficient legal justice system, reported life time prevalence of physical or sexual partner weak rules of law and male dominated social and political violence or both varied from 15% to 71% with the majority structures. It is creating pressure and heavy between 29% and 62%. Other problems such as attitude responsibility over the shoulders of social workers. of the society members, prejudice and non-recognition However, there is urgent need for women to be which the working women encountered with regard to empowered and responsible to themselves in order to their social status and role in the economic life adversely understand all the rights and take benefits. affect the utilization of their talents and work abilities. Objective of the Study: Violence affects the health of women. A wide range of 1. The main objective of the paper is to study the physical, mental and reproductive health problems can problems of violence against women at Home and at result from Violence. It affects the life span from sex work place. selective abortion of female fetuses to forced suicide and abuse and is evident to some degree, in every society 2. To study the risk factors and negative impacts of in the world. violence against women on health, family, and profession. Although working women help in bringing financial 3. To study the legal protection acts to protect the stability to family, their professional life often subjects women from violence them to increased domestic violence in India, according to a study. The research conducted by RTI International, 4. To study other protective steps to protect women from a North Carolina head quarted research institute, in violence. association with Indian Institute of Management in Domestic Violence against working women Bangalore and other U.S. Institutions, found that, 80% of higher change of being abused by then husbands than Violence against women, especially spousal violence is women who remained unemployed. It is also found that a common phenomenon in India which is significantly women whose husbands had difficulty finding or keeping increasing over the years. In the name of socialization,

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 100 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities a job were more than twice as likely to experience Working women have been facing violation both a home domestic violence during that period. and work place. A work place is defined by Sexual Harassment at work place (Prevention, Prohibition and According to Suneeta Krishnan, an epidemiologist in Redressal act) 2013, as any place visited by the RITs Women’s Global Health Improvement, the Women employees arising out of or during the course of subjected to the study were ‘highlights the complex employment, including transport ion provided by the challenges of women empowerment’. She said ‘while employer for undertaking such a journey. As per this increasing women’s access to meaningful and fair definition, a work place covers both the organized and employment, we must recognize the potential social unorganized sectors, any field of the society. repercussions of these efforts’. Ms. Krishna said key social expectations of men once married is that they Working women in any field are afraid to speak out work and earn for their family, and failure to meet this against abuses hey face out of fear of losing their jobs, expectations can lead to social disapproval. Social being stigmatized, or being socially ostracized both at disapproval, a sense of inadequacy and frustration and work and home. Women face not only aggressive verbal related stress and associated with living in poverty may abuse and discrimination from her male colleagues, but increase the likelihood of men perpetrating domestic also sexually assaulted by their colleagues, bosses. violence. Findings also showed that women in ‘love’ Production and work pressures also lead to the superiors marriages were almost twice more likely to experience treating workers badly, women who are less qualified, domestic violence than those in more traditional arranged single mothers and outsourced workers are at greater marriages, highlighting the adverse impact of flouting risk of gender-base violence. But educated white color social norms. women workers are also victims of abuse and sexual harassment. Factors responsible to Violence against women at Home: A variety of factors at the individual, relationship, Many women face fear to come forward to complaint community and society increase the incidence of violence against them because they do not have testimonies of against women at home, They include.. Substances abuse and harassments and it may create further (including alcohol), limited economic opportunities, problems. Women are afraid to lose their source of disparities between men and women in economic, income and are increasingly reluctant to denounce act education and employment, disobeying husbands’ words, of violence at their workplace. His further perpetuates less dowry, in-laws domination, conflicts and tensions intolerable situations of violence at work. Some women within the family, women’s insecure access to and control have lack of knowledge, Fear of retaliation, lack of over property and land rights, male control over decision- evidence, Did not’ know helpline numbers, Didn’t expert making and assets, attitude and practices of husband police at act, family matters, Didn’t want to get stuck in towards women as subordinate to man, limited legislative police/court matters, scared to go to police stations are and policy frame work for preventing and responding to also some of the reasons for hesitating to filing the report. violence, lack of punishment for perpetrators of violence, low levels of awareness among services provides, law Specific forms of violence at work place: It includes enforcement and judicial actors. • Sexual coercion • Gender- Based work place discrimination, Violence against women at work place: stigmatization, and social exclusion Violence against women especially Sexual Harassment • Sexual harassment and intimidation at work place is a widespread problem in the work whether it be a developed nation or developing nation. • Sexual exploitation and abuse We rarely pass through a week without a reminder of • Trafficking for forced labour and sex work within and the various types an incidence which should be termed across borders. as ‘social problem.’ Some of the examples sexual harassment at work The United Nations Office of the Higher Commissionaire place: for Human Rights Committee on the Elimination of • Making sexually suggestive remarks or innuendos Discrimination against women (CEDAW) defines it as • Serious repeated offensive remarks, such as teasing ‘Violence that is directed against a woman because she relating to a person’s body appearance is a woman or that affects women disproportionately’ in • its General Recommendations 19. The definition of Offensive comments or jokes sexual harassment in simple words ‘is any unwanted or • Displaying sexist picture, posters, mms, sms, inappropriate sexual attention, it includes touching, looks, whatsapp or e-mails comments or gestures’. • Intimidation, threats blackmails round sexual favor

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• Inappropriate question, suggestions or remains bout a person’s sex life • Threats, intimidation or retaliation against an employee who speaks up about unwelcome behaviors with sexual over notes • Unwelcome social invitations and sexual advance • Physical contact such as touching or pinching • Caressing, kissing or fondling, someone against her will • Invasion of personal space, persistently asking someone out, despite being turned down • Stalking an individual, abuse of authority or power to threaten a person’s job • Falsely accessing and undermining a person behind closed doors for sexual fanon • Controlling persons’ reputation by rumor- mongering about her private life. If the women do not satisfy men’s sexual desires they have to face many problems at work place. Some of the critical situations and problems they face include.. • Criticizing, insulting, blaming in public • Exclusion from group activities/ assignment • Statements damaging a persons’ reputation or career • Removing areas of responsibilities, unjustifiably • Inappropriate giving too little or too much work • Constantly over ruling authority without just cause • Unjustifiably monitoring everything that is done • Blaming an individual constantly without just cause • Insulting or humiliation, repeated attempts to exclude or isolate person. • Systematically interfering with normal work condition • Humiliating a person in front of colleagues, arbitrary taking disciplinary action against employee • Controlling the person by withholding financial resources. Negative Effects of Violence against working women: Working women badly affects professionally and personally with violence.

PROFESSIONAL EFFECTS PERSONAL AND HEALTH EFFECTS Decreases work performance Depression, some cases leads to suicides and death Increased absenteeism, loss of pay Anxiety, panic attacks Loss of promotional opportunities Traumatic stress Retaliation from the respondent or colleagues/friends Sleeplessness, shame, guilt, self blame of the respondents Subject to gossips and scrutiny at work Difficulty in concentration , Headache, fatigue, loss of motivation Being objectified Personal difficulties with family Becoming publicly sexualized Eating disorder, feeling betrayed/violated Harming to relocate Feeling angry, towards the respondent Being ostracized, defamation Loss of confidence and self- esteem, over all loss of trust in people Job and career consequences, weakened support at Problem with intimates and loneliness work

Along with the physical and emotional suffering, the economic costs of violence against women are considerable and can amount to loss of money due to medical and health care services or loss of productivity because of increased absenteeism. It affects job performance and leads to lateness, decreased jobs retention and career

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 102 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities advancement. Victims of gender discrimination lose UNITE leads the 16 Days of Activism against Gender- motivation and morale necessary to perform their job Based Violence campaign from 25th to 10th December, effectively (ILO; 2007) with the themes “Leave no one-behind; end violence against women and girls” to world free from violence fo According to USAID (2006), women who experience all women around the world, including refugees, violence or abuse were significantly more likely to report migrants, minorities, indigenous people and popular being in ‘fair or poor health, and are almost twice as affected by conflict and natural disaster, amongst other. likely to be experiencing depression. This leads to poor The UNITE to End Violence against women campaign performance at a work place. Also women who have invited to have “Orange the World” using the colours been victims of violence are less likely to access designated by the UNITE campaign to symbolic a brighter prevention and injury related to health care than non- future without violence. abused women. They may also be at risk containing HIV/AIDS because of the aforementioned. Indian Legal and government protective Acts: If the following laws are properly, enforced, women in India Legal Framework for Combating Violence and may be able to hope for safe, more peaceful home within Women at Work and Home: the future. Violence against women is one of the most widespread, 1. The Indian Penal Code Amendment in 1983; A persistent and divesting human rights violations in our special section, numbered 498A, that officially made world today. It is a major obstacle to the fulfillment of domestic violence a criminal offense made added to women’s and girls’, human right and to the achievement the Indian Penal Code in 1983. This section of the of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It law specifically covers cruelty towards married women occurs worldwide, cutting across all generations, by their husbands or their husbands’ families. The nationalities, communities and spheres of our societies, acts of cruelty include – physical abuse, mental irrespective of age, ethnicity, disability or other torture through threat, denying the women food, background. locking her in or out of the house as punishment and “Violence in the world of work is a human rights issue; demising perverse sexual acts against the women’s An appropriate approach towards eliminating violence will. at work implies targeting the root causes of 2. The 2005 Protection of Women from Domestic discriminatory practices. States have legal obligation Violence Act – created in 2005. to prevent, investigate and punish acts of violence against 3. The 2013 Criminal Law Amendment, the aim of women, whether those acts are perpetrated by the State the amendment was to provide harsher and swifter or by Private actors. – Secretary-General, punishment for those criminals who committed abuse International Organisation of Employers. against women. The offenses include- acid attacks, The convention on the Elimination of All Forms of stalking, and voyeurism, publicly and forcibly Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) constitutes the disrobing a woman. frame work for advancing and protecting women’s human 4. The Family Violence Prevention and Services right under international law. India became a state party Act (FVPSA) help victims of domestic violence and in 1993. Each state party is required to eliminate their children by providing shelter and resources. discrimination against women and take practical and Under the FVPSA, the administration for Children effective steps towards the realization of substantive and Families, part of the U.S. Department of Health equality for women (Article 2). All forms of gender-based and Human Services funds national, State, and violence constitute discrimination against women under Community programs, such as state domestic (EDAW) violence coalitions and the Domestic Violence Spotlight Initiative is a new initiative that European Union Resource Network. (EU) and the United Nations (UN) are embarking on a 5. Crime Against Women Cells: This is an initiative new, global multi-years initiative focused on eliminating of the Indian government better help female victims all forms of violence against women and girls. of domestic abuse. In every districts’ police. A crime against women cell was put in place the women The UNITE to end violence against women initiative sufferers may approach these help desks for direct launched in 2008 by the UN Secretary –General. By assistance from the police stations. resolution 54/134 of 17th December 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25th November as the 6. Rajiv Gandhi National Crèche Scheme for International Day for the Elimination of Violence children of working mothers (2006); for uplift of against Women to have awareness about the problem. women. It will provide day-care facilities, improved nutrition, immunization facilities, sleeping facilities,

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and set the stage for better physical, mental and • Use of educational curricula to modify discretionary social growth of children f working women. social and pattern of behavior as well as derogatory 7. Women Help lines: (April 2015); is an initiative for gender stereotypes, sensitization of media regarding uplift of women who are in need of immediate emerging violence. response facing violence. It provides 24 hours toll • Provision for efficient and timely prevision of financial free telephonic assistance to any women or girl facing assistance to survivors in order to meet their needs. violence in the public and private sphere of life. • Police department should respond quickly Preventive Steps to protect working women from Conclusion violence; Legislation should prioritize prevention of violence against women and should include provisions In personal survey, many women shared about their as domestic violence from husband, or relatives of husband but no one was opened their mouths about their violence • All employers or persons in charge of work place at workplace. Just because of fear of job loss, do not whether public/private sector should take appropriate have testimonies, dishonor at workplace, home and the steps to prevent sexual harassment without prejudice society etc., Unless and until the mind sets of men at to the generality of this obligation by following the home and outside changed the violence continued steps. without an end even though many law are implementing. • Express prohibition of sexual harassment as defined above at the work place should be notice published References: and circulated in appropriate ways. • Spousal violence against working women in India – • The rulers of government and public sector bodies Chiti Sharma Biswas relating to conduct and discipline should include rules • Violence against working women – The Hindu , De. prohibiting sexual harassment and provide for 17, 2016 appropriate penalties in such rules against the • A study of Domesti Violence in working women – offender. Hina Kausar, Shruti.P. • As regards private employment, steps should be • CEDAW (2002) – Consideration of reports, submitted taken to include the aforesaid prohibition in the by States parties under article 18 of CEDAW standing orders under industrial employment act, • 1946. Equality at Work – ILO – declaration • • Appropriate work conditions should be provided in USAID – Human Development Report. respect of work, leisure health and hygiene, to further • Handbook on Sexual Harassment of women t work ensure that there is no hostile environment towards place women at work place a no employee woman should • www.lawfar have reasonable grounds to believe that she is • Report of WHO disadvantaged in convention with her employment. • Awareness – raising activities regarding women’s human rights, gender equality and the right of women to be free from violence

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

K. Durga Pavani1

Abstract The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. With a decline in their status from the ancient to medieval times, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, their history has been eventful. In modern India, women have held high offices including that of the President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Leader of the Opposition, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers and Governors.Women's rights under the Constitution of India mainly includes equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination; further, India has various statutes governing the rights of women. As of 2011, the President of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of the parliament) were women. However, women in India continue to face numerous problems such as crime, gender inequality.

Meaning of Women Empowerment between what the law prescribes and what actually Women empowerment means emancipation of women occurs. from the vicious grips of social, economical, political, Political Women Empowerment It means the caste and gender-based discrimination. It means granting existence of a political system favoring the participation women the freedom to make life choices. Women in and control by the women of the political decision- empowerment does not mean ‘deifying women’ rather it making process and in governance. means replacing patriarchy with parity. In this regard, there are various facets of women empowerment, such The position of Women in India: The position enjoyed as given hereunder:— by women in the Rig- Vedic period deteriorated in the later Vedic civilization. Women were denied the right to Human Rights or Individual Rights: A woman is a education and widow remarriage. They were denied the being with senses, imagination and thoughts; she should right to inheritance and ownership of property. Many be able to express them freely. Individual empowerment social evils like child marriage and dowry system means to have the self-confidence to articulate and assert surfaced and started to engulf women. During Gupta the power to negotiate and decide. period, the status of women immensely deteriorated. Social Women Empowerment A critical aspect of Dowry became an institution and Sati Pratha became social empowerment of women is the promotion of gender prominent. equality. Gender equality implies a society in which During the British Raj, many social reformers such as women and men enjoy the same opportunities, outcomes, Raja Rammohun Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and rights and obligations in all spheres of life. Jyotirao Phule started agitations for the empowerment Educational Women Empowerment It means of women. Their efforts led to the abolition of Sati and empowering women with the knowledge, skills, and self- formulation of the Widow Remarriage Act. Later, confidence necessary to participate fully in the stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi and Pt. Nehru advocated development process. It means making women aware women rights. As a result of their concentrated efforts, of their rights and developing a confidence to claim them. the status of women in social, economic and political life began to elevate in the Indian society. Economic and occupational empowerment It implies a better quality of material life through sustainable Current Scenario on Women Empowerment -. livelihoods owned and managed by women. It means Based on the ideas championed by our founding fathers reducing their financial dependence on their male for women empowerment, many social, economic and counterparts by making them a significant part of the political provisions were incorporated in the Indian human resource. Constitution. Women in India now participate in areas Legal Women Empowerment It suggests the provision such as education, sports, politics, media, art and of an effective legal structure which is supportive of culture, service sector and science and technology. But women empowerment. It means addressing the gaps due to the deep- rooted patriarchal mentality in the Indian

1. Assistant Professor, Andhra Loyola College, AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 105 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 society, women are still victimized, humiliated, tortured empowerment of women both prior to and post- and exploited. Even after almost seven decades of Independence. However, women in India continue to face Independence, women are still subjected to atrocities such as rape, dowry killings, acid attacks, discrimination in the social, economic and educational human trafficking, etc. According to a global poll field. conducted by Reuters, India is the “fourth most dangerous country in the world for women”. Major landmark steps taken for women empowerment.- Women Empowerment — Challenges Provisions made under the Constitution of India such Perspective: The most widespread and dehumanizing as: Right to equality under Article 14 of the Indian discriminations against women are on the basis of the Constitution guarantees to all Indian women equality biassed perspective. The discrimination against the girl before law; Equal pay for equal work under Article 39(d), child begins from the birth itself. Boys are preferred over guards the economic rights of women by guaranteeing girls; hence, female infanticide is a common practice in equal pay for equal work; and Maternity Relief under India. The ordeal that an Indian girl faces at birth is only Article 42, allows provisions to be made by the state for the beginning of a lifelong struggle to be seen and heard. securing just and humane condition of work and Patriarchate Bottlenecks The traditional Indian society maternity relief for women. is a patriarchal society ruled by the diktats of self- Acts like the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, prohibits the proclaimed caste lords who are the guardians of archaic request, payment or acceptance of a dowry. Asking or and unjust traditions. They put the burden of traditions, giving dowry can be punished by imprisonment as well culture, and honor on the shoulders of women and mark as fine; Protection of Women from Domestic Violence their growth. The incidences of “honor killing” reveal the Act, 2005, provides for a more effective protection of the distorted social fiber in the male-dominated society. rights of women who are victims of domestic violence. A Economic Backwardness: Women constitute only 29% breach of this Act is punishable with both fine and of the workforce but forms majority of the destitute in imprisonment; Sexual Harassment of Women at Work the country. There has been a failure in transforming the Place (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, available women base into human resource. This, in turn, helps to create a conducive environment at the workplace has hampered not only the economic development of for women where they are not subjected to any sort of women but also of the country’ as a whole. sexual harassment. Implementation Gaps Through all these years, the Panchayati Raj Institutions As per the 73rd and 74th attention is only on developing and devising new Constitutional Amendment Act, all the local elected schemes, policies and programmes and have paid less bodies reserve one-third of their seats for women. Such attention to the proper monitoring system and a provision was made to increase the effective implementation short-sightedness, for e.g. despite the participation of women in politics. presence of The Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technologies Act Women’s Reservation Bill: It is a pending Bill in India and various health programmes like Janani Suraksha which proposes to reserve 33% of all seats in the Lok Yojana and National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), our Sabha and in all State Legislative Assemblies for women. country has a skewed sex ratio and a high maternal If passed, this Bill will give a significant boost to the mortality . rate (MMR). position of women in politics. Loopholes in the legal structure Although there are Various Government Policies and Schemes-. a number of laws to protect women against all sorts of violence yet there has been the significant increase in The Government of India is running various welfare the episodes of rapes, extortions, acid, attacks etc. This schemes and policies, both at State and Central levels is due to delay in legal procedures and the presence of for the empowerment of woman. Some of the major several loopholes in the functioning of a judicial system. programs and measures include Swadhar (1995), Swayam Siddha (2001), Support to Training and Lack of Political Will: The still- pending Women’s Employment Programme for Women (STEP-2003), Sabla Reservation Bill underscores the lack of political will to Scheme (2010), National Mission for Empowerment of empower women politically. The male dominance prevails Women (2010) etc. All such policies and programs focus in the politics of India and women are forced to remain on social, economic and educational empowerment of mute spectators. women across various age groups. Way ahead starts with bridging the deep-rooted biases Thus, there has been no dearth of social, economic, through sustained reconditioning. It is only possible by political, legal and Constitutional efforts made for the promoting the idea of gender equality and uprooting social

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 106 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities ideology of male child preferability. This concept of will take its time as well. The idea of women equality should be first developed in each and every empowerment might sound hard by the yard, but by the household and from there, it should be taken to the inch, it is just a cinch. All we need is a concentrated society. This can be achieved by running sustained effort focused in the right direction that would rest only awareness programs with the help of Nukkad Natak or with the liberation of women from all forms of evil. dramas, radio, television, Internet, etc. across the country. Characteristics of women empowerment. The following are the characteristics of women Replacing ‘Patriarchy’ with Parity: A strong empowerment. patriarchate society with deep- rooted socio-cultural values continues to affect women’s empowerment. The • Women empowerment is giving power to women. It need of the hour is an egalitarian society, where there is is making women better off. It enables a greater no place for superiority. The Government should identify degree of self-confidence and sense of independence and eliminate such forces that work to keep alive the among women. tradition of male dominance over its female counterpart • Women empowerment is a process of acquiring by issuing inhumane and unlawful diktats. power for women in order to understand their rights and to perform her responsibilities towards oneself Education is the most important and indispensable tool and others in a most effective way. It gives the capacity for women empowerment. It makes women aware of their or power to resist discrimination imposed by the male rights and responsibilities. Educational achievements of dominated society. a woman can have ripple effects for the family and across generations. Most of the girls drop out of schools due to • Women empowerment enables women to organize the unavailability of separate toilets for them. The recently themselves increase their self-reliance and it provides launched ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’ focusing on improving greater autonomy. sanitation facilities in schools and every rural household • Women empowerment means women’s control over by 2019, can prove to be very significant in bringing down material assets intellectual resources and ideology . the rate of girls dropping out of school. it challenges traditional power equations and relations. Political Will: Women should have access to resources, • Women empowerment abolishes all gender base rights, and entitlements. They should be given decision- discrimination in all institutions and structures of making powers and due position in governance. Thus, society. it ensures participation of women in policy the Women Reservation Bill should be passed as soon and decision-making the process at domestic and as possible to increase the effective participation of public levels. women in the politics of India. • Women empowerment means exposing the oppressive powers of existing gender social relations. Bridging implementation gaps: Government or community-based bodies must be set up to monitor the • Women empowerment makes women more powerful programs devised for the welfare of the society. Due to face the challenges of life, to overcome to the importance should be given for their proper disabilities , handicaps, and inequalities . it enables implementation and their monitoring and evaluation women to realize their full identity and powers in all through social audits. spheres of life. • Empowerment also means equal status to women . Justice delayed is justice denied. Efforts should be made it provides greater access to knowledge and to restructure the legal process to deliver fair and in- resources greater autonomy in decision making time justice to the victims of heinous crimes like rapes, greater ability to plan their and freedom from the acid attacks, sexual harassment, trafficking and shackles imposed on them by custom belief and domestic violence. The idea of fast-track courts, devised practice. to impart speedy justice to the victims of rapes and other crimes against women, is a good initiative taken by the • Women empowerment occurs within sociology, judiciary and the Government of India. psychological , political cultural, familial and economic spheres and at various levels such as individual, Conclusion: Empowering women socially, group and community. economically, educationally politically and legally is going • Women empowerment is an ongoing dynamic to be a Herculean task. It is not going to be easy to process which enhances women’s abilities to change change the culture of disregard for women which are so the structure and ideologies that keep them deep-rooted in Indian society. But it does not mean that subordinate. Women empowerment is a process of it is implausible. Only revolutions bring changes in a creating awareness and capacity building. day, but reforms take their time. This one, in particular,

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In the process of empowerment women should consider This is all about women empowerment a topic which their strengths and weakness opportunities and threats really needs to be known to all the people out there. It is and move forward to unfold their own potential to achieve not about just handful but for the 586.47 million which their goals through self-development . in our country is nearly 48,5% of women in the country. empowering women through enterprise development has I m sure working for such a huge crowds development become an integral part of our development efforts due will make our country reach new heights of development. to three important advantage entrepreneurs , economic growth an social stability . Examples of Women Empowerment: The promotional schemes available in the country in order • Indra Nooyi to develop women entrepreneurship are as follows. India-born she attended IIM Calcutta and the Yale • Mahila Nidhi. SO Management. Nooyi rightfully claimed the world’s • Mahila vikas Nidhi attention when she became CEO of the world’s second largest corporation, PepsiCo. • Priyadarshini yojana . Forbes has named her 4th on the 2008 and 2009 • Trade-related entrepreneurship assistance and most powerful women in business. She has been development ( TREAD). named one of America’s Best Leaders. • Special programs conducted by the SIDO ( small Nooyi has 2 daughters and has been ranked and the industries development organization) 3rd most powerful Mom in the world. • CWEI ( the consortium of women entrepreneurs of • Indira Gandhi India. She served as the third prime Minister of India. She • WIT ( women India trust). gained notoriety as she continued to serve for 3 • SWEA ( self-employed women association) . consecutive terms, and then went on to serve an • SHG’s ( self-help group) unprecedented fourth term. She was the only Prime • FTWE ( federation of women entrepreneurs) Minister to declare a state of emergency to “rule by decree”. • Income generating schemes by Department of women and child development. To the end she was has also been the only prime minister to have been placed in prison for her • KVIC ( khadi villages industries commission) decisions. Her arrest gained her great sympathy and • DIC ( District industrial centers ) popularity of many people. • Women cell Her life was cut short by her very own bodyguards in • Women industries fund schemes. retaliation for ordering the army to enter the most famous Golden Temple to remove insurgents inside These schemes can financially help the women but she the temple. has to take her own decision! Step out motivate each other and let the stars work for you! And of course, our government who is coming up with various schemes to make women socially and economically strong.

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FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN INDIA

B. Surya Prakasa Rao1 R. Venkateswarulu2

Abstract Entrepreneurship is essential to initiate the process of economic development for developing countries. Every country tries to achieve economic development for prosperity and better life to their people. So, contribution of both men and women is essential in economic activities for any nation. But in India, women are facing many problems in carrying out economic activities or undertaking any entrepreneurial work. Sometimes women have to face various socio-economic and other problems as entrepreneurs as they are not treated on par with men due to social and cultural conditions in the society. In recent years, it is observed that there has been increasing trend in women enterprises in India. Today, more and more women are undertaking various economic activities. They are playing very important role in socio- economic development of all countries. Because of their participation, global economy has been changed. It is estimated that approximately one third of the business organizations are owned by women in India and all over the world. The study aims at understanding the development of women entrepreneurship in India and their success and challenges. In view of the above conditions of women in India there is a strong need to analyze the financial inclusion for women and it needs a comprehensive programme to sustain women empowerment. The emergence of women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the national economy is quite visible in India. Throughout the developing countries, innovative lending programmes have emerged that specialized in giving small capital loans to low income entrepreneurs.

Introduction to essential services in health and education especially Men devoted less time to voluntary care work, leaving for the poor, equality of opportunity empowerment of them free to opt for work in the public sphere, including women through financial inclusion. politics and trade unions - or to pursue more leisure The emergence of women entrepreneurs: activities. This resulted in a much higher total work load on women than on men throughout their lives. The emergence of women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the national economy is quite visible in Again this unequal work load between women and men India. Since the 1970’s, many women’s organizations had a direct effect on the distribution of economic resources world wide have included credit and savings, both as a by gender. Women were disadvantaged in terms of labour way of increasing women’s incomes. The 1980’s saw market access, career opportunities and occupational the emergence of poverty - targeted micro-finance and earning status. Women are more readily prepared institutions like Gramena Bank. to work in informal jobs and ended up being dependent Throughout the developing countries, innovative lending on the family after a life time of informal work. programmes have emerged that specializes in giving Empowerment is measured by the degree of economic small capital loans to low-income entrepreneurs. independence at household level decision making with in the group. For the first time in the history of Indian Women’s Contribution to Economic Development planning there is an attempt to move beyond Women in India have been engaged in economic activities empowerment and recognize women as a great force over centuries of history primarily through employment. which can influence Socio-Economic growth and change. Due to low productivity and inadequate incomes in the The Eleventh plan recognized that women are not a agricultural sector women in small farm families have homogenous category. Their situations and requirements moved from unpaid family labour to other occupations in differ based on their locations within various castes, particular, small scale enterprises through SHG movement. communities, religious, geographic and zones. Therefore The absence of property rights and the concomitant the broad vision of the Eleventh plan included several difficulty in accessing credit may be responsible for the inter-related components: rapid growth that reduces low proportion of women entrepreneurs in India. They poverty and creates employment opportunities, access face widespread discrimination and exploitation.

1. Lecturer in English, S.R.V.B.S.J.B.M.R.College, Peddapuram. 2. Lecturer in Commerce, Ideal College of Arts and Science, Kakinada.

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Need for a comprehensive programme to increase members think it a big risk financing the ventures Financial Inclusion for women: run by women. It is important to note that initiatives cannot be taken 2. The financial institutions are skeptical about the and implemented by the government alone. The entrepreneurial abilities of women. The bankers promotion of women entrepreneurial activities and consider women loonies as higher risk than men financial inclusion has to be elevated to a policy debate. loonies. The bankers put unrealistic and There should be a serious commitment by banks and unreasonable securities to get loan to women financial institutions and their business development entrepreneurs. According to a report by United sections should be proactive and ensure that credit Nations Industrial Development Organization delivery to women engaged in relevant sectors is given (UNIDO), “despite evidence that women’s loan priority. repayment rates are higher than men’s, women still face more difficulties in obtaining credit”, often due In addition to the major infrastructure development to discriminatory attitudes of banks and informal projects, many village level enterprises and projects are lending groups (UNIDO, 1995b). coming up within a short period of time. Crop agriculture, the dairy industry, fishing industry and livestock are three 3. The women entrepreneurs are suffering from key areas which can make a significant contribution to inadequate financial resources and working capital. growth. Women’s participation in each of these activities 4. Women’s family obligations also bar them from is estimated to be high and there are clear opportunities becoming successful entrepreneurs in both developed for women, seeking banking and financial services. and developing nations. “Having primary responsibility for children, home and older dependent family It is time to prepare a comprehensive plan and that should members, few women can devote all their time and have new entry points to accommodate women’s financial energies to their business”. The financial institutions requirements. discourage women entrepreneurs on the behalf that Women Empowerment practices. they can at any time leave their business and become Women constitute one-half of the world’s population and housewives again. The result is that they are forced a visible majority of the poor. Women either solely or to rely on their own savings, and loan from relatives largely support an increasing number of families. Projects and family friends. aiming to improve the living conditions of the poor cannot 5. Indian women give more emphasis to family ties and be effective unless women participate in their formulation relationship. Married women have to make a fine and implementation as contributors as well as balance between business and home. Moreover, the beneficiaries. business success is depends up on the family members extended to women in the business The following important conclusions are drawn process and management. The interest of family * To empower women is to increase their control over members is a determinant factor in the realization of the decisions that effect their lives both within and women folk business aspirations. outside the household. 6. Another argument is that women entrepreneurs have * Women should be encouraged to bring their vision low level management skills. They have to depend and leadership, knowledge and skills views and on offices staffs and intermediaries, to get things aspirations into the development agenda from the done, especially, the marketing and sale side of grass roots to international level. business. Here there is more probability for business * Women should be assisted in conflict situations and fallacies like the intermediaries take major part of their participation in peace processes supported the surplus or profit. * Emphasis should be given to advocacy of gender 7. The male-female competition is another factor, which responsive legislation and constitutional revisions to develop hurdles to women entrepreneurs in the increase women’s opportunities to influence the business management process. Despite the fact that direction of society and to remove obstacles to women entrepreneurs are good in keeping their women’s access to power. services prompt and delivery in time, due to lack of organizational skills compared to male entrepreneurs Problems of Women Entrepreneurs in India women have to constraints from competition. The 1. The greatest deterrent to women entrepreneurs is confidence to travel across day and night and even that they are women. A kind of patriarchal-male different regions and level freedom of expression and dominant social order is the building block to them freedom of mobility of the women entrepreneurs. in their way towards business success. Male

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8. Less Confidence: Women entrepreneurs are not Suggestions : confident about their strength and competence. Their * Ensure equal access to illiterate poor women to get family members don’t stand by their entrepreneurial the benefits from PMRY Programme. growth. In recent years, though the situation is * Bank transaction must be user friendly and must changing, yet the women have to face further change reach the doorsteps of rural women. for increased entrepreneurial growth. * Production cum training centres should be opened Help extended to Women Entrepreneurs in India at community level according to the market 1. Multilateral lending agency Asian Development Bank conditions. and Japan gives support, including financial * Individual awareness programmes on health and assistance, for initiatives to improve skills of low- nutritional issues should be organized to improve income women entrepreneurs in India. A grant of $3 the health status of members as well as family. million from the government of Japan-financed Japan * Promote quality education and vocational training Fund for poverty reduction, administered by ADB, will for girls and women. be used to help women entrepreneurs in India. * Provide business services, training and access to 2. Further assistance would be given to Small Industries markets, information and technology particularly to Development Bank of India and its partner low income women community. microfinance institutions to review and revives their gender policies and practices. References: 3. Additional funds of $ 1,08,000 from the Government 1. Brush, C.G.(1997), “Women-owned Businesses: of India and $ 1,06,700 from beneficiary communities Obstacles and Opportunities”, Journal of will be provided for a total grant cost of $3.214 million, Developmental Entrepreneurship. it noted. 2. Buttner, E.H (1993), “Female Entrepreneurs: How Far have they come? Business Horizons. Table - 1 : Schemes for Women Entrepreneurs 3. Kanitkar, A (1994), “Entrepreneurs and Micro Bank Schemes Enterprises in Rural India”, Economic and Political Weekly, Vol.29, No.9. Bank of India Priyadarshini Yogana 4. Government of India (2008): Economic Survey 2007- Central Bank of India Cent kalyani 08, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Oriental Bank and Commerce Oriental Mahila Vikas Yojana 5. GoI (2008): Planning Commission Government of Central Bank CAN mahila India, 2008 Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), Vol- III, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Dena Bank Dena Shakti 6. GoI (2008): Planning Commission Government of State Bank of Mysore Sthree Shakthi India, 2008 Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-2012), Vol- Punjab National Bank Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme I, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. State Bank of India Sthree Shakthi Package 7. Lalitha, N. and B.S. Nagarajan, (2002): Self-help Groups in Rural Development, New Delhi, Dominant Punjab and sind Bank Udyogini Scheme Publishers and Distributors. SIDBI Mahila Udyam Nidhi Tamilnadu Marchantile Bank Mahalir Source: CLSA Asian-Pacific Markets.

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FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

V. Ramesh Krishna1

Abstract In the present paper the author explains the financial inclusion for women empowerment through education for economic development and growth. Development of women is essential for overall development of any country. In India we are having various legislations and provisions in our Constitution of India for having equal rights to women, but our laws are concentrating on social upliftment of women and we can say that we are successful in achieving the social equality for women in our society, but we need to remember that unless we are developing a person financially there is no scope for all round development of that person. So here we need to develop women not only socially but also financially. We can say that there is a need to inclusion of women financially. This paper explains the meaning of financial inclusion of women in India and the present situation of women in India and the legal framework available for protecting the rights of women and the ideal legal framework which we need to have for achieving financial inclusion of women for economic development and growth.

Introduction Objectives Development of women education helps in development • To study about financial inclusion of women though of family at micro level and development of country at education in India macro level. For development of any person financial • To study the legal framework available for inclusive growth is very essential, but unfortunately in case of financial growth of women in India. women in India, they are not included in the development • To suggest the ideal legal framework for inclusion of of India and the financial assistance that is provided to women in financial sector. women is very negligible in India. Women in India are having equal rights with men according to Constitution Methodology of India and even according to various legislations in The researcher adopted descriptive and doctrinal India. We can say that the government of India has taken methodology in the present study. various measures to uplift the position of women in India. We can even say that our country is successful in Sources of data socially uplifting the women in our society. At present The data is collected from various secondary sources we can say that women are equal with men and they like government websites, articles published etc. are having various mechanisms to protect their rights in Financial Inclusion in India our society. We are successful in social upliftment of women but we failed in financial upliftment of women in Financial inclusion was first introduced in India by Y. our society. This is nothing financial inclusion of women Venugopal reddy former RBI governor. Financial inclusion for economic development and growth. Unless a person means provision of financial service at affordable cost to is financially developed, it is not possible for him to lower income sections people, if financial services are achieve overall development in society. In this paper the not available at affordable cost to lower income.section author explains what is the meaning of financial inclusion it is called as financial exclusion. As per world bank of women in development and the legal framework report almost 2 billion people are using banking and available for us for protecting the rights of women, financial service, even 50% of the poorest families is not measures taken by the government for upliftment of having banking facilities. women in our country and finally explains about the ideal World bank president called for Universal financial legal framework ought to be for financial inclusion of Access ( UFA ) even after 60 years of independence women for economic development and growth. 50% of Indian population are not included into financial services i.e existing financial service are not at affordable cost in India. Financial inclusion is required to improve

1. Lecturer in Commerce, Govt. Degree College,Ramachandrapuram - E.G.District

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 112 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities habit of thrift, due to be short of habit of thrift people use • The State not to discriminate against any citizen on to spend their entire earnings as result they are falling grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of into vicious circle of poverty. If underprivileged section birth or any of them (Article 15 (i)) people deprived from organized financial services then • The State to make any special provision in favour of this situation forces them to depend on other non women and children (Article 15 (3)) institutional financial sources. As we know that 70% of • Equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters the agriculture finance is provided by non institutional relating to employment or appointment to any office financial source money lenders. under the State (Article 16) As per indifference curve analysis in Economics • The State to direct its policy towards securing for transferring money directly into the accounts of lower men and women equally the right to an adequate income group is less burden than giving subsidies means of livelihood (Article 39(a)); and equal pay for directly, for example if subsidy is given on rice people equal work for both men and women (Article 39(d)) will purchase entire quantity which is provided on subsidy • The State to promote with special care the educational if money is directly transferred into the accounts people and economic interests of the weaker sections of they will try to save money and they use it judicially. the people and to protect them from social injustice Financial inclusion is important tool for rapid economic and all forms of exploitation (Article 46) development but it requires a strong political will and • Not less than one-third (including the number of seats close observation of RBI. Recent central government reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled program Pradhan Mantry Jandhan Youjana is best Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number example of financial inclusion of under privileged section of seats to be filled by direct election in every people because this program 51% percent of the bank Panchayat to be reserved for women and such seats accounts in the public sector banks accounts were to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies opened by this low income group people to get the benefit in a Panchayat (Article 243 D(3)) of Pradhan Mantry Jandhan Youjana • Not less than one- third of the total number of offices After introduction of Pradhan Mantry Jandhan Youjana of Chairpersons in the Panchayats at each level to 47% of women in India are having the basic bank be reserved for women (Article 243 D (4)) account. As we know that 49% of Indian population is • Not less than one-third (including the number of seats female population financial inclusion of women is driving reserved for women belonging to the Scheduled force of Indian economic development. Along with that Castes and the Scheduled Tribes) of the total number India adopted Inclusive growth strategy in its. planning of seats to be filled by direct election in every and economic development process. Now the aim of Municipality to be reserved for women and such seats India is achieving Inclusive growth along with financial to be allotted by rotation to different constituencies inclusion of women and under privileged section of people in a Municipality (Article 243 T (3)) According to Indian constitution women and under Based on the above provisions in the Constitution of India privileged section of society are having right to have ; financial inclusion. Now we will discuss about the legal the government has taken various measures for upliftment provisions available for protection of women rights in India. of women in the society. National Commission for Women: In January 1992, Legal Provisions the Government set-up this statutory body with a specific The Constitution of India grants equality to women. The mandate to study and monitor all matters relating to the state can take measures for eliminating discrimination constitutional and legal safeguards provided for women, against women. The Constitution states everyone is review the existing legislation to suggest amendments equal before the law and everyone can have equal wherever necessary, etc. protection of law and it prohibits the discrimination against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, or place of birth and guarantee 2001: The Department of Women & Child Development in the Ministry of Human Resource Development has equality of opportunity to all citizens in matters relating prepared a “National Policy for the Empowerment to employment.6. Some of the privileges available to every of Women” in the year 2001. The goal of this policy is women under the Constitution of India as follows. to bring about the advancement, development and Constitutional Privileges empowerment of women. • Equality before law for women (Article 14) The Ministry Of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises announced a scheme for encouraging the

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 113 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 entrepreneurship in women i.e, Scheme on Trade • The authority has to encourage the advocacy financial Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development inclusion of women in India and the advocacy of the (TREAD) for Women. Under this scheme Government authority has to be a part of the legislation, like in Grant up to 30% of the total project cost as appraised the case of Competition Act, 2002. by lending institutions which would finance the remaining 70% as loan assistance to applicant women, who have References no easy access to credit from banks due to • haps ://wwIAT.giz.de/enidownloadsigiz20 5 -en-analy cumbersome procedures and the inability of poor & si s-1 oan-products-effi cienc y-women- usually illiterate/semi-literate women to provide adequate entrepreneurs-india.pdf security demanded by banks in the form of collaterals.7 • https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Content/PDFs/ Though we are having various provisions in the law and 4PCHBB060810.pdf various schemes are developed based these laws for • http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/ encouraging women entrepreneur in our country but we ProfessionalInterest/cedaw.pdf don’t have proper mechanism for implementing the law • http://dcmsme.gov.in/MSMED2006.pdf and policies and schemes for encouraging women as • http://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/ESCAP- an entrepreneur in our society. So we need to have a SSWA-Development-Paper_1304_1.pdf legal framework for achieving financial inclusion of women • for economic development and growth. http://mospi.nic.in/m.ospi_new/upload/ man_and_women/Constitutional%20&°/020Leg Suggestions al%20Rights.pdf. • A Separate law has to be passed especially concentrating financial inclusion of women. • A separate authority has to be established to implement the law for financial inclusion.

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WOMEN EDUCATION – A KEY TO EMPOWERMENT

Dr. P. Swarupa Rani1

Abstract Status of woman is a product of the general societal attitudes towards women at large. Young Women face higher risks of malnutrition, disease, disability, retardation of growth and development. They have no access of control over resources. Their work is invisible and hence undervalued. All their disabilities are powerfully reinforced through our culture, media, education and socialization process A large number of girls, especially in rural areas, do not even attend school and among those who attend school the drop-out rate is very high. This is because the girls are engaged in domestic and child care activities when parents are at work. Nearly 80% of the girls drop out from classes I to V. Out of the 100 girls that enroll in class 1, only 42 reach class V. Among Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes, many of those who live below poverty line out of 100 girls only 19 reach class V. Global figures also neglect the historical exclusion of girls and women from education, reflected in the statistic that two thirds of the world’s 758 million illiterate adults are women. Women education in India is not only a matter of attendance but social acceptance. It begins not in the class room but in the family and not when a girl is five or six but from the moment of her birth. Educational opportunities available for the Indian girl child are culturally determined and the educational needs are rooted in the changing socio-economic structures of the society. By educating women, economy of the country increases. It has been seen from the last few decades that involvement of educated women in various activities helps the country to move towards economic and social development. Female education also contribute towards health and well-being of the family. By getting education, women also contribute to the national income of the country.

Introduction: resides at the places where women are honoured Women education refers to every form of education that and respected where proper provision of education aims at improving the knowledge, and skill of women is made for them and where they are given and girls. It includes general education at schools and freedom equal to those of men in the society. colleges, vocational and technical education, During early Vedic period the education of women has professional education, health education, etc. Women made a great progress. But in the present era women, education encompasses both literary and non-literary who form half the population, are lagging behind in all education. fields. This backwardness is very prominent in the field of education. The literacy rate in India is registered as All living creatures in nature have sex variance. Among 74.04 in 2011, and the male literacy rate being 82.14, all animals and birds both male and female are the same the female literacy rate is 64.46 as per 2011 census. except in the process of reproduction. At all other times Today’s girls form tomorrow’s women power. they behave with equality in all respects. But unfortunately, man exploits the in-equality of women and The constitution of the country made it obligatory for the brands women as the weaker sex and as inferior beings. state to provide basic education for all up to the age of Hence it is our responsibility to see that women also 14 within a period of ten years. It was soon realized should use their skills and abilities to develop the society that the task was not an easy one particularly with the along with men for which we should give importance to increased population in which the increase was over women education Educated women are capable of taking the expansion of education system. While literacy bringing socio-economic changes. The constitution of rate and school enrollments increased consistently, the almost all democratic countries, including India, number of illiterates also continued to rise. Statistics guarantees equal rights to both men and women. also show that there are as many girls out side the schools as there are inside in the age group of 6-14. Our mythology and epics have put women on a high This reinforces the well recognized fact that progress in pedestal of love, affection and respect. Women occupied Educational For All (EFA) goals demand special focus important places in cultural, economic, political and on education of girls. The Indian girl child is social fields. Manu has rightly remarked that God

1. Reader, Dept. of Telugu, Andhra Chritian College,Guntur.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 115 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 disadvantaged right from her birth. According to 2011 Male Female Sex Ratio (1901 – 2011) census the sex ratio is 914. Table-1

As country of paradoxes India has emerged as a global Year Female / 1000 Males player in the information and communications technology 1901 972 revolution, yet it is home to millions of illiterates and out 1911 964 of school children. In recent years the country began to 1921 955 unlock its tremendous potential to achieve economic progress and to liberate the people from the misery of 1931 950 poverty. 1941 945 1951 946 However, persistent effort to reach the goal of education for all seem to have begin to pay results in recent years. 1961 941 The increase in literacy showed a significant jump and 1971 930 consequently for the first time there was a decrease in 1981 933 the absolute number of illiterates in the country. Female 1991 945 literacy showed a faster increase though we still have a 2001 927 long way to go in fully bridging the male female gap. 2011 914 Participation of children in the schools also showed a Source = the Census Reports, positive trend with school dropout rate among girls showing a significant decrease nevertheless the field published by office of the Registrar General, India 2A, reality amply demonstrates that the task is not yet Mansingh. complete. Recent assessment shows that the country Status of woman is a product of the general societal has achieved universal enrolment as indicated by the attitudes towards women at large. Young Women face gross enrollment ratios. However examined against age higher risks of malnutrition, disease, disability, retardation of growth and development. They have no specific and gender specific population there is still a access of control over resources. Their work is invisible global gap in the enrolment ratio and gender disparity and hence undervalued. All their disabilities are powerfully does not seem to be reduced. Statistics also show that reinforced through our culture, media, education and there are as many girls outside the school as there are socialization process. A popular Telugu saying from inside in the age group of 6-14. This reinforces the well Andhra Pradesh is, “Bringing up a daughter is like recognized fact that progress in EFA goals demands watering a plant in another’s courtyard”. Another states, special focus on education of girls. Here again education “If you tell lies you will get a female child”. Another states, for girls need a special attention. Added to this, “It is better to be born as a tree in a jungle than to be enrolment is not only due to physical distance but also born a woman”. “It is easier to perform an Asvamedha often due to social and cultural barriers. Yaga (Horse sacrifice which the kings would perform in the past) than to perform a daughter’s wedding.” As a Being physically weak, women were perceived as being result of the cultural milieu the women’s self image as less capable and require the protection and guidance of well as society’s image of her is negative. She has no men. Even in current times the same attitude prevailed value as an individual who contributes to the nation’s among parents, teachers and also the administrators. development. Socio-economic changes have made education necessary, not just for the purposes of providing income The status of girls in India: earning opportunities, but also for the potential to A large number of girls, especially in rural areas, do not contribute to the improvement in the standards of living even attend school and among those who attend school of the individuals, families and communities. the drop-out rate is very high. This is because the girls are engaged in domestic and child care activities when The Status of women in India parents are at work. Nearly 80% of the girls drop out The Indian woman is disadvantaged right from her birth. from classes I to V. Out of the 100 girls that enroll in According to 2011 census the sex ratio is 914. The class 1, only 42 reach class V. Among Schedule Castes United Nations Children’s Fund, estimated that upto 50 and Schedule Tribes, many of those who live below poverty line out of 100 girls only 19 reach class V. million girls and women are ‘missing’ from India’s population because of termination of the female fetus or It was estimated that 130 million of children within the high mortality of the girl child due to lack of proper care. age group of 6-11 remain un-enrolled in schools which

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 116 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities account for 60 percent of all un enrolled girl children show number of children enrolled and dropout in India from the same group. Several factors seems to be and A.P especially in low literacy areas. important during the education of girls. Girls are doubly Thus the status of women education in India is in a effected by the absence of effective early child hood serious crisis and in highly deplorable condition. She is education programmes as they are invariably burdened one of the most exploited being in the stratified Indian with the responsibility of taking care of younger siblings. society. Women education in India is not only a matter Distance norms for opening middle schools work against of attendance but social acceptance. It begins not in the interest of girls as often they are not allowed to go the class room but in the family and not when a girl is out of the village for schooling further. Provision of basic five or six but from the moment of her birth. Educational infrastructure and women teachers in schools could opportunities available for the Indian girl child are culturally considerably influence the situation through various EFA determined and the educational needs are rooted in the projects as indicated by recent efforts. changing socio-economic structures of the society. The rights of women : The present scenario of education of women : The women in India is totally deprived of their right to Today more girls than ever go to school. However, despite education, employment, and health care. The attitude progress, women and girls continue to face multiple towards them is negative and indifferent. They are barriers based on gender and its intersections with other neglected to the care and treated inhumanly they are factors, such as age, ethnicity, poverty, and disability, voice less, suppressed and invisible in decision making.. in the equal enjoyment of the right to quality education. There is not much change in her socio-economic and This includes barriers, at all levels, to access quality cultural environments. A comprehensive and wholesome education and within education systems, institutions, understanding of the problems centered around women and classrooms, such as, amongst others: education has to include the socio cultural ethos in its framework and it is imperative to know the operation of Harmful gender stereotypes and wrongful gender various historical, political, cultural and economic factors stereotyping .Women came to be considered as inferior for freedom Child marriage and early and unintended pregnancy and independence and to be kept under the authority of Gender-based violence against women and girls male at all stages of their life. Women is constantly Lack of inclusive and quality learning environments and monitored, watched suppressed and restricted. She was inadequate and unsafe education infrastructure, including made dependent on man and kept always in a marginal sanitation use and insecure position. Women’s self expression took the form of cooking, serving, child rearing, looking Poverty after animals and the other daily chores. Boys and girls The international community has recognised the equal are given differential treatment. However the traditional right to quality education of everyone and committed to sex role, socialization of women in Indian society, the achieving gender equality in all fields, including persistence of sex based stereotypes , prejudices and education, through their acceptance of international the sex type of occupation have been the crucial variables human rights law. This means that states have legal which restricted participation in education and obligations to remove all discriminatory barriers, whether employment. . Institutions of learning also reinforce the they exist in law or in everyday life, and to undertake patriarchal ideology through its various binary and dividing positive measures to bring about equality, including in practices. access of, within, and through education. Article 45 of the directive principle of the state policy Global figures also neglect the historical exclusion of declares that- “The State shall endeavour to provide, within girls and women from education, reflected in the statistic a period of ten years from the commencement of this that two thirds of the world’s 758 million illiterate adults Constitution, for free and compulsory education for all are women. children until they complete the age of fourteen years”. Despite gains in rates of girls’ enrolment in primary Implementation of the national policy of education (1988) school there are disparities in completion rates. In sub- and the goals for education for all (1990) brought Saharan Africa, gender parity exists among the richest significant changes in expanding the number of primary 20% who have completed primary education but among schools in increasing enrolment figures and literacy the poorest 20%, 83 girls completed primary education rates. But few girls are enrolled in primary schools and for every 100 boys, dropping to 73 for lower secondary more girls are dropped out than boys . The school and 40 for upper secondary (UNESCO, 2016). dropout rates are significantly high in the case of A number of factors contribute to girls from poor families scheduled caste and scheduled tribes. The literacy rates not being able to attend school, the biggest of which is

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 117 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 the lack of free education, particularly in the formative achieved high fame in the areas of literature, music and years. This may be because governments do not have acting. More and more women are joining the field of legal and policy frameworks in place to make free science and technology. In fact there is no sphere of education a reality or they do but it is not effectively activity in which women are unsuitable or implemented, or it may not be adequately resourced, or incompetent. there may be corruption which draws resources away Lets now have a look at the darker side. Though the from their intended use. Indian law does not discriminate between men and Lack of free education results in an added financial women, the status of women of our country today is burden on families, which may come in the form of school practically far below the status of men. Wife burning for fees (or other direct fees) or indirect fees such as for failure to pay dowry as demanded also continues school uniforms, exam fees, security, school unabated all over India. It is a matter of great shock that transportation, etc. Such fees are a direct barrier to such cases are increasing in every year. In our country school attendance for many girls, either because families bride is burnt or murdered for non-payment of dowry. cannot afford these costs or the costs may force families Thus the empowerment of women focus on three variables to select which of their children to send to school. In that reflect women participation in society – political such instances, it is usually boys who are favoured power or decision making, education and health. Among because of the low social and economic value placed all the variables education is most important without on the education of girls. which women cannot go forward in any other skill. By Conclusion: educating women, economy of the country increases. It has been seen from the last few decades that involvement By educating women, economy of the country of educated women in various activities help the country increases. It has been seen from the last few decades to move towards economic and social empowerment. that involvement of educated women in various activities help the country to move towards economic and social REFERENCES development. • Aggarwal, J. C. (1996). Theory and principles of Female education also contribute towards health and education: Philosophical and sociological basis of well-being of the family. education, New Delhi: Vilas Publishing House By getting education, women also contribute to the • Education Commission (1964-66). The Kothari national income of the country. Education Commission Report”, Ministry of They can afford to offer quality nutrition to their children. Education, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India Educated women are considered active in politics as • Josphine, A. (2007). Parental Attitude towards well. Formal Education of Girl-Child Dropouts, Formal They know their rights and are able to defend themselves Education and Psychosocial Well-Being of better. Karamojong Girl-Child Dropouts. Journal of Education Educated women are just on the threshold of transition and Social Sciences Research Abstracts - JESSRA, from tradition to modernity. The women themselves desire Issue 2, 2008. that their status and position in society should rise higher. • Kothari, D.S., (1964-66). Education Commission Though a proper climate for such a change is still wanting, Government of India. yet there have been many structural and statutory • Ugbede, O. E. (1997). Enhancing women education innovations for the improvement of their position. The through technology. A paper presented at the 19th traditional status and role sets of women are breaking National Convention of Nigeria Association for up and new role-sets based on achievement, Education Media and Technology, University of independence and equality are gradually coming up. The Ibadan, June, 1997 modern Indian women participate in various sports and games like football, hockey, cricket, table tennis, lawn • Agbakwuru, C. (2002). The role of primary education tennis and also in athletics. The Contemporary Indian in the promotion of national integration and cohesion. women serve as M.P., M.L.A, governors and ministers. Knowledge Review 1(2), 15-23. Women of recent times like Mother Teresa, Indira Gandhi, • Federal Ministry of Information. Federal Vijaylakshmi Pandit, M.S. Subhalakshmi, Lata Government of Nigeira and United National Children’s Mangeskar and the former president of India Prativa Fund (1997-2001). Patil have achieved international fame. Women have also

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WOMEN LAWS & RIGHTS

T. Niloufer Usha Rani1

Abstract “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created male and female. Adam said, this is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” - Genesis 1:27& 2:23 All human beings are entitled to enjoy certain minimum rights. But, the reality is different. Every human being is a victim of one or the other types of human right violation. Human rights violation is widely prevalent in the modern world. Certain human rights violations have great economic impact, while some others have very small economic impact but very serious psychological impact. Women are subject to different socioeconomic and cultural conditions than men and face special obstacles to their enjoyment of the same rights as men on an equal footing. Consequently, special measures are necessary to neutralize the difficulties that create inequalities at women's expense in all walks of life. Women sought political, economic, and social equality through suffrage, the demand for equal pay, and maternity benefits. Around the world women have engaged with the political discourses of their locality and sought a voice in local and global issues that impact them and their children. Not all these struggles have been helped by Western ideas; as women in former colonies have sought equality, the legacy of colonialism has shaped their struggle and intercessions from Western feminists have not always been welcome.

Introduction “A Right is not what someone gives you; it’s what no one can take from you.” –Ramsey Clarke The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia.With a decline in their status from the ancient to medieval times, to the promotion of equal rights by many reformers, their history has been eventful. Women’s rights Attaining equality between women - men and eliminating under the constituent India — mainly includes equality, all forms of discrimination against women are dignity, and freedom from discrimination; further, India fundamental human rights and United Nations values. has various statutes governing the rights of Women around the world nevertheless regularly suffer women.”Women Rights” – that promote a position of violations of their human rights throughout their lives, legal and social equality of women with men. and realizing women’s human rights has not always been a priority. Achieving equality between women and men In the past, human rights had been conceptualized in a requires a comprehensive understanding of the ways in way that did not take account of women’s lives and the which women experience discrimination and are denied fact that women routinely faced violence, discrimination equality to develop appropriate strategies to eliminate and oppression. Consequently, women’s experiences such discrimination. were until relatively recently not adequately addressed by the human rights framework. The work of activists, Non-discrimination and equality between women and human rights mechanisms and States has been critical men are central principles of human rights law. Both the in ensuring that the human rights framework has grown International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and and adjusted to encapsulate the gender-specific the International Covenant on Economic, Social and dimensions of human rights violations to better protect Cultural Rights prohibit discrimination based on sex and women. Effectively ensuring women’s human rights guarantee women and men equality in the enjoyment of requires a comprehensive understanding of the the rights covered by the Covenants. Article 26 of the underlying societal structures and power relations that International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also define and influence women’s ability to enjoy their human provides for equality before the law and equal protection rights. These power structures have an impact on all of the law. aspects of life, from law and politics, to economic and The definition of discrimination in the Convention on the social policy, family and community life. Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against

1. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Commerce, A. C. College, Guntur.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 119 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969

Women encompasses a variety of possible be considered when developing measures and responses discriminatory actions (any distinction, exclusion or to combat discrimination against women. restriction) having either the express purpose or the In 2000, the international community agreed to eight actual effect of discriminating against women. The time-bound development goals to be achieved by 2015, Convention goes further than other human rights treaties including a goal on gender equality and the empowerment in also describing in detail the State obligations and of women, as well as one on the reduction of maternal actions to be taken to achieve gender equality in mortality. Integrating human rights and gender equality practice. It not only requires equality between women throughout the Millennium Development Goals and in and men, but also prohibits practices that can the post-2015 development agenda are key to achieving perpetuate women’s inequality. meaningful progress.The Human Rights Council also has Substantive gender equality and formal gender equality, the power to call special sessions to address human as well as de facto discrimination and de jure rights violations and emergencies. These special discrimination, are central concepts in the Convention’s sessions have, in some cases, presented opportunities equality framework. Discrimination and inequality can for examining violations of women’s rights. occur in different ways. Discrimination can occur through The legal rights of women refer to the social and de jure or direct discriminatory provisions, such as when human rights of women. Crimes against women occur a law or policy restricts, prefers or distinguishes between every minute in India. Women are not safe, whether it is certain groups, for instance, prohibiting women from in their houses, public places or at the workplace. Given driving, owning land or inheriting property. Ensuring formal the number of crimes that are committed against women, equality requires eliminating all instances of de jure it is pertinent that women are aware about the laws that discrimination. While much progress has been made to are in place to protect them. As a parent, wife, daughter, eliminate discriminatory laws, many persist and employee and a woman these are rights set in place to reforming them should be a matter of the utmost priority protect you and it is important that you are aware about for States to comply with their human rights obligations. these. Since women constitute half the world’s population and Here are 10 laws that women should know: are entitled to all human rights on an equal basis with men, this publication does not aim to cover every human 1. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006:This rights issue which touches women’s lives. The focus act defines child marriage as a marriage where the here is on: public and political life, sexual and groom or the bride are underage, that is, the bride is reproductive health and rights, the right to an adequate under 18 years of age or the boy is younger than 21 standard of living, violence against women, migration, years. conflict and crisis, and access to justice. Across all of 2. Special Marriage Act, 1954:The objectives of this these, education and the family context are particularly act are to provide – a special form of marriage in pertinent and are addressed throughout. certain cases, provide for registration of certain Women’s rights are the rights and entitlements claimed marriages and, to provide for divorce. In a country for women and girls worldwide, and formed the basis for like India and with the diverse religions and cast, the women’s rights movement in the nineteenth century. when people from different faiths and caste chose In some countries, these rights are institutionalized or to get married they do it under the Special Marriage supported by law, local custom, and behavior, whereas Act. in others they are ignored and suppressed. 3. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961:According to this act, The United Nations has a long history of addressing taking or giving of dowry at the time of the marriage women’s human rights and much progress has been to the bride or the bridegroom and their family is to made in securing women’s rights across the world in be penalized. Dowry system, giving and taking of recent decades. However, important gaps remain, and dowry, is a norm in India. Dowry is often asked of women’s realities are constantly changing, with new the bride and her family by the groom and his family. manifestations of discrimination against them regularly The system has taken strong roots because women emerging. Some groups of women face additional forms after marriage move in with their spouse and in-laws. of discrimination based on their age, ethnicity, nationality, 4. Indian Divorce Act, 1969:The Indian Divorce Act religion, health status, marital status, education, allows the dissolution of marriage, mutual consent, disability and socioeconomic status, among other nullity of marriage, judicial separation and restitution grounds. These intersecting forms of discrimination must of conjugal rights. Family Courts are established to file, hear, and dispose of such cases.

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5. Maternity Benefit Act,1861:It states that a woman women’s legal rights and freedoms were restricted during employee who has worked in an organization for a this period. The British abolished local custom laws in period of at least 80 days during the 12 months favor of separate religious codes for Hindus and Muslims preceding the date of her expected delivery is entitled which had harsher treatment of women. These religious to receive maternity benefits, which includes codes lead to women having poorer rights when it came maternity leave, nursing breaks, medical allowance, to landholding, inheritance, divorce, marriage and etc. maintenance. 6. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act,1971:The aim of the Act is to reduce the occurrence of illegal abortion and consequent maternal mortality and morbidity. It clearly states the conditions under which a pregnancy can be ended or aborted and specifies the persons qualified to conduct the same. 7. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:Sexual harassment at workplace also includes – the use of language with sexual overtones, invasion of private space with a male colleague hovering too close for comfort, subtle touches and innuendoes. 8. Indecent Representation of Women(Prevention) “If you don’t speak up for yourself no one will. Act,1986:This Act prohibits indecent representation Speak up, make your voice matter. Never one to of women through advertisement or in publications, shy away from standing up for issues that matter.” writings, paintings, figures or in any other manner. – Tanvi Dubey 9. National Commission for Women:The NCW Increased representation of women within the police and represents the rights of women in India and provides the judicial system as well as mainstreaming gender a voice for their issues and concerns. The National within the judiciary can also improve their responsiveness Commission for Women Act aims to improve the to gender issues and make it easier for women to seek status of women and worked for their economic assistance or report their cases. empowerment. References: 10. Equal Remuneration Act, 1976:This Act prevents • Gordon, Ann D. (1997). ”Declaration of Sentiments discrimination in terms of remuneration. It provides and Resolutions”. Selected Papers of Elizabeth Cady for payment of equal recompense to men and women Stanton and Susan B. Anthony. Retrieved 2 workers. November 2007. Indian Law: • Janet H. Johnson. ”Women’s Legal Rights in Ancient For most of history, Indians used their Hindu legal code Egypt”. Digital collections. University of Chicago as a basis for their rights and customs. The most Library. Retrieved 3 November 2007. orthodox form of the ”Dharmasatras” was the ”Manu • Schaps, D.M. (1998). “What Was Free about a Free Smriti” which was used prevalently during the colonial Athenian Woman?”. Transactions of the American period. Manu Smriti protected women’s property rights Philological Society (1974–). 128: 178. doi:10.2307/ as well as rights to inheritance.But it is also insisted 284411. JSTOR 284411. that women are placed under a male guardianship at all • The limit was set at the value of a medimnos of barley, times such as father from birth, husband in marriage which was not enough to feed a family for a week. and sons as a widow. Judgement and interpretation of • Pomeroy, Sarah (1994). Goddesses, Whores, Wives, the code was executed by local councils called and Slaves: Women in Classical Antiquity. London: the ”Panchayats” which composed of mostly male Pimlico. p. 73. village elders, but women were not always excluded. • Dover, K.J. (1973). “Classical Greek Attitudes to The colonial takeover by the British during the 17th and Sexual Behavior”. Arethusa. 6 (1): 61. 18th century had more negative than positive effects on • Winkler, John J. (1990). The Constraints of Desire: women’s rights in the Indian subcontinent. Although they The Anthropology of Sex and Gender in Ancient managed to outlaw widow burning, female infanticide and Greece. New York: Routledge. p. 5. improve age of consent, scholars agree that overall

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EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATION

T.Ramakrishnudu1 K.Ramakrishna2

Abstract There was a time when people thought that it was not necessary to educate girls. Now we have begun to realize that girls’ education is essential. The modern age is the age of awakening of girls. They are trying to compete with men in all spheres of life. There are many people who oppose girls’ education. They say that the proper sphere of girls is the home. So, they argue that the money spent on girl’s education is wasted. This view is wrong, because girl’s education can bring about a silent revolution in the society.

Introduction Factors holding Women from going to School “If you educate a man you educate an individual, however, The reasons are many. Too often families favor boys when if you educate a woman you educate a whole family”. investing in education. Poverty compound factors such Women education in India plays a very important role in as child marriage, early pregnancy, child labor, house the overall development of the country. It not only helps work, cost and distance keep girls out of school. In in the development of half of the human resources, but addition, some schools do not meet the needs of in improving the quality of life at home and outside. adolescent girls in terms of safety, available water and sanitary facilities, quality of education or relevance of Women education has a major preoccupation of both the curriculum to girls’ lives. Gender-based violence also the government and civil society as educated women robs girls of education. can play a very important role in the development of the country. Education is milestone of women empowerment Gender discrimination still persists in India and lot more because it enables them to respond to the challenges, needs to be done in the field of women’s education in to confront their traditional role and change their life, so India. The gap in the male-female literacy rate is just a that we can’t neglect the importance of education in simple indicator for that. Women were considered only reference to women empowerment. house wife and better to be live in the house. Women education refers to every form of education that Poverty is another factor that holds girls from going to aims at improving the knowledge, and skill of women school. Investing in women are much smaller in areas and girls. It includes general education at schools and facing high levels of poverty. Also, in some cases the colleges, vocational and technical education, education women receive is of much lower quality than professional education, health education. Women what men receive, lowering its effectiveness. education encompassesboth literary and non-literary In Afghanistan, women and girls strive to get an education.Primary education is now a fundamental education. Attacks by insurgents who oppose women’s right. When a woman (or a girl) is ensured of her rights, education lead to regular closures of girls’ schools. the society at large is ensured of its sustainability. There are always a number of elements in the society Women empowerment through education which are deprived of their basic rights in every society, Women empowerment is the pivotal part in any society, state and nation, but these elements lack in the state or country. It is a woman who plays a dominant awareness of their rights. If we enlist such elements role in the basic life of a child. Women are an important from the society, then women would top this list. In fact, section of our society. Education as means of women are the most important factor of every society. empowerment of women can bring about a positive Even though everybody is aware of this fact, but nobody attitudinal change. It is therefore, crucial for the is ready to accept this fact. socioeconomic and political progress of India. Thinkers have given a number of definitions of education Education significantly makes difference in the lives of but out of these definitions, the most important definition women. So, we can’t neglect the importance of education is that which was put forth by M. Phule. According to M. in reference to women empowerment. To see the Phule, “Education is that which demonstrates the development in women education India is supposed to difference between what is good and what is evil”. upcoming super power of the world in recent years. The

1. Lecturer in Commerce, Sri Ramakrishna Degree (A) College, Nandyal, A.P. 2. Lecturer in Commerce, Sri Ramakrishna Degree (A) College, Nandyal, A.P.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 122 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities increasing change in women education, the the 2014 World Innovation Summit for empowerment of women has been recognized as the Education (WISE) prize in Doha in recognition of her central issue in determining the status of women for career in giving learning opportunities to girls and becoming super power we have mostly to concentrate women in sub-Saharan Africa. upon the women’s education. Influential female educators in the world Importance of Women Education • Savitribai Phule was India’s first female teacher. In Education means modification of behavior in every aspect, a country where women are still not seen at par with such as mentality, outlook, attitude etc. Educated men, Savitribai’s role as a teacher at a village school women not only tend to promote education of their girl in Pune just a year after the Independence is children, but also can provide better guidance to all their remarkable. It is said that when Savitribai would go children. Moreover, educated women can also help in to the school, people used to throw cow dung, stones the reduction of infant mortality rate and growth of the and rotten vegetables and eggs at her. Still, fighting population. against all odds, her husband and she went on to open five more such schools Indeed, when women are educated and empowered, the benefits are enormous. Studies have shown that • Maria Montessori was the woman who started the women’s literacy leads to increased life expectancy, nursery school culture. he propagated the idea that reduced child mortality, and ultimately healthier and children should be able to shape their future in their educated children. own ways. Lack of education limits prospects, decreases family • Emma williard belonged to a farmer’s family. Hailing income, reduces health, puts women and girls at risk of from such a humble background and that too back in trafficking and exploitation, and limits the economic 1787, Emma did not have the resources to make a advancement of entire countries. huge difference in the world of education. But, she did. At only 20, she became a teacher and also the Few Women leading the way for Girls education head of a girl’s academy in Vermont • Malala Yousafzai, by daring to go to school as a • Mary Mcleod Bethune’s name is synonymous to young teen, Malala defied Pakistani extremists and struggle and achievement. Both of her parents were their violent attacks and became a global icon for the slaves before she was born, hence, they had no importance of educating girls. Because of Malala’s money to let little Mary go to school. However, Mary heroic and eloquent statements for girls’ education, bagged a scholarship and studied to become a she was awarded at age 17 the Nobel Prize for Peace teacher herself. in 2014. “I don’t want to be thought of as the ‘girl who • Helen Keller has been considered as one of the was shot by the Taliban’ but the ‘girl who fought for most inspiring personalities in the world, ever. Being education’,” she said. born with visual and auditory inability, Helen Keller • Mrs. Obama has frequently championed the value of studied under her personal mentor Anne Sullivan and educating girls worldwide and, in 2015, unveiled “Let learned about the world through knowledge - unseen, Girls Learn,” a new U.S. initiative to support unadulterated. and many more… community-focused girls’ education across the globe Facts and Figures • In 2014, Mrs. Clinton launched in 2014 the Collaborative for Harnessing Ambition and • According to global statistics, just 39 percent of rural Resources for Girls Education (or Girls CHARGE) girls attend secondary school. This is far fewer than alongside Julia Gillard, Board Chair of the Global rural boys (45 percent), urban girls (59 percent) and Partnership for Education. urban boys (60 percent). • Through her philanthropy and advocacy at the Graça • In Pakistan a half-kilometer increase in the distance Machel Trust, Ms. Machel has been a lifelong to school will decrease girls’ enrolment by 20 percent. champion of girls’ education and children’s rights, In Egypt, Indonesia and several African countries, and raised awareness about the scourge of early child building local schools in rural communities increased marriage, female genital mutilation and other girls’ enrollment. practices that keep girls from reaching their full • In Cambodia, 48 percent of rural women are illiterate potential. compared to 14 percent of rural men. • As the founder of the Campaign for Female • The proportion of women who completed five years Education, or Camfed, Ms. Cotton received of primary schooling in India and were literate was

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48%, much less than 92% in Nepal, 74% in Pakistan Amendment Act, 2001, has been a path breaking step and 54% in Bangladesh. towards the growth of education, especially for females. • The female literacy rates in India went up by one to According to this act, elementary education is a 15% after completing two years of schooling. fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and Corresponding numbers for Pakistan and Nepal were 14. The government has undertaken to provide this three to 31% and 11 to 47% respectively. education free of cost and make it compulsory for those in that age group. This undertaking is more widely known • Around the world, female literacy rates are improving. as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA). However, it is not clear if that is because of improvement in school quality. Conclusion • India was ranked 38th among the 51 developing Women play an imperative role in making a nation countries for female literacy rates when countries are progressive and guide it towards development. They are ranked by earliest grade at which at least of the essential possessions of a lively humanity required for women are literate. national improvement, so if we have to see a bright future of women in our country, giving education to them must Policies for betterment of women education be a pre-occupation Getting girls to finish primary education and providing The education of women is the most powerful tool to them with fair opportunities to complete secondary change the position of society. Education also brings a school is a priority in UNICEF’s Gender Action Plan. reduction in inequalities and functions as a means of They help countries build stronger education systems improving their status within the family. To encourage that deliver quality education to boys and girls. This the education of women at all levels and for dilution of includes removing gender stereotypes from learning gender bias in providing knowledge and education, materials, teaching teachers about gender, helping established schools, colleges and universities even schools and governments use learning assessment data, exclusively for women in the state. The education and providing communities with key data so they can develops the idea of participation in government, hold education systems accountable. Making sure that panchayats, public matters etc. for elimination of gender national education plans and policies consider gender discrimination. is key to ensuring that girls and boys enter and succeed at school. References: • digitalcommons.unl.edu/jwel/ Because a third of girls who are out of school live in • countries affected by conflict, UNICEF works with Acker, Sandra et al. eds. World Yearbook of government partners to address gender inequities in Education 1984: Women and Education (1984) education in humanitarian settings. • http://www.worlded.org/WEIInternet/international/ expertise/display.cfm?tid=1004&id=756 India has been taking active steps towards women’s • status and education. The 86th Constitutional http://www.unesco.org

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A BIRD’S EYE VIEW ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO INDIA

K.Chandrasekhara Rao1

“There is no chance for welfare of the World unless the condition of the women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing” – Swamy Vivekananda

Abstract The term ‘Empowerment’ is any process that provides greater autonomy through the sharing of relevant information and the provision of control over factors affecting job performance. From 2002 onwards, a broader outlook has been sprouted and as per which, ‘Women Empowerment’ means to different people and how it is linked with development. It can be said that women empowerment plays a vital role to bail out the economy. It can also reckon the key area of inequality between women and men, and strategies for achieving women empowerment. The world economic profile of women displays women represent 50% of the world population, makes up 30% of the official labour force, perform 60% of all working hours, receives 10% of the world income and even less than 1% of the world property. Women have a unique position in the society; real development cannot takes place if it bye-pass women, who have not only represent 50% of the world’s population but also kernels around which societal revolution takes place. The major strategies of women empowerment include-education empowerment, economic empowerment and legal empowerment of women. Though the government has been initiating quite a good number of plans and strategies to bail out the women empowerment on par with men, still they have been encountering certain challenges. Against this backdrop, an exertion has been initiated to focus a bird’s eye view on the introduction, review of women empowerment, challenges for women empowerment and suggestions to robust women empowerment followed by a logical conclusion. Keywords: Women Empowerment (WE), Strategies for WE, Economic Empowerment, Education Empowerment, Legal Empowerment.

Introduction: access to training technology credit information and We are the threshold of the 21st century which is the market. Women need to play an effective role in decision century for change. The planet earth is ready for ‘the making and developmental programs. Therefore, quite a shift of ages’. In this new era, love and compassion will good number of laws have been enacted for equal rule the roost, and the woman with her natural attributes opportunity to all sans any gender discrimination. Indian of compassion will sow the seeds of global women are in no way inferior to men in every walk of life transformation. In this 21st century, women need not look and they feel proud to themselves to SHG’s education backward the historical injustice done to them, but is a as well as legal empowerments. Therefore suitable right time to look forward their empowered role in this strategies are being initiated to create new avenues of ‘acquarian age’. Thus, beyond any scepticism that 21st employment for women so as to attain better status and century is ‘the century of the feminine’. The present recognition in the society. World’s population is about 7.1 billion, which is growing Status of Women Empowerment in India at the rate of 97 million people per year will be touched 8.5 billion by the year 2025. Raison d’etre, it is sine qua India ranks 118/177 in gender equity. Such a low rank is non to improve the women’s status and it should start due to Indian women’s lower so status. The social status with the economic empowerment. Therefore exertions is indicated by the data related to literacy and health. are being made by the government in the society to The literacy rate for Indian women is 54.5%. The Indian change the scenario of discrimination and male status is indicated by sex ratio which is 927: 1000 (2001 domination to empower the women in all spears. In fact, census data). It means, for every 1000 Indian men, 73 empowerment of women is a tool for bringing about the women are missing from this world due foeticide, status organizational competencies. Further, neglecting the is infanticide, child mortality, maternal mortality, suicides women is the root cause of failure of our Five Year Plans and dowry deaths. The economic status is revealed by in India. Therefore radical steps are being taken in the the employment position. Only 26% of the women are ensuing FYPs. WE through education is a pre-requisite employed and majority of them are employed in the to gender equality. Therefore, women need to gain unorganized sector. Only 2% of the women are in the

1. Research Scholar, Dept. of HRM, ANU.AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 125 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 top jobs. Regarding the political status, every political 10 Norway 66.3 party allots very few seats to women candidates during elections. Regarding the legal status, the government 11 Ireland 64.3 can claim that there are 26 women oriented laws. But 12 Swiss 63.7 most of the women have no awareness about the 13 Belgium 63.6 existence, the provisions and the recourse to the laws. Women, hesitate to go to the courts due the expense, 14 Germany 63.6 long time involved and very low conviction rate and also 15 Chili 63.5 due to lack of parental or society’s support. Hence, the violence against women is growing in India unabated. 16 Singapore 59.8 34 Israel 47.6 Status of Women Empowerment in India in respect of Startups 44 Japan 40.0 During 2017, Global Entrepreneur Summit (GES) was 48 China 38.3 held at Hyderabad, where in the NASSCOM released a 56 Russia 35.6 report and according to which, against 5200 startup 60 Brazil 31.1 companies, the women established only 11% across the country due to lack of encouragement and investment. 70 India 25.3 Albeit, it is heartening to note that gradually, they have 73 Iran 20.6 been increasing every year. The following table divulges the facts and figures. 75 Bangladesh 17.9 77 Pakistan 15.2 Table-1 Source: Eenadu Dated 28-11-2017, Page No.4 Year % of Males in % of Females in Startups Startups Stratus of Female share in the work force across the Globe 2015 91.00 9.00 There is a humungous hiatus between India and the rest 2016 90.00 10.00 of the World in respect of Women Board Members in 2017 89.00 11.00 the listed companies. In India, it is only 7% and where as in Norway it is 40%. In addition to that, women’s Source: NASSCOM Report, 2017 & Eenadu dated 11-12-2017 education and awareness levels are raising, but the Page No.5 members of women in the work place is steadily falling. Status of Women Empowerment across the Globe: That this is happening at a time of fast economic growth suggests that it has much to do with the social and The following table indicates the rank and score of India domestic realities that women face. Beyond any across the Globe in respect of World Women’s Industrial scepticism, we are growing richer, but patriarchy and Index, which divulges not upto the mark and needs to archaic norms still hold sway over thinking. All these be improved to tap it’s share in the International Market facts and figures can be viewed in the following table Table-2 (Table-3)

Rank Country Score Problems and Challenges of Women Empowerment: 1 USA 82.9 1. Studies conducted by Department of Women and 2 Australia 74.8 Child Development divulged that there is a need for 3 UK 70.6 reframing policies for access to employment and quality of employment. Benefits of the growing global 4 Denmark 69.7 economy have been unevenly distributed leading to 5 Netherlands 69.3 wide economic disparities, the feminization of poverty, 6 France 68.3 increased gender inequality through often deteriorating working conditions and unsafe working 7 Island 68.0 environment especially in the informal economy and 8 Sweden 66.7 rural areas. 9 Finland 66.4 2. Women face high risk of malnutrition and hence focused attention would have been given to meet

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S. Top countries with % S. Lowest countries with % No Female share of work place No Female share of work place

1 Zimbabwe 52.8 1 India 25.9 2 Malawi 52.2 2 Kosovo 23.8 3 The Ganbia 50.8 3 Egypt 23.6 4 Liberia 50.6 4 Pakistan 23.9 5 Tanzania 50.5 5 Palestine 20.6

Source: Pew Research Centre and Deccan Chronicle, Dated 11-06-2017 Page 7.

the nutritional needs of women at all stages of their 4. Men and women are having equal status in running life cycle. a family, hence a broad thinking for allowing women 3. Men is supreme in the outward activities. Home life to work and become good leaders in needed earliest. is entirely the sphere of women and therefore in 5. Women should be given adequate opportunity and domestic affairs, in the upbringing and education of security of work place so as to prove their inherent children and women ought to have more knowledge. talent with safety of life and respect. Unless courses of instruction are based on a 6. Gender Bender equation should be incorporated in discriminating appreciation of these basic principles, the business or corporate world. the fullest life of man and woman and cannot be 7. Participative environment must exist in corporate developed (Harijan Dated 27-02-1937). companies to do equal justice with employees 4. There is a lack of gender disaggregated data for most specially women. dimensions and levels. 8. Family should encourage and boost education for 5. All analysts agree that empowerment is context girl child as it is their right to get education to become specific. Hence reconciling context specific indicator good leaders of the world. with a universal measure remains an issue. 9. Facilities must be provided to women employees to 6. Measuring process is elusive. Most quantitative work better and prove themselves. measures are unable to capture this except as 10. One way to deploy the empowerment of women is changes over time of proxy variables such as through the land rights. Land rights offer a key way education or employment. to economically empower the women, giving them 7. Most of the women are reluctant to travel for business the confidence to tackle the gender inequalities. trips and hence they are not at all considered for big Conclusion: business proposals which can prove their caliber. Before going to conclude, it is an apt to mention here 8. Women leaders work under great pressure and it is the results of a study conducted by Bina Agarwal to difficult for them to maintain balance between family robust the women empowerment. In this empirical study, and business. women were bestowed a place in a form of conservation 9. Family responsibilities and Indian society have been group. Not only did they drive up the efficiency of the the key deterrent. group, but the women gain incredible self esteem while others, including men, viewed them with more respect. 10. Women after marriage and maternity leave feel the Participation which can be seen and gained in a variety string of rejection when is assumed that they are no of ways, has been argues to be the most beneficial form longer serious contenders for leadership. of gender empowerment. Political participation be if the Suggestions for Women Empowerment: ability to vote and voice options, are the ability to run for 1. It is a dire need for creating eco systems that will office with a basic choice of being elected, plays a critical respect, retain and nurture women in the work place. role in the empowerment of people. Albeit, participation is not limited to the realm of politics. It can include 2. A sustained mentoring program for creating women participation in the household, in schools, and the ability business should be incorporated of the university to make choices for oneself. It can be said that these level itself. latter participations need to be achieved before one can 3. A Mentoring program at the work place should exist move on to broaden political participation. For a general to encourage women to ask for promotions and for idea on how an empowered women can impact a hikes.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 127 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 situation monetarily, a study found that of Fortune 500 the way of the development. The Empowerment of women companies, “Those with more women board directors has become one of the most important Concerns of 21st had significantly higher financial returns, including 53% century not only at the national level but also at the higher returns on equity, 24% higher returns on sales international level. Efforts by the Govt. are on to ensure and 67% higher returns on invested capital (OECD, Gender equality but Government initiatives alone would 2008)”. Thus, this study displays the impact that women not be sufficient to achieve this goal. Society must also can have on the overall economic benefits of a company. take initiative steps to create an hale and hearty climate If implemented on a global scale, the inclusion of women in which there is no gender discrimination and women in the formal work force like a Fortune 500 companies, have full opportunities of self decision-making and can increase the economic output of a nation. Myriad participating in the Social, Political and Economic life of impediments to women empowerment and equity the Country with a sense of equality. Beyond any embedded into the cultures of certain nations and skepticism that real development and prosperity of the societies. Many women feel these pressures, while country depends upon the empowerment of women. others have become accustomed to being treated inferior Before epilogue, it is an apt to quote here the buzz words: to men. Even if men, legislators, NGOs, etc. are aware “You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the of the benefits of the women empowerment and status of its women” participation can have, many are scared of disrupting the status quo and continue to let societal norms get in – Jawaharlal Nehru

REFERENCES: A. Newspapers:

S.No Name of the Newspaper Date Page No 1 The Hindu 26-10-2016 4 2 The Hindu 04-05-2016 17 3 The Hindu 09-03-2016 6 4 The Hindu 29-11-2016 14 5 The Hindu 16-09-2015 17 6 The Hindu 01-05-2017 15 7 The Hindu 21-03-2016 16 8 The Hindu 26-08-2015 18 9 The Hindu, Contd. 07-09-2015 1, 12 10 The Hindu 28-12-2015 1 11 The Hindu 26-07-2015 3 12 Deccan Chronicle 22-01-2018 5 13 Deccan Chronicle 11-06-2018 7 14 Eenadu 28-11-2017 4 15 Eenadu 11-12-2017 5 16 Eenadu 12-02-2017 4 17 Eenadu 11-03-2015 9 18 Andhra Jyothi 08-03-2016 4

B. Books: 1. “Empowerment of Women in India: New Strategies” (2014); Regal Publications, New Delhi. 2. “Women in History”, National Resource Centre for Women. Retrieved 24th Dec 2006. 3. “HDR; Sustainability and Equity”, UNDP, 2011, Page 139.

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MUSLIM WOMEN AND EDUCATION IN INCREDIBLE INDIA; SOCIAL ISSUES AND CHALLENGES: A CASE STUDY OF HYDERABAD-KARNATAKA REGION

Dr.Omprakash H. M1

Abstract India is today one of the most powerful developing nations. This newly industrializing state enjoys a prominent status as the largest democratic nation-state in the world.In spite of her impressive developments, however, India continues to confront human rights problems with respect to minorities.Muslims in India are the largest minority so far as the minorities of this country are concerned and the majority of this largest minority community is awfully to the rear in respect of education and economy where more or less all other minorities are more affluent. Moreover Muslims disappointingly have not been capable to find their due share in the entire welfare effort made by the Govt. in the country since independence for economically weaker sections of the society. The Muslim women tend to suffer not only the gender problem, but also the impoverished minority status of the Muslim community. Muslim women are at double disadvantage with low educational status and community pressure. Their lives, movements in public places are under constant scrutiny and control. Education is the oxygen of the human beings in the contemporary technology- driven world of knowledge and economy. Low level of literacy and education impede national growth and lead to violation of human rights as well as the rights of religious community. At the same time, higher literacy rates bring social change, cultural advancement and economic development.The present study examines the reciprocal relationship between literacy and socio-economic determinants as consequences of the low level of socio-economic development of the Muslim Community in Karnataka and an attempt to analyze the empowerment of Muslim women in the three selected areas of Gulbarga district. The study concludes with the suggestions to enhance Muslims literacy, which is an ultimate solution to reduce existing group disparities in socio-economic development in Karnataka. Key Words: Muslim Women, Education in Incredible India, Social Issues and Challenges and Karnataka State.

Introduction: Table:1 Social change in Muslim community and particularly of Muslim women has not received much scholarly attention Description Population Percentage from the sociologists or other social scientists. Muslim Hindu 39,853,656 77.54 % women in India are still vulnerable and itis a fact that Muslim 77,78,782 12.72 % their emancipation could be a crucial step towards the development of their community. The present status of Other Religion 972,294 1.03 % Muslim women reflects the dominance of traditional and Christian 1618,658 3.10 % conservative attitudes in their community. But with Buddhist 1289,828 0.70 % increasing literacy among the Muslim women, their Not Available 222,867 0.25 % outlook, thinking and perception have been under gradual changes and at the same time it has aided changes in Sikh 162,533 0.10 % the overall Muslim community in India. Jain 161,041 0.80 % According to 2011 census of India, the Muslim population Source: Census of India - 2011 constitutes of 12.72% of Karnataka’s total population Hinduism is majority religion in State of Karnataka with i.e. 61,130,704. Hinduism is majority religion in the state 77.54 %. Muslim is third most popular religion in State with 77.54%. These two communities (Hindus and of Karnataka with 12.72%, after other group of castes. Muslims) share more than 89% of the total population. In Karnatakastate, Christianity is followed by 0.72 %,

1. Principal,SMRS B.Ed and M.Ed College, ReshmiVidhyaBhavan,Sarswatipur, Gulbarga.

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Jainism by 0.07 %, Sikhism by 0.07 % and Buddhism by 0.07 %. Around 1.03 % stated ‘Other Religion’; approximately 0.25 % stated ‘No Particular Religion’. In comparison to the other religions or groups residing in Karnataka, the Muslims have been lagging behind the mainstream communities in terms of socio-economic condition, livelihood pattern, educational status and cultural life. Table 2: Muslim Population in Karnataka - 2011

Total Males Females (%) males (%) females Karnataka 77,78,782 5461092 2317433 12.17 07.23 Rural 7216269 487823 163597 12.37 08.10 Urban 559998 852506 568932 12.54 09.19

Source: Census of India-2011

Since independence in 1947, the socio-economic Karnataka Region. The sampled Districts are mostly condition of the Muslims in India has not changed dominated by Muslim community. notably. From time to time, Govt. of India had appointed various committees to find out the causes of educational OBJECTIVES: and economic backwardness of the Muslim community. This study mainly seeks: Among them, one is the RanganathMisra Commission • To understand the level of education among the (2007) that came out with the statement that Muslims Muslim women in these areas. are socially, economically, educationally, politically and • To explore the status of employment amongst Muslim culturally underprivileged and are far behind the women and mainstream of Indian society. The other Sachar • Committee (2006) in its detailed report stated, poverty To examine their working pattern as well as socio- is the main cause of poor education among the Muslims economic condition followed by a few observations in India. In 1993, Government of India also acknowledged and remarks. them as the “National Educationally Backward Minority”. EDUCATIONAL SITUATION OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN However, it is admitted that “Empowerment of women” HYDERABAD-KARNATAKA: is the key route for the development of any society. After six decades of independence, the majority of Unfortunately, only a few studies or research have been Muslim women belongs to the economically done on the dismal condition of Muslim women in India. impoverished and politically marginalized sections in In the book “Educating Muslim Girls: A Campaign of Indian society and is in the most disadvantaged condition Five Indian Cities” is an empirical work based on the with the least literacy rate. The Gopal Singh first hand information of ZoyaHasan and RituMenon Committeeinstituted by the Government of India in 1983, (2005) that critically analyzed the status of education of declared that Muslims are a ‘backward’ community in Muslim women in India. In the book “Rural Muslim India. Women: Role and Status” by Sekh Rahim Mandal (2005) analyses the socio-economic and cultural One of the most crucial instruments of empowerment of condition of the Muslim women and their problems in women is education. The policy calls for special measures some district of Karnataka. Suman K. Kundu and to be undertaken to universalize education, eradicate AnanyaChakraborty (2012), in their article “An illiteracy, create a gender-sensitive education system Empirical Analysis of Women Empowerment within and develop vocational and technical skills among the Muslim Community in some District of India” have women. It would also enable the women particularly the examined the issues related to Women Empowerment Muslim women to take up employment and become within Muslim Community. Md. IntekhabHossain (2013) financially empowered. In general, Indian women are in the article “Socio-Economic and Educational Status relatively undereducated. Families are far less likely to of Muslim Women: a Comparative Outlook” described educate girls than boys, and far more likely to pull them the miserable condition of the Muslim women in India. out of school due to social norms, fear of violence and expect them to help housekeepers at home. India has AREAS OF EMPIRICAL STUDIES: the largest population of non-school going working girls The primary data has been collected from three villages in the world (UNESCO). Within this picture of overall namely ‘Bidar, ‘Gulbarga’ and ‘Raichur’under Hyderabad-

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 130 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities poor statistics, it is a predictable certainty that the corresponding figures for Muslim women are still lower than any other community and the situation of Karnataka is not an exception. Educational backwardness is a key factor responsible for the social, cultural, economic, and political backwardness of the Muslim community in Karnataka. It is well known that the literacy and educational levels of Muslims in Karnataka are far below the National average. Literacy rate in Karnataka is 75.50% and significantly higher than the national average of 74%. But among the Muslim community literacy rate reached to only 54.8%, which is much lower than the national average figure.

Table 3: Literacy Rate 2001 and 2011 by District

Sl. No. District Literacy rate in 2001 Literacy rate in 2011 Change 1 Bellary 57.40 67.85 10.45 2 Bidar 60.94 71.01 10.07 3 Gulbarga 50,00 65.65 15.65 4 Yadagiri 39.90 52.36 12.46 5 Raichur 48.80 60.46 11.66 6 Koppal 54.10 67.28 13.18 7 Hyderabad-Karnataka Region 51.85 60.13 8.28 8 State 66.60 75.60 9.00

As already mentioned, women education among Muslims in the state is much lower than men. The educational status of Muslims in Karnataka, like other parts of the country is also depressing.

Table-4: District wise Literacy Rate of Muslim in Hyderabad-Karnataka Region

Sl. No. District Names Muslim Total Male Female 1 Bellary 67.85 48.40 28.60 2 Bidar 71.01 50.20 27.30 3 Gulbarga 65.65 45.50 35.90 4 Yadagiri 52.36 38.10 19.80 5 Raichur 60.46 40.30 25.70 6 Koppal 67.28 47.70 26.50

Table-4 shows the Muslim female literacy rate (27.30%) in Karnataka. Also, Muslim female literacy rate is much less than the Muslim male literacy rate of 45.033%.

Table - 5 : Rate of Literacy among the Muslim Males and Females in Karnataka

West Bengal Literacy Rate Male Female State 64.13 49.27 Urban 72.04 59.33 Rural 52.92 37.78

Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2011

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Table-5 shows that the average literacy rate of Muslim women in the State is 49.275where as in urban areas it is 59.33% and in the rural areas it is 37.78%. Thus it seems there is significant rural urban gap in the literacy rate. Rahaman and Bhuimali (2011: 84 and 91) mentioned “among various reasons, the major reasons for educational backwardness among the Muslims are poor economic condition, limited number of government and government aided schools in Muslim areas and lack of job opportunities of the educated people in the community. Perhaps Muslim women are lagging behind in education because of socio- cultural pattern of the families and the society, the hostile attitude towards girls’ education and lack of infrastructural facilities for education in Muslim concentrated areas. Muslims have limited access to the far off schools. Thus the need of the hour is to provide job oriented education and also to set up sufficient number of technical schools for male and female separately in the Muslim concentrated areas.”

Table-6: Muslim Literacy Rate in Comparison to Other Religious Communities in Karnataka

Hindu Muslim Christian Sikhs Buddhist Jains Total Male 81.12 64.13 77.20 91.37 89.09 96.46 77.08 Female 63.09 49.27 62.30 81.98 66.22 88.87 59.61 Total 72.44 57.18 69.72 87.19 74.73 92.81 68.64

Note: Total population includes “Others? and 'Religion not stated'. Source: Govt. of India, Census Report, 2011

Table-6 above reveals the inter-religious disparities in (c) Adoption of equal rule of property distribution for all literacy level of Karnataka. Literacy condition of the sections of Muslim. Muslims is worse than that of all other religious An educated woman means an educated family and communities of the state; they recorded lowest literacy healthy children. Education is needed to secure a job; a rate among the religious groups as only 57.18 percent working girl means a solvent family and ultimately of them are literate. Literacy level of Karnataka Muslims educated and solvent State. To clean superstition is are not only less than the state’s and national average difficult but many things can be changed through literacy level but also national Muslim average literacy education. We have to do this in order to empower the level, where only 64.13 per cent of males and 49.27 per Muslim women in Karnataka. cent of females are literate, or they are the most illiterate religious community in the state of Karnataka. The At lasts an impressive report 2010-11 made by National highest literacy level is found among Jain 92.81 per cent, University of Education Planning and Administrative while Sikh accounted for 87.73 per cent and Buddhist (NUEPA) under Ministry of Human Resources and Christian with 74.73 per cent and 69.72 per cent of Development on Karnataka Muslim education stated that literacy level respectively occupy third and fourth position in the years of 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10, among the six religious group of the state. respectively 28.13%, 28.28% and 32.30% of every 100 primary school children in Karnataka were Muslims, CONCLUSION: while 25.25% of the State’s population is Muslim. The impoverished status of a large number of Muslim In Kannada daily paper called VIJAYAVANI of women in Karnataka underlines the urgency for further 14.02.2016, Sunday’s article Banuvarada Focus Story inquiry in this area and also the need for active was published, in that Kashmir Mahileralli Parivarthana intervention by state agencies to implement policies to Parva (Revolutionary Change in Kashmir Women- redress this imbalance and ensure Muslim women’s full Specially Muslim Women) written that women are more and equal participation as Indian citizens. So that we aware about education. So, they are coming out from can revise many rules for people’s needs and now time their village and staying in cities and giving education to has come that we shall have to think what steps should their children’s. In the male dominated society women be taken to improve their status. Some of these steps digesting everything silently in Kashmir, but now they are as follows: are coming out and fighting for Educational Rights and (a) Polygamy should be abolished. Equality. (b) Education of girls can be made compulsory and they may be permitted to work outside.

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SUGGESTIONS: where education level of Muslim women is high; the Over the last two decades, the position of Muslim women Muslim women are getting a better social status, in the society has come to the notice of the employment scope and others social related facilities academicians, policy makers and development than other sections as is evident. So education authorities of India. It has been considered that the facilities should be given to the Muslim community Muslim women are the most deprived segment of the and women in particular on the priority basis and country’s population. Muslim women play a crucial role Govt. and other agencies should come forward to in well-being and very survival of the Muslim families. provide these opportunities to the Muslim women in But unfortunately for various reasons the gender disparity Karnataka. is very much conspicuous in Muslim society. The REFERENCES: marginalized status of Muslim women is not well documented. Therefore, information on Muslim women, 1. RanganathMisra Commission (2007) at http:// particularly on their social position, problems and www.minorityaffairs.gov.in/sites/upload_files/moma/ prospects is very much needed for the sake of their files/pdfs/volume-1.pdf empowerment, which is one of the priority areas of our 2. Sachar Committee (2006) at http:// national development. minorityaffairs.gov.in/sites/upload_files/moma/files/ For the overall socio-economic development, women pdfs/sachar_comm.pdf particularly Muslim women should be allowed to pursue 3. ZoyaHasan and RituMenon (2005). Educating Muslim their own path in respect of education and employment Girls: A Comparison of Five Indian Cities. Women and should be allowed to participate, particularly in Unlimited. decision making. 4. Md. IntekhabHossain (2013). “Socio-Economic and OBSERVATIONS: Educational Status of Muslim Women: a Comparative Outlook” IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social 1. Muslim women should be given a required level of Science (JHSS), WWW.iosrjournals.org skill, education and training not only for their employment, but as necessary requirement for their 5. Hajira Kumar: (1995). The status of Muslim women independence, freedom and to become a fully in India, Aakar Books, Delhi. page-19. developed social and cultural being. 6. Sekh Rahim Mandal (2005). Rural Muslim Women: 2. Women should be paid equal wages for equal work. role and Status” Northern Book Centre, 4221/1, Daryaganj, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110002. 3. Skill education should be given to Muslim women in rural areas of Karnataka. 7. M.T. Rahaman, and A. Bhuimali (2011), Indian Muslims and their Economy, Abhijit Publications, 4. Muslim women should be allowed to participate in New Delhi. political, social and economic activities at all level. 8. A. Shariff, (2003) National Sample Survey 5. There is a need for adopting an alternative approach Organization (NSSO), 43RD ROUND, 1987-88, to women’s education particularly for Muslim women quoted in Sebastian Vempeny, Minorities in in the lower socio-economic strata in rural areas. Contemporary India (New Delhi: Kanishka,) 6. Education is one of the main factors for empowerment 9. UNESCOhttp://www.uis.unesco.org/Education/ and upliftment of Muslim women in the society. We Documents/assessing_ national_ achievement_ have observed it from our empirical study in the urban level_Edu.pdf

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WOMEN IN 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Girisha Pushadapu1

Abstract This paper attempts to analyze the status of Women Empowerment in India and highlights the Issues and Challenges of Women Empowerment. Today the empowerment of women has become one of the most important concerns of 21st century. But practically women empowerment is still an illusion of reality. We observe in our day to day life how women become victimized by various social evils. Women Empowerment is the vital instrument to expand women’s ability to have resources and to make strategic life choices. Empowerment of women is essentially the process of upliftment of economic, social and political status of women, the traditionally underprivileged ones, in the society. It is the process of guarding them against all forms of violence. The study is based on purely from secondary sources. The study reveals that women of India are relatively disempowered and they enjoy somewhat lower status than that of men in spite of many efforts undertaken by Government. It is found that acceptance of unequal gender norms by women are still prevailing in the society. The study concludes by an observation that access to Education, Employment and Change in Social Structure are only the enabling factors to Women Empowerment. Key Words: Women Empowerment, Education, Health, Socio-Economic Status, Crimes against women, Policy implications

Introduction to men in all the places. In the Western societies, the women:- “The Origin Of Child Is A Mother, A Women women have got equal right and status with men in all .She Shows A Man What Sharing ,Caring, And Loving Is walks of life. But gender disabilities and discriminations All About....That Is The Essence Of A Women.” are found in India even today. The paradoxical situation has such that she was sometimes concerned as Women empowerment refers to increasing the Goddess and at other times merely as slave. spiritual, political, social, educational, gender or economic strength of individuals and communities of Objectives of the Study women. Women’s empowerment in India is heavily 1. To know the need of Women Empowerment. dependent on many different variables that include 2. To assess the Awareness of Women Empowerment geographical location (urban / rural) educational status in India. social status (caste and class) and age. Policies on Women’s empowerment exist at the national, state and 3. To analyze the Factors influencing the Economic local (Panchayat) levels in many sectors, including Empowerment of Women. health, education, economic opportunities, gender 4. To study the Government Schemes For Women based violence and political participation. However there Empowerment. are significant gap between policy advancements and 5. To identify the Hindrances in the Path of Women actual practice at the community level. Empowerment Empowerment. of women is essentially the process of upliftment of 6. To offer useful Suggestions in the light of Findings. economic, social and political status of women, the traditionally underprivileged ones, in the society. It is Research Methodology the process of guarding them against all forms of violence. This paper is basically descriptive and analytical in nature. Women empowerment involves the building up of a In this paper an attempt has been taken to analyze the society, a political environment, wherein women can empowerment of in India. The data used in it is purely breathe without the fear of oppression, exploitation, from secondary sources according to the need of this apprehension, discrimination and the general feeling of study. persecution which goes with being a woman in a traditionally male dominated structure. Women constitute Why Women Empowerment Is Necessary? almost 50% of the world’s population but India has shown • To stop violence against women disproportionate sex ratio whereby female’s population • To stop gender discrimination has been comparatively lower than males. As far as their social status is concerned, they are not treated as equal • To get equal opportunity for education • To get equal employment opportunity without any gender bias 1. M.Com. K.B.M. College, Vijayawada.

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• To get safe and comfortable working environment THE FIRST SCHOOL IN INDIA FOR WOMEN • To make their own choices and decisions Savitribhi jyothiphule along with her husband mahatma • Freely live their life with a sense of self worth, respect, jyothi phule starter the first women’s school at pune dignity. in1848. Savitri realized that in addition to working on education it was necessary to work on other social fronts, • To get equal status in in the society to buildup the self esteem and confidence of women • To get equal rights to participate in social ,religious and public activities. The literacy rate of women is much lower compared to men. In the Indian society which is patriarchal, girls have • To get complete control of their life both within and fewer privileges and lower status than boys. Very few outside of their home and workplace. girls are admitted to schools and among them many are Hindrances of Women Empowerment: school drop outs. Many girls cannot attend school due to conservative cultural attitude. Gender inequality The main Problems that were faced by women in past reinforces itself in education as it is factually proved that days and still today up to some extent: the rate of literacy for women is 65.46% against 82.14% Table-1 of men according to 2011 Census. The Census report also shows that the rate of literacy of Indian women is Gender discrimination Lack of Education even lower than the national average literacy rate that is Female Infanticide Financial Constraints 74.04%. Family Responsibility Low Mobility Studies show too that the rate of unemployment in case of young females belonging to the age group of 15-24 is Low ability to bear Risk Low need for achievement 11.5% whereas for young males of the same age group Absence of ambition Social status it is 9.8%. for the achievement In India a survey was conducted which showed results Dowry Marriage in same caste supporting this fact that the rate of infant mortality is and related inversely to female rate of literacy and level of Child marriage (still Atrocities on Women education. The survey as well suggested correlation existing) (Raped, Kicked, Killed, between economic growth and education. Subdued, humiliated almost daily.) Crimes against women The semantic meaning of “crime against women” is direct The present status of women’s education in India or indirect physical or mental cruelty to women. Crimes directed specifically against women and in which only Jawaharlal Nehru once said “Educate a man and you women are victims are characterized as “crimes against educate one person. Educate a woman and you women”. educate the whole family”.

337.922

300.000

250.000

200.000

155.553

2005 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 2014

Fig.1 : Crimes against women, 2005-2014 Source: National Crime Records Bureau

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Cruelty by husbands and relatives under section 498 A in favor of male child in respect of education, nutrition of Indian Penal Code is the major crime committed and other opportunities. The root cause of this type of against women across the country, with 909,713 cases attitude lies in the belief that male child inherits the clan reported over the last 10 years, or 10 every hour. in India with an exception of Meghalaya. Women often internalize the traditional concept of their role as natural Note: Cruelty by Husband and Relatives (Section 498 A thus inflicting an injustice upon them. Poverty is the IPC); Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage Her reality of life for the vast majority women in India. It is Modesty (Section 354 IPC); Kidnapping & Abduction of the another factor that poses challenge in realizing Women (Section 363,364,364A, 366 IPC); Rape (Section women’s empowerment. There are several challenges 376 IPC); Insult to the Modesty of Women (Section 509 that are plaguing the issues of women’s right in India. IPC); Dowry Deaths (Section 304 B IPC). Targeting these issues will directly benefit the Andhra Pradesh leads in crimes against women empowerment of women in India Andhra Pradesh has reported the most crimes against Education: While the country has grown from leaps and women (263,839) over the past 10 years. bounds since independence where education is concerned. the gap between women and men is severe. The state ranks first in crimes reported for insult to While 82.14% of adult men are educated, only 65.46% modesty of women (35,733), second in cruelty by of adult women are known to be literate in India. The husband and relatives (117,458), assault on women with gender bias is in higher education, specialized intent to outrage her modesty (51,376) and fourth among professional trainings which hit women very hard in dowry-related deaths (5,364). employment and attaining top leadership in any field. Implementation of women empowerment Poverty: Poverty is considered the greatest threat to • The year 2001 was declared as the national policy peace in the world, and eradication of poverty should be for women empowerment of women in our country. a national goal as important as the eradication of • It was said that “our vision in the new century of nation illiteracy. Due to this, women are exploited as domestic where women are equal partners with men.” helps.

Women empowerment schemes in India Health and Safety: The health and safety concerns of women are paramount for the wellbeing of a country and 11 Important women empowerment schemes in India is an important factor in gauging the empowerment of 1) Beti padhao,beti bachao scheme(on 22/1/2015) women in a country. However there are alarming concerns 2) One stop centre scheme where maternal healthcare is concerned. A Study on 3) Women help line scheme(on 1/4/2015) Issues and Challenges of Women Empowerment in India 4) Working women’s hostel Professional Inequality: This inequality is practiced 5) Support to training and employment program me in employment sand promotions. Women face countless (step). handicaps in male customized and dominated environs in Government Offices and Private enterprises 6) Swadhar gresh scheme(on 2001) 7) Rajiv gandhi national creche scheme(on 2012) Morality and Inequality: Due to gender bias in health and nutrition there is unusually high mortality rate in 8) Indira gandhi matriva sahyog yojana(igmsy)(on 10/ women reducing their population further especially in 2010) Asia, Africa and china. 9) Mahila e hatt Household Inequality: Household relations show 10) Mahila police volunteers gender bias in infinitesimally small but significant 11) National mission for empowerment of women manners all across the globe, more so, in India e.g. (nmew)(on 15/7/2011). sharing burden of housework, childcare and menial works by so called division of work. Challenges There are several constraints that check the process of ways to Empowerment of women women empowerment in India. Social norms and family Economic empowerment of women structure in developing countries like India, manifests and perpetuate the subordinate status of women. One Poverty eradication of the norms is the continuing preference for a son over By offering them a range of ecomnomic and social the birth of a girl child which in present in almost all options along with necessary support measures to societies and communities. The society is more biased enhance their capabilities

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Micro credit • encouraging and supporting women entreprenuers to Stenghthening of exxisting micro credit mechanisms and develop marketable models of enterprise. micro finance institutions will be undertaken so that the an initiative by indian government outreach of credit is enhanced. 6s model for women empowerment Women and economy shiksha = education Their contribution to socio -economic development as swasthya = health producers and workers will be recognized in the formal and informal sectors(including home based workers)and swavlamban = self reliance appopriate policies relating to employment and to her samajik nyay = justice working conditions should be drawn up. samedana = sensitivity Globalization samta = equality Benefits of the growing global economy have been Constitutional Provisions For Empowering Women unevenly distributed leading to wider economic In India disparties,the feminization of poverty,increased gender • inequality through often deterorating working conditions IPC Sec304(b)-murder of women in connection with and unsafe working environment. demand of dowry • IPC Sec312 to 318-miscarriage. Women and agriculture • IPC Sec366-adeals-procuration of minor girls for Concentrated efforts should be made to ensure that sexual purpose. benesits of training,extension and various programmes • will reach them in proportion to their numbers. IPC Sec 376-punishment for rape. • IPC Sec 498a-women to cruelty by her husband for Women and industry relatives. Comprehencive support in terms of labour • Sec 509-punishment for uttering words and gesture legislation,social security and other support services to or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman. participate in various industrial sectors. • The dowry prohibition act 1961 Support services • The factories act 1948 Child care facilities,including creches at work places and • The employees state insurance act ,1948 educational institutuions,homes for the aged and the • disabled. The medical termination of pregnancy act,1971 • The equal remuneration act 1976 Social empowerment of women • The child marriage restraint act 1976 • Education for women: Equal access to education • The indecent representation of women as men and boys (prohibition)act,1986 • Heath care for women • The commission of sati (prevention)act,1987 • Participation of women in development of science • The national commission for women act 1992 and technology • The prenatal diagnostic technique act,1994 • Nutrition for women • The protection of women from domestic violence • Drinking water and sanitation act,2005 • Housing and shelter • Women reservation bill or the constitution (108 the • Environment amendment)bill. Political environment • The sexual harassment of women at workplace (prevention,prohibition and redressal)act,2013 • Recogmnizing that education and training • to acknowledge and accept the glaring gender based CONCLUSION bias Thus, the attainment in the field of income / employment • empowering women by increasing awareness and in educational front, the scenario of women regarding the rights of an employee. empowerment seems to be comparatively poor. The need • work on the communication skills of women of the hour is to identify those loopholes or limitations which are observing the realization of empowerment of

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 137 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 women and this initiative must be started from the women up their identity in the society. The Empowerment of folk itself as well as more importantly policy initiative Women has become one of the most important concerns taken by the state and society. Let us take the oath of 21st century not only at national level but also at the that we want an egalitarian society where everybody international level. Government initiatives alone would whether men or women get the equal opportunity to not be sufficient to achieve this goal. Society must take express and uplift one’s well being and well being of the initiative to create a climate in which there is no gender society as whole. Women’s empowerment is not a discrimination and women have full opportunities of self Northern concept women all over the world, including decision making and participating in social, political and countries in South, have been challenging and changing economic life of the country with a sense of equality gender inequalities since the beginning of the history. That country and that nation which doesn’t respect These A Study on Issues and Challenges of Women women will never become great now will ever in future”. Empowerment in India struggles have also been in pursuit of making India a great nation ,let us work supported by many men who have been outraged at towards giving women their much deserved . A lot is injustice against women. Women represent half the still to be done miles to go...... world’s population and gender inequality exists in every nation on the planet. Until women are given the same Today women is the toot of nation. opportunities that men are, entire societies will be References destined to perform below their true potentials. The • greatest need of the hour is change of social attitude to Dr. Dasarati Bhuyan “ Empowerment of Indian women. “When women move forward the family Women: A challenge of 21st Century” Orissa Review, moves, the village moves and the nation moves”. 2006. It is essential as their thought and their value systems • Vinze, Medha Dubashi (1987) “Women lead the development of a good family, good society and Empowerment of Indian : A Socio Economic study of ultimately a good nation. The best way of empowerment Delhi” Mittal Publications, Delhi is perhaps through inducting women in the mainstream • Baruah B. (2013) Role of Electronic Media in of development. Women empowerment will be real and Empowering Rural. effective only when they are endowed income and • Goswami, L. (2013). Education for Women property so that they may stand on their feet and build Empowerment. ABHIBYAKTI: Annual Journal, 1, 17- 18.

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EMPOWERMENT OF TRIBAL WOMEN THROUGH MGNREG PROGRAMME IN PANCHAYATH RAJ INSTITUTIONS: A STUDY ON ANANTAPURAMU DISTRICT OF ANDHRAPRADESH

B. Ravi Naik1

Abstract India is a country of unity and diversity where different language, religion, caste, communities, cultures, traditions and customs exist. Inspite of India has celebrated 71st independence still living in poverty. After independence the Indian government under took several initiatives for eradication of poverty which are Drought Prone Area Development Programme (DPAP), Food for Work Programme, Minimum Need Programme, Tribal Area Development Programme, TRYSEM, Swarna Jayanthi Swarajgar Yojana, High Yield Variety Programme, MGNREGS etc…National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is a milestone in the history of India, which is the biggest employment providing scheme for unorganized sector in the country. It was launched on 2nd February 2006 at Bandlapalli village in Ananthapuram District of Andhra Pradesh. Tribal is one of the communities in India, who are the last ladder of the development as we have provision of poverty eradication since 1947 to Present. But still Tribes in India are living in poverty. The research paper mainly focuses on the impacts of MGNREG programme on the Tribal people and how the empowered through in Ananthapuram District of Andhra Pradesh. Keywords: Schedule Tribes, Development, MGNREGS, Poverty, Empowerment.

Introduction Research methodology2 Inclusive and sustainable development is essential for In this research both Empirical and analytical methods the development of any country. Hence, the have adopted. This study is based on primary and Empowerment of Tribal is inevitable for the development secondary sources, where as primary source based on of our country. Tribal are very backward compared to survey and questioner and secondary data source from other classes. Inspite of we have stepped in 71st various Books, Journals and Government websites. Independence, still Tribal’s living in poverty in our country. Participatory observation method and focused group For the empowerment of Tribal people Government has discussion has adopted in the field to study the impacts introduced many initiatives, but the conditions are of MGNREGA in the Amadaguru block of Anantapuramu remained same with small changes. In this regard district. introduction MGNREGA programme is a great forward step. MGNREGA ACT This act was introduced for the first time in my study The main aim of MGNREGA is to provide 100 days area (at Bandlapalli in Anantapuram district) on 2nd employment for unskilled household workers. This October 2006 in phased manner and after that it was programme has brought major change in the standard extended to all over the country. Present it is being of the lives of Tribal people. Inspite of the programme is implemented in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh. It is being criticized by the Economist as ‘Dole’ it has made a successful and popular programme, which was its effect in transforming Tribal people. This programme renamed on 2nd October 2009.Now it is known as has enabled tribal to earn additional sources of income Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment guarantee to create a robust financial security. And also it enables Act. This programme however, is a milestone for the tribal to get a decent wage based on their demand eradicating of poverty. And an initiative towards Tribal to get a job. people employment in Andhra Pradesh. Objectivity Salient features of MGNREGA 1) To assess the social and economical impacts on This act provides 100 days wage employment for the Tribal people through this programme. unskilled rural household. 2) To assess the impacts of this programme on the 1) It gives Legal guarantee i.e. Right to employment for Tribal empowerment in the study area. all Rural householders who willing to do work. 3) To recommend suitable measures for the effective 2) This Act stops migration from Rural to urban. execution of this programme.

1. Research Scholar, Dept of Political Science & Public Administration , Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Ananthapuram.AP.

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3) Payment is through bank account. is 58% of which 69% of male 46% female. In this 4) 33% of work days are reserved for rural women and Panchayats people mainly depended on agriculture for importance should be given to SC, ST categories. their livelihood. It is a drought prone area; people get employment only in rainy days, rest of the days no work. 5) Equal payment for both men and women. People particularly Tribal people migrate to other neighbor 6) Protection of Environment. countries or states for their livelihood. 7) Other one feature is Transparent and Accountable MGNREGA has become a big opportunity for Thummala through Social Audit, R.T.I and connecting to GeoTag. Gram Panchayats especially for Tribal people. There are 8) If Government fails to provide employment to those only 80 Tribal households in it. MGNREGA programme who have interest in doing work has to pay is being implemented well in this Gram Panchayats. compensation. In this study an effort has made to Therefore, Tribal people actively participating in it. In this analyze the following problems. Panchayats 183 tribal job card holders have exhausted their work and wage paid 54.2 lacks for 2016-17 financial Profile of the study area of Anantapuramu district years. There are 240 tribal have job cards where as The present study was conducted at Thummala Gram pending job cards are 27. Panchayats in Amadaguru block of Anantapuramu district (Andhra Pradesh State). Impacts of MGNREGA on social-economical status of Tribal Anantapuramu district is located in Rayalasemma region Tribal people should be aware to get the benefits of this of Andhra Pradesh. Its population is 4, 08, 148 of which programme. To test the understanding level of Tribal 28.09% is urban as per 2011 Census. It is the largest people regarding the programme this study asked some district in Andhraprades and 7th largest district in India. questions to them, which are discussed below. Anantapuramu headquarter is Anantapuramu, area is 19,130 km. It has 5 Revenue Divisions and 63 Mandals. To find out the impacts of MGNREGA programme on Literacy rate is 64.28%. There are 6 rivers flowing across the conditions of the Tribal people in Amadaguru Mandal the District which are: Thandakalleru, Penna, the study has chosen 50 respondents. Out of 50 Swarnamuki, Chitravati, and Vedavati. It receives average respondents 6 are above 55 years, 23 are in between rain fall of 381 mm. 40-55 of age, 15 respondents were in between 30-39 years and 8 members are in between 18-29 years of The District people depend mainly on Agriculture. Due age. All the 50 respondents are ST with job card holders to receiving lowest rain fall (in India after Jaisalmir and all belonging to Billow Poverty Line (BPL) category. (Rajastan), MGNREGA Programme has become the Out of 50 respondents 20 were illiterate. Most of the main source of income. This praogramme is being illiterate candidates did not have job cards due to implemented well in all the Districts of Andhra Pradesh. absence; they all migrated to nearby states. The study Amadaguru is a Mandal in Anantapuramu District of reveals that all those persons are poor and landless. Andhra Pradesh. Total population is 29520 of which male 14704, female 14816 as per 2011 Census. In the The study found that, 70% respondents said that the Amadaguru Mandal where ST population is only 4%.Its programme benefited them in improving standard of life, total literacy rate is 64% of which Tribal literacy rate is contributed for decreasing social distance and reducing only 47%. in stopping migration. The study reveals that women’s In Amadaguru Mandal people mainly depended on are getting self sufficient but 6% of despondence said Agriculture. It is a drought prone area where MGNREGA that they don’t had independence on their wage programme has become main source of income. Hence, purchasing, only head of the family would decide and people are actively participating in it. Totally in Amadaguru alcoholic father or brother or elder of the family would block 90 % of Tribal household have Job cards where as take hard work money away. pending job cards are 21.62. Job card holders have Awareness of the beneficiaries regarding successfully completed their work in the 2017-18 financial MGNREGA years, Persons eligible for unemployment allowances are 8844 in the same financial year. This study asked some questions to 40 sample respondents in Thummala Gram Panchayats regarding Profile of the study area of Thummala Gram the programme. They are Panchayat 1) From where do they get job cards? Thummala is a major Gram Panchayats in Amadaguru 2) How many days do they get employment for a year? block with population of 5771, of which 9% is Scheduled 3) How much wage do they get for a day? Tribes. Totally there are 1487 households; literacy rate

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Out of the 40 sample despondence 20 wear unable to Conclusion answer to above questions. The MGNREGA programme has enabled the tribal community, to empower themselves regarding access Creation of assets under MGNAREGA better standard of life. Majority of Tribal people especially This programme created assets, reduced the distance women using their income for leading their family. The between Rural and Urban, providing infrastructure Tribal’s asserted that the programme made them enabled facilities. While studying at the research area, it was in managing with their problems in their family. It has found that this programme some extant satisfactory with made Anantapuaram District Tribal people to take construction of rural roads, water sheds, check dams, independent decision making capacity. Thus the compost, drainage system and plantation for conserving MGNREGA programme enabled the treble people of this Ecology. District to have an economic transformation through their Positive aspects of MGNREGA participating in MGNREGA programme. 1) Equal payment for both Men and Women. The study found that the Tribal people in Anantapuramu 2) Women participating in Panchayats offices gradually District have been benefitted from MGNREGA programme increasing, earlier they had no scope to do so. in so many ways. It has a great impact on their social and economical life, as their income increased. However, 3) It empowers in making purchasing power. there is still long way to achieve the aim and objectives 4) This programme creates a society of Social Justice. of MGNREGA programme and make ensure the 5) It reduces unemployment and stops migration from livelihood security of the Tribal households. Rural to urban. 6) It enables standard of life References 1. www.mgnrega.ap.gov.in Problems 2. International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) This study found that and Macro International (2007) National Family Health 1) There is no regular payment in this programme. Survey (NFHS-3), 2005–06, India: Key Findings 2) Difficult to get job cards. Mumbai: IIPS. 3) Sexual harassment at work places. 3. Pelletier DL (1994) the relationship between child anthropometry and mortality in developing countries: 4) Beneficiaries are very poor in participating Social Implications for policy, programs and future research. Audit because they are not aware of their presence Journal of Nutrition 124: 2047S–81S. in it. 4. Vesel L, Bahl R, Martines J, Penny M, Bhandari N, 5) Records of Thummala gram Panchayats not et al. (2010) Use of new World Health Organization maintained properly. child growth standards to assess how infant 6) Low wages and delay in payments. malnutrition relates to breastfeeding and mortality. 7) Not connecting to geo tag for transparency. Bull World Health Organ 88: 39–48.Charmarbagwala 8) Government not taking steps to propagate this R, Ranger M, Waddington H, White H (2004) the programme. determinants of child health and nutrition: a meta- analysis: World Bank. Suggestions 5. Frongillo EA, de Onis M, Hanson KMP (1997) After this study it suggests that Socioeconomic and demographic factors are • Number of total days should be increased at least to associated with worldwide patterns of stunting and 200 day. wasting of children. The Journal of Nutrition 127: • Government should propagate this programme 2302–9. among the people at wide range. 6. Nair M, Webster P, Ariana P (2011) Impact of non- • Wages should be increased at least to RS 200 per health policies on population health through day. the social determinants pathway. Bull World Health • This programme should be linked up with allied Organ 89: 778 programmes. 7. The National Rural employloyment Guarantee Act, • Provide vehicle service to workers if work is provided (5 September 2005, 2005). far from their home. 8. www.mgnrega.gov.in • Transfer money through Bank directly to their Bank 9. anatapuramu.ap.gov.in Accounts but not Post Office.

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MICRO FINANCE A TOOL FOR DECISION MAKING AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT- A CASE STUDY OF KRISHNA AND EAST GODAVARI DISTRICTS IN ANDHRA PRADESH

Dr. Bommadevara Baby Rani1

Abstract Micro finance has become a magic bullet to enhance and promote women status in rural areas. It has the power to elevate women from depressed state to a prosperous state.It is argued that microfinance can attain socio economic empowerment and decision-making power among rural poor women. This paper makes an attempt to evaluate the role of microfinance as a tool to decision making and empowerment of women. A cross- sectional research on 288 women in six villages of Krishna and East Godavari districts of State of Andhra Pradesh, India through a questionnaire was conducted. The result showed that Micro finance has resulted in improving access to credit sources and asset building and improved the role of women in decision making. Keywords: Microfinance, women empowerment, decision making, suggestions

Introduction crucial instruments for rural credit delivery and poverty Women are the vital elements of the society. Today, they alleviation. Microfinance plays an important role in are not merely wives and others, but also the leaders the fight against many aspects of poverty and to of our society and machineries of civilization. Women attain women empowerment for overall development represent half of the world’s human resource. Pandit of the country. Poor women borrow from MFIs and then Jawaharlal Nehru rightly said, “When women moves utilize that money for different income generation forward the family moves, the village moves and the activities and try to become economically stable. nation moves”. The position and status of women in Objectives of the Study any society is an index of the socio- economic and cultural achievements of that society. The socio economic With this backdrop, the main objectives of this study is status of women in the country has been characterized to find out the impact of microfinance on decision by low female literacy, distressing health, nutritional making and women empowerment in selected regions deficiencies and declining share to the total population. of Andhra Pradesh. The development of the society majorly depends on the • To study the impact of Microfinance Institutions on women status in the society. women decision making in East Godavari district and Krishna district. In India women have been considered as the inferior member of the family in pre independence period and • To find out the improvement in the socio-economic insignificant importance had been given to women status of women due to access to microfinance development and welfare. The levels of poverty are • To offer suggestion for betterment of women’s high and because of this problem microfinance empowerment through microfinance. programmed has occupied a significant role in the poverty reduction and empowerment of women. Microfinance Methodology program is an important institutional device for This study was relied on two types of data; primary data providing small credit to the rural people in order to and secondary data. The primary data is collected alleviate poverty. through a well structured questionnaire by face to face interview. The questionnaires were pre-tested in Majority of the poor people need productive credit. order to correct some difficult questions. The sample They want secure saving facilities and consumption size was defined by using non-probability sampling loans just as much as productive credit. The poor method. Purposive sampling method was used to select face many obstacles in gaining access to formal the research location and the stratified multistage financial service institutions. In this regard Micro- sampling method was used to select household heads finance institutions (MFIs) provide chance for the poor using credit. The sample consists of 100 percent female people in rural areas to have access to Micro-credit clients of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs).For the mainly through SHGs. SHGs are now recognized as

1. HOD, Department of Economics, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 142 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities proposed study, East Godavari and Krisha districts are make choices and to transform those choices into selected from coastal Andhra region. This district is desired actions and outcomes. SEN(1999) selected based on highest MFI penetration rate and Empowerment is an expansion in individual‘s agency large number of women clients. In these selected district i.e. expansion in one‘s ability to act and bring about six villages are selected on Random basis. A sample of change, whose achievement can be judged in terms of 24 respondents was selected randomly from each village her own values and objectives. Empowerment hence can for interview. The study uses primary data analysis of be defined as a multidimensional process that enables 144 women respondents using micro finance schemes women to realize their identity and power in all spheres in each district. of life. Empowerment provides greater access to resources, more autonomy in decision making, greater Literature Review ability to plan lives and more control on the Gurumoorthy (2000)33 opined that women circumstances that influence lives. Stated succinctly empowerment is very crucial in development process. empowerment is defined as ¯increasing poor people‘s By empowering women the socio economic development freedom of choice and action to shape their own lives. can be attained. Micro finance plays an important role (Narayan 2005) in enhancing entrepreneurial abilities among women. Credit requirements of women are fulfilled through micro Among the various measures targeted towards women’s finance and this improves the socio economic status of empowerment, the provision of micro finance or small women and decision making. Sahu Lopamudra, Singh credit assumes crucial importance. The formation of Self Suresh K (2012)50 opined that microfinance and SHGs Help Group and Micro Financing will enhance their socio- are essential factors in women’s empowerment which economic position in the society. Microfinance services are facilitated and supported by NGOs. They observed lead to women empowerment by positively influencing that NGOs train the clients in farm and off farm activities women’s decision making power at household level and which contributes to their income generation. their overall socioeconomic status. The experiences of Microfinance also plays very prominent role in several SHGs reveal that rural poor are efficient managers empowering women by enhancing their earning ability, of credit and finance. Availability of timely and adequate boosting their self-confidence and promoting regular credit is essential for them to undertake any economic savings. This enabled the clients to better decision activity rather than credit subsidy. Various studies show making in family, easy credit accessibility, economic that there is a positive correlation between credit security, increased mobility and improved political and availability, decision making and women’s legal knowledge. empowerment.

Penetration of Microfinance in Andhra Pradesh Impact of MF on Decision making of the respondent The intensity of penetration of micro finance in the State The socio economic status of women can be measured of AP is the highest at the all India level. For good reason, by tracing out women’s decision making in family, Andhra Pradesh has often been labeled the “Mecca of community, income, expenditure etc. Borrowings from Micro-finance” in India. The MFI actually brings great MFIs enhance the decision-making capacity of women professionalism, innovation and technology to its members. The study revealed that the participation of enterprise. It also ventures to provide loans that banks women in the decision-making process has increased do not. significantly after accessing loans from MFIs which is reflected from the percentage distribution of members Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading states in terms of reporting on the decision-making process in all the two SHG and MFI growth, with the largest MFIs based in selected sample districts. The joint decision making by the state. Several of India’s largest MFIs including SKS, women members together, with their spouse also Spandana, BASIX, and Share are based in Andhra improved significantly for all aspects investigated under Pradesh and began operations in the state; and the state study. Social conditions of women in terms of self- is home to India’s largest state-led micro-finance initiative confidence improved a lot, as reflected in their decision- – the Velugu program. making abilities and interaction with outsiders. Micro finance programme has improved their role in child Micro Finance: A tool for Women’s Empowerment bearing decisions, spouse selection, marriage of girls/ The World Bank defines empowerment as “the process boys, education of children, purchases, interaction with of increasing the capacity of individuals or groups to outsiders and in community decision-making.

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Table-1 : Distribution of Respondents based on their decision making and empowerment

Krishna East Godavari Over Disctrict District all Total

Decision Making No % No % No % Improved 80 55.56 63 43.75 143 49.65 Stayed Same 60 41.67 79 54.86 139 48.26 House Hold Worsened 4 2.78 2 1.39 6 2.08 Worsened very much 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 Total 144 100 144 100 288 100.00 Improved 20 13.89 24 16.67 44 15.28 Stayed Same 86 59.72 92 63.89 178 61.81 Community Worsened 38 26.39 28 19.44 66 22.92 Worsened very much 0 0 0 0 0 0.00 Total 144 100 144 100 288 100.00 Improved 84 58.33 94 65.28 178 Stayed Same 26 18.06 22 15.28 48 16.67 Family Planning Worsened 19 13.19 21 14.58 40 13.89 Worsened very much 15 10.42 7 4.86 22 7.64 Total 144 100 144 100 288 100.00 Improved 40 27.78 52 36.11 92 31.94 Stayed Same 62 43.06 58 40.28 120 41.67 Women Groups Worsened 30 20.83 12 16.67 42 14.58 Worsened very much 12 8.33 10 6.94 22 7.64 Total 144 100 144 100 288 100.00 Improved 56 38.89 57 39.58 113 39.24 Stayed Same 50 34.72 43 29.86 93 32.29 Wage/Salary Worsened 26 18.06 36 25.00 62 21.53 Worsened very much 12 8.33 8 5.56 20 6.94 Total 144 100 144 100 288 100.00 Improved 45 31.25 54 37.50 99 34.38 Stayed Same 58 40.28 38 26.39 96 33.33 Family Expenditure Worsened 33 22.92 40 27.78 73 25.35 Worsened very much 8 5.56 12 8.33 20 6.94 Total 144 100 144 100 288 100.00

Source: field Survey

Women Decision-making in Household Financial As it a known fact that most of the rural women are involves in house hold management and men are bread earners and major decision makers. It is very surprising to see that in Krishna and East Godavari districts nearly fifty percent of women’s participation in household decision making improved relating to financial decisions like budget

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 144 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities allocation, when to get a loan, amount and source of respondents involvement in decision making regarding loan, buying and selling of household durables etc after family expenditure improved. availing micro and they feel more empowered within their family. Suggestion for betterment of women empowerment through microfinance Women Decision-making in community Following suggestions can be put forth which enables Women’s decision making after microfinance in the efficient operation of the Microfinance institutions to community in which she lives in is disappointing. Data assure enhancement of rural poor in decision making show that only 15.28% of the respondents decision and empowerment. making improved. This reveal that women had no appreciable role in community decision making due to • The interest rates charged by MFIs on the borrowings her rigidity nature, lack of exposure etc. should be low on par with the banks. Clients are to be provided with accurate information about the rate Women Decision-making in Family Planning of interest and other service charges charged by Women grew empowered after availing micro finance MFIs in lending process.? loans and made them think about small family norms • MFIs should provide more installments facility to its and its benefits. They strongly involved themselves in clients in case of genuine cases like ill health, accepting and propagating family planning program as hospitalization, sack season etc. MFI agents should a member of SHG. About 61.81 percent of the not use foul language and abuse women in loan respondents were involved in decision making regarding recovery process.? family planning, This is due to the surroundings of the • As most of rural poor are illiterate and ignorant and house , community, nature of family the respondent live they do not have complete knowledge about micro etc. Decision making of women in family planning aspect finance and its impact on their socio economic in East Godavari District improved more than Krishna status. Hence a wide campaign is very essential to district. make this programme more effective.? Women Decision-making in women groups • The government and other welfare motive organisations should work together to develop the The empowerment of women is made easy in a SHG Strategies to combat the lack of empowerment among where they do collective effort to enhance their living the rural women and also focus on the root cause of standards through the loans micro finance institutions women’s powerlessness. provide. It enables to enhance their social behavior. From field survey it is revealed that 31.94 percent of • Collaborating with other organizations for providing respondents decision making improved. About 14.58 business training, monitoring the use of loan and percent of respondents decision making worsened and encouraging more productive use of loan by various surprisingly 7.64 percent of respondents decision making ways such as differential rate of interest, incentives, worsened very much in women groups. This is due to etc, are some of the few measures suggested to varies caste, religion, difference in educational status promote empowerment and skill training amongst the etc. clients. • Women entrepreneur associations should be formed Women Decision-making related to her income so that women clients can exchange their ideas and MFIs paved the ways to downtrodden women to generate strengthen their business.? her own income and attain economic and social well • Effective initiative should be taken to eradicate being. About 39.24 percent of the respondents are all types of internal and external violence against involved in decision making on income related matters female. after procuring micro finance loans as she has become one of the earning member in the family and economically Conclusion: strong. Micro Finance is an important tool for empowerment and involvement of women in decision making. Micro-finance Women Decision-making related to Family loans facilitate women to contribute to the household expenditure economy, increasing their socio economic status. The Income generation and expenditure related matters is income generating activities undertaken by women by mostly looked after by the head of the family and a mere using micro finance improved their income levels and role is given to women in decision making related to assets thereby giving them financial stability. There is income and expenditure matters. However the overall also ‘increased participation in household decision sample study revealed that 34.38 percent of the

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 145 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 making’, ‘increased savings’, ‘meeting family expenses’, • Lekshmi R., Kulshreshta and Archana Gupta (2002), ‘family planning’, ‘confidence’ etc. At the end it may “A study of microfinance in India -Delivery be concluded that microcredit is positively linked system and impact analysis with special with the up lift of socio-economic empowerment of emphasis to women upliftment”, Sajosps, Vol 3, working women at Krishna and East Godavari districts No. 1, December 2002, p. 105. in Andhra Pradesh. • Microfinance Institutions in Andhra Pradesh, References India-2009", International Journal of Social Inquiry, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 67-84. • Benjamin F.Lyngdoh and Ambika P.Patil(2013), “Micro Finance and Women Empowerment”, • Nathalie Holvoet (2005), “The Impact of Himalaya Publishing House, Mumbai. Microfinance on Decision-Making Agency: Evidence from South India”, Development and • Chavan, Pallavi and Ramakumar, R(2002), “Micro Change,Vol. 36, Issue 1, Pages 1–210. credit and Rural Poverty: An Analysis of Empirical Evidences”, Economic and Political • Sahu Lopamudra, Singh Suresh K(2012) , “A Weekly, Vol.37, No.10, Pp.955-965. Qualitative Study on Role of Self Help Group in Women Empowerment in Rural Pondicherry, • D.Ajit, RajeevC.B (2009).”Micro- India”, National Journal of Community Medicine, Vol. Finance and Social Capital: A Study O f 3, Issue 3, July – Sept 2012, Pp 473-479. Evidence from South India”, Development and Change,Vol. 36, Issue 1, Pages 1–210. • Sangeeta Arora and Meenu (2012), “Microfinance Intervention and Customer Perceptions: a study • Gurumoorthy, T. R. (2000), “Self-Help Groups of Rural Poor in Punjab”, Decision, April, Indian Empower Rural Women”,Kurukshetra, February, Institute of Management, Calcutta, Vol. 39, No.1, Pp. Vol. 48, No. 5, pp. 31-37. 62-76.

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THE STATUS OF INDIAN WOMEN: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

Dr. P. Ratna Mary1

Abstract The status of women in India has been subject to many great changes over the past few millennia. The status of Indian women has radically changed since independence. Both the structural and cultural changes provided equality of opportunities to women in education, employment and political participation. With the help of these changes, exploitation of women, to a great extent was reduced. More freedom and better orientation were provided to the women’s organisation to pursue their interest. The centuries of slavery were over. Today women want equality, education and recognition. The advancement of women is the most significant fact of modern India. Gandhiji once said “woman is the noblest of God’s creation, supreme in her own sphere of activity”. These words are blossoming now. The global evidence reveals that women have been performing exceedingly well in different spheres of activities like academics, politics, administration, social work and so on.The improvement in the status of Indian women especially after independence can be analysed in the light of the major changes that have taken place in areas such as legislation, education and employment, political participation and awareness of their rights on the part of women. The objective of this paper is to analyse the Status of Indian Women: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. Keywords: Status of women, traditional, modern, education, employment, political, economic, rights, equality and empowerment.

“It is impossible to think about the welfare of the world spearhead in the struggle against irrational orthodoxy unless the condition of women is improved. It is and discrimination. impossible for a bird to fly on only one wing”. The increased opportunities of education and - Swami Vivenkananda employment have brought about changes in her position If we gaze into the history of mankind from the very at home and in the society. One finds that more and beginning, one can find that men have always utilized more women are educated, gaining economic the services of women. Men needed the help of women independence and holding official positions and ranks from the primitive ages, when they hunted animals. They at all levels. The traditional image of Indian woman is no need their help even to this day. doubt changing. Dube makes similar observations. One cannot expect this change to enter into practical life Woman’s situation today is in the state of alteration. overnight. Traditional attitudes and prejudices still There is a change from traditional to modern. But the persist. This is but natural, for, social opinion takes its ‘modern’ has approached without completely rooting out own time to change. the ‘traditional’. The traditions still linger. Thus the modern woman is a mixed bag of what is traditional plus the But at least in theory the status of inferiority is no longer newly emerged ‘modern’. there. Today, the situation is quite different. The Indian constitution guarantees equal status and rights to both Obviously, she has not decided yet which values she men and women. Woman today is no more the slave of should accept and which she ought to throw away. She her man. She too goes out to take up gainful employment is puzzled to accept all that is modern, at the same and earn money. Today her role is not limited only to time very much puzzled to discard everything that is household duties and rearing the children. traditional. This transitional period has its own effects on women who are trying to combine the roles of home This freedom granted to women is greatly responsible and work. Those who are orthodox may find the conflict for late marriages and independent choice. The girls are of roles still highly intense. taking courage of postponing or refusing to be married and go in for higher education. Economic independence The tide began to turn decisively in the mid-nineteenth and ‘Individual Freedom’ are the strong factors in this century when such practices as polygamy, child- change. marriage, enforced widowhood and Sati were vigorously attacked by social reformers. The 20th century saw the The participation of women in economic and social birth of a strong women’s movement, which became a activities has been steadily increasing in all countries.

1. Head, Department of Social Sciences,Ch. S. D. St. Theresa’s College for Women, Eluru,AP.

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Since Independence, women working as teachers, Change in Structure of the Family: doctors, nurses etc., are quite common. The phenomenal The peculiarity of the Indo-Aryan culture has been its progress in education made them capable of working in joint family system. There are certain advantages and important fields like engineering, administration, law, disadvantages of it. But now the joint family is changing judiciary, journalism, politics etc. Women also hold high and giving place to unit or nuclear family or at least to a managerial posts, there are women directors of many modified joint family. commercial firms, there are women legislators ministers and deputy ministers also. The disintegration of joint family has given rise to many problems. The nuclear family is very small. It cannot The working woman today stands at the crossroads of provide a satisfactory social life. When this is so, social evolution at a junction of old and the new. And as woman’s life is more affected than men. But as the the vanguard of the new generation new generation of economic burden has to be shouldered by husbands emancipated womanhood, she stands to hardships, as only, in times of need, the wife has to add to family the pioneers in any field must always pay a heavy price. income, especially among middle class families. The The role of women in this field of social action is now unmarried daughters have to help parents. increasing as against her subservient position in the past. About the number of children, women today have much Social Status Of Women: less than they used to have in former days. In the bygone It is true that woman today has a status far different days, she used to have more number of children. Now from the past. She has entered the field of work out of the number, especially among the middle – class the house, and is taking active part in it. In spite of that, families, has come down to two to three children. we cannot neglect the universal fact, that, she cannot In India, the age at marriage has considerably changed. be absolutely free from her duties as wife, mother and The girl takes her education and the period of gap between home-maker. She has to realise that nature has so made completion of education and marriage is usually filled her that she alone can bring into being a happy home, by employment for a majority. Most of them take up a the basic unit on which society is built. job to support their family. Some may take up A woman’s position at home and outside home now is employment for dowry, still others for utilizing for their so closely interlinked and intermeshed that it is very education, some because an earning woman may be difficult to separate the two. accepted by the other party concerned in marriage, and a few for pocket-money, too. Change of Women Roles in Family: Change in Family Ideology: Right from the beginning, job is considered to be a life- role as far as men are concerned. This is not so with In Indian Society, men enjoyed a superior status and women. Their interests are supposed to centre around position in marriage and family. With the spread of home. At home, they have their definite and decided education among women and equality of status ‘roles’ to play. This is true for both the married and guaranteed by constitution to them, there is a tendency unmarried women. For a married woman, the ‘wife’ and in the opposite direction. It is yet to be ascertained as ‘mother’ roles are important and for an unmarried woman to whether educated women make better wives and the ‘daughter’s and ‘sister’ roles assume more mothers than otherwise. However, one thing is clear; importance. The wife’s role consists of meeting her education of women has facilitated them to take-up a husband’s needs, taking sufficient interest in his work, job. providing him company and fulfilling his expectations. Previously, man was dominant in family decision- When the women play the mother’s role, to look-after making, and he was the bread earner of a family. This the children their health, education, character-building ideology is passing through a gradual change. Both are her major concern. Beside these, a house-wife has these changes are interrelated and interdependent. As certain obligations as a ‘woman’ of the house. She is more and more women started taking up employment, the one who is expected to perform such obligations the ideology that gave men the superior position as the towards the elder members of the house, guests, ‘sole provider’ of family income started changing attending marriages etc. gradually. Now-a-days, in addition to these roles a new role has Economic Status of Women: emerged, i.e., an occupational role, this consists of a Indian woman as an economically productive human number of activities. It is obvious that some role conflict source has now come to stay. However, it is still far is sure to persist. The reason is she has to divide the from the situation, where, they have effective place in available time between these two roles.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 148 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities the production. While the working women of industrially opinion that the purpose of female education transcends developed countries like USA., & UK., constitute almost preparation for future employment. The primary concern 1/3 of their respective female population; in India, only of girls’ education is not with the money she will earn, 13 percent of female population constitutes as working but with the life she will lead. women, i.e, only a few millions in absolute numbers. Educational Status of Women: Women both married and unmarried are entering in the field of employment in large numbers. Apart from the A highly educated woman is more likely to get a white- traditional fields of nursing and teaching, other fields have collar job than a less educated woman. The chances of also experienced an increase in the employment of an educated woman securing well paid job are also women irrespective of their marital status. brighter. From a social point of view, it is usually assumed, if not always accepted, that one of the primary aims in Economic Independence: encouraging women to go in for higher education is to The basic and most fundamental flaw in women is their equip them for obtaining a job so that they can be self- ineffectiveness in demanding a monetary remuneration sufficient. Not only women joining in even greater number for work done at home. Without their monetary in the universities, but they are also generally showing remuneration, her legal status is reduced to a dependent. better results in their examination than male students. She is not a contributor to the gross national product There is a positive co-relation between the level of and by law she is living under the protection and provision education and economic status. Higher the level of of her husband. education, higher is the economic status. The struggle Most women are still unaware of the subtle brain washing for the uplift of women took place mainly in three fields: and deprivation to their own sex. When husbands become i) legislation, ii) education, iii) politics. member of clubs, it does not occur to her that Women in Religious and Cultural Events: membership should be on both names. When the name plate is put on the door she will not realize that her name In this respect, Buddhism was most important for it had should be added. When a couple prospers as a husband the greatest impact on women’s status. Buddha’s and wife team, she will not care to point out that property; compassion and respect for mankind raise the position car, etc. should be on joint names. When a marriage of women. Buddhism tried to retrieve and restore the breaks, the convenient remark of the husband is ‘get position of women in society; they were admitted to the out of my house’. Bhikshunisongha, which opened avenues for their socio- cultural attainment. As Buddhism believed in the individual Among weaker sections of society of underdeveloped independence and right to ultimate liberation, women countries like India the monetary repercussions are became truly unshackled. manifold and male domination almost complete. The other big religious reform movement was Jainism, Change in Income: closely following Buddhism. It offered women the best Industrialization affected the economy in such a way opportunities for intellectual and aesthetic cultivation. that all men and women had to come out for service. Changes in Life Styles: Men have moved from the Small Scale works and farms to offices. Similarly, but rather gradually, women also When women are employed and have only limited time have entered into the ‘white-collar’ jobs. First to come in at their disposal for household work they may adhere to this field among women were the unmarried. Then the a fairly rigid programme, one which shortcuts many of married women increasingly started taking up out of the household chores previously performed by their home jobs. Women more or less, everywhere, including mothers. Modifications in the ritual behaviour appear most India, is benefited and freed from inferiority complex. directly related to women’s employment. It is the women’s attitudes towards the rituals, which permit the Today, there is not single job, which a woman cannot changes. perform. The more advanced education of many women has further increased their usefulness to employers. Highlights of Women: “Cultural change, therefore, has allowed mothers’ Yesterday: increased free time, has added incentive and Women from past centuries have changed the world in simultaneously has provided extensive employment many different ways and have also paved the way for opportunities”. future women. During historical times, many women One of the main reasons for women to work may be that achieved many different goals but still remained unequal they belong to nuclear families. Some people are of the and inferior to men. The historical woman could not vote,

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 149 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 hold normal jobs, or even have a place in politics. to the world. They are overcoming more demanding and Historical women mainly managed the home front, difficult responsibility than ever before. The 21st century including the children and all of the homemaking woman is so amazing for many reasons. responsibilities. Women were not in charge of many Toaday Women can vote and decide the fate of a Govt, catered to men and their every need while ignoring their they have a place in politics and government ,they have own needs for freedom and opportunity. Many important career choices. historical women changed the way women are viewed today, including giving women rights and opportunities Great examples of women empowerment : they never had before. Historical women will never be Chandra Kochhar – ICICI Bank Managing Director & forgotten for the positive changes they have made for CEO. Shikha Sharma – Axis Bank Managing Director & womanhood. Such historical women include Susan B. CEO. Arundhati Bhattacharya – SBI Chief Managing Anthony for granting women the right to vote, Jackie Director. Naina Lal Kidwai- CA & Business Executive. Joyner-Kersee for introducing women into the Olympics, Kalpana Morparia – Many leading companies Chief and Helen Keller for educating the world about women Executive officer ,to name some we have Indira with disabilities. Gandhi,Sonia Gandhi, JayaLalitha,, Prathibha Patil, There have been many prominent women who have ,Mamatha Benerji ,Saina Nehwal, sindhu Mary com, distinguished themselves in political, literacy and artistic kalpana Chawla, etc have proved women to be great fields in our country. Samyogita the daughter of achievers in every field in the present era. They have Jaychandra of Kanauj, Rani Padmini of Mewar, Tera Bai held high offices including that of president, prime of the Solanki tribe, Rani Durgawati of Katanga (in MP), minister ,speaker of the lok sabha, ministers, chief Mira Bai, Rani Gangadevi of Vijaynagar, Rani ministers and governors. Umayamma of Travancore, etc., are some names that Tomorrow, come to mind readily. There have been many others over the centuries, who have risen above their social turmoil women should be seen equal in all respects with men. and restrictions, and have shown brightly with their There is no field where women are unsuitable or prowers in their chosen field. More recently, Sarojin incompetent. Women will replace men in all fields. Naidu, an ardent, versatile and dynamic genius was also References: a poet, a dreamer, idealist and a politician. The Indian • freedom movement has generated many other Raj Kumar Pruthi, Rameshwari Devi and Romila noteworthy women crusaders. Pruthi, “Status & Position of Women in Ancient, Medieval & Modern India, Mangal Deep Publications, Today: Jaipur, ISBN: 81-7594-078-6, 2001. Women today are much different than historical women. • Uma Shankar Jha, Arati Mehta & Latika Menon, The modern woman is consumed with many obligations, “Status of Indian Women: Crisis and Conflicts in duties, and responsibilities on a daily basis. Women Gender Issues”, Volume 3, Kanisha Publishers, are now stepping out of their historical role of mother Distributions, New Delhi, 1998. and housewife to obtain a higher quality of living. The • Anid Bhuimali and Bipul Malakar, “Women, modern woman has a much different lifestyle with many Globalisation and Development”, Serials Publications, different choices. Modern women also look, dress, and 2008. act much differently than historical women. Just like other creatures in the world, women have also evolved over • B.S. Benni, “Urban Women Sustainable the centuries and are continuing to adapt to the new Development”, Current Publications, 2013. environment. Although many women in foreign continue • Shanta Kohli Chandra & M Lakshmiswaramma, to keep their traditional roles, women in America are “Working Women and Infant Care”. breaking the old boundaries and are changing with the • S.N. Chowdary, Employment of Women with special times. reference to Embroidery Work. st The modern women of the 21 century are focusing on • Digumarti Bhaskara Rao and Digumarti Pushpalatha themselves and their own lives more than historical Rao, Women, Education and Empowerment. women ever have. Goals and opportunities are more • abundant for women and the modern woman is taking Eveline Hust, Women’s Political Representation and advantage of them in a positive and healthy way. Women Empowerment in India. of the 21st century are so amazing because of all of the • Status of Women in India Wikipedia. things they can offer to themselves, to other people and

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 150 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities

• Why being a woman of the 21st century is so amazing, November 23, 2016. • Tanima Banerjee, Here’s How The Status of Women Has Changed In India, March 11, 2012. • Dr. Md. Faizanuddin, Women Empowerment and Micro Credit. • Talwar Sabanna, Women Education, Employment and Gender-Discrimination. • Anjali Gandhi, Women’s Work Health and Empowerment. • Ushvinder Kaur Anand, Working Women and Retirement. • Prof. Meenakshi Malhothra, Empowerment of Women.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 151 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969

CHANGING SCENARIO OF WOMEN IN THE 21ST CENTURY

D. Meri Suguna1 Dr. M.S.C.Sophia2

Abstract Gender differences have created gender inequalities, both for male and especially for female. Fakih (1999:12) defines gender inequality as “a system and structure in which either male or female becomes a victim of the system”. Gender is one of social problems which are not only discussed on television, newspaper or others mass media but which also can be found in novels. Gender inequality and discrimination against women, influenced by the historical and structural power imbalances between women and men across all communities in the world. Inequalities between men and women cut across public and private spheres of life and across social, economic, cultural and political rights; and are manifested in restrictions and limitations on women’s freedoms, choices and opportunities. These inequalities can increase women’s and girls risks of abuse, violent relationships and exploitation. Violence against women and girls so not only a consequence of gender inequality, but reinforces women’s low status in society and the multiple disparities between women and men.

Introduction within the existential predicament of a woman in a male In the contemporary scenario there are many men or dominated society. Through such characters, she makes women writers who, through their writings, have been a plea for a better way of life for women. Her novels have successful in projecting the existing social gender Indians as central characters, she alternated between inequality with regards to the new fangled styles, female centered and male centered narrative. In Desai’s technique and trends in women’s novels and poetry. novels, women do not necessarily inflict violence directly, Traditionally, the work off Indian women writers has been but very often become willing agencies of violence by undervalued due to patriarchal assumptions about the submitting to male oppression and ignoring their own superior worth of male experience. One factor feminine needs as well as those of the younger women contribution to this prejudice is the fact about the in their families. These women, shadowy figure in enclosed domestic space and women’s perceptions of themselves have suppressed their own individuality. their experience within it. The majority of these writers’ Indian woman has carried the burden of the family. She novels depict the psychological suffering of the frustrated has slaved for her husband, for her children and for her housewife, this subject matter often being considered family. superficial compared to the depiction of the repressed Indian women take pride in suffering and live with the and oppressed lives of women of the lower classes that idea of subjugation entrusted to them for years in we find in regional authors writing in Hindi, Bengali, inculcation about the necessity to accept and abide by Malayalam, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu and other native the rules assigned to them by patriarchy that runs through languages. Prior to the rise of the novel, many Indian their blood. In a male dominated society woman is women composed poetry and short stories. Women were supposed to be an ideal wife, a mother and an excellent the chief upholders of a rich oral tradition of story telling home maker with multiple riles in the family. As a wife and fables once literacy began to filter through society and a mother, service, sacrifice, submissiveness and those stories were transformed into poetry and drama. tolerance are her required attributes. Mild Many Indian women novelists have explored female submissiveness, domesticated, unprotesting, and self subjectivity in order to establish an identity that is not sacrificing woman was an essential adornment of the imposed by a patriarchal society. A number of Indian patriarchal social set up all over the world. Throughout women novelists made their debut in the 1990s, her novels and short stories, Desai focuses on the producing novels which revealed the true state of Indian personal struggles of anglicized, middle class women society and its treatment of women. in contemporary India as they attempt to overcome the Anita Desai, in her psychological novel ‘Fasting Feasting’ societal limitations imposed by a tradition bound presented the image of a suffering woman preoccupied patriarchal culture. Her novels move around women with her inner world, her sulking frustration and the storm characters although she is preoccupied with the theme

1. Lecturer, Dept of English, Sir C R Reddy PG College, Eluru,AP. 2. Head, Dept of English, Sir C R Reddy PG College, Eluru.AP.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 152 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities of incompatible marital couplets. Most of Desai’s works realizes that we come into this world alone and go out engage the complexities of modern Indian culture far of alone. from feminine perspective while highlighting the female Anita Nair is one of the India’s living woman authors Indian predicament of maintaining a self identity as an who have carved a distinctive niche for herself. Her individual. The novel Fasting Feasting relates with the characters are drawn from different walks of life and are disastrous attempts of an Indian daughter to leave her realistic. Nair has emphasized that her characters parents home and achieve independence without interact and cause tensions allowing the narrative to marriage. Her parents barely notice their daughter’s unravel at a brisk pace. Her work ‘Ladies Coupe’ is the aspirations as they lavish all of their attention on their story of a woman’s search for strength and independence. only son. Anita Desai highlights on different types of Themes of loneliness, deprivation and suppression run women liberation through the character of Mira - Masi; a through this novel. Male domination in the novel makes distant relative developed the habit of travelling all over the readers aware of the hardships faced by single and the country alone, visiting one place of pilgrimage after married women in South Asian Culture. A single woman other. Through the portrayal of Mira-Masi character, Anita is a rare entity in this culture and society would like to Desai divulges the practicability of the confluence of the question why and how she continued to be single. Being social and the spiritual. alone is something alien and not accepted in this society. Shashi Deshpande occupies an important place among It is also equally ironic that married women are often the contemporary women novelists who boldly expresses subject to domination by their husbands and to break the problems of women and their quest for identity. free from this domination by their husbands and to break Deshpande’s creative talent and accomplishment have free from these dominations is an arduous and often established her credential as a worthy successor and impossible job. Domination by family members and contemporary to the writers. Her protagonists are loneliness has become an essential ingredient of the modern, educated young women crushed under the life of South Asian women. weight of male dominated and tradition bound society. Ladies coupe is a novel about women in South Asia. Deshpande’s novels reveal the man made patriarchal But it talks about universal factors in the man woman traditions and uneasiness of the modern Indian woman relationships. It explores the themes of alienation, in being part of them. Shashi Deshpande uses this point loneliness and lost opportunities. It delves into of view of present social reality as it is experienced by subjugation and dominance within the portals of women. To present the world of mothers, daughters and marriage. Men and women are complementary to each wives are also to present indirectly the fathers, sons other. But, even in this modern era, women are and husband the relation between men and women and considered not as equal to men but as the weaker class. between women themselves. The word which is They undergo suppression in a male dominated society. associated with what we consider to be the concept of These women are unvoiced creatures of the society. an ideal woman is self denial, sacrifice, patience, Anita Nair’s portrayal of women in her novel Ladies Coupe devotion and silent suffering. The Dark Holds No Terror (2001) brings out this fact clearly. Any relationship is a (1980) Shashi Deshpande’s first published novel presents beautiful bond that connects people to share pleasure Saritha’s quest for identity and her assertion for equality and pain, joy and sorrow and success and failure. A to her brother and later to her husband. It is the story of strong and healthy relationship assures a person that Saru who feels like a trapped animal, trapped by her he/she is not left alone on this earth. Everyone is need to succeed at any cost. She needs to find surrounded by such relationships as marital, parental, somebody who would care for her. Saru is lonely because siblings and friends. Trust, commitment, adjustment, she has not received any love all through her life. In this sacrifice and all the above love are prime pillars of a novel the novelist brings out powerfully the psychological healthy relationship. Marriage cuts off a woman from problem of woman and discusses it artistically without the mainstream of life and pulls back her from achieving crossing the barriers of art. The novel also transcends her goals. Most marriages are successful only when feminine constraints and raises issues which the human the women show major attention to the household affairs. beings in general encounter in their life. The novelist For men it’s different. aim is to show one should take refuge in the self. It means that woman should assert and ascertain she In most families, the man is the boss of the house; wife makes Sarita’s consciousness to be touched by her a counselor or a minister who assists or helps; but not experience as a doctor. Sarita realizes that one has to the dictator. Beyond the threshold of her house, woman be sufficient within oneself because there is no other finds life less promised and confusing due to her social refuge elsewhere, puts an end to her problems. She and cultural insecurities. Whenever women step out of their confinements, they have to fight to wipe out the

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 153 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 negative image of women already dwelling in the minds from one another and each has his own idea of self- of men and women. In certain aspects women are treated esteem and self-respect, a willingness to face new as angels and goddesses. In some other aspects women challenges and come up with innovative ideas to tackle are expected to be slaves, who are ready to work for a issues has to spring from within. man and his benefits and comfort. Marginalization and Women writers of Indian Writing in English are good in centralization are common in a woman’s life. Veneration analyzing complex issues like complexities of human and isolation both do not help her to mingle with the relationships, man-woman relationship, woman’s psyche realities of life. “An Indian woman has been either and her potential. Writers such as Anita Desai, venerated as a goddess or rejected as a siren. The Nayantara Shagal, Arundhati Roy, Manju Kapur and modern Indian woman has to compete against these Shoba De show how the modern Indian women attempt two extreme images; she is striving to lead the life of a to free themselves sexually, economically and normal human being with normal desires” domestically from the male dominated society. Male and These three great Indian women novelists handled various female characters in their novels fight against their themes regarding women’s life and status in male- interpersonal problems without caring for any success; dominated society. For example gender equality, her often they end up having some kind of peace. The alienation, anxiety, insecurity, fear her marital familiar novelists, like the readers, know that there is no logical and social relation, sufferings and exploitation, struggle analysis of emotion. However, it is interesting to note for new identity, psychological disturbance in her mind, how certain types of men and certain types of women mother-daughter relationship, disharmony between get along very well. The novelists often focus upon the husband and wife’s relationship etc. Through these lack of emotional fulfillment in man-woman relationship. themes these women novelists have tried to project various images of women. For example the image of References traditional, modern and new, liberated, immigrant, middle • Nair, Anita. 2001, “Ladies Coupe”, Penguin Books, class, sensitive, sterile, emotional and self-sacrificing New Delhi. Manohar, D.Murali 1994, woman • “Indian Fiction women’s Fiction: A Study of Marriage, Women’s writing in the 20th century moved towards a Career and Divorce”, Atlantic Publishers and medium of modernism in which Womanist and feminist Distributors Pvt. Ltd., Delhi. statements were combined with political messages over • Mukherjee, Meenakshi, 1994, “Women Creative the years and throughout the political stability which Writers in Indian English Literature Between Spaces affected Indian society at large, along with a myriad of of Silence: Women Creative Writers”, New Delhi. other influences which have affected culture, language • Rose, M. Stalle, 2004, “From Periphery to the Center: and social patterns Women’s Literature in India has Anita Nair’s Ladies Coupe” evolved to show common experiences, a sense of • B. Ashcroft, G. Griffiths, H. Tiffin, The Empire Writes sisterhood and a range of female experiences that Back. New York: Routledge, 1989. Print. question the recurring face of patriarchy. Women should • not be ashamed of any stigma attached to them for e.g. Mohanty, Chandra Talpade. “Under Western Eyes: widowhood, divorcee status, spinster status etc. They Feminist Scholarship and Colonial Discourses.” Laura should realize their true potential and strength and this • Chrisman, and Patrick Williams, eds. Colonial requires the capacity to manage differences and the Discourse and Postcolonial Theory: A Reader. New willingness to respect them. Women should engage in York: a full fledged battle for survival and improve relationships • Harvester Wheatsheaf, 1993. Print. rather than submitting to harassment and suppressing • Nair, Anita, Ladies Coupe. New Delhi: Penguin Books the rights of an individual. Since each person is different India, 2001. Print

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EMPOWERMENT AND COPING STRATEGIES IN WOMEN: A STUDY ON “OSTEOPOROSIS” IN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN ELURU

Dr. K.S.V.K.S Madhavi Rani1 Dr. R. Indira2 N.Lakshmi Prasanna3 G. Suneetha4

Abstract Menopause is described as a period of psychological difficulties that changes the lifestyle of women in multiple ways. Menopausal women require more information about their physical and psychosocial needs. Empowerment during the menopause can contribute to improving the perception of this stage and the importance of self-care. The National osteoporosis Foundation says that one in two women and one in eight men over 50 will have an osteoporosis related fracture in their life time. This study can help to understand, recognize about the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of Osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to review the empowerment and coping strategies in menopause women.

Introduction becomes apparent in a dramatic fashion, causing Osteoporosis is often called the Silent disease, because fractures even after a normal activity such as bending or bone loss occurs without symptoms. People often don’t twisting or falling from the standing position. The broken know that they have the disease until a bone breaks, bones, affect the daily life causing disability to do the frequently in a minor fall that wouldn’t normally cause a daily tasks. Women of all ages and men over age 50 fracture. Many people confuse osteoporosis with arthritis suffer from this disease. Millions of women and men and believe they can wait for symptoms such as swelling are already at risk for osteoporosis. This is a major health and joint pain to occur before seeing a doctor. It should problem for older adults, which comprise an increasingly be stressed that the mechanisms that cause arthritis greater proportion of the general population [7]. are entirely different from those in osteoporosis which Pathophysiology of bone loss and fractures: usually becomes quite advanced before its symptoms appear. The National osteoporosis Foundation says that Low bone mass is a major feature of Osteoporosis. An one in two women and one in eight men over 50 will inverse relationship exists between “Bone mass Density” have an osteoporosis related fracture in their life time. (B.M.D) and susceptibility to fracture. B.M.D is the Thirty-three percent of women over 65 will experience a primary indicator of fracture risk in patients. The over all fracture of the spine and as many as 20% of hip fracture. architecture of bone is divided in to cancellous bone (also This is a major health problem for older adults, who called as trabecular bone) and cortical bone. The cortical comprise an increasingly greater proportion of the general bone forms a compact shell around the more delicate population. Over 10 million adults in the United States cancellous bone. It is formed by an inter connective are estimated to have osteoporosis and an additional lattice work of trabecular.n general, the appendicular 43 million to have low bone mass [6]. Osteoporosis skeleton is composed of cortical bone and the axial poses a serious worldwide health economics issue, skeleton is composed of both cancellous bone and though secular and temporal trends differ considerably cortical bone. The surface area of cancellous bone is by region [2]. more than that of cortical bone, and is metabolically active. So the cancellous bone is severely effected. Literature During the accelerated period of bone loss, immediately “Osteoporosis” meaning “porous bones”, is a disease after menopause,cancellous bone loss increases three that causes structural deterioration of the bone tissue fold, while rates of cortical bone loss are slower.The with no detectable symptoms. It is related to the loss vertebrae are rich in cancellous bone. So vertebral of bone mass that occurs as a part of the natural fractures are common in the early post menopausal process of aging. It results in conditions where there is years, while hip fractures occur in later years. Bone excess bone loss without adequate replacement. It strength is related to bone mass density (BMD) and other factors such as remodelling frequency (Bone turn

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Ch.S.D.St.Theresa’s Autonomous College, Eluru. 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Ch.S.D.St.Theresa’s Autonomous College, Eluru 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Ch.S.D.St.Theresa’s Autonomous College, Eluru. 4. Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Ch.S.D.St.Theresa’s Autonomous College, Eluru.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 155 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 over), bone size and area, bone micro architecture and • Increased risk of fractures with minor trauma. degree of bone mineralization. • Pain in the bones and muscles. After linear growth stops, bone is in a constant state of • Breaks in the hip, wrist, spine. remodelling with repeated cycles of bone resorption • Sloping shoulders. followed by deposition of new bone. In normal conditions • Back pain bone resorption followed by bone formation is sequential without over loss of bone. This bone turn over is • Compressed vertebrae. necessary for general bone health as it repairs micro • Protruding abdomen fractures and remodels the bone architecture. Bone has • Hunched posture. remodelling units. They combine the sequential action • Person becomes stooped with a bent back called of osteoclasts which resorb bone, leaving a cavity or lacuna and the subsequent action of osteoblasts Called dowager’s hump (kyphosis) synthesise new bone. When there are aberrations in Diagnosis: bone remodeling, thinning of trabeculae occurs and they become disrupted. It is also described as loss of The diagnosis of osteoporosis is usually made by the connectivity. It weakens the structural integrity of the doctor using a combination of a complete medical history bone. Bone is a major reservoir of calcium. In various and physical examination. In order to properly diagnose physiological and pathological conditions, bone mass osteoporosis the bone density must be measured. This may be sacrificed to satisfy intracellular and extracellular can be done using a test measuring the density of the calcium needs. Because of all these reasons, bones bones in the areas most likely affected by the disease become weak, fragile and porous leading to such as spine, hip and wrists. osteoporosis. There are tests that can get to find out the bone density. This is related to how strong or fragile the bones are. Types of osteoporosis: One test is called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (D Osteoporosis can be classified in various ways, based X A). A D X A scan takes x-rays of the bones. on diagnostic categories, etiology. Osteoporosis can be classified as primary osteoporosis and secondary Treatment: osteoporosis. Primary osteoporosis includes age, Treatment for osteoporosis includes eating a diet rich in gender, race, figure type, life style, diet and lack of calcium and vitamin D, getting regular exercise, and sunlight. Secondary osteoporosis includes genetic taking medication to reduce bone loss and increase disorders, hypogonadal states, endocrine disorders, thickness. In man Alendronate and triparatide have hematological disorders, nutritional deficiencies, drugs. been approved to treat osteoporosis in men. Calcitonin Factors that cause osteoporosis: may work in men, treatment with testosterone increases bone density. In women, the non hormonal bisphoshonate • Osteoporosis is related to the loss of bone mass drugs, alendronate and rise dronate prevent and treat that occurs as part of the natural process of aging. post menopausal osteoporosis. Raloxifene is approved • It results when there is excess bone loss without for preventing and treating osteoporosis. A class of drugs adequate replacement. called estrogen agonists antagonists; commonly referred • It is far more prevalent in women after menopause to as selective estrogen receptor modulators SERMS due to the loss of the hormone estrogen. are approved for the prevention and treatment of • It is common in persons. postmenopausal osteoporosis. They help to slow the rate of bone loss. - Having small thin body. - Having a family history of osteoporosis. Calcitonin : Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone that Can help slow the rate of bone loss. - Being over 65 years old. - Not getting enough exercise. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (M H T) :- These drugs which are used to prevent bone loss. - Long term use of some medecines like glucocorticoids, antiseizure medecines, thyroid Parathyroid Hormone or Triparatide:- Triparatide is hormone replacements etc. an injectable from of human parathyroid hormone. It helps the body build up new bone faster the broken old Consequences of osteoporosis: bone. Though osteoporosis is often called as a silent disease, there are some symptoms like.

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Prevention:- 5. Don’t smoke: Building strong bones during childhood and teen years Smoking raises the chances of getting osteoporosis. is one of the best ways to keep from getting osteoporosis It harms the bones and lowers the amount of estrogen later. As the person gets older, the bones don’t make in the body. new bone fast enough to keep up with the bone loss. 6. Drink alcohol moderately: And after menopause, bone loss happens more quickly. But there are steps that can be taken to natural bone Alcohol makes it harder for the body to use the loss with aging and to prevent the bones from becoming calcium taken in. weak and brittle. 7. Make your home safe: 1. Get enough calcium each day: Reduces the chances of falling by making the home Bones contain a lot of calcium. It is important to get safer. Use a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub. enough calcium in the diet. The person, can get Keep the floors free from clutter. Make sure that calcium through foods and calcium pills. For age have grab bars in the both or shower. group 9-18, the requirement of calcium is 1300mg./ 8. Lactose intolerance: day, for 19-50, requirement is 1000 mg./day, and for If the person is lactose intolerant, it can be hard to 51- and above age group the requirement is 1200 get enough calcium. Lactose is the sugar that is mg./day. found in dairy products like milk. Lactose intolerance 2. Get enough vitamin ‘D’ each day: means the body has a hard time digesting foods that contain lactose. The symptoms like gas, bloating, It is also important to get enough vitamin - D, which stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea. Lactose helps the body absorb calcium from the food taken. intolerance can start at any age but often starts in Vitamin “D” is produced in the skin when it is exposed older age. Lactose- reduced and lactose-free products to sunlight. The person needs 10 to 15 minutes of are sold in food stores. sunlight to the hands, arms and face, two to three times a weak to make enough vitamin D. The Methodology amount of time depends on how sensitive the skin is A survey was conducted to collect the required to light. It also depends on the use of sunscreen, the information from patients suffering from osteoporosis. skin colour, and the amount of pollution in the air. The data was collected from one orthopedic hospitals The person can also get vitamin D through foods or for a period of one month in Eluru. The data was collected by taking vitamin pills. The daily Vitamin D from 50 patients of different age groups by questionnaire requirement for age group 19-50 is 200IU per day, for method and the results are tabulated 51-70 age group, the requirement is 400 IU per day, 3. Eat a healthy diet: Results & Discussion Other nutrients (like vitamin K, vitamin C, magnesium, Table-1 : Percentage of the samples and Zinc, as well as protein) help build strong bones too. Fish, green leafy vegetables, oranges, and milk contain many of the nutrients. S.No Sex Percentage of the samples 4. Exercise: 1 Female 90% Exercise is very important for slowing the progression 2 Male 10% of osteoporosis.

Graph-1

100

80

60

40

% of the sample 20

0 Females Males

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Table-2 : Percentage of different age groups suffering

Sl.No Age - group Percentage effected 1 40 -45 4% 2 46 -50 28% 3 51 -55 30% 4 56 -60 20% 5 61 -65 12% 6 66 - 70 6%

Graph-2

0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 % of age group 0.05 0 Age 40-45 46-59 51-55 56-60 61-65 66-70 group

Sl.No 1 2 3 4 5 6

Table-3 : Percentage of the subjects with or without family history

Sl.No Family history Percentage 1 With family history 20% 2 With out family history 80%

Graph-3 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20

with out family history 10 % of the subjects with or 0 With family history With out family history

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Table-4 : Symptoms of Osteoporosis.

Sl.No Symptoms % of the subject suffering 1 Knee pain 48 2 Hunch back 14 3 Backache 12 4 Bone fracture 10 5 Often falling down 10 6 Joint pains 6

Graph-4

0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1

% of the subjcet suffering 0 Symptoms Knee pain Hunch Backache Bone Often Joint back fracture falling pains doiwn

Sl.NO 1 2 3 4 5 6

DISCUSSION 6% are suffering from severe joint pains. The main • From the survey, it is observed that out of 50 subjects, constraints to optimal treatment for osteoporosis, males are 10% and females are 90% . So the according to the physicians who participated in the females are more prone to this disease. current study, are lack of consistent compliance on the part of patients and lack of knowledge. Recently • Among 40 – 45 age group, 4 % are effected, published studies have shown suboptimal adherence 46 – 50 age group, 28% are effected, 51 – 55 to osteoporosis treatment in a number of countries age group, 30% are effected, 56 – 60 age group, [4,5]. 20 % are effected, 61 - 65 age group, 12% are effected, 66 – 70 age group, 6% are affected. Conclusion These results reveal that the incidence of Because it is hard to replace bone that is lost, prevention osteoporosis peaks in the age group of 51-55 followed is the key. Beginning a life long commitment to exercise by the age group 46-50 and it was proved in earlier and nutritious, food in young age reduces the risk of studies. This condition is related to menopausal developing this condition later in life. Act now to build stage of women. strong bones to last a lifetime. • 20% of the subjects are with family history and 80% are without family history. So to some extent “Best Bones Forever” is a national education effort to osteoporosis may be hereditary. encourage girls aged 9-14 to eat more foods with calcium and vitamin D and get more physical activity. There is • 48% of the subjects are suffering from Knee pain, also a website for the parents, which gives them the 14% are suffering from Hunch back, 12% are tools and information they need to help their daughters suffering from Backache, 10% are suffering from build strong bones, during the critical window period of Bone fracture, 10% are falling down frequently, bone growth that is between 9-18 years to make them

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 159 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 empowered. Recent publications have attributed fracture: a qualitative study using extended deficiencies in osteoporosis management to inadequate Normalization Process Theory. Implement communication and cooperation among the physicians Sci 2015; 10:57 doi: 10.1186/s13012-015-0243- involved: general practitioners, orthopedic surgeons, z[PMC free article] [PubMed] endocrinologists and rheumatologists [1,3]. • Kim SC, Kim MS, Sanfélix-Gimeno G, Song HJ, Liu Empowerment of menopausal women will guarantee their J, Hurtado I, et al. Use of Osteoporosis Medications health during the last third of their life. The results of the after Hospitalization for Hip Fracture: A Cross-national present study can pave the way for future research about Study. Am J Med 2015; 128:519–526. doi: 10.1016/ women’s health promotion and empowerment. j.amjmed.2015.01.014 [PMC free article] [PubMed] REFERENCES • Modi A, Sajjan S, Gandhi S. Challenges in • Akesson K, Marsh D, Mitchell PJ, McLellan AR, implementing and maintaining osteoporosis Stenmark J, Pierroz DD, et al. IOF Fracture Working therapy. Int J Womens Health 2014; 6:759–69. Group Capture the Fracture: a Best Practice doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S53489 [PMC free Framework and global campaign to break the fragility article] [PubMed] fracture cycle. Osteoporos Int 2014; 24:2135– • Wright NC, Looker AC, Saag KG, Curtis JR, Delzell 52. [PMC free article] [PubMed] ES, Randall S, et al. The recent prevalence of • Cooper C, Cole ZA, Holroyd CR, Earl SC, Harvey osteoporosis and low bone mass in the United States NC, Dennison EM, et al. IOF CSA Working Group based on bone mineral density at the femoral neck on Fracture Epidemiology Secular trends in the or lumbar spine. J Bone Miner Res 2014; 29:2520– incidence of hip and other osteoporotic 6. doi: 10.1002/jbmr.2269 [PMC free fractures. Osteoporos Int 2011; 22:1277–1288. article] [PubMed] doi: 10.1007/s00198-011-1601-6 [PMC free • Yacov Fogelman,#1,2,* Inbal Goldshtein,#3,4 Elena article] [PubMed] Segal,2,5 and Sofia Ish-Shalom6, anaging • Drew S, Judge A, May C, Farmer A, Cooper C, Javaid Osteoporosis: A Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and MK, et al. REFReSH study group. Implementation Practices among Primary Care Physicians in Israel, of secondary fracture prevention services after hip 2016; 11(8): e0160661.

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WOMEN IN THE 21ST CENTURY: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Kabitha Rani. Bethala1

Abstract “I Measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” - Dr. B R Ambedkar. Gender equality has been plagued with controversies and discrimination for centuries and even though we have moved on, there is still a long way to go before we could say that Equality is achieved in this modern world. Women have proved they are no less in every arena of the world stage and have excelled in many ways in comparison to men. Their contributions to Science and technology is second to none. Women Rulers from centuries have demonstrated their strengths and abilities and in many ways exceeded expectations with immense charisma and no different to men. The key roles that they have played on the world stage to make us who we are is unprecedented. If this is how we profile the women from era to era, then why are we still pursuing this hot topic of gender equality? Why are women treated any different to men when it comes to privileges, responsibilities, and authority? Why isn’t a woman’s voice heard in this modern society? In this article I wish to bring the ideology of equality and opportunity for women in our fast-developing world. I wish to draw our attention to the educational needs that we face for young girls and the opportunities that are available for women to excel. I would like to highlight the contributions of women at high professions and decision making that effects the current regimes, world markets and technological advancements.

Introduction I strongly believe that our country is still gripped in the Women and Education: clutches of traditions that were misinterpreted for various reasons for instance in the name of religious beliefs and Women have excelled and proved well beyond capable economic affordability, that the parents will not allow in every field that the current world had adopted. We live the female siblings to progress in their education. Their in an era where gender equality is starting to be notion that a Girl is destined to be married and sent addressed and equal opportunities to women and men away which does not require a qualification is slowly are now a mandatory legislation in most of the developing replaced with mutual understanding and realisation of and developed nations across the globe. In this fast- the importance of education in the modern society. paced world where Science and technology plays a vital However, this is noticeably not prevalent in rural areas role, we cannot take chances to overlook any contribution and in the families where the parents are not fully to well being be it coming from a man or a woman. Great educated or are aware of the need for literacy in the real thinking, inventions and discoveries start with great world. education. This sheds clear light on the fact that it is imperative that every child no matter what gender they We as a nation have the immediate responsibility to are must be educated to their highest so that they can address this by first understanding the importance of access their peak potential. To my dismay, a latest educating women and the grave dangers encountered if report generated by UNESCO suggested that nearly two otherwise. thirds of the 774 million illiterate population of the world Education in females empower them with planning the are females. child birth and do it when its right and affordable. This There is a growing concern that gender equality is the prevents premature pregnancies and child births. major contributor to females being deprived of sufficient Female education will give them better awareness of education. There are still 31 million girls (UNESCO 2013 nutrition and hygiene for their children which will yet again cognitive report) at primary school age who doesn’t go prevent child deaths caused due to lack of nutrition and to school and 34 million girls (UNESCO 2013 cognitive hygiene. Females forced into marriages at young age report) at secondary school who are deprived of will be totally eradicated if the current generation is education. equipped with this knowledge of social awareness. The governments of many nations have already been in the

1. Lecturer in Computer Science, Sri Y.N. College, Narspaur, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 161 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 forefront with these issues with outreach programmes opportunities in education and careers available equally and to encourage young girls to go to school. Education to the females along with males. The Government, in women literally laid foundation to the advancements Charities and Private enterprises could provide funded of today’s modern world. Marie curie was the first female programmes to educate the families of some of the most to have been awarded the Nobel Prize for her contribution rural areas in the country to bring awareness of Gender to the chemistry world with her discovery of Uranium in equality and the need for education. Women must also collaboration with her husband and polonium by herself. be able to explore and have opportunities to be part of a Even she was denied from education to start with, Marie’s successful team and hold high ranking careers. enthusiasm inspired to pursue education secretly and A recent survey done by the Oxford university England persist to become one of the most renowned figures in shows that in schools the percentage of female students modern history. opting for Maths, Science and technology compared to In the beginning of the 19th century this mind set had the male students is as low as 35%. Schools and changed and led to free education for women. This universities must open every type of subject available change had discovered Ada lovelace who was never with gender equality. Females should continue in growing credited for her unmatched contribution to the computer numbers to explore careers that have stereotypically industry until after her death. She was the first person opted by men. Nowadays it is no surprise when you to have written the first ever computer programme while hear of a female Pilot, a female commander in the working alongside with Charles Babbage. defence services, a female engineer, a female Doctor, a female architect, and other key careers. Parents are This also led to the formation of collaborative programme now open to the frame of mind that allows them to give called STEM (Science Technology Engineering and these opportunities to their female children just as they Maths) which is adopted in schools to encourage young do with their male children. and budding Scientists and entrepreneurs. UNESCO is the global charity that amalgamates all the As the years passed by more women had the nations under one banner and one motive of education opportunity to be educated at higher levels and their for women. The recent projects proposed under the contributions literally shaped the human life of today. Muscat agreement such as the Sustainable development Rosalind Franklin was the first person to use the Goals(SDGs) as an open working group for the future technique of X Ray crystallography to discover the shape welfare of women in the society and Global education of the human DNA which led to further establishment of for all (EFA) projecting the enhancement of education the Double Helix structure by Watson and Crick. But opportunities for the illiterate population specifically somehow, we only credit the later. focussing on the female education. Literature is shaped by some of the greatest female writers of all time. Jane Austin’s Pride and prejudice is Women in decision making: still taught as part of educating literacy in school in the Throughout our history we are revolutionised by the modern-day world. JK Rowling’s contributions to the female rulers with their relentless prowess, subtlety, and literacy world had led to the most charismatic novel tenacity of efficient leadership in the likes of the following. creations of all time. Some of the other most impacting Rani Lakshmi Bai (1828-1858) who created history by Indian female literacy writers of all time are Arundhathi fighting against the oppression of the British rule with Roy, Jhumpa lahiri, Anita Desai, Kiran Desai, Shashi the first war of independence and induced the idea of a Deshpandey whose work had changed our thinking democratic republic in the minds of our great nation. forever. Catherine (II) the great (1729-1796) of Russia had With this kind of impact on the world it is no surprise revolutionised the nation of Russia following the footsteps that we MUST take the matter of female education ever of Peter the great. so seriously and encourage many more great minds of young females across the globe. This surely calls for Maria Theresa of Austria (1717-1780) ruled the largest the end of an era for disadvantaged girls and women. It part of the European continent for 40 years and saw the should be mandatory that the females are prioritised in women’s education reformed, and in the establishment educating them to their highest possible levels. Currently, of the royal society of Science. it has become a necessity for both the parents to work Queen Victoria (1819-1901) of the United Kingdom ruled and that shows that the importance of why women should the kingdom that spread over six continents for over 63 be allowed to move up the ladder in their career pathways years. She is such a prominent figure that her life time and for this they must equipped with relevant is described as the Victorian Era when she abolished qualifications and experience. This is possible with Slavery and established equal rights and right to vote.

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Theodora (500-548) of the Byzantine Empire is hailed Women in the finance sector have literally run the world one of the saints of the Orthodox church for her great money matters. Chanda Koccher who is the CEO of contribution o the roman empire. She had established ICICI bank, Christine Laggard the head of International women’s rights, passed anti-trafficking laws. She was Monitory Fund, Arundathi Bhattacharya who chairs the also renowned for her great control of foreign affairs and State Bank of India, Janet Yellen who is yet again the legislation in the empire. head of USA federal reserve are just a few names that would barely scratch the surface. Borte Ujin (1161-1230) became the ruler of the Mongol empire which is the largest contiguous empire to even Women are exalted to high status because of their social today’s standards. She also played a key role in state work and reformation across the world stage. Names affairs and was responsible for the establishment of the such as Sister Alphonsa born in Kerala, Mother Yuan dynasty. Euphrasia from Kerala again, Meera bai, Mother Teressa, Florence Nightingale, St Joan of Arc, St Catherine of Joan of Arc (1412- 1431) Was the French heroine who Sienna are remembered for their contribution to the fought the British in the battle of Orleans and had attained welfare of other disadvantaged population of the world the mythic status. and famous patriarchs of Humanitarian efforts across Its little wonder then that we have high profile female the globe. They have taken humanitarian service as their figures in today’s world running the nations and alter the life goal and lived I dedication for the other people course of history for good and the new world order. supporting and helping them with social physical, mental Indira Gandhi (1917-1984) is the only female prime and economic reforms. Women like Anne Frank in the minister who is remembered for her radical decision- book “The diary of a young girl” had changed the world making prowess and in the transformation of the republic when the world learnt about the atrocities committed by of India. the Nazis against the Jews in the concentration camps during the holocaust. These women remained in history Margret thatcher (1925-2013) dubbed as the Iron lady as saints because of their selfless work to human kind. was the prime minister of the United Kingdom for 11 There is no sector in the working world where women years and remained as the longest serving prime minister have not excelled. This calls for the radical improvement in British History. of the opportunities available for women and females to In our modern world we have Angela Merkel(2005- explore and excel. These are only a few mentions of the present) as the chancellor of Germany, Prime minister mountain of contributions made by women to the human Sheikh Haseena wajed (2007- Present) of Bangladesh, kind. Their valuable and valiant efforts were never wasted Prime minister Erna Solberg (2013 to present) of Norway, in vain but laid the foundation of the modern world. We Helle Thorning-Shmidt (2011- present) of Denmark, and also can never forget the Nobel peace Prize winner Malala 17 other nations of the world are currently run by the Yousafzai for her invaluable contribution to women’s female leaders. welfare.

The decisions made by these prominent female figures Finally: effected the economies and their represented nations and are world leaders in pioneering and innovation. Despite the contributions made by females to our heritage Germany is still regarded as the economic superpower and the modern world there are still huge concerns to of the European continent. Denmark’s economy is one address especially with regards to equality and of the most effluent economies with great childcare and opportunities. There are frequent occurrences of lowest unemployment rates. And the list goes on. These incidences where women are discriminated from men. leaders have also contributed to the women’s rights with Women are discriminated at work places where men no partiality. are prioritised for certain jobs over women by falsely profiling them as incapable. There are cases where Modern fashion industry is worth over $1.2 Trillion across women suffered severe oppression, sexual harassment the globe. This also created just under a million jobs and bullying at work place and at homes. I believe that and is studded with household female brand names it’s the thinking that should change before these gremlins created such as DKNY, Coco Chanel, Vera Wang, of our modern society are addressed. Women deserves Alexander McQueen, Viviane Westwood etc. moral respect and reverence that should be equally The global entertainment industry is successful because exercised and demonstrated in the society. We are all of the legendary actresses. There are all time great one and we are all capable of anything we put our minds female singers and performers that ruled the to. And that’s when the right opportunities are explored entertainment industry. and catered for a better tomorrow. There should be strict

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 163 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 legislations as to equality at work place and value of a References: woman in the public and place and society. Gone are • http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0024/002456/ the days when women suffered silently, and their voices 245656E.pdf were never heard. It is the responsibility of every women • http://aplus.com/a/women-in-science-greatest- of current and the future generation to speak out and female-scientists?no_monetization=true confront the current climate of gender inequality, and equal opportunities. Now is the day when we rise as a • http://www.right-to-education.org/issue-page/ phoenix and shine as stars that brighten the future path marginalised-groups/girls-women of a very intelligent generation. • https://www.ranker.com/list/best-female-authors/ Women are not an afterthought. We are not part of the ranker-books plan, We ARE the plan. We are the engine that run the • http://jjmccullough.com/charts_rest_female- modern society and the mere biological existence of leaders.php humanity is made possible because of females. The • https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinehoward/2016/ current and the future must be impartially educated and 06/06/17-most-powerful-women-in-finance-banking- prepared for the important challenges that this and-venture-capital/#5a572d37371d technically advanced world had to throw at them.

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ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN RURAL AREA

Jaikar kommukuri1

Abstract India is a male dominated society and women are assumed to be economically as well as socially dependent on male members. Women entrepreneurs faced lots of problems like lack of education, social barriers, legal formalities, high cost of production, male dominated society, limited managerial ability, lack of self confidence etc. Various factors like Pull and Push factors influencing women entrepreneurs. Successful leading business women in India. Government takes various steps for the upliftment of women entrepreneurs in 7th five year plan, 8th five year plan and in 9th five year plan. Women have the potential the potential and determination to setup, uphold and supervise their own enterprise in a very systematic manner, appropriate support and encouragement from the society, family, government can make these women entrepreneur a part of mainstream of national economy and they can contribute to the economy progress of India. Data has been collected from number of articles, books, periodicals and websites. “When a women moves forward, the family moves, the village moves and the nation moves” -Jawaharlal Nehru

Introduction: up establishment to manufacture solar cookers in Word entrepreneurship broadly stands for self Gujarat, small foundries in Maharashtra and TV employment .it’s mainly involves identification of capacitors in Orissa. These are not –traditional industrial opportunities with the economic system .it involves units. Women also engage themselves in the traditional assumption of risk and responsibility in designing the sector s of embroidery , lace, toys, doll making , mat exsiccating a business strategy of starting a new weaving and production of fancy-cum-utility articles business venture. Entrepreneurs are skilled organizers .some women employ technicians and managerial of in various activities such as identifying the needs for personnel , since they don’t have requisite technical and various products or services, originating or generating professional know –how, government organizations help ideas on how to provide the desire products or services, in preparing projects reports and setting finance training. evaluation of well though our ideas and present a business Of late , a few organizations have set up especially in enterprise opportunity, and finally a plan of action to the NGP sector provide the support and assistance to translate idea in to a commercially viable proportion. women entrepreneurs and bring about attitudinal change Entrepreneurship has been attraction more and more in them.these include organizations such as Indian attention of policy makers, academicians and business council of women entrepreneurs, association of women practitioners since early nineties. The main reason behind entrepreneurs of Karnataka , and self employed women this is that the creation of new enterprises has a great association. Organized efforts have provide the much potential to contribute to a balanced and accelerated needed attitudinal and skill tainting. economic growth and certain of employment opportunities. Classification of women entrepreneurs in India: Women entrepreneurship in India is still as nascent The proposed classification of recognizes four types of stage. Women are often heavily discriminated against entrepreneurs: in many countries including India. In some situations 1. Young achiever entrepreneurs this may actually encourage women start then own 2. Block factor entrepreneurs ventures because they may not secure employment. in 3. Family-driven entrepreneurs other situations , certain crafts may not be socially acceptable for women. There is a great struggle for 4. Financial need entrepreneurs equality in many countries which is usually test identified Development of women entrepreneurs in India: as the equal opportunity for the job skill a position and same pay. education and awareness programmes have The women workforce constitutes only the twenty–eight encouraged women entrepreneurs. Women have a set percent of the female population. Out of the total number

1. Junior Research Fellow, Department of Social Work, Acharya Nagarjuna University,AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 165 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 of self employed persons women account for only five 4. Family commitments: percent .the majority of the self –employed women are In india regarded as commitment or responsibility of engaged in the unorganized sector like handicrafts, the women to look after the children and other handloom, cottage industries and agriculture. The members of the family. It is difficult for the women seventh five-year plan has covered the integration of entrepreneurs to strike a balance between business women economic development. The eighth five-year plan and home .therefore, the success depends on the gave due importance to the development of the small support given by the family. sector. The number of small scale units was expected to increase from one half million to two and half million 5. Social attitudes: during 1992 and 1997. It is estimated among the small In a man dominated society, despite constitutional scale entrepreneurs, nearly nine percent would be equality women don’t get equal treatment .there is women. If this trend is maintained women’s participation widespread discrimination against women. This is likely to increase to twenty percent of the total small attitude prevents women entrepreneurs from sector units. becoming successful and independent entrepreneurs. The new industrial policy has stressed the importance of entrepreneurship among women. The policy has 6. Lack of education: strategy for the holistic development of women. This will In India literacy among women is very low. Due to help to develop their personally and to improve their this women are unaware of the latest technological economic and social conditions. This policy has development, basic accounting, and marketing redefined “women units” in which they had a majority trends; this may lead to failure of business. share holding arid management control. 7. Personal problems: The new industrial policy has also stressed the need for conducting special entrepreneurship development Many entrepreneurs lack the necessary initiative, programmes for women wit view to develop suffer inferiority complex and are easily disheartened entrepreneurship among women. by failure. 8. Low need for achievement: Problems of women entrepreneurs: Many studies have shown that women have In the man dominated society, the greatest deterrent to preconceived notions about their role in life and this women entrepreneurs is that they are women .the inhibits achievement. Women may not set goals for problems faced specially by the by the women themselves. It is partly due to their several role entrepreneurs are fallows. conflicts. 1. Lack of encouragement from financial 9. Lack of raw materials: institutions: The majority of the women are engaged in the Financial institutes are sometimes doubtful of women unorganized sector like handicrafts, handloom, entrepreneurs entrepreneurial abilities .the bankers cottage-based industries .for these sector there is consider women loaners are higher risk than men inadequate availability of raw materials. loaners. 10. Stiff competition: 2. Lack of financial resources: Women entrepreneurs in the unorganized sector face Women entrepreneurs suffer from inadequate intense competition from organized sector and male financial resources both long term and working entrepreneurs in terms of quality and price of the capital. Due to negative attitude of financial product. institutions and male members, about the capabilities of women, they are forced to rely on 11. Marketing problem: their own savings and loaners from family friends. Access to market is more difficult than access to This leads to failure of enterprise due to in sufficient finance. Access to market poses a very big challenge financial resources. to entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs with 3. Low mobility: adequate experience continue to face the problem of marketing their products. Women entrepreneurs generally face the problem to travel from one place to another for business 12. High cost of production: purposes. The profitability. Development and expansion dependents on the cost of production. High cost of

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production due to problem of material, labour five year plan, 8th five year plan and in 9th five year plan. infrastructure, human resource, etc.hinders the Women have the potential the potential and determination efficiency, development and expansion of an to setup, uphold and supervise their own enterprise in a enterprise. Women entrepreneurs also face the very systematic manner, appropriate support and same problem. encouragement from the society, family, government can make these women entrepreneur a part of mainstream Promotion of women entrepreneur: of national economy and they can contribute to the Following steps to be taken to promote women economy progress of India. entrepreneurs in India. REFERENCES a. An environment should be prepared to enable their participation. • Bowen, Donald D. & Hirsch Robert D. (1986), The Female Entrepreneur: A career Development b. Women should be motivated to come out of their Perspective, Academy of Management Review, Vol. traditional occupation for accepting ,ore challenging 11 no. 2, Page No. 393-407. and economic activities. • Cohoon, J. McGrath, Wadhwa, Vivek & Mitchell Lesa, c. Funding agencies to be sympathetic towards women (2010), The Anatomy of an Entrepreneur- Are entrepreneurs. Successful Women Entrepreneurs Different From d. Bank and other finance institutions must provide must Men? Kauffman, The foundation of entrepreneurship. credit to women entrepreneurs on both priority basis • Women Entrepreneurship Development in India, www. and concessional terms. indianmba.com/Faculty_Column/F C1073/ e. Simplify the procedure of licensing and government fc1073.html regulations to strat new business enterprise for women • Hackler, Darrene; Harpel, Ellen and Mayer, Heike, entrepreneurs. (2008), “Human Capital and Women s Business f. Motivate new women entrepreneurs in to the new field Ownership”, Arlington, Office of Advocacy U.S. Small through audio-visual media. Business Administration, August 2006, VA 22201 g. The promotional and regulatory agencies should also [74], No. 323. be motivated to be considerate , understanding and • Singh, Surinder Pal, (2008), An Insight Into The helpful towards women entrepreneurs. Emergence Of Women-owned Businesses as an h. The state government should formulate programme Economic Force in India, presented at Special to assist women entrepreneurs by providing them Conference of the Strategic Management Society, with the initial stage of setting up on enterprise. December 12-14, 2008, Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. Conclusion: • Tambunan, Tulus, (2009), Women entrepreneurship India is a male dominated society and women are in Asian developing countries: Their development assumed to be economically as well as socially and main constraints, Journal of Development and dependent on male members. Women entrepreneurs Agricultural Economics Vol. 1(2), Page No. 027- faced lots of problems like lack of education, social 040.the glass ceiling. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. barriers, legal formalities, high cost of production, male • http://www.chimc.in/Volume2.1/Volume2Issue1/ dominated society, limited managerial ability, lack of self GurendraNathBhardwaj.pdf confidence etc. Various factors like Pull and Push factors influencing women entrepreneurs. Successful leading • A Reflection of the India women in Entrepreneurial business women in India. Government takes various World steps for the upliftment of women entrepreneurs in 7th • www.iimahd.ernet.in/publications/data/2005-08-07 indirap.pdf

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MUSLIM WOMEN IN 21st CENTURY: WOMEN IN SOCIAL ACTION

Firdous Jahan1

“O people Be conscious of your Lord, who has created you out of one living entity, and out of it created its mate, and out of the two spread abroad a multitude of men and women. And remain conscious of God, in whose name you demand (your rights) from one another, and these ties of kinship. Verily, God is ever watchful over you.”(4:1).

Abstract Women are as essential as men for the continuation of human life and development of society. Any discrimination based on gender is a grave offense. Islam considers it a sin against the Creator and Lawgiver who made men and women equal participants in the human species. Islam does not consider women a mere shadow or an extension of a man, always following him. She has her full individual freedom and responsibility to the belief in the message of God and in practicing its obligations.The family is the first and essential area in which women’s rights have to be secured. Marriage and parenthood are among the basic objectives of the Islamic legal system (maqasid al-shari’a). Jurists consider marriage and formation of a family closer to the essence of religion which is “worshipping God” (Ibada), than to a human worldly dealing (muamala).Islam secures the right of women from the moment the baby girl is born. She should be received with happiness and pleasure, in contrast with the Arab tribal and combatant society that used to determine individuals’ place in the society on the basic of their ability to fight.India is today one of the most powerful developing nations. Thisnewly industrializing state enjoys a prominent status as the largest democraticnation-state in the world.In spite of her impressive developments, however, Indiacontinues to confront human rights problems with respect to minorities.The present paper is an endeavor to examine and emphasize the issues of psycho-social circumstances of Indian Muslim women in sociological perspective with special indication to their socio-economic, employment, educational attainment, rights and privileges, hindrances and restrictions, role and status as well as their multifarious problems from socio-religious stance at empirical context. Emphasis is also given to recognize their social position in textual and contextual spheres i.e., Islam and Muslim society. Keywords: Muslim Women, 21st Century, Social Action.

Introduction: economically impoverished, and politically marginalized Muslims in India are the largest minority so far as the sections of the Indian society. Further the studies minorities of this country are concerned and the majority disclose that Muslim women, like other women, are not of this largest minority community is awfully to the rear homogeneous rather they are differentiated along the in respect of education and economy where more or fault-lines of community, class, caste and region. less all other minorities are more affluent. Moreover Women in Islam Muslims disappointingly have not been capable to find their due share in the entire welfare effort made by the The rights and responsibilities of a woman are, however, Govt. in the country since independence for economically equal to those of the men but they are not necessarily weaker sections of the society. alike with them. To think that woman is less significant than man just because of her roles, status, and rights To find out the causes of such backwardness of Muslims, which are not identically the same as man is unjustified various Governments, time to time, appointed rather Islam gives the women equal rights, acknowledges committees among which the latest one is the Sachar and recognizes her independent personality literally and Committee which has conspicuously exposed that the women status in Islam is something novel and something Muslims of India are the most educationally and distinct and something unique. Although Islam confesses economically backward minority within whom merely four the equality of men and women, yet inequalities between per cent population is educated (Ahmad, 2012, 09). The them are very ample in many areas in practice. accessible rough, statistical, and micro level studies on Muslim women restate that the mass of the Muslim Once more owing to various historical and socio-cultural women, at the present time, are most deprived, reasons, their conditions are also something different from the ideal norms (Mondal, 1994, 167-168). Kazi

1. Research Scholar, Department of P.G Studies and Research in Education, Gulbarga University, Kalaburagi

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(1999, 31) states, “In a context where the Shari’ a is Some very specific suggestions: used to justify women’s subordination, it is necessary • It is very frustrating to see that people who are in for Muslim women in India to enter the discourse on power do not carry out theirresponsibilities. the Shari’a with reference to personal law, and • It is not very easy when one is working for change challenge their historic marginalization from from within the system. religious knowledge.”Islam, with respect to the status of women in the society, has not only given women the • The struggle of Muslim women is a struggle for rights and privileges but also has a very clear notion and development and thestrategies should be worked out the attitude of the Quran and the Hadishbear witness to accordingly. the fact that women is, at least, as vital to the life and • Muslim women must link the issue of oral divorce society as man himself, and is not inferior to him at all with the issues ofdevelopment. (Mondal, 2005, 18). Mondal, (2005, 34-35) points out, • They must also work to increase their credibility so “The Quran repeatedly expresses the need for treating that they areacknowledged by the state structures. men and women with equality. The contribution of women • The NGOs must help the beneficiaries with all the is acknowledged in the history of Islam. It is now argued paperwork. that women’s place in the religion of Islam has been • suppressed by the conservative and fundamentalist The political participation of Muslim women must forces. Women’s passivity, seclusion, and marginal increase. position that noticed in Muslim society have little to do • Muslim women must initiate dialogue with secular with Islamic ideology, but are, on the contrary patriarchal parliamentarians. ideological construct that can be considered alien to • The issue of oral divorce should be put before the Islam and the effect of exploitation of power by the National Commission forMinorities. The NCW can authoritative and reactionary forces in the Muslim society. also be involved. The Muslim women have been given some rights and • It is better to talk about problems first rather than the privileges in the Quran and Hadith. But the question is solution which iscodification of Muslim law. how far these are effective in practices of the Muslim • Society? Therefore, to understand their real position we The Commissions must also be empowered beyond are in need of knowing the dialectics between Islamic their powers ofrecommendation ideology and the situation of Muslim women as well as • Site best practices of other states as far as the relation between them.” scholarship schemes are concerned. • We must talk about the economic inclusion of Rights of Muslim Women: Muslim women. Muslim women lives in abject poverty and miseryand all she wants is a dignified way of life. She wants education, Islam, Muslim and Women: livelihood and dignity.She does not want charity nor does Although without considering the religion endorsed status she want doles from the state.It is a tragedy that nobody of the women, it is not a simple task to clarify as well as wants to talk about the concerns of Muslimwomen. comprehend the position of women in every religion Especially the Muslim religious bodies do not want to including women in Islam. So far Islam and Muslim even hear about it. Muslimwomen are taking leadership society are concerned the position of women is not only to change her-self but to change the somewhat unique and also controversial as the privileges entirecommunity and society.Muslim women have and priorities sanctioned for women in the holy books become conscious ofherself as a citizen of this country. like the holy Quran and the Hadith are exceptionally And she finds no contradiction between being aMuslim significant and high on the other hand it is currently and being an Indian citizen. She wants to assert her squabbled that this remarkable and respectful social identity as Indian Muslim women. position of women in Islam has been concealed by the Today Muslim women are asking the reasons behind fundamentalist and conservative forces. Owing to which, the sheer poverty of the community. She is seeking seclusion, marginality, tradition boundness, passivity, accountability from the state and from thecommunity. low aspiration, lack of self reliant and so on which have Poverty of the Muslim community is a result of a long retarded their normal progress and social change are process of neglect and the process of marginalization vastly observed among the women in Muslim society. and deprivation needs to be analyzed.The community By evaluating the overall, it can be concluded that the must generate the demand for change and reforms. situation of Muslim women is not satisfactory especially regarding their socio-economic status, educational attainment, political participation, role in decision-making

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 169 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 etc. Their status, unequal to men, in the society is very Muslim Women and Society: much conspicuous in terms of gender based division of The Muslim Backwardness is well recorded which is labour. In decision-making process the Muslim women substantiated by common place observation as well as in the society have nothing or minimal say while Government statistics and reports. The facets of counterpart men have the key role in decision-making backwardness are diverse in nature in the sphere of power both inside and outside the household besides common information at present. There is consent on their domination in public and community affairs. remedial measures too and it is now well recognized The Arabic word “awliya” that is used in the Quran to that education is the core and long term way out to deal show the mutual rights and obligations of women in the with diverse facet of backwardness in detail (Talib, 2012, society, underlines both the ‘responsibility’ and the 103). There is no uncertainty that they are educationally ‘authority’ that men and women should equally share as backward and have low work participation rate so far the inseparable members of the society in which all situation of Muslim women is concerned. However, this individuals and groups whatever the differences among reality cannot be understood in a limited way and for them may be, have collective responsibility toward the which there is need taking on a broader socio-economic, society as a whole. Enjoining the doing of what is right political and programmatic attitude along with the existing and forbidding the doing of what is wrong “al- heterogeneity in terms of class, region, sect, and gender amrbilma’rufwal-naby’anal’munkar” cover all the social and by adopting such outlook it would be possible to and political activitieswhich are acknowledged now as set up the actual reason behind Muslim women’s meager human rights, and should be secured for both men and educational level particularly in higher and job oriented women equally in the society. During the rule of Caliph education and also to establish required interferences Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644), a Muslim woman regarding both at the community level and at the policy expressed publicly her opposition to the Caliph’s or programmatic phase (Hussain, 2010, 53). In Sachar suggestion of restricting the amount that a woman can Committee Report (2006, 85), headed by Justice ask for as a dowry, and the Caliph had to withdraw his RajinderSachar, pointed out that: “There is also a suggestions. common belief that Muslim parents feel that education is not important for girls and that it may The Holy Qur’an’s Emphasis Of Equality : instill a wrong set of values. Even if girls are enrolled, Since the creation of first man and woman, they were they are withdrawn at an early age to marry them equal in their responsibilities. According to the Quran, off. This leads to a higher drop-out rate among Eve was as responsible as Adam in relation to the divine Muslim girls. Our interactions indicate that the obligations, and had equal responsibility and free will as problem may lie in non-availability of schools within Adam in following Satan’s temptation, as it has been easy reach for girls at lower levels of education, previously mentioned. The Quran strongly emphasizes absence of girl’s hostels, absence of female teachers this equal responsibility of men and women: and availability of scholarships as they move up the education ladder.” While the enrolment rates have risen “Verily, for all men and women who have submitted significantly at the primary level but many students who themselves unto God, and all believing men and register drop out and consequently very scanty of them believing women, and all truly devout men and manage to get beyond the primary stage. Inequality and truly devout women, and all men and women who differences between communities is one additional critical are true to their word,…..for (all of) them has God aspect of this broader incident of disparity in India. It is readied forgiveness of sins and a mighty reward. well known that the Muslims literacy and educational And whenever God and His Apostle have decided levels is beneath the national average whereas the a matter, it is not for a believing man or a believing census reports of India remain silent on Muslims woman to claim freedom of choice in this matter.” educational status. Moreover, gender inequality is one (33:35, 36). key feature of educational disparity in the sphere of The creator of men and women is not be biased in His education (Hasan and Menon, 2004, 47). reward to any of them for the fulfillment of one’s Islam secures women’s rights in education and work. responsibility: The Prophet responded positively and instantly to woman “So their Lord responded to them: I shall never asking him to appoint a certain time to teach the Islam waste the work of any worker among you, be it regularly. Some women reported the Prophet’s traditions man or woman: each of you is equal to the other in (rawiyatal’hadith). The historian IbnSa’d (d.835) compiled origin and status.”(3:195). the biographies of more than 700 women who reported the Prophet’s traditions. The male colleagues of these

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 170 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities female scholars accepted and respected them as al- prosperity. These concrete developments have provided Dhahabi (d. 1347) pointed out in his distinguished work a support for the Muslim woman, stronger than any on hadith reporting. philosophical or legal argument. On the other hand, Muslim men have realized the social change and have Muslim women also made their contributions in various become more inclined to deal with it. Muslims cannot fields, such as: literature, arts and artistic crafts (e.g. reactivate their societies, secure a positive role in the fashion, decorated textiles and rugs, cuisine, perfumes, contemporary world and get their message heard by all hair-dress, etc.), and Sufism (e.g. famous poet Al- people, while a half of their population is suppressed or Khansa in early Islam, famous SufiRabi’a d. 801). As neglected. How can Muslims call universally for a divine early as the time of the Prophet, they accompanied men justice, while they are missing or ignoring it among in the battlefield, where they treated the wounded, and themselves, their homes and their communities? participated sometimes in fighting the enemy when this became necessary. In Muslim Spain “Andalus”, several Progress can be obviously noticed… and hopefully it women were famous as physicians in various will continue and accelerate, benefiting Muslims in the specializations, including optometry and surgery. first place, and then representing the message of Islam to the whole world appealingly. Conclusion: As I mentioned in my Title Women in Social Action, The distressing picture of men-woman relations in above said some examples are directly or indirectly contemporary Muslim societies, which contradicts the approaches the intention of author, even thoughoverall teaching of Islam, is a concrete fact that cannot be concern in the name of religion irrespective of any, denied. However, another positive fact that exists side women exploiting in many cases. by side, is that an awareness of the essential and constructive role of women in the society to fulfill their References: Islamic responsibilities, is increasingly appreciated • Azim S. 1997. Muslim Women: Emerging Identity, among Muslim men and women. The divine guidance in Rawat Publications, Jaipur. the Quran and Sunna, and many positives in our intellectual and practical heritage, have increasingly • GOI, 2006. Social, Economic and Educational Status inspired and generated new works that advocate the of the Muslim Community of India, A Report, Prime rights of Muslim women in the name of God and His Minister’s High Level Committee, Cabinet message. Secretariat, Government of India (Chairperson- Justice RajindarSacher), New Delhi. Day after day, Muslim are becoming more and more • Waheed (ed), Minority Education in India: Issuers of aware of the due distinction between the permanent Access, Equity and Inclusion, Serials Publications, teachings of the divine sources of Islam and the New Delhi. accumulated human ideas and practices that were influenced by the cultural and social circumstances in • Kazi S. 1999. Muslim Women in India, A Report, the Muslim societies, in the past and the present. Minority Rights Group International, London, UK. Conceptual and behavioral progress is apparent now in • Rahaman M.T. &Bhuimali A. 2011. Indian Muslims and their Economy, Abhijit Publications, Delhi. Muslim societies, which seems more keen to observe the divine teachings and abandon the human deviated • Hasnain (ed), Aspects of Islam and Muslim customs in man-woman relations in the family and the Societies, Serials Publications, New Delhi. society. Women’s education and work in different fields • http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/ have developed their personality, self-confidence and 5663003.cms initiatives. An awareness of their Islamic rights and • http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8554895.stm responsibilities has inspired many of them to be • Vijayavani. Daily News paper, 14.02.2016, Sunday, committed to the Islamic message of justice, peace and Page no-11, Kalburgi, Karnataka.

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WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN ANDHRAPRADESH – A REVIEW (With reference to Women Empowerment- Issues and Promotional Schemes)

Chinnamanaidu. Jammu1 Prof. G.V. Chalam2

Abstract “We cannot all succeed if half of this are held back.”- Malala Yousafzai. Women population constitutes around 50 percent of the world population. Many women around the world are unemployed. The world economy suffers a lot due to the unequal opportunity for women at work place. Empowerment is a process that gives a person freedom in decision making Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest sons of India, quoted that, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved, it is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing”. Therefore, the inclusion of “Women Empowerment’ as one of the prime goals in the Eight Millennium Development Goals underscores the relevance of this fact. Thus, in order to achieve the status of a developed country, India needs to transform its colossal women force into an effective human resource and this is possible only through the empowerment of women. “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.”-Kofi Annan. This paper discusses the implementation on empowerment of women as well as the challenges and changes that we must have to deal with during the process. The paper emphasized the Importance of women Empowerment with implementation of Schemes in Andhra Pradesh.

Introduction Need for Women Empowerment About 66% of the female population in rural area is • Women are deprived of decision making power unutilized. This is mainly due to existing social customs. • Freedom of movement access to employment and In agriculture and animal care the women contribute 90% education of the total workforce. Women constitute almost half of • Explore to media domestic violence the population, perform nearly 2/3 of its work hours, receive 1/10th of the world’s income and own less than Women empowerment is a prerequisite for creating a 1/100th the world property. Among the world’s 900 million good nation. If women empowered her competencies illiterate people, women outnumber men two to one. 70% towards decision – making will need to promote women of people living in poverty are women. Lower gender ratio empowerment among the rural women. Empowerment i.e. 933, the existing studies show that the women are includes higher literacy level and education for women, relatively less healthy than men though belong to same better health care for women and children equal class. They constitute less than 1/7th of the ownership of productive resources , their rights and administrators and mangers in developing countries. Only responsibilities , improved standards of living and 10 percent seats in World Parliament and 6 percent in acquiring empowerment include , economic National Cabinet are held by women. According to the empowerment social empowerment and gender justice UN, one out of every three women experiences violence. that is to eliminate all types of discrimination against women and the girl child. In the words of Nehru who Hindrances of Women Empowerment: said “when women move forward the family moves , the The main Problems that were faced by women in past villages moves, and the nation move” employment gives days and still today up to some extent economic status to women , economic status gives way • Gender Discrimination & Lack of Education to social status and thereby empowerment” • Female infanticide & Financial Constraints Methodology • Low Mobility & Family Responsibility The study is based on the secondary data sources. The • Low need for achievement & Low ability to bear risk necessary information about the women Empowerment • Absence of ambition for the achievement & Atrocities Schemes in Andhra Pradesh and its various components on women are collected from various books, journals, internet source of related topics. • Dowry Marriages & Child Marriages

1. Research Scholar, Dept. Commerce &Business Administration Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.AP. 2. Dept. Commerce &Business Administration Acharya Nagarjuna University,Guntur,AP.

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Current Scenario of Women Empowerment & atrocities such as rape, dowry killings, acid attacks, Constitutional safe guards human trafficking, etc. According to a global poll Based on the ideas championed by our founding fathers conducted by Reuters, India is the “fourth most for women empowerment, many social, economic and dangerous country in the world for women”. political provisions were incorporated in the Indian Importance Women Empowerment Constitution. Women in India now participate in areas such as education, sports, politics, media, art and 1. Under-employed and unemployed: Women culture, service sector and science and technology. But population constitutes around 50 percent of the world due to the deep- rooted patriarchal mentality in the Indian population. A large number of women around the world society, women are still victimized, humiliated, tortured are unemployed. The world economy suffers a lot and exploited. Even after almost seven decades of because of the unequal opportunity for women at Independence, women are still subjected to workplaces. discrimination in the social, economic and educational 2. Equally competent and intelligent: Women are field. equally competent. Nowadays, women are Acts like the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, prohibits the even ahead of men in many socio-economic and request, payment or acceptance of a dowry. Asking or cultural activities. giving dowry can be punished by imprisonment as well 3. Talented: Women are as talented as men. as fine; Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Previously, women were not allowed Act, 2005, provides for a more effective protection of the higher education like men and hence their talents rights of women who are victims of domestic violence. A were wasted. But now a day, they are also allowed breach of this Act is punishable with both fine and to go for higher studies and it encourages women to imprisonment; Sexual Harassment of Women at Work show their talents which will not only benefit her Place (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, individually but to the whole world at large. helps to create a conducive environment at the workplace 4. Overall development of society: The main for women where they are not subjected to any sort of advantage of Women Empowerment is that there will sexual harassment. be an overall development of the society. The money Panchayat Raj Institutions As per the 73rd and 74th that women earn does not only help them and or their Constitutional Amendment Act, all the local elected family, but it also help develop the society. bodies reserve one-third of their seats for women. Such 5. Economic Benefits: Women Empowerment also a provision was made to increase the effective leads to more economic benefits not to the individuals participation of women in politics. but to the society as well. Unlike earlier days when Women’s Reservation Bill: It is a pending Bill in India they stayed at home only and do only kitchen stuffs, which proposes to reserve 33 percent of all seats in the nowadays, they roam outside and also earn money Lok Sabha and in all State Legislative Assemblies for like the male members of the society. Women women. If passed, this Bill will give a significant boost empowerment helps women to stand on their own to the position of women in politics. legs, become independent and also to earn for their family which grows country’s economy. Various Government Policies and Schemes: 6. Reduction in domestic violence: In the words of The Government of India is running various welfare Jawaharlal Nehru “Women Empowerment leads to schemes and policies, both at State and Central levels decrease in domestic violence. Uneducated women for the empowerment of woman. Some of the major are at higher risk for domestic violence than an programs and measures include Swadhar (1995), educated woman”. Swayam Siddha (2001), Support to Training and 7. Reduction in corruption: Women empowerment Employment Programme for Women (STEP-2003), Sabla helps women to get educated and know their rights Scheme (2010), National Mission for Empowerment of and duties and hence can prevent corruption. Women (2010) etc. All such policies and programs focus on social, economic and educational empowerment of 8. Reduce Poverty: Recently, the money earned by women across various age groups. the male member of the family is not sufficient to meet the demands of the family due to increase needs Thus, there has been no dearth of social, economic, of members. The added earnings of women help the political, legal and Constitutional efforts made for the family to come out of poverty trap. For instance, India empowerment of women both prior to and post- introduces Jandan Accounts for lower income groups Independence. However, women in India continue to face without bank account. It can evaluate 16.34 crore

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accounts opened by women out of 30.97 crore total • The parents of the beneficiary should not possess Jandan accounts. It reveals promote saving habits of more than 2 acres of wet land or 5 acres of dry land women especially below poverty line. and to that effect a Certificate issued from the 9. National Development: Women participating Tahsildar should be produced. improve the national development; they are making • The initial deposit depends on the age of the girl child the nation proud by their outstanding performances at the time of the enrollment in the scheme. almost every sphere including medical science, • The amount deposited would be as follows: social service, engineering, etc. 1. At 0 – 1 years Rs 3,550.00 There are many barriers of female employment in the 2. At 1 – 2 years Rs 3,975.00 course of the country’s economic development and 3. At 2 – 3 years Rs 4,550.00 modernization like illiteracy, poverty, decline of household industries, competition from factories, and technological This amount would be deposited in a nationalized bank changes are the major barriers for women employment. and interest on the above deposits is given to the They are eradicated Government implement the following beneficiary at various stages, to enable her to continue schemes: her studies. The final payment helps her to settle in life of the women. The promotional schemes available in the country in order to develop women entrepreneurship are as follows. Criteria of Beneficiaries 1. Girl children belonging to families of the weaker Girl Child Protection Scheme section. th This scheme launched on 8 March 1997 provides the 2. Reservation available for girl children belonging to financial assistance/incentive (also scholarship) to both, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), the “single girl child” and the “two girl children” who are Backward Castes (BCs), Minorities and different able belonging to below poverty line. The prime goal of this 15percent for SCs, 6 percent for STs, 25 percent for scheme is to protect the rights of the girl child through BCs, 10 percent for minorities and 3 percent for direct investment from the State Government of Andhra Physically different able girl children. The prescribed Pradesh. reservation for the above categories should be Objectives observed at the divisional level at the time of sanction. • Aim to prevent gender discrimination by empowering 3. On the other provision for including other categories/ and protecting rights of the girl child through direct sections once the reserved seats have been filled investment from the government. up, applications are received from orphans, children of Basavis, Jogins, Devadasis, Mathammas and • Enhance the status of the girl child and promote victims of atrocities, natural calamities and widows adoption of small family norm by ensuring holistic for sanction. development of the girl child for a bright future entailing improved sex ratio besides preventing female 4. Only after exhausting the application received from infanticide. orphans, children of Basavis, Jogins, Devadasis, Mathammas and victims of atrocities, natural • To reduce the school dropout rate among girls. calamities and widows shall be considered for • To encourage girls to get married after the age of 18 sanction. (which is the statutory limit). Benefits A girl child gets the following financial benefits/ • To encourage parents with two girl children to adopt incentives - the family planning norm. 1. Rs 500/- on her birthday, after one year of enrollment • To provide social and financial empowerment to the into the Scheme. girl child. 2. Rs 500/- on her enrollment into the school. Eligibility 3. Rs 500/- on passing 5th grade to continue studying The following criteria should be fulfilled to avail the further and not to drop out from school. benefits under this scheme: 4. Rs 1,000/- per annum from 8th class onwards for 3 • The beneficiary girl child should be less than 3 years years. This will encourage her to pursue studies at of age at the time of enrollment into the scheme. high school. • The annual income of the family should not exceed 5. Rs 1,000/- per annum for 5 years after passing 10th Rs 11,000/- per annum*. Standard to help the girl child to continue her college studies.

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6. Receive a lump sum amount of Rs 20,000/- after income limit of the family of the Girl Child from Rs.20, completion of 20 years for settling in life. To get this 000/- to Rs.40, 000/- per annum.2. For urban areas, incentive, the girl child should remain unmarried up the income limit of the family of the Girl Child from to 18 years. Rs.24, 000/- to Rs.48, 000/- per annum.

New Girl Child Protection Scheme 2005 Benefits This scheme amended on 8th March 2005 provides the The benefits under this scheme are summarized as financial assistance/incentive (also scholarship) to both, below: the “single girl child” and the “two girl children” who are • In case of a single girl child, she will be given Rs. belonging to below poverty line. The prime goal of this 1.00 lakh after completion of 20 years of age. scheme is to protect the rights of the girl child through • In case of two girl children, both of them will be given direct investment from the State Government of Andhra Rs.30, 000/- each, after completion of 20 years age. Pradesh. • The maturity amount of Rs.1,00,000/- or Rs. 30,000/ Objectives - is given to those girls who fulfill the condition of This scheme aims to achieve the following goals: being educated up to 12th class and marrying only after completion of 18 years. • To protect the rights of the girl child through direct investment from the State Government. • The scholarship from 9th Standard to 12th Standard (including ITI course) is given for both, the “single girl • To promote the enrollment and retention of the girl child” and the “two girl children” of Rs.1, 200/- per child in school and to ensure her education at least annum during the period of their study. up to intermediate level. • Also insurance is given to the beneficiaries. The • To encourage girls to get married only after the age nominee of the insured parent-member whilst he/she of 18 years. is the Insured Member under Janasree Bima Yojana, • To encourage parents to adopt family planning norm is entitled to be paid. with two girl children. • To protect the rights of the girl child. Table-1 : Statement showing the details of assistance and amount disbursement • To empower the girl child socially and financially. • To eliminate negative cultural attitudes and practices Assistance/ Insurance Amount (Rs.) against girls. • To strengthen the role of the family by improving the On Death or Total Permanent 75,000 Disability due to accident status of the girl child. • To cover a special dispensation to Orphans/ On Natural death of insured 30,000 Distributes and differently abled girls. On Parcial permanent 37,500 Disability due to accident Eligibility To avail the benefits under this scheme, the following Source: Govt. of AP website criteria should be fulfilled: How to Apply • The families belonging to below poverty line (BPL) Contact to Anganwadi worker/Child Development Project having single girl child of 0-3 years of age or two girl Officer concerned or Department of Women children of whom the age of the second girl child is Development & Child Welfare, Government of Andhra not more than 3 years as on 01.04.2005 are eligible. Pradesh and Life Insurance Corporation as the financial • The girl should be fully immunized. institution are implementing this scheme, Contact to any one of these ones. Further details Visit to AP Online • The incentive is provided only when she marries after Portal of Andhra Pradesh and apply Online. 18 years of age, • She has to study higher secondary i.e.12th standard Bangaru Talli or equivalent to receive the final payment. This scheme is state sponsored scheme by the • Even if the girl fails in the 12th standard, or equivalent Government of Andhra Pradesh. This scheme is for the exam, she will be given incentive for final payment Girl Child who born after 1st May, 2013 till she becomes after completion of 20 years. 21 years old. It provides incentives for the girls to achieve • The income limit of the family of the Girl child should certain milestones. It can recognize by constitution. satisfy the following criteria: 1.For rural areas, the

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Objectives The prime goal of this scheme is to provide incentives for achieving certain milestones for Girl Child. Also, it aims to achieve the following goals: • To enhance the social status of the girl child. • Delaying the age of marriage. • To ensure registration of birth and immunization. • To ensure the enrollment for better nutrition and improving the educational standards among girl students.

Eligibility To avail the benefits under this scheme, the following criteria should be fulfilled: 1. All girl children who born on or after 1st May, 2013 and economically backward households limited to the first two children in the household. 2. Cash will be transferred on fulfilling the conditions of institutional deliveries, birth registration, complete immunization, enrollment in Anganwadis and studying up to graduation.

Table-2 : Statement showing the benefits of the scheme credited to the beneficiaries under the scheme

Sl. No Age of the Beneficiary Trigger Outflow (in Rs) 1 At Birth Birth certificate 2,500/Year 2 1st& 2nd Birth Day Immunization 1,000/Year 3 3rd to 5th Birth Day Anganwadi 1,500/Year 4 6th to 10th Birth Day 1st to 5th Class 2,000/Year 5 11th to 13th Birth Day 6th to 8th Class 2,500/Year 6 14th to 15th Birth Day 9th& 10th Class 3,000/Year 7 16th& 17th Birth Day 11th& 12th Class 3,500/Year 8 18th to 21st Birth Day Graduation 1 to 4th Year 4,000/ Year Total 55,500

Source: Bangarutalli website It provides an additional payment of Rs. 50,000/- when special focus on poor by involving various departments the girl child is attaining18 years i.e. 12th Standard or like Medical & Health, ICDS, IKP, PR, RWS, MEPMA Rs. one lakh is given to the girl child who has completed etc, as part of the ‘Maarpu’ programme, it was decided her graduation course. to ensure cent per cent institutional deliveries and immunization of children below five years of age, register How to Apply and tracking of all pregnant women and every child, Visit to Bangaru Talli Website of Government of Andhra ensure 100 per cent ante-natal, neo-natal, post-natal Pradesh and apply online. Or care, reduce anemia among mothers and children with Call to Toll Free Numbers: 155321 or 1800 200 4455 or nutritional support etc. at village level, Contact to village council or a province in Objectives the federal system. At urban areas, the city of federal or federal park or to avail the benefits of the schemes This scheme aims to achieve the following goals: Contact to Department of Women, Children, Disabled 1. Gives importance of hospital deliveries. and Senior Citizens. 2. To provide nutritious diet to children. MAARPU 3. To reduce mother and child mortality rates. It is an initiative to improve the health and nutritional Status of children. The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh is Eligibility providing various services related to Health & Nutrition To avail the benefits under this scheme, the following to Mother & Child in the rural and urban areas with a criteria should be fulfilled:

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1. It focuses on 20 key interventions to reduce MMR, The benefits are in terms of below mentioned: IMR & Malnutrition 1. Interest Subsidy (CSIS) on Education Loan 2. Convergence in Service Delivery at habitation level 2. Scholarship/Cash/Incentive/Awards Convergent Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) 3. Various vocational and technical training Monitoring of 20 key interventions Participation of SHGs & Village Organizations’ (VOs) 4. Educational assistance and facilities 3. Use of Maternal and Child Protection (MCP) card 5. And others much more etc. Synchronization. This is introduced in order to achieve following goals: Pregnant and Lactating women are Beneficiaries under 1. To encourage students towards Education this scheme, Good nutrition is provided to children and 2. To Skill up-gradation also Health related facilities are provided. 3. To improve educational and economic status • Though there is a improvement in the Health & Nutrition status of women & Children, the decline of The various ministries such as Ministry of Tribal Affairs, MMR & IMR and malnutrition is not up to the expected Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ministry of level. Minority Affairs, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of • There is need to improve significantly, to achieve MMR Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities are being & IMR reduction as a part of the millennium involved in assisting and helping. development goals (MDG). Education Schemes of Andhra Pradesh: Eight Components of “Maarpu” National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary 1. Focused monitoring of 20 key interventions to reduce Level (NPEGEL) IMR, MMR & Malnutrition 2. Convergence in service delivery at habitation level There exists a significant gender gap in enrolment at the elementary level, which is more acute for schedule 3. Convergent Behavioral change communication (BCC) caste and scheduled tribe girls, for whom the gender 4. Monitoring of the 20 Key Interventions gap is almost 30 percent at the primary level and 26 5. Participation of SHG & Village Organizations (Vos) percent at upper primary stage. The reduction of this 6. Use of Maternal and Child Protection (MCP) card. gender gap has now plateaued, and further reduction would require a concerted focus on the hard to reach 7. Synchronization groups. Therefore, it is necessary to include certain 8. Administrative structure for convergence interventions addressing the specific needs of girl children. Andhra Pradesh Government Education Schemes Andhra Pradesh Education Department is running various Accordingly, this scheme, NPEGEL is initiated for educational schemes, programmes, grants, bursaries, education of under privileged/ disadvantaged girls from financial awards, loans scholarships, fellowships of class 1st to 8th standard as a separate and distinct School Education & Literacy, Elementary Education, gender component plan of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Secondary Education, Higher Education, Adult The gender component is necessary to achieve Education, Tribal Education, Technical and Medical Elementary Objective Education and Vocational Studies, skill development etc. The objectives of National Programme for Education of The special assistance is given to the students belonging Girls at Elementary Level are: to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe(ST), Other • To develop and promote facilities to provide access Backward Classes(OBC) and Socially, Educationally and to facilitate retention of girls and to ensure greater Backward Classes(SEBC), Minority Category and below participation of women and girls in the field of poverty line(BPL), Rural areas, Disabled/ Physically education Handicapped (PH) students. • To ensure greater participation of women and girls in Also, this offers benefits to all those students of the field of education. undergraduate (UG) and post graduation (PG), Ph.D. • To improve quality of education. students studying in class 09th standard, 10th standard, 11th standard, 12th standard, college and university • To stress upon the relevance and quality of girls’ Students, general category students, researchers, top education for their empowerment. Science students. • To provide basic amenities for promotion of girl child education such as separate toilets, safe drinking

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water, proper teaching learning material and Eligibility appropriate sitting arrangements etc., Primary eligible for girl child belongs to economically backward community born on or after 1st May 2013 Eligibility Possessing White ration card issued by Government of Educationally Backward Blocks means a block where Andhra Pradesh. the level of rural female literacy is less than the National average and the gender gap is above the national average. Benefits Whenever, Blocks of districts which have at least 5 The benefits of this scheme are as follows: percent Schedule Caste/ Schedule Tribal population and The state government will give Rs 1,000 every month to Schedule Caste/ Schedule Tribal female literacy rate every pregnant woman the moment she conceives till below 10 percent shall also be taken up under this she delivers a baby. If she gives birth to - a baby girl programme. born Rs 2,500 Apply for contact to any of the followings: 1. Rs 1,500 every year through Anganwaadis till the girl 1. Contact to The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan State turns 5 years. Implementation Society at State level Or 2. At the time of admission to school, Rs 1,000 2. Contact to a Gender Coordinator at the State level, 3. Rs 2,000 will be given every year for her studies from Or the first to the fifth standard 3. Contact to Mahila Samakhya Society, Or 4. Rs 2,500 from sixth to eighth standard 4. Contact to State Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Society, Or 5. Rs 3,000 for ninth and tenth standard 5. Contact to Gender Unit of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan 6. Rs 3,500 each year for Intermediate society. 7. Rs 3,000 a year during her graduation. Bangaru Thalli for Girls subsidy and incentive, In addition to any subsidy and incentive already provided. Andhra Pradesh After 21 years: Bangaru Thalli which is a welfare scheme for 1. If Higher secondary education completed /studies encouragement of girl’s education launched by discontinued a pay out of Rs.50,000 Government of Andhra Pradesh. The scheme supports 2. If under graduation completed, a payout of Rs.1 lakh. the family of a girl from her birth till completion of her graduation. All the Below Poverty Line white card holders How to Apply can avail the benefits under this scheme. The ultimate Contact to any of the followings to avail the benefits under goal of this scheme is to enhance social status of the this scheme: girl child. 1. State Council under the Chairmanship of Chief Objectives Minister. The objectives of this scheme are summarized as below: 2. Ministers and Secretaries of all relevant Departments. • To enhance social status of the girl child. 3. Women & Child Welfare Department is the Nodal Authority • To show unflinching support to the girl child 4. State level implementing Authorities: Contact to • Incentivize all-round growth of the girl children Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty Rural areas • Improve the social status of the Girls/women (SERP) • To reset the feeling that girl child is a burden 5. Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas • Help fight the social evils faced by women (MEPMA)– Urban areas for more information, call to • Prevent Gender discrimination by empowering & RD Call Centre Toll Free Numbers :155321 or 1800 protecting the right of the Girl children & Restore 200 4455 demographic balance. Health Insurance for the poor • Achieve Millennium Development Goals Over 21,000 households have been covered with health • Channelize capabilities of women for nation building insurance on a pilot basis. The community managed • Assure continuity of the scheme risk fund aims to provide quick financial support to meet • Define responsibilities of all functionaries families’ health expenditure, including during emergencies. 1.2 million Women self help group members have purchased life insurance over.

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Sukhibhava and Janani Suraksha Yojana ‘Master Health Card’ with special focus on early These incentive schemes should be implemented in a diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases, combined manner (Rs.1,000/- cash incentive for breast and cervical cancer and lifestyle diseases. Institutional Delivery) from 1st November 2005. Under Birth Waiting Homes: the Janani Suraksha Yojana and Sukhibhava schemes put together, a total cash incentive amount of Rs.1,000/ The ultimate objective of Birth waiting homes reduced - (i.e. Rs.700/- from Janani Suraksha Yojana and Rs.300/ maternal morality rate and infant mortality rate for - from Sukhibhava) will be paid to rural below poverty enhancing medical services to pregnant women at the line pregnant women who fulfill the revised and combined time of delivery. For under NRRM the Pregnant Mother eligibility guidelines under the two schemes. This cash was paying Rs. lOO/- per day and Assistant Rs.75/- per incentive should be paid only to those rural, below poverty day and to and fro charges Rs.200/- while waiting for line women who undergo delivery in a Government delivery in 5-6 days healthcare institution i.e., Teaching Hospitals, District Marriage registration Head quarter hospitals, area hospitals, community health centers, 30 bedded and other Government hospitals, and The Chief Minister also said legislation would be brought primary health care centers. in for compulsory registration of girls’ and working women’s hostels, compulsory establishment of standing Mother Child Express (102) committees for women welfare and protection in all local It is one of the health scheme provides free transport for bodies. pregnant and her child from home to Hospital and vise Free tele- ultrasonography versa call toll free number 102 whenever necessary. It can more effectively utilize rural and interior areas for It services in 223 health facilities for screening of pregnant eradication of MMR and IMR for save the lives of mother women, mother and child hospitals with 100 beds each and child. to be made operational within 60 days.

Newly Schemes: Conclusion Helpline Women empowerment is empowering the women to take their own decisions for their personal dependent. Pradhan On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Andhra Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Karyakram,Gender Champions, Pradesh government announced a number of schemes National Health Policy 2015 also addresses women’s aimed at their empowerment, including opening an education and health needs in terms of meeting the exclusive toll-free helpline ‘181’ for women in distress specific needs of reproductive and child health. India besides non-combat training for girls would be made Newborn Action Plan (INAP) which targets to achieve compulsory while ‘Kanya Sakthi’ teams would be set Single Digit Neonatal Mortality Rate and Still Birth Rate up in all junior and degree colleges in the state, by 2030. It mentions the need to increase the targets of installation of CCTV surveillance cameras in coaches male sterilization and contraception utilization. to strengthen security on public places. Criminal Law (Amendment), Act 2013 which has been ABHAYAM enacted to make the punishment more stringent for A mobile application ‘Abhayam’ would be launched soon offences like rape and has broadened the definition of and a police officer of Inspector General Rank would be sexual assault and harassment. For ensuring women’s appointed exclusively for women’s security, Naidu said. safety pertaining to the strategic areas of prevention, “We will expand and strengthen SHE teams to prevent protection and rehabilitation, Government has eve-teasing and harassment of women. My government established a Nirbhaya Fund under which, the key will aim at ending discrimination and violence against programmatic interventions have been made and so far, women and girls and ensure equal participation and 15 proposals amounting to around Rs. 2000 crore have opportunities in all spheres of life. I strongly believe that been recommended under the Nirbhaya Fund. there is no greater investment in our strong future as we Empowering women is to make them independent in all strive towards building a Smart Andhra Pradesh, “the aspects from mind, thought, rights, decisions, etc by Chief Minister said. leaving all the social and family restrictions. It is to bring equality in the society for both male and female in all Master Health Cards areas. Women need fresh and more capable The other schemes introduced for free master health environment so that they can take their own right check-up for women in the 35+ age group through a decisions in every area whether for themselves, family, society or country. The government and other private

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 179 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 institutions are supporting women in the leadership • URL http: www.Iosrjournals.Org/empowerment.html. positions in public and private sector. Representing • Deshpande, S., and Sethi, S., (2010). Role and women in public sector is only the matter of justice Position of Women Empowerment in Indian Society. however it needs to bring forward all the perspectives to International Referred Research Journal, 1(17), make of women empowerment effective. 10-12. Women and men both have unique and different • Kishor, S. and Gupta, K. (2009), Gender Equality experiences, so both are important to bring influence and Women s Empowerment in India, NATIONAL into the decision-making process. Equalizing the rights FAMILY HEALTH SURVEY (NFHS-3) INDIA, 2005- of women and men in the society improves work quality 06, International Institute for Population Sciences, and thus economic progress of the nation. In order to Deonar, Mumbai. really bring women empowerment in the Indian society, • Suguna, M., (2011). Education and Women it needs to understand and eliminate the main cause of Empowerment in India. ZENITH: International Journal the ill practices against women which are patriarchal of Multidisciplinary Research, 1(8), 19-21. and male dominated system of the society. The strategy to empower women is an ongoing effort and has been • Dr. Dasarati Bhuyan “ Empowerment of Indian proposed in the new National Policy for Women. Thus, Women: A challenge of 21st Century” Orissa Review, in our state introduce so many schemes for women 2006 empowerment but do not give result desired way • Vinze, Medha Dubashi (1987) “Women because lack of awareness and participation of women Empowerment of Indian : A Socio Economic study of in rural areas and not support male dominated rigid Delhi” Mittal Publications, Delhi.. persons, they should mould to it needs to be open-minded • Dhruba Hazarika “Women Empowerment in India : a and change the old mind set against women together Brief Discussion” International Journal of Educational with the constitutional and other legal provisions. Finally, Planning & Administration. Volume 1, Number 3 (2011) Government, other charitable organizations and public participate in optimistic way enrich women • Pankaj Kumar Baro1 & Rahul Sarania “Employment empowerment expected way. and Educational Status: Challenges of Women Empowerment in India” , A Peer-Reviewed Indexed References: International Journal of Humanities & Social Science. • Duflo E. (2011) Women’s Empowerment and • http://www.slideshare.net/puneetsharma5688/ Economic Development, National Bureau of women-empowermentpuneet-sharma Economic Research, Cambridge. • Dr. Rashmi Rani Agnihotri H.R and Dr. Malipatil, K.S. • India: Women’s Empowerment - IFAD / OE, 2000. A STUDY ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT The Republic of India; TamiluNadu Women’s SCHEMES IN INDIA, International Journal of Development Project : Completion Evaluation, Report Development Research Vol. 07, Issue, 08, pp.14301- 340 – IN Rome, April. 14308, August, 2017 • Goswami, L. (2013). Education for Women • Cheston S and Kuhn L. 2002. “Empowering Women Empowerment. ABHIBYAKTI: Annual Journal, 1, 17- through Microfinance”, Draft, Opportunity 18. International • Baruah, B. (2013). Role of Electronic Media in • Pillai J.K 1995. “Women and empowerment” Gyan Empowering Rural Women Education of N.E. India. Publishers House, New Delhi. ABHIBYAKTI: Annual Journal. • Hoshemi, S.M. 1996. “Rural credit programmes and • Kadam, R. N. (2012). Empowerment of Women in women’s empowerment in Bangladesh” World India- An Attempt to Fill the Gender Gap. International Development 42 (34), 635-653. Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 2(6), • Kamla Bhasin, Women’s Empowerment in the Indian 11-13. Context, Yojana, Volume-60, September, 2016. • Nagaraja, B. (2013). Empowerment of Women in • Leena Nair... Empowerment of Women: Government India: A Critical Analysis. Journal of Humanities and Perspective, Yojana, September, 2016, Volume-60. Social Science (IOSR-JHSS), 9(2), 45-52 [WWW page].

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EMPOWERING WOMEN - POWERING THE NATION

T.Tirupati Naidu1 Karubhukta Venkata Laxmi2

Abstract “You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of women”- Pt Jawaharlal Nehru. The principle of gender equality is enshrined in our Constitution which guarantees equality to women, and empowers the state to adopt measures to improve the status by removing the cumulative socio-economic, educationally disadvantaged sections. In this respect, there is no other tool or short cuts for development i.e. education. Some surveys revealed that education has empowered women to a greater extent and if women are educated, empowerment has happened the fastest. Irrespective of the family system, education, men continued to dominate women in all walks of life.Empowerment is a multidimensional process. Empowering women socially, economically and politically is possible through creation of educational and employment opportunities and making aware of their rights and duties and access to resources. Now-a-days, most of the political parties using the buzz words like ‘empowerment’ ‘inclusive’ to catch the women voters. Women are unable to find even their Constitutional rights due to lack of education. Women are the primary source of human resource, especially in the primary sector. They take part in almost all the major agricultural and allied activities, starting from the preparation for production to marketing. It is inevitable without women labour, our agriculture and construction activities are not possible, which constitutes the largest un-organized sectors. Women in India form about ninety percent of the informal and unorganized sector. Women participation and contribution towards the growth of the GDP is quite high compared to men. The main objective of the paper is to relate the level of education and empowerment of women. Key words: Empowerment, Inclusive, GDP

Introduction: of the world, unless the condition of women is improved. Power is the capacity or ability to take actions, decisions It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing’’ independently without fear or favor. It is the capacity to Empowerment of women is not a one way process; it is control or influence others. It means autonomy, freedom a multidimensional and integrative in nature. It has to be making your own choices having a voice. Women done at all levels from the grass-root level. Though our empowerment basically requires changing patriarchal Constitution of India has guaranteed the right of ‘equality’ thinking and structure, giving control over all types of to all its citizens irrespective of their sex, caste, creed resources and decision making. Empowerment is a and religion, Indian women has an important place in multidimensional process. Empowering women socially, our Constitution to empower through special provisions. economically and politically is possible through creation The problem is lack of awareness to women about their of educational and employment opportunities and making rights. Women empowerment in its true sense aware of their rights and duties and access to resources. successful only when men too understands and The principle of gender equality is enshrined in our recognize and feel that it will be good for families and Constitution which guarantees equality to women, and nation, otherwise nothing can be achieved as men and empowers the state to adopt measures to improve the women constitute almost equal in number. status by removing the cumulative socio-economic, In this respect, there is no other tool or short cut for educationally disadvantaged sections. The main development except education. Some surveys revealed objective of the paper is to relate the level of education that education has empowered women to a greater extent and empowerment of women with relation to political and if women are educated, empowerment has happened and management aspects. the fastest. Irrespective of the family system and the level of education, men continued to dominate women Empowerment: in all walks of life. Now-a-days, most of the political parties using the buzz words like ‘empowerment’ ‘inclusive’ to catch the women Women as Human Resource: voters. Women are unable to find even their Women are the primary source of human resource, Constitutional rights due to lack of education. Swami especially in the primary sector. They take part in almost Vivekananda felt that ‘‘there is no chance for the welfare all the major agricultural and allied activities, starting

1. Lecturer in Economics, Maharajas’ College, Vizianagram,AP. 2. Research Scholar, Dr V.S.K Degree and PG College, Vizianagram,AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 181 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 from the preparation for production to marketing. It is The Kind of Education: inevitable without women labour, our agriculture and “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to construction activities are not possible, which change the world”- Nelson Mandela constitutes the largest un-organized sectors. Women in India form about ninety percent of the informal and For over all development, education is the only tool as unorganized sectors. Women participation and many social scientists and management gurus felt. contribution towards the growth of the GDP is quite high Amartya Sen points out that the social movement Indian compared to men. women had been – until recently- primarily focused on achieving better treatment of women and their well-being: Women in India form about ninety of the informal and unorganized sector. Their work participation rate is higher “In the course of the evolution of women’s movement, in rural area, and constitute one third of labour force. women are not passive recipients of welfare –enhancing But, about ninety percent of rural and ten percent of help brought about by society, but are active promoters urban women workers are unskilled. and facilitators of social transformations. Such transformations influence the lives and well-being of Stating about the importance of education to women women, bit also those of men and children-boys as well compared to men and its impact on the nation as a as girls. This is a momentous enrichment of the reach whole, father of our nation M K Gandhi stated that of women’s movement.” “Educate one man, you educate one person, but educate a woman and you educate a whole civilization”. Historically, “the girl” in the Indian family often did not have formal educational opportunities. Slowly, the literary In spite of wide disparity in the literacy rate in India (as level of girl children is increasing gradually; women have per the census of 2011, 80.9% for men and 64.6% for begun to attend the higher levels in education and joining women) the quality aspect is different. As many in universities. Today women are also showing much economists is of the opinion that poverty is the root cause interest in the professional education compared to formal for many problems in India, but education will break the and admissions in business schools has grown vicious circles especially through women education and significantly in recent years. About ethics and human employment. values, education to women will promote value based At the time of attaining freedom, our literacy was about and ethical and moral way of living. The public as well 12%. In the present census2011, it went to 73%, but as the private (now dominating) has to look into the new the women literacy growth continued to be low compared world of values and ethics of learning to learn and live to men. together. The new education policy should look into this while drafting it. Role of education in enhancing The kind of parenting- empowerment can only be realized only with equal Universally accepted principle is, the mother is the first opportunities in employment. teacher of a child, hence the role of mother in parenting The Kind of Employment: is unique in women empowerment. Parenting is the foundation for all round success, especially when it is In India almost 96% of women workers are in the a”girl child”. Majority of the Indian parents’ attitude unorganized /informal sectors especially the agriculture towards the girl child is different, compared to boy child. and its allied activities and construction, handloom, This should change first at the parenting and mind set handicrafts, village and cottage industry. To shift them of parents, which also depends on the level of education from the traditional to modern, we need more an interdependent variable. management, women entrepreneurs. But, unfortunately the percentage of women in management is about 3 to The recent change taking place in parenting are in large 6 , with about 2% of Indian women managers in Indian part of the highly literate parts of the nation, due to corporations. significant cultural shift in parental perspective- .i.e. an increased acceptance of giving education to girls instead With more Indian women in the workforce, a number of of dowry to girls, that allows for the possibility of women Laws are there, protecting them from exploitation came working outside the home, contributing economically to into force, such as the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, the family and even pursuing a career to her as well to addreses that equality at the work place. Yet the long – her and to her family. In any patriarchal society replaced held traditional and social views of women , despite by female headed society, men are dominating over legislation, change is very slow. As Indians we know, women in all walks of life. It is not an exemption even in we have poor structure in the implementation of the most the educated and employed women. of the law that protect women rights.

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Lack of access to gainful employment is an important reservations for women prima-face appears justice, but issue, though they perform a lot of household work. the power enjoyed by their male. according to UN 22% Research done by Prof Amartya Sen and Prof Jean Dreze of all national parliamentarians were women as of Suggested the female participation in gainful employment January 2015. is a material factor in combating the problem. In India we have lot of women self help groups (SHGs), but The kind of law: majority of them increased women’s work load without ‘Equity’ in the eyes of law; equity in all respects, enhancing their income level. irrespective of sex, religion, region, colour ,community, creed which comes under the Fundamental Rights ; The kind of Management and entrepreneurship: Directive Principles of our Constitution. About half of our In one word we can say, management is required to population is women. Registered women voters in India manage 5 Ms. they are Men, Money Material, Machine have increased from 45% in 1951 to 47.6% in and Market. But , the writers felt that WOMEN carries a 2014elections, a marginal change because of low level different meaning in management, i.e. Wealth of women education. Increasing women’s direct political management, Organizational management, Money participation and representation is less compared to management, Entrepreneurship, and Novelty put some of the developing countries. In this respect we together will become women to take challenge. need electoral and parliamentary reforms. Entrepreneurship is “the capacity for innovation, The Women Reservation Bill of the Constitution 108th investment, and expansion in new markets, products Amendment Bill proposes 33% reservation for women and techniques”; thus entrepreneurs are persons who in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies is yet to get take risks and invest sources to make something new, approval, which was first introduced in1996.The political design a new way of making something that already parties , irrespective of their affiliation should invariably exists. or create new markets. come forward to utilize the strengths of Indian women ‘Entrepreneurship is a key driver of our economy’. as political leaders and increase their number both at Management education will enable entrepreneurs to the upper and lower Houses at the Central and the State develop the insight needed to discover the innate qualities levels. of the management in women, where they were born There are merits and strengths of Indian women and how they manage their family at the micro level. compared to western as leaders. In fact our present They start a small enterprise even at the household level defense is in the hands of woman. with the unknown techniques of management as a house wife in managing men, money, material and machinery. The Strengths of Indian women as Leaders: The Self Help Groups (SHGs) are the best experiments These features are unique to Indian women because to teach and learn a lot about the risks in business by many reasons what our history and culture says. The the women groups, to become a successful entrepreneur course of the Indian independence, to the modern India which helps them as a platform. in the present century tells the talents and strengths of Education is an important factor in determining the Indian women. In the freedom struggle, in the event of entrepreneurial orientation. Formal education is positively men’s arrest women’s associations took on the task of correlated with entrepreneurship. Education and training carrying on civil disobedience. can have definite role in enhancing entrepreneurship in *Behaving in a gender-neutral manner. the contest of developing nation like India by enlarging *Sensitivity in relationships (Compassionate, the poll of entrepreneurs. Empathetic, Understanding) The kind of Political participation: *Willingness to share information (Interactive Leadership Politics plays an important role in the decision making, style) because all the economic decisions are taken by the *Collaborative work style, solicit input from others, with politicians rather than academicians in our largest respect for ideas. democratic setup. Achieving greater equity in Indian *Crisis Management skills. society depends crucially on political action and the *Strong sense of dedication, loyalty and commitment. practice of democracy as viewed by our Nobel laureate A K Sen. The process of empowerment is a political *Ability to perceive and understand situations. process, as it aims at changing existing power *Ability to multitask. relationships between men and women. Political *Ability to network with colleagues.

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Suggestions: women participation. It is not a blind belief that women Taking into the empirical evidences and the data, it is are relatively less corrupt and more efficient and stand suggested that the present government should take in stubborn in all fields which directly help in achieving immediate action on Women Bill at any cost. The good governance and there by growth and development, government should see that all women empowerment which is the need of the day. agencies at all levels should be headed by women, taking Reference: much care with track records rather than keeping /filling it as an institutions for political rehabilitation or political 1) Jeen Dreze and Amartyasen, (2002) - India gains. development and participation- Oxford University Press, New Delhi Conclusion: 2) Subhash C. Kashyap, (2001) – Our Constitution- An India as the fast growing economy in the 21st century introduction to India Constitution and Constitution law- should not leave half of the economic strength. With National Book Trust, New Delhi . higher demand for talent at the global level, a key source 3) Sudarshan Iyengar: Inclusive democracy A Gandhian of talent is nothing but educated women is required for Prospective, Yojana, Aug 2013, pg no 53 national development. We, with brief study came to 4) Vimala Ramachandran –Women and girls education: conclusion that good governance is possible through Issues in India, Yojana, January 2016, p33-36.

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A STUDY ON CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF WOMEN EMPLOYEES IN INDIAN BANKING SECTOR

Dr. P. Subbarao1 G.Swapna Sabari2

Abstract The pattern of Indian women's employment has changed markedly since the 1970s. Technology has indeed played a significant role in this change. Increasing women literacy, growing economic pressure, and desire to gain economic and social independence are pushing womenfolk to take up gainful career in banks. The phenomenal growth of banks has created massive employment opportunities for the educated women of our nation. The women job- seekers find jobs in banks more attractive and more suitable to their nature. In this paper an attempt has been made to identify the general situations, challenges and opportunities of women employees in the Indian Banking Industry, which is the blood of the Indian economy. Keywords: Women, banking sector, empowerment, Opportunities

Introduction Women represent more than 40 percent of the world’s In Vedic times women occupied the highest place in labor force and half the world’s population Governments, society. They were given all opportunities to develop enterprises and organizations have over years committed themselves, socially, intellectually and morally. They themselves to policies and programs to advance women. were given thorough education. Similarly there is a Women take up 31 percent of the official labor force in positive change in the present society, which is focusing developing countries and 46.7 percent worldwide. Also, on women empowerment. The progress of any country women from rural areas produce more than 55 percent is intimately linked to its ability to develop and use its of all food grown in developing countries. History shows human resource effectively. This is particularly true in a that women have also proved to be successful mangers developing country like India. Women, as a significant and owners of businesses. In 1996, women held 35.1 part of this human resource pool, play a vital role in the percent of professional posts in the United Nations economic, social and political development of India. Secretariat including 17.9 percent in the senior Nationalization of the Indian Banking Sector in 1969 management. A survey of top women executives also served as the first major step to reduce gender revealed that many women feel that the “glass ceiling” discrimination against women in banking sector that is not simply a barrier for an individual, based on the provided opportunity for women empowerment. The person’s inability to handle a higher level job. Rather, pattern of Indian women’s employment has changed the “glass ceiling” applies to “women as a group”; who significantly since the 1970’s. Many major Indian banks are kept from advancing higher because they are women. are hiring highly qualified young women to their Karin Klenke and others report that the nature of administrative levels and they are showing remarkable discrimination against women has changed from “avert” growth over the years. The story of economic to more “subtle.” development is associated with a country’s labor force. The experience of developed countries suggest that role Objectives of the study of female have become an important part of economic 1. To identify the opportunities of women in the Indian development. A plethora of popular books on women Banking Sector managers have flooded the academic market. However, 2. To identify the challenges of women in the Indian it was not until 1970’s that a few corporations and banking sector. legislatures started addressing the issues of women managers seriously. Since then, a gender revolution 3. To suggest the opportunities to overcome the has been sweeping the corporate organizational structure problems. and women have joined the workforce in unprecedented numbers.

1. Professor, Department of Management studies,Ramachandra College of Engineering, Eluru,AP. 2. Research Scholar (KL University), Assistant Professor,Department of Management studies, Ramachandra College of Engineering ,Eluru.AP.

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Opportunities of women in the Indian Banking are less capable than men in contributing to achieving sector organizational goals. Only about 38% women (and 65% Perceptions of male and female managers regarding men) indicated that their organizations help women encouragement/advancement of women in corporate managers ‘fit’ in the male culture. Few organizations India differ on the basis of promotions/advancements. realize that addressing gender issues are important to More men (91%) than women (72%) agree that the them. While more men than women appear to think that promotions are based on merit and not on gender. In competence not gender is an issue, only 52% of the other areas both male and female managers agreed. women feel that their organizations are committed to For example, we found that about 60% men and women using the talents of women and only about 20% see managers perceive that their organizations encourage that business community is ready to accept women in women to assume leadership roles, about 62% men and key managerial positions. In fact, we found that 22% women managers agree that there are few barriers for women perceive that men do not even consider them as women to advance in the organization. However, only professional colleagues, half feel that they must sacrifice about one third of the male or female managers perceive their femininity to succeed in the business world and that their organizations are trying to increase the number should act more like men, and 74% consider them as of women executives in senior management positions. less desirable employees due to the possibility of The chart presented on the next page shows percentage becoming pregnant. There appears to be a lack of of male and female managers who agree/strongly agree sensitivity to gender issues and appreciation for women’s with each statement regarding encouragement to women capabilities and talents in corporations. to advance in the organization. Methodology Equity in Work & Reward The present study is based on secondary data and the Even though, both male and female managers perceive data were collected from journals, books, news papers, that employees are hired based on their qualifications, RBI annual reports and other websites. merit, and accomplishments, but gender becomes an Spotlight on Women in Indian Banks important consideration during salary appraisals, promotions or advancement decisions. More women The number of talented women with a finance background believe that they must work harder than men, are paid joining into the banking sector is increasing every year. less than men for the same qualification, are forced to Women constitute a little over 11% of the workforce in prove their competence all the time, and to succeed in the banking industry (Khandelwal, 1988).The Indian the corporate world, must develop management style government appointed a committee in the year 2009, to which is comfortable to men. Even at senior level, her look at human resource issues of public sector banks status as women does not become irrelevant; she under the chairmanship of former Chairman and continues to be perceived as “women” who needs to Managing Director of Bank of Baroda and Anil “prove” her worth while men are assumed competent till Khandelwal. The Khandelwal Committee made some far- proven otherwise. Fewer women (71% vs. 81% perceive reaching recommendations, some of which were that competence, not gender is an issue in organizations. accepted by banks and the government. According to We noticed an interesting difference between male and the committee’s report published in 2010, at that time female managers on performance expectations. More women accounted for only 17 per cent of employees in men (48%) than women (38%) believe that to be state-run banks, of which only 2.7 per cent of women successful, women managers need to consistently were in executive positions. exceed performance expectations more often than men. “Women started joining banks only in the late 70s and We were expecting these percentages to be reversed. mostly at clerical levels. With career progression reaching The way these percentages came out in our study an apex, the industry is likely to have more women at suggest that men expect more from women while women the top in the years to come. And when they do come, are underestimating these expectations – which may they are not just considered women, but as leaders and not be good for their careers. role models,” says Subhalakshmi Panse, chairperson- cum-managing director (CMD) of Allahabad Bank, who Organizational Perception of Importance of Gender took over the reins in 2012.Not only in the higher levels Issues that we can see had the involvement of women but also The perceptual gap between male and female managers in the clerical levels also women are more attracted. on key gender issues. While 93% women feel that they Secured family life, attractive salary, favorable working are as committed to their jobs as men, only 78% men conditions and the stability in work are some of the feel so. In fact, about 20% men perceive that women reasons that make this sector more preferable to women.

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According to a study by Standard Chartered Bank about could find their own strategies which would achieve the women on corporate boards in India, the financial sector same result (Mankidy, 1988). Women frequently suffer performs best in terms of gender diversity, nine of the subtle forms of discrimination that tend to get worse as eleven banks listed on BSE-100 have a woman on their they progress up the career ladder. Their lack of visibility board and two of these banks have a female CEO. In is a disadvantage that manifests itself when job fact, through the recent recession, Reserve Bank of India assignments and selections for training programs are had two women deputy governors on board, Usha Thorat made and they tend to be excluded (Goverman, 1992). and Shyamala Gopinath. Indian women managers’ expresses interest to be included in informal networks on the job (Bhatnagar, According to the 2013 Catalyst Census: Fortune 500 1988) Women Executive Officers and Top Earners, women represented 17.6 percent of executives and 17.9 percent The biggest challenge lies in changing the stereotypes, of the board of directors in the finance and insurance assumptions and biases about what is required for sector.In 2012, Women represented 23% of all senior leadership and success that permit the culture of officers in Financial Post 500 companies, and in 2013 financial institutions. The senior management of financial 11.4 percent of chief financial Officers of Fortune 500. firms have always been almost exclusively men and they The banking Sector in India which was male dominated remain the strongly dominant group. This means that till 1980’s, in last three decades the gender equality what is in fact a gender-based bias may be perceived became(CEO, ICIand MD, Axis Bank), Chandra by most senior managers to be no more than kochar(CEO ICICI Bank) and Naina Lal Kidwai commonsense meritocracy. These assumptions relate (CEO,HSBC), Arundathi Bhattacharya,(CMD SBI), to both day-to-day working practices and also the Shikha Sharma(CEO and MD, Axis Bank), Usha qualities required for leadership. Certain behaviors are Ananthasubramanian (CEO, MDPunjab National Bank), perceived differently when exhibited by men and women. are contributing a lot to the bank’s growth. For example, an assertive man might be perceived as being a strong leader whereas a similarly assertive Challenges of Women Employees in Indian Banking woman might be perceived to be “strident” or “bossy” Sector (adjectives rarely applied to men). And as pointed out The banking and insurance sectors today offer more earlier, the character traits traditionally associated with prospects of jobs for women - both qualitatively and leadership in financial firms have been typically quantitatively. However there are some common problems masculine. The discrimination experienced by women faced by women managers, officers and clerical groups working in banks is mainly in terms of the lack of in banking and insurance sector, in the course of their infrastructural facilities, the transfer policy, and careers. These include the burden of the dual role, sexual assumptions that women would not be interested in harassment in the workplace, the refusal of men to training or in promotions accept women as colleagues or seniors, and the lack of solidarity among women. A lot of women play both primary Suggestions to overcome the challenges facing breadwinner and primary care taker role which create a women Employees in Indian banking sector tension most men do not experience when juggling work The first step in addressing the unconscious biases and and personal responsibilities. assumptions is to get people recognize and understand these in their own thoughts and behaviour. Management According to a study by Kamala Srinivasan (1991) 50 may require some training to help them do this. Some per cent of women complained that extra work is always firms are taking measures to improve awareness of shunted to women. They also complained about sexual gender issues, using workshops and reverse mentoring, harassment from colleagues, managers, or customers. Women also felt dissatisfied that they were not sent out The second, and perhaps the most important step in for training. Some obstacles arise from women’s specific eliminating biases is ensuring that these assumptions difficulties in demanding promotion - because promotions about what it takes to be an effective leader do not are linked with transfers; or they have difficulties in influence hiring decisions, promotions, the allocation of working late; or because women shy away from career opportunities and performance evaluations. To responsibility, having a low opinion of their own abilities bring this out, senior management should change their and a negative attitude to accepting recognition (Mankidy, recruitment and promotion criteria and set targets for 1986). Some women employees feel that these attracting and developing a diverse set of leaders. constraints are intensified by being forced to adopt the Employers who want to help women advance to the top behaviour of the ‘successful manager or officer’ which must do more to make allowances for life outside of has been established by men. They argue that women work. They must make sure that even ambitious and

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 187 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 talented employees do not feel that they will have to The association has demanded crèches facilities, special work hours incompatible with a family life. Women in leave and better working conditions for women, and the banking who require flexible working conditions need to removal of hidden discrimination. Each PSB has to come feel emotionally empowered to take full advantage of out with a HRD plans for development of women and SC them. The Women’s Wing of the AICOBOO has been / ST employees. A special HRD effort has to be put in taking up these issues systematically. One outcome of place for developing these groups in key skills of banking. their work has been the charter of demands they Training strategy to focus on staff working in rural areas submitted to their union confederation. and women employees and priority to be accorded for regular in-house training to rural staff. Many of the Banks 1. Infrastructural facilities such as creches and day care do not have transfer policy which gives consideration to centres. the special problems which female officers/employees 2. Provision of hostels for working women, face vis-a-vis their male counterparts. Government of accommodation for divorced, separated and widowed India, Ministry of Finance and Department of Financial women with children. Services has issued guidelines to all Public Sector 3. Special leave with a lien on service, for up to say five Banks including IDBI & SBI Associates, so that transfers years, to meet certain contingencies specific to of female officers and employees can be considered with women, extending this facility to men also whenever compassion and their hardship can be mitigated to the required. extent possible. National Institute of Bank management 4 Provision for a woman with a child less than three (NIBM) is also organising workshops for female clerical years old to work for fewer hours and receive staff, officers and managers. One way of improving proportionate pay. prospects for women could be to restructure the work, for example with flexible working hours, part time job 5. Family pension and voluntary retirement for men and assignments, split location positions performed partly women after twenty years of service. at home job and job sharing (Mankidey 1988). Banks 6. Provision for flexi-hours and part-time employment should be encouraged to have a formal mentorship in suitable cases. program in which new employees are assigned mentors 7. Although maternity leave (12 weeks in all) is regarded who are responsible for helping the new recruit to fit in as fairly satisfactory, additional provisions required the central core of the organization. Finally, if financial are medical benefits, hospitalization, leave for the firms are to make progress on increasing diversity, they purpose of child care, paternity leave for at least ten cannot treat I as a side-line activity. Increasing diversity days, and further leave for those who have to look must be a priority for the most senior management in after an infant in special circumstances. the firm and not merely for HR.

The Ministry of Labour is expected to amend the Conclusion Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, which presently entitles Increasing women literacy, growing economic pressure, women to 12 weeks of maternity benefit whereby and burning desire to gain economic and social employers are liable to pay full wages for the period of independence are pushing womenfolk to take up gainful leave. career. The phenomenal growth of banks has created The specific demands put forward by the Women’s Wing massive employment opportunities for the educated include a uniform transfer policy in all banks for women women of our nation. Feminine traits no doubt help them officers, and a cell to deal with women’s issues in every perform better than male colleagues in certain aspect of bank’s personnel department. They are currently trying delivery of banking service Researches have shown that to formulate demands relating to training programmes having women on boards provides genuine value addition and time off for women to do union work. Similarly the to decision-making. We have a distance to go, especially All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) initiated in the larger society. Gender is an important issue in a women’s wing of the union to take up issues specially corporate India. While there are some similarities, that affecting women. The Reserve Bank of India has a there are significant differences in the perceptions of Women’s Forum for the same purpose. The unions in male and female managers in several key areas. Our the LIC have begun to organize women-only meetings study found that: and workshops. The Insurance Employees Association 1. 79% women and 90% men believe that in their decided in 1991 to organize women employees more organizations, employment is based on merit and effectively, as the number of women employees was not on gender. However, 74% women and 80% men increasing day by day, with over 75 per cent of the new perceive that pregnancy makes women less desirable recruits being women. employees than men.

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2. 72% women and 91% men believe that promotion that their organizations are committed to utilizing their and advancement is based on merit and not genders. talents and only about 38% think that organizations More than 40% men and women believe that there help women fit into “male” culture. In fact, to succeed, are significant barriers to women’s advancement in 57% women think that they need to sacrifice some their organizations and organizations do not of their femininity and 36% indicate that they need to encourage women enough to assume leadership act more like men. We found that job satisfaction positions. In fact, only about a third perceive that among women managers was significantly lower than organizations are seeking ways to increase the men. numbers of women at senior management positions. In our survey, 60% companies had less than 5% of References their senior and middle managers as females. Among 1. Bhatnagar, D. (1988). “HRD for women employees in our respondents, 82% of men indicated that they banks”. In A. K. Khandelwal, (ed.) Human Resources were at senior level as compared to 33% women. Development in Banks. Oxford and IBH Publishing 3. There appears to be some inequity in pay in corporate Company, New Delhi. India. While 77% women agreed that they are paid 2. Goverman, J. (1992). “Women in science should look equal to men for the same qualification, 89% men within”. Los Angeles Times, November 11 thought that women are paid equal to men. Gender 3. http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in:8080/jspui/ and not competence, is an issue in the minds of bitstream/10 603/25502/7/07_chapter%201.pdf 30% women and 20% men. Even at senior level 4. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india/ positions, female managers continue to be perceived what-makes-women-successful-in-Indisn-Banking- as “women” first. Women need to work harder than industry/articleshow/6584040.cms men and need to prove their competence more often than men. Men perceive women as less committed 5. http://www.empowerwomen.org/en/circles/make- to their jobs and less capable of contributing to financial-markets-work-for women/women— organizational goals. Almost half the women think employment-in-the-finance-sector # sthash. vAlTyLXd.dpuf

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VIOLATION OF WOMEN RIGHTS IN INDIA

Dr. Katreddi Satyanarayana1

Abstract Indian society is a male dominated society where men are always assumed to be superior to society. The women in India very often face discrimination, injustice and dishonour. Though women in India have been given more rights as compared to men, even then the condition of women in India is miserable. Women in India are deprived of their fundamental right to dignity also; leave alone the question of gender equality. The present paper explores the question central to women rights in India that is fundamentally patriarchal in nature. Women in India face a lot of social inequalities like gender specific abortion, mistreatment by their spouses, eve teasing. Most women aren’t aware of women rights in India and other times their legal rights are not protected as they should be. Discrimination against women is thus determined not only to women themselves but also to the next generation. Women play multilateral role in the society i.e., as a daughter, wife, mother and care taker of her family, and also as a breadwinner who provides the services to the society. In spite of the fact that the women’s contribution to the country’s development is equal to that of male counterpart, they experience a number of limitations that restrain them from comprehending their potential for expansion.The objectives of the paper are to study about the women rights in India and to examine the constitutional and legal rights to protect women human rights and finally to find out the areas where women rights are violated. The paper attempts to identify the few challenges faced by the women in India like the dowry, domestic violence, female foeticide, sexual harassment at workplace, sale and trafficking of girls, seduction, child marriages etc. The present study based on the secondary data collected from various books, journals and websites.

Introduction: development is equal to that of male counterpart. Still Indian society is a male dominated society where men they experience a number of limitations that restrain are always assumed to be superior to society. The women them from comprehending their potential for expansion. in India very often have face to face discrimination, The women rights in India can be classified in to two injustice and dishonour. Though women in India have categories. Those are constitutional or legal rights. The been given more rights as compared to men, even then constitutional rights are those which are provided in the the condition of women in India is miserable. Women in various provisions of the constitution. The legal rights India are deprived of their fundamental right to dignity are those which are provided in the various laws (acts) also; leave alone the question o gender equality. The of the parliament and their state legislatures. present paper explores the question central to women’s right in India that is fundamentally patriarchal in nature. Objectives of the study: The article attempts to identify the few challenges faced 1. To study about the women rights in India by the women in India like the dowry, female foeticide, 2. To examine the constitutional and legal rights to denial of inheritance rights, sale and trafficking of girls protect women’s human rights. etc. 3. To find out the areas where women rights are violated. Women in India face lot of social inequalities ranging from gender specific abortion, mistreatment by their Methodology: spouses, to eve teasing. Most women aren’t aware of The present study based on the secondary data collected women rights in India and other times their legal rights from various books, journals and websites. The author are not protected as they should be. Discrimination acknowledged the gratitude among authors of differ against women is thus determined not only to women articles which have been referred. themselves but also to the next generation. This distinction was based on gender. Since the women as a Women Rights in India: commune had waged struggle for recognition of their Women rights are the rights and entitlements claimed rights as a human being. Women exclude multilateral for women and girls of many societies worldwide. In some role in society. i.e., as a daughter, wife, mother and care places, these rights are institutionalised or supported taker of her family, and also as a breadwinner who by law, local custom, and behaviour, whereas in others provides the services to the society. In spite of the fact they may be ignored or suppressed. They differ from that the women’s contribution to the country’s broader notions of human rights through claims of an

1. Reader & Head, Dept. of Social Work &Controller of ExaminationsK.G.R.L. College, Bhimavaram.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 190 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities inherent historical and traditional bias against the exercise as a criminal offence under section 498 A of Indian Penal of girls, in favour of men and boys. Issues commonly Code.1860. Domestic violence means cruelty by associated with notions of women rights included, though husband towards women. Cruelty can be done by are not limited to, the right: to bodily integrity and physically, mentally, economically or emotionally. An act autonomy; to vote; to hold public office; to work; to birth called Domestic Violence Act, 2005 was introduced to control; to have an abortion; to be free from seduction; handle the cases of Domestic Violence in India. to fair wages of equal pay; to own property; to education; to serve in the military or be conscripted; to enter into Female foeticide: legal contracts; and have marital or parental rights. Female foeticide means identifying and killing of female foetus before they take birth. This is most brutal way of Women rights violation in India: killing women. The custom of female foeticide is practiced In India it is said that, women are enjoying rights equal by the society form ancient times and it is really shameful to men. But in reality, the women in India have been to note that even today, when we considers ourselves suffering from the beginning . Not only in early times educated and civilised, this custom is practiced in a big but even today also, women had to face discrimination, manner. Government has taken so many steps to spread injustice and dishonour. The following are the areas of awareness among people about the consequences of violations of women rights. this crime. Many awareness programmes are conducted by the Government to spread the awareness about the Dowry: physical, mental and social effect of this practice. The dowry system is main social evil which dragging Punishment of 3 years imprisonment and Rs. 10,000/- women back from 100 of years as his evil has a very fine has been prescribed by pre conception and pre natal long history especially in India. Various dowry based diagnostic techniques (Prohibition of Sex selection) act, domestic violence cases has been reported by media. 1994, for the offence of Female foeticides. There are ample legal provisions in India to provide relief to women in case of dowry based domestic violence Sexual harassment at workplace: cases. Civil law of India has prohibited the payment of Eve teasing is a euphemism used for sexual harassment dowry in the year 1961.Further Indian Penal Code, 1860 or molestation of women by men. Many activists blame has introduced sections 304 B and 498 A, which allows the rising incidents of sexual harassment against women women to fie complaint and seek restoration of her rights on the influence of ‘western Culture’. In 1987 act was from serious harassment by the husbands family. passed to prohibit indecent representation of women Dowry is one of the strong and biggest reasons of through advertisements or in publications, writings, and increasing domestic violence. Every year thousands of paintings or in any manner. The year 1997 is a landmark dowry deaths along with mental trauma cases reported judgement by the Supreme Court of India took a strong and registered in India. In case of inadequate dowry, stand against sexual harassment of women in work place. incidents like burning, suicides, physical and mental And than on words the sexual harassment of women at torture of women is very common by husband and his workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act family. Keeping in view the increasing cases of dowry 2013 came into force on December, 2013, to prevent deaths another legislative provision called “Protection of harassment of women at workplace. women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005”, was Trafficking and Prostitution: introduced in order to reduce domestic violence cases and protect women rights. Trafficking means import and export of humans for sex business. It is indeed very sad to learn that in India, Domestic Violence: where women are recognised as Goddess and prayed Domestic violence has become a very serious problem by all Indian’s as Devi Shakti, they are also treated as a for women. In general the term domestic violence means source of earning by unethical means. Prostitution is mental, physical, emotional and economic harassment one of the biggest problems in this world which is of women by family members. For the purpose of damaging the women in any ways. In general, the term domestic violence family includes spouse, his mother, prostitution means offer of sexual services for earning father, brother, sister, hi relatives and sometimes even money. Prostitution is a problem which exists across friends. We call ourselves educated people talk too much the world. There are quite a few laws in India in order to about morality, ethics and civilisation and expect others prevent the crime of prostitution like Suppression of to be good to create a dream world but forget that without Immoral Traffic in Women and Girl Act 195 and Immoral giving due respect to the women, a nation’s growth is Traffic (Prevention) Act 1956. impossible. Now in India domestic violence is recognised

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Acid Throwing: significant among them are The Equal Remuneration Act, In India, acid attacks on woman who dared to refuse a the Prevention of Immoral Traffic Act and the Dowry man’s proposal of marriage or asked for a divorce are a Prohibition Act etc. Apart Acts provided from these, the rd th form of revenge. Acid is cheap easily available and the 73 and 74 Constitution (Amendment) Acts provided quickest way to destroy a woman’s life. for 33 % reservation for women in both panchayat and nagarapalika as well as for the positions of chairpersons Seduction: of these bodies. Seduction is another very serious crime against women Apart from this National Commission for women had and this crime is increasing day like anything. Reporting established in 1990 to look into the women’s problem. of seduction and abduction cases has become very National commission for women have engaged them to common in point and electronic media which is indeed deal with the cases relating to the violation of women a very sad affair for all of us. Increasing seduction cases rights. are enough to prove that our moral values are still very low and we still to learn how to respect the dignity of Conclusion: women at large. The word ‘Seduction’ means sexual Indian women has come a long way and prove that she intercourse or sexual penetration, by another person is capable of doing anything and equal partner in the without the consent of the other person or victim. growth and prosperity of the nation. Women are one of Provisions relating to seduction or given in section 375 the pillars of the society and it would be very difficult to and 376 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. imagine society without the presence of women. Now it is high time for all of us to understand the power of Child Marriage: women. Even our judiciary and legislature has also In India although they exist a law barring the marriages accepted the fact that women are one of the most of children at the early age, but it is still being practiced important elements of society and their exploitation would in different parts of India. Child Marriages act 2006 not be accepted at any cost. There is a saying that prohibits child marriage and declares 18 years and 21 “behind every successful man there is a woman”. This years as the marriageable age for girls and boys. saying is enough to prove that man and women both are According to the National Population Policy, over 50 % necessary element of society. Women plays different of the girls marry below the age of 18. Child marriage role in her life which is not an easy task. During her life takes away from a girl child the innocence of her time she acts as a daughter, wife and mother at different formative years of life necessary for the physical, stages of life. So we must give them due care and respect emotional and psychological development. and understand their efforts towards welfare of the society at large. The constitutional, judiciary and legislative rights Protection of Women’s Rights by the Constitution of women against the crimes will protect the women in of India: India. The Indian Constitution confers special rights upon women. The constitution framers made some efforts to References: lift the women of our society. The state is directed to • Crime in India (2006) : National Crime Record Bureau, provide for maternity relief to female workers under article Government of India, New Delhi. 42 of the Constitution, where as article 51- A declares it • Sarpotdar Anagha(2014) : Sexual harassment of as a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to respect women: Reflections on the Private sector, Economic the dignity of women. Indian Parliament has passed the and political weekly. protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 for the proper implementation of Article 51-A. Indian Parliament over • www.isca.in the years have taken significant steps through legislation • www.mospi.nic.in to achieve goals of empowering women in India. The • www.ssijmar.in

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A STUDY ON VOILENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA: ORIGIN, PRESENT STATUS AND SOLUTIONS

Krishna Prasada Rao1

Abstract India is a traditional male-dominated country where women have to face various violence in the society from the ancient time to this 21st century. As the world is leading in the technological improvement, advancement of material prosperity, etc; the rate of unnatural sex and violence with women is also on the way. As several as 2.24 million crimes against women were reportable over the past decade: twenty six crimes against women are reported each hour, or one complaint on each two minutes, registering. The Government of India’s approach got great momentum towards the growing violence against women when the Nirbhaya incident occurred at New Delhi and it named as rape capital of India. Today growing violence against women is the major challenge not only to the Government but also to society.The present study is descriptive in nature based on secondary sources of data. This paper studies the origins of violence, briefly described from ancient India to present period with the supportive work of Geert Hofstedes’ ‘power distance’. This paper analyses present status of violence with the help of NCRB report and studies the Government initiatives like SHE-box, Ujjawala Swdhar, etc…and gives practical suggestions towards zero tolerance of violence against women.In a nut-shell, From the Woman’s Marches within the United States to the world wide “#Me Too” campaign, the problem of women’s rights has well and really perforates society’s consciousness. However this could not disguise the actual fact that women’s rights on a global scale – and specifically women’s safety in India – is continuous to be considerably in its infancy. Key Words: Initiatives, Male-domination, Origins, violence, Women.

“The law will do its job and do it strictly but as a society every parent also has a responsibility to teach their sons the difference between right and wrong,” -Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Introduction: are therefore having common now-a-days. Different Prime Minister Narendra Modi aforesaid that “India had violence is like harassment, assault, and chain- been shamed by a spate of rapes and attacks against snatching, etc are concerned within the daily routine women, and called on parents in this deeply misogynistic within in the trendy Indian society. Violence against country to treat their sons and daughters equally in his women has full-grown to a great extent within the free first speech (August, 15th , 2014) marking the country’s India. Dowry deaths, murder, bride burning, etc are giving independence from colonial rule. “Today when we hear rise to different violence within the society. Concurrent news reports of rapes, our heads hang in shame,” Modi increase in violence against women is preventive the said, addressing a growing anger against the nation’s social, economical, political, and cultural progress in persistent violence against women [1].A fatal gang rape the country. on board a moving bus within the Indian capital in Concept Of Voilence: December 2012 furious a country long hardened to sexual violence against women. Amid uncountable public Violence is outlined by the World Health Organization protests new and harder legislation was enacted doubling as “the intentional use of physical force or power, jail terms for rapists to twenty years and criminalizing threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, paraphilia, stalking and therefore the trafficking of women. or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, India could be a ancient male-dominated country psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation,” wherever women have to be compelled to face varied though the cluster acknowledges that the inclusion of violence within the society from the ancient time. “the use of power” in its definition expands on the Because the world is leading within the technological traditional understanding of the word [2]. This definition improvement, advancement of fabric prosperity, etc; the involves deliberation with the committing of the act itself, speed of unnatural sex and violence with women is no matter the result it produces. However, generally, additionally on the manner. Rapes and brutal murders

1. Research scholar, Department of Political Science and Public Administration,Sri Krishna Devaraya University, Anantapuram, Andhrapradesh.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 193 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 something that’s excited in an injurious or damaging • psychological manner could also be delineating as violent even though • emotional not meant to be violence (by an individual and against a “This initial categorization differentiates between violence person). Violence will be divided into 3 broad categories: an individual inflicts upon himself or herself, violence 1. Independent Violence: inflicted by another individual or by a tiny low group of Independent violence is divided into self-destructive people, and violence inflicted by larger groups like states, behavior and autoerotism. The former includes self- organized political groups, militia groups and terrorist destructive thoughts, tried suicides –conjointly known organizations. These three broad classes are each as Para suicide or deliberate self-injury in some divided further to replicate additional specific forms of countries – and completed suicides. Self-abuse, in violence. Violence is primarily classified as either distinction, includes acts like self-mutilation. instrumental or reactive / hostile”. 2. Social Violence: Objectives of the Study: Social violence is split into two subcategories: Family 1. To explain the concept of violence and its types. and intimate partner violence – that’s, violence mostly 2. To explain the origins of violence against women in between family members and intimate partners, India. usually, although not solely happening within the 3. To analyze the current status and situations of home. Community violence – violence between people violence against women in India. who are unrelated, and who might or might not apprehend one another, usually happening outside 4. To study the government initiatives and to make some the house. The previous group includes varieties of suggestions for check the violence against women violence like child abuse, intimate partner violence in India. and abuse of the older. The latter includes youth Methodology of the Study: violence, random acts of violence, rape or sexual abuse by strangers, and violence in institutional The present study is descriptive in nature. The present settings like colleges, workplaces, prisons and paper is primarily based on secondary sources of data. nursing homes. Once social violence happens in The information and data for the research has been families, its psychological consequences will have collected from government publications, published an effect on parents, children, and their relationship articles, journals, newspapers, reports, books, and in the short- and long-terms [3]. official websites of Government of India. 3. Collective Violence: Origins of Violence against Women In India: Collective violence is divided into structural violence The emergence of a patriarchal hierarchy can be traced and economic violence. In contrast to the opposite 2 throughout the foundations of India’s history, from the broad categories; the subcategories of collective Pre Vedic Period to India post-Independence. In doing violence recommend attainable motives for violence so, the deeply ingrained quality of subjugation becomes committed by larger groups of people or by states. apparent. The beginning of civilization saw no legitimate This violence that’s committed to advance a particular gender hierarchy, nor violence against women. Inside social agenda includes, for instance, crimes of hate, the sacred text writings of Vedic Period (1500-800 BCE), spreading rumors, committed by organized groups, however, society became more and more structured. terrorist acts and mob violence. Political violence Despite girls being honored as sacred inside the Hindu consist war and connected violent conflicts, state culture, point of period conjointly saw the institution of violence and similar activities administered by larger the establishment of wedding. This developed the groups. Economic violence includes attacks by larger requirement of girls to stay within the home, and to birth groups actuated by economic gain – like attacks a son. Following the Vedic Period, from around 500 BCE administered with the aim of disrupting economic to 1850 CE, this dichotomous role for women was further activity, denying access to essential services, or cemented. Women came to be regarded as both an object making economic division and fragmentation. Clearly, of control and one of worship. Required to serve as both acts committed by larger groups will have multiple a submissive wife and a beacon of chastity, women soon motives [4]. became defined by the standards set by their husbands and families. This inexplicable role pushed upon women Violent Acts will be [5]: is connected back to Dumont’s theory of hierarchy and • physical therefore the opposition of purity versus pollution. Moreover, women conjointly saw the separation of the • sexual

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 194 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities two. On one hand they were revered as goddesses, explain Indian culture and inequality not through a third- whereas on the opposite, their presence and participation party perspective, but through the attitude and opinions was impressible in spiritual practices. The Post-Vedic of existing members. India received the high score of 77 Period conjointly saw the arrival of sati: a Hindu on power dimension, which illustrates an acceptance, observance ritual within which a widow commits suicide or perhaps dependency on hierarchy. The dimensional by manner of lighting herself ablaze. The immolation analysis reveals that the country’s societal structure is historically served as proof of the widow’s devotion to top-down and that those who are lesser in the hierarchy, her deceased husband. Kid’s marriage began shortly such as women, are expectant of their unequal rights. when, throughout the Muslim Period [6]. Subsequently, India also scores highly on Hofstede dimensional within the British Period (1858-1947), the influence of analysis of masculinity, signifying a highly patriarchal Victorian values took hold. A clear example can be seen cultural. This score highlights a lack of equality between in the changing perspective on sex. Though India sexes, as seen through their role in society. Hofstede developed Kama Sutra, a literature on sex, and has work in cultural analysis in relation to India begins a ancient texts that speak of sex freely, foreign presence conversation on the ways in which the nation’s culture saw to the stigmatization of sexual liberalism. Since and society serve to propagate violence against women. this time, Indian culture has been marked by conservatism, and proceeds to consider sex a taboo. Present Status of Violence against Women in India: Indirectly, this perception offers cause for violence against The linguistics that means of “crime against women” is women [7]. Also during this time, women strongly became direct or indirect physical or mental cruelty to women. considered representatives of Indian culture and Crimes directed specifically against women and during spirituality, and consequently were often kept at home which solely women are victims are characterized as in order to protect and preserve these entities from foreign “crimes against women”. As many as 22.4 lakh crimes influence. I interpret this purposeful protection because against women were reportable over the past decade: the emergence of Indian nationalism. As British Twenty-six crimes against women are according in every colonizers tried to say their control over the population, hour, or one grievance in every 2minute in a day, in an they wanted to reform Indian traditionalism, being exceedingly day reveals associate IndiaSpend.com [10] powerfully vital of women’s lack of autonomy and role (a data-driven and public –interest journalism a non-profit within the family. In response, India gained a much organization) analysis supported the last decade’s data. gendered model of nationalism so as to shield what they The NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) report on believed to be an important a part of their cultural identity crime in 2016, released on November 20, has reiterated [8]. This distinct tension between colonial forces and sure popular beliefs whereas negating others. For the historical norms in effect created a new kind of patriarchy, first time in 2016, the NCRB has discharged not simply different from that experienced before and during colonial state-wise information, however conjointly specific data times. The post-colonial patriarchy still present today knowledge on metropolitan cities in India. (Graph 1) exemplifies the theme of tension between those attempting to address the hierarchal status quo through On crimes against women as an entire, metropolitan reforming the roles of women, and those who call upon Delhi graded 1st in terms of the rate of crime against cultural and historical tradition in order to resist change. women. A complete of 15,310 cases was reported within Towards the end of British rule, women increasingly found the union territory of Delhi in 2016, down from 17,222 in their marginalization and inequality to be unacceptable, 2015. “Uttar Pradesh reported 14.5% that is 49,262 out and so began to fight for position in mainstream society. of 3,38,954 cases of total cases of crimes against girls Upon India’s independence in 1947, many women followed by West Bengal 9.6% that is 32,513 cases participated in a large push-back against the Liven throughout 2016.The Delhi UT reported the very highest patriarchy, viewing the emancipation as an opportunity rate of crime (160.4) compared to the national average to pursue progress. By bringing cultural analysis beyond rate of 55.2,” the National Crime Report Bureau report merely declaring a lack of gender equity, we are able to says. “Most of the cases underneath crimes against further understand India’s own tolerance of inequality. ladies were reported underneath as ‘Cruelty by her The work of Geert Hofstede, the founder of comparative Relatives or Her Husband (32.6%), then followed by intercultural research, allows us to do just that. Hofstede ‘Assault on ladies with Intent to Outrage her Modesty’ has established a parameter called “power distance”, (25.0%),then ‘Kidnapping & Abduction of Women’ [11] outlined as “the extent to that the less powerful members (19.0%) and ‘Rape’ (11.5%)” were recorded . of establishments and organizations inside a country Delhi the National Capital recorded the very highest cases expect and settle for that power is distributed unequally” of crimes against ladies in 2016 among metropolitan [9]. The dimension is notable because it attempts to cities, with a criminal offence rate of 182.1 crimes per

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 195 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969

Graph: 1: Top 10 states in terms of the number of crimes against women in India.

Uttarpradesh

West bengal

Maharashrta

Rajasthan

Madhyapradesh

Assam

Odisha

Andhrapradesh

Telangana

Delhi,ut

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000

Source: National Crime Report Bureau, 2016. one hundred thousand populations, in step with the most recent information released by the National Crime Records Bureau. Crimes against ladies have solely marginally minimized between 2014 and 2016, dropping by 0.14%. Lucknow, with 159.8 crimes, and Jaipur at 144.1 crimes against each one hundred and thousand individuals, came second and third on the list. The national average of crimes against ladies in cities was 77.2.

Graph-2: Cases of Gang rape

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 Delhi Mumbai Jaipur Nagpur Benagalure

Source: NCRB Report, 2016. Note: 81.9% of total cases reported in 19 cities.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 196 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities

Graph-3: Cases of Rape

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0 Delhi Mumbai Jaipur Nagpur Benagalure

Source: NCRB Report, 2016. Note: 75.2% of total cases reported in 19 cities.

From the data of table 2 and 3 shows that Cases of Gang rapes and cases of rapes in Delhi got first place with 79%, 1996 respectively, Mumbai 14% gang rapes and rape cases were 712, Jaipur 13% of gang rapes and 354 rape cases, Nagpur 9% gang rapes and 330 rape cases and in Bangalore 7% and rape cases 312 registered.81.9% of total gang rape cases reported in 19 cities only, as well as, 75.2% of rape cases reported in 19 cities only. Incidents of rape against women have risen far more sharply as compared to a rise in other crimes against women. The newest NCRB information for the year 2016 shows that whereas overall crimes against ladies have up by close to 3%, rape incidents have gone up by 12%. While 2015 saw the registration of 34,651 rape crime cases, this redoubled to 38,947 in 2016. Conversely, overall crimes against ladies rose from 3,29,243 in 2015 to 3,38,954 in 2016. The majority of cases categorized as crimes against women were reported under ‘Cruelty by husband or his relatives’ (32.6%), followed by ‘Assault on woman with intent to outrage her modesty’ (25%), ‘Kidnapping and abduction of women’ (19%) and ‘Rape’ (11.5%) these things have shown the following tables…

Table-1: Top crimes against women in India city wise

Rank* Cities Number of Rate of crime** Rape Sexual Cruelty by crimes Assault*** Husband and his Family

1 Delhi 13803 182.1 1996 3746 3645 2 Lucknow 1260 159.8 102 412 895 3 Jaipur 2428 144.1 330 301 1008 4 Patna 1031 133.8 354 102 405 5 Nagpur 814 113.0 171 411 248

Source: NCRB Report, 2016.

*Rank is based on Rate of Crime. **Number of incidents per one lakh population.***Includes crimes such as Assault on women, Sexual harassment, Assault or Use of criminal Force, to women with intent to disrobe, Voyeurism, and stalking.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 197 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969

Table-2: Top crimes against women in India state wise

Rank* Cities Number of Rate of crime** Rape Sexual Cruelty by crimes Assault*** Husband and his Family

1 DelhiUT# 15310 160.4 2155 4165 3645 2 Assam 19169 131.3 1779 3378 895 3 Odisha 17837 84.5 1983 8252 1008 4 Telangana 15374 83.7 1278 3767 405 5 Rajasthan 27422 78.3 3656 4839 248

Source: NCRB Report, 2016. *Rank is based on Rate of Crime. **Number of incidents per one lakh population. ***Includes crimes such as Assault on women, Sexual harassment, Assault or Use of criminal Force, to women with intent to disrobe, Voyeurism, and stalking. #DelhiUT is different from Delhi city in terms area and population.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO ENVISION THE Child Development is to make a secure and sanctionating VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: surroundings for women. The first job of those women SHE-BOX (Sexual Harassment Electronic-Box)[12]: volunteers is to stay a watch on situations wherever Government launched a web platform that allows women women within the village are troubled or their rights and staff to file complaints associated with molestation and entitlements are denied or their development is harassment at the workplace. It seeks to make sure prevented. One Mahila Police Volunteer per Gram effective implementation of the molestation of ladies at Panchayat is to be appointed underneath this Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, scheme.MPV is going to be chosen through an ordered 2013 [SHW ACT].It will cater effective and speedier out procedure from among the scepter, responsible and remedy to women facing sexual harassment at accountable, socially aware women who can facilitate workplace as WCD as well as complainant can monitor police stretch in cases of gender considerations. the progress of inquiry. Ujjwala Scheme[13]; Ujjwala is a comprehensive scheme Vishaka Guideline: Supreme Court in Vishaka and that was launched in 2007 for prevention of trafficking others Vs. State of Rajasthan case laid down guidelines and rescue, rehabilitation and reintegration of victims of for the prevention and Redressal of the complaints by trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation. women who were sexually harassed at workplace SWADHAR (A Scheme for Women in Difficult [14] Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Circumstances) ;It aims at the protection of women, (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 especially in a difficult circumstance like widows, [SHW ACT]: it was enacted to implement the Vishaka destitute and deserted women, women ex-prisoners, Guidelines and to ensure a safe workplace for woman. victims of sexual abuse and crimes, including those trafficked and rescued from brothels, migrant or refugee Justice Verma committee: It recommended women who have been rendered homeless due to natural Employment Tribunal comprising two retired judges, two calamities. sociologists and a social activist to obviate the need for ICC which was not functioning as it was intended (not National Women Policy 2016[15]: considered by the government). Enabling safety and security of ladies – with initiatives Mahila police volunteer: Haryana became the primary like One Stop Centres, Girls Helpline, Mahila Police state to adopt the Mahila Police Volunteer Initiative by Volunteers, making immediate response mechanism launching this theme in Karnal and Mahendragarh through panic buttons in mobiles etc. Efforts to develop districts. The state has inducted the primary batch of a compatible and comprehensive database on violence one thousand Mahila Police volunteers. MPV Initiative against women, strict monitoring of the response of (law) may be a joint initiative between Union Ministry of Home enforcement agencies to violence against women, the Affairs and Ministry of Women & Child Development. time-bound trial of heinous crimes against women, This initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Women & strengthening naari adalats and family courts, etc. The

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 198 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities policy talks about engaging men and boys through rehabilitation of the victim. Rehabilitation of the victims advocacy, awareness generation programmes and of brutal sexual assaults should be the State’s community programmes to instill respect for women in responsibility. The legislation should provide for enhanced men from a young age. punishment for violence perpetrated against women with mental illness. Suggestions to Check the Voilence: Proper application of laws in the setting of mental Prohibition and control on use of alcohol: There illness: This is often very difficult, nevertheless very should be prohibition of alcohol use in mass gatherings important. Judiciary handling such cases should in institutions, public places like trains and buses. The desirably have both legal (LLB) as well as medical (MD number of alcohol outlets should be decreased. The age Psychiatry/DPM) qualifications. for purchasing alcohol may be raised to 30 years. Special checks on festive occasions are recommended with the Code of conduct: Code of conduct at work place, school help of breath analyzers. Involuntary treatment of and home, with respect to interaction with persons of persons with alcohol dependence should be carried out. opposite sex should be outlined and implemented. Strict control on media: Sexual material should be Sensitizing the gender: Gender sensitization by censored. Good themes, which condemn violence and parents and teachers is needed regarding the sensitivities glorify rehabilitation of the victim, should be projected. and boundaries of man-woman relationships. Ban on pornography should be strictly implemented. The Employment and education: Improvement in quality sites may be blocked. of education and employment opportunities for youth. Marriage institution: Marriage of boys and girls should Talent and recreation: Recreational avenues and preferably be in early 20s, as soon as feasible, so that opportunities for talent development in young people. sexual needs could be satisfied in a socially appropriate manner. Strong marital bond would act as a deterrent. Religious and moral values: Parents and teachers The “Shiv-Parvati” model should be promoted for Hindus. should strive to infuse good moral and religious values in children and serve as role models. Enforcement of law: Efficient and accountable law enforcement machinery at all levels (administration, Sincerity and commitment: Last, but not the least, If government, police and judiciary) is needed we are sincere we will get the results. Let us all say “No” to violence against women. Judicial mind set need change: This is the need of the day. Indira Jaising, Additional Solicitor General of Conclusion: India, aptly stated “It’s time for India’s courts to gaze In different pockets of India, SHE continues to be inward and throw out deeply embedded patriarchal shunned… either killed before birth; weighed against the notions that stop judgments from being fair to women. moolah she brings as dowry or burnt in its absence; Sexism within the system has to go before it does more molested or raped, often to avenge rivalries or even, as damage in the country.” A High Court judge in Orissa in bizarre as might be, the family’s honor. “We are in the his judgment once famously held “It was not possible 21st century and yet there is still no dignity for women for a man, acting alone, to rape a woman in good health.” as they have to go out in the open to defecate and they Changes needed in existing legislations: have to wait for darkness to fall. Can you imagine the number of problems they have to face because of this?[16]” The Hindu Marriage Act (1955): Mental illness may as rightly questioned PM Narendra Modi. From the be removed from conditions of Hindu marriage. Not Woman’s Marches within the United States to the informing about past illness of mental illness should not worldwide “#Me Too” campaign, the problem of women’s be a ground for nullity of marriage. rights as well and really perforates society’s PWDVA, 2005 and DPA, 1961: Assessment for mental consciousness. However, this could not disguise the illness may be incorporated in the code civil procedure actual fact that women’s rights on a global scale – and so that the mental illness is identified in the victim specifically women’s safety in India – is continuous to (woman) and/or perpetrator (male relative) and promptly be considered in its infancy. Thousands of women and treated. This way violence can be prevented. girls each year are victims of gender violence in India. To check this menace India needs more moments like Need of the new legislations: New legislation is #Me Too, more legislation with strict implementations, needed to provide for granting “Interim Relief” (A big sum and badly needed rapid and radical change in people’s of money that is paid by the perpetrator) to a victim of mindset, then we can see safe and secure of all our severe sexual assault. The money may be utilized for mothers, sisters and daughters throughout from Kashmir

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 199 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 to Kanyakumari. I can conclude this paper with Sanskrit violence-against-women-causes-and-cure-1709- quote “Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devata, 1.html (accessed on 24/01/2018) yatraitaastu na pujyante sarvaastatrafalaah kriyaah”. • Sharma, Radha R., Rupali Pardasani, and Sharda (Where Women are honored, divinity blossoms there, Nandram. “The Problem of Rape in India: a Multi- and where ever women are dishonored, all action no dimensional Analysis”. International Journal of matter how noble it may be, remains unfruitful.) Managing Projects in Business 7.3 (2014): 362-379. References: • Chatterjee, Partha. The Nation and its Fragments: • https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/indian- Colonial and Postcolonial Histories. Princeton: pm-urges-an-end-to-violence-against-women-poverty- Princeton UP, 1993. Print. in-first-independence-day-speech/article20073141/ • “What about India.” The Hofstede Centre. Itim (accessed on 24/01/2018) International. http://www.easybib.com/cite/clipboard/ • Krug., ”World report on violence and health”, World id/1428074798_551eb12e67f216.42703865/style/ Health Organization, 2002. mla7 (accessed on 24/01/2018) • Schechter DS, Willheim E, McCaw J, Turner JB, • https://scroll.in/bulletins/103/what-hospitals-can-do- Myers MM, Zeanah CH (2011). “The relationship of to-drive-entrepreneurship-and-enhance-patient- violent fathers, post traumatically stressed mothers, experience (accessed on 24/01/2018). and symptomatic children in a preschool-age inner- Indiaspend.com, A data-driven and public–interest city pediatrics clinic sample”. Journal of journalism a non-profit organization) analysis based Interpersonal Violence. 26 (18): 3699 on the last decade’s data. 3719. doi:10.1177/0886260511403747. • https://thewire.in/201113/ncrb-crimes-against-dalits- PMID 22170456. women/ (accessed on 24/01/2018) • Allen, Josephine A. V. (2001). “Poverty as a Form of • http://visionias.in/beta/sites/all/themes/momentum/ Violence”. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social files/current_affairs/July-2017-ca-english.pdf Environment. 4 (2–3): 45–59. doi:10.1300/ (accessed on 24/01/2018) J137v04n02_03. • https://archive.india.gov.in/spotlight/spotlight_ • http://curry.virginia.edu/uploads/resourceLibrary/ archive.php?id=42 ((accessed on24/01/2018) Violence_Coding_Guide_for_Instrumental_and_Hostile- • Reactive_Incidents_10-5-13.pdf http://pib.nic.in/newsite/Print Release. aspx? relid=123683 (accessed on 24/01/2018) • Bhardwaj, Urmila. “Domestic Violence Against • Women; Causes and Cure”. Legal Services India. 16 Draft policy for women 2016, http://wcd.nic.in/sites/ Sep. 2014. Web. 30 Jan. 2015. http:// default/files/draft %20 national %20 policy %20 for www.legalservicesindia.com/article/article/domestic- %20 women %20 2016_0.pdf (accessed on 24/01/ 2018)

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 200 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities

LEGAL PERSPECTIVES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Dr. K. Prasanna1

Abstract Women are often in great danger in the place where they should be the safest i.e. within their families. For many a home is that place where they have to face a regime of terror and violence in the hands of somebody close to them somebody they should be able to trust. It is that place that imperils lives and breeds some of the most drastic and heinous forms of violence perpetrated against women and girls. Those victimized suffer physically and psychologically. With different processes of socialization that men and women undergo, men take up stereotyped gender roles of domination and control, whereas women take up that of submission, dependence and respect for the authority. In addition, their human rights are denied and also have to bear the brunt of pernicious practices like child-marriage, sati, prostitution, forced marriages, wife-beating, stalking, bride-burning, passing lewd comments, black-mailing, sex-determination, sexual abuse of the girl child and medical neglect are wide spread both in rural and urban areas. The safety of women, who constitute of almost half of the country’s population, still remains a far cry. They do not feel safe while coming out of their houses, walking on roads, travelling in public transport, undergoing medical treatment in hospitals, studying in educational institutions and also living within the four walls of their houses. In this male dominated society, women are exploited both at home, work place and outside. They are always treated as second class citizens Key Words: Domestic violence, Patriarchy, Legislation, Discrimination etc.

Introduction Objectives Domestic violence in India is endemic. Around 70% of • To study the forms of Domestic Violence. women in India are victims of domestic violence, according • To examine the effect of Domestic violence. to Renuka Chowdhury junior minister for women and child • To explore the Domestic violence Act, 2005. development. National Crime Records Bureau reveals that a crime against a woman is committed every three • To find out the [* File contains invalid data | In-line.JPG minutes, a woman is raped every 29 minutes, a dowry *]Specific provisions of law deals with domestic death occurs every 77 minutes, and one case of cruelty violence. committed by either the husband or relative of the Methodology husband occurs every nine minutes. This all occurs despite the fact that women in India are legally protected The methodology of the present research work is based from domestic abuse under the Protection of Women on doctrinal study. The relevant data has secondary from Domestic Violence Act. sources. For the present study the researcher Secondary source has collected through published Background books, journals, periodicals, reports and along with this Domestic violence as it is sometimes called is a unpublished research works. The author tried to present worldwide problem. Cultural and household stress factors the Forms of domestic violence and their effects of contribute to the prevalence of domestic violence, and it domestic violence Act, 2005 against women in India and has been argued that these factors need to be thoroughly specific provisions of law deals with domestic violence. addressed through such channels as the Finally the author tried to present the conclusions are institutionalization of routine screening for warning signs drawn in the context of above discussions. of domestic violence by health professionals, legislation Forms of Domestic violence and support and empowerment stemming from women’s groups. In 2010, a movie based on Domestic Violence Physical violence: Physical injury is the most visible titled Bell Bajao was released with the support of the form of domestic violence. The scope of physical Ministry of Women and Child Development which won domestic violence includes slapping, pushing, kicking, an award at the Cannes Film Festival. biting, hitting, throwing objects, strangling, beating, threatening with any form of weapon, or using a weapon. Worldwide, the percentage of women who suffer serious injuries as a result of physical domestic violence tends

1. Academic Associate, Dept. of Sociology, Dr. BRAOU, Hyderabad.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 201 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 to range from 19% - 55%. Physical injuries as a result Distribution of prevalence of domestic violence against women are more obvious In a 2000 multi-site household survey conducted in India, than psychological ones, and can be more easily it was found that while overall approximately 50% of discerned by health professionals as well as courts of women surveyed had experienced some form of domestic law in the context of legal prosecution. violence throughout their married life, the rates varied Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse has been gaining significantly by specific location as well as overall region. more and more recognition in recent years as an In rural areas and urban slums, that rate was incredibly common form of domestic violence within the approximately 55%, whereas in urban non-slum areas private home throughout developing nations such as the rate was less than 40%. Domestic violence is known India. Psychological abuse can erode a woman’s sense to happen in upper-class families as well as NRI families. of self-worth and can be incredibly harmful to overall According to a study made by Michael Koenig about mental and physical wellbeing. Emotional/psychological the determinants of domestic violence in India published abuse can include harassment; threats; verbal abuse by the American Journal of Public Health in 2006, higher such as name-calling, degradation and blaming; stalking; socioeconomic status tends to be protective against and isolation. Women who experience domestic violence physical but not sexual violence. overwhelmingly tends to have greater overall emotional Patriarchal social structure distress, as well as disturbingly high occurrences of suicidal thoughts and attempts. According to a study There are three main aspects of the patriarchal household by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, structure in India that affect women’s agency: marriage, suicide attempts in India are correlated with physical active discrimination by means of abuse and diminished and psychological intimate partner violence. Of the Indian women’s agency through limited economic opportunity women who participated in the study, 7.5% reported through stifled opportunity for independence. In all these attempting suicide. This correlation is supported by the dimensions, there is a clear relationship between strong high rates of domestic violence in India, although the patriarchal familial and limited capabilities and agency rates differ greatly by region, individual socio-economic for women, which are strongly correlated with causal status and other factors. factors for domestic violence such as gender disparities in nutritional deprivation and a lack of women’s role in Sexual assault: Sexual assault is another common reproductive decisions. form of domestic violence in India. Sexual violence can include a range of forceful and non-forceful acts including Dowry system unwanted kissing, touching, or fondling; sexual/ Domestic violence often happens in India as a result of reproductive coercion; rape; and marital rape. This abuse dowry demands. Dowry payments are another was most common among men who also had extramarital manifestation of the patriarchal structure in India. There affairs, and among those who had STD symptoms. are strong links between domestic violence and dowry, Abusive sexual behaviors were also found to be a cultural practice deeply rooted in many Indian correlated with an elevated rate of unplanned communities, which is the money, goods, or property pregnancies. In 2013, a court in Mumbai ruled that the woman/woman’s family brings to a marriage to now depriving a woman of sex is a form of cruelty. become under the ownership of the husband. This Regional differences: Domestic violence in India is practice continues even today in India although banned prevalent in all cases, socio-economic classes, and by law since 1961, and in recent years dowry amounts religious groups. However, there are very clear regional have risen dramatically. In a Srinivasan 2005 study differences that must be addressed when analyzing published in World Development, results from a survey domestic violence rates and prevalence in India if policy pointed to a negative correlation between dowry amount measures are to be effective. In general, as inferred and inter-spousal violence, indicating the potential through various indicators, women in northern Indian dangers of a wife falling short on dowry payments or states tend to have relatively less autonomy, limited expectations. These dangers include not only common inheritance/property rights, less individual economic physical and emotional abuse such as hitting and opportunity, and higher rates of domestic abuse. On the continual degradation, but in some cases dowry death other hand, women in southern Indian states tend to and bride burning as a result of the husband’s benefit from relatively less prevalence of disparity in these dissatisfaction with the dowry payment. In fact, 8391 areas; making gender disparities in these regional dowry deaths reported in 2010, a steep rise from 6995 differences unmistakably clear. such reported cases in 1997.

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Hesitancy to report cases of domestic violence Domestic Violence Act of 2005 There is widespread hesitancy amongst most Indian The year 2005 witnessed the emergence of a new women who experience domestic violence to report or legislation that boldly stepped into the private familial prosecute against such crimes. A major reason for this domain. The Act widened the horizons of concept reluctance is the patriarchal structure that is the domestic violence to encompass all forms of abuse that framework for the vast majority of households in India remained dormant throughout the history like, physical, and the misconception that it is almost always the emotional, verbal, and economic abuse, shared woman’s fault for provoking domestic abuse that such household concept, relationships in the nature of abuse occurs. The results of this hesitancy to report marriage etc. The remedies were also made exhaustive cases is clear in that reported data overwhelmingly tends by the Act. to underestimate actual prevalence occurrences of The Domestic Violence Act of 2005 provides victims of domestic violence. abuse with a means for practical remedy through Effects of Domestic violence prosecution. Domestic violence is currently defined in India by the Protection of Women from Domestic Women suffer many types of physical and emotional Violence Act of 2005. According to Section 3 of the Act, abuse as a result of illegal actions taken within the private “any act, omission or commission or conduct of the home, and those who have experienced some form of respondent shall constitute domestic violence in case it domestic violence tend to have greater long-term mental - (a) harms or injures or endangers the health, safety, disorders and drug dependencies than those who do life, limb or well-being, whether mental or physical, of not. In India, reducing domestic violence is imperative the aggrieved person or tends to do so and includes not only from an ethical and human rights perspective causing physical abuse, sexual abuse, verbal and but also because of obvious instrumental and immediate emotional abuse and economic abuse; or (b) harasses, health benefits that would be gained from such reduction. harms, injures or endangers the aggrieved person with Health a view to coerce her or any other person related to her to meet any unlawful demand for any dowry or other Serious health problems often result from physical, property or valuable security; or (c) has the effect of emotional, and sexual forms of domestic violence. threatening the aggrieved person or any person related Physical health outcomes include: Injury, Unwanted to her by any conduct mentioned in clause (a) or clause Pregnancy, Gynecological problems, STDs including (b); or (d) otherwise injures or causes harm, whether HIV, Miscarriage, Pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic physical or mental, to the aggrieved person.” The pelvic pain, Headaches, Permanent disabilities, Asthma, Domestic Violence Act of 2005 has been reportedly used Irritable bowel syndrome, Self-injurious behaviors. Mental against men in some cases, though the vast majority of health effects can include depression, fear, anxiety, low cases involve abuse of a woman. self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or post traumatic stress Prosecution shortcomings disorder. Fatal effects can include suicide, homicide, According to 2000 study by the National Law School of maternal mortality, or HIV/AIDS. India University, it was observed that there were an Social and economic costs have been identified as direct extremely low number of convictions in a large sample results of these public-health consequences, and it is of domestic violence cases in various Indian courts. The argued that these justify state action to act in the interest study cites the need for more systematic and thorough of the public to reconcile these costs as Well as an record keeping throughout all levels of the Indian court illegal act under Indian law. It is therefore widely system, as well as the imperative need for more clarity considered a threat to women’s agency through any in current legislation that provides a very unclear definition lens, and there is a growing recognition in many Indian of what domestic violence even is. This allows for cultural regions that the nation can reach a higher potential biases, social (patriarchal) institutional structures and through obtaining greater social and economic capital gender disparities to cloud the nature of many of these than by reducing women’s participation in society. cases, and is a major reason why the vast majority of Greater gender equality through greater women’s agency husbands charged with any form of domestic abuse tend cannot be achieved if basic health needs are not being to be acquitted. met and if cultural biases that allow for domestic violence in India persist. New sexual violence legislation On 19 March 2013, the Indian Parliament passed a new law with the goal of more effectively protecting women

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 203 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 from sexual violence in India. It came in the form of the • Insisting on perverse sexual conduct, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which further • Constantly locking a woman out of the house, amends the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal • Denying the woman access to children, thereby Procedure of 1973, the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, and causing mental torture, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The law makes stalking, voyeurism, acid attacks • Physical violence, and forcibly disrobing a woman explicit crime for the • Taunting, demoralizing and putting down the woman first time, provides capital punishment for rapes leading with the intention of causing mental torture, to death, and raises to 20 years from 10 the minimum • Confining the woman at home and not allowing her sentence for gang rape and rapes committed by a police normal social intercourse, officer. The new law doesn’t address marital rape, rape • Abusing children in their mother’s presence with the committed by the armed forces or rape against men. intention of causing her mental torture, Reformist lawmakers have argued that the higher age of • consent could result in abuses and wrongful arrests in Denying the paternity of the children with the intention statutory rape cases. of inflicting mental pain upon the mother, and • Threatening divorce unless dowry is given. Results of Women Protection Cells Domestic Violence Act does not have the authority to Matrimonial home and rights end the marital relation. The power of social pressure is The matrimonial home is the household a woman shares not enough to pressurize couples to work out their with her husband; whether it is rented, officially provided, differences and special woman cells have been or owned by the husband or his relatives. A woman has established to exercise a similar influence. Panchayats the right to remain in the matrimonial home along with and social pressure was previous means to solve petty her husband as long as she is married, though there is issues, as seen in Lok Adalats, Para-legal services. no definite law regarding this right. If a woman is being Women Protection Cells receive their functioning power pressurized to leave the matrimonial home, she can ask from the police and act accordingly after receiving an the Court for an injunction or “restraining order” protecting application and both parties are summoned. This is often her from being thrown out. seen as an indicator that the marriage cannot be retrieved. These cells have a low rate of being able to An ‘Injunction’ and it apply to domestic violence retrieve marriages submitted for mediation. cases An injunction is a court order directing a person to do or Specific provisions of law deal with domestic not to do something. A woman has a lot of flexibility violence. regarding what she can request the Court to order. For In 1983, domestic violence was recognized as a specific instance, if she is being stalked by somebody she can criminal offence by the introduction of section 498-A into obtain injunctions against the person coming near her the Indian Penal Code. This section deals with cruelty home or place of work, or even telephoning her. by a husband or his family towards a married woman. Four types of cruelty are dealt with by this law: Conclusion • conduct that is likely to drive a woman to suicide, Women’s subordinate position in the home makes their experience different from men. The image of the family • conduct which is likely to cause grave injury to the as a protective retreat has been created largely through life, limb or health of the woman, male eyes, disregarding women’s oppression and the • harassment with the purpose of forcing the woman extensive discrimination against them which is inherent or her relatives to give some property, or to the patriarchal structure and the functioning of the • Harassment because the woman or her relatives is family. The significance of family for women is also more unable to yield to demands for more money or does vital than that of men, because while a man is allowed not give some property. an independent existence, woman’s identity and survival The punishment is imprisonment for up to three years is not socially conceivable without family. Human rights and a fine. The complaint against cruelty need not be violations from foeticide, incest to women, battering and lodged by the person herself. Any relative may also make murder are committed within the safe confines of the the complaint on her behalf. home, making woman highly vulnerable in families. They remain largely invisible, being considered as family Forms of “cruelty” recognized by the Courts matter. The emphasis is always on preservation of the • Persistent denial of food, family at all cost even if it compromises women’s safety and security.

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To overcome socio-economic and cultural hurdles, it is • Innocenti Research Centre. Domestic Violence desirable to adopt a human rights approach to women’s against Women and Girls. UNICEF, 2000. 18 Mar. problems. Nevertheless, the passing of the new act once 2013. again reveals our dependency on the administrative and • Yadav, Sanjay (14 March 2011). “Case against NRI legal machinery to prevent gender crimes within the husband for dowry, domestic abuse”. Times of India prevailing patriarchal social structure. Hence, there (Gurgaon). remains serious concern about possibility of the new • India. Parliament in the Fifty-sixth Year of the Republic law to make qualitative changes in the life of women of India. , Protection of Women from Domestic within family. Violence Act, 2005. Act. No. 43 OF 2005. References • Elizabeth, V. Patterns and Trends of Domestic • “India tackles domestic violence”. BBC News. 2006- Violence in India, An Examination of Court Records. 10-27. National Law School of India University, 2000. 18 Mar. 2013. • “Campaign against domestic violence in India wins Cannes trophy”. Indian Express. 2010-06-29. • Magnier, Mark. “Critics Say India Rape Law Opens Way to More Abuse.” Los Angeles Times. Los • Sameervel, Rebecca (November 6, 2013). “Depriving Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2013. Web. 19 Apr. 2013. wife of sex is cruelty, Mumbai court rules”. The Times Of India (Mumbai).. • Suman Rai (2011), Law Relative to Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, Orient Publishing Company, New Delhi.

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WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP – WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR IN PRESENT ERA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

N. Veknata Krishnaiah1

Abstract Women are known for their best desirable qualities like their ability to manage details, dedication to the work they take up and tolerance and kindness towards people, which are the qualities relevant to entrepreneurship. A woman entrepreneur visionary is a grown-up who claims and runs an enterprise, particularly a business one, regularly at individual financial risk. The entrepreneurial world in India mainly belongs to men for a long time. This trend has changed recently. There is a notion, which is very popularized and emphasized, that women can become an entrepreneur and lend a contribution to the country’s economic growth. Indian experts as administrators and policy makers have to come out with innovative and probable plans to promote entrepreneur skills among women. Microfinance programs like the Self Help Bank Linkage Program in India has been logically advancing for their positive financial effect and the conviction that they empower women. Indian women have already proved that they can take up any job, which has been meant for men for centuries. They have shown to the world that they are not second to men in proficiency for doing work and have efficiency in the management of enterprise effectively under normal, difficult and challenging circumstances. They proved it to be a misconception that women are unfit to be an entrepreneur executive’s experts and managers. Indeed, Indian women are basically excellent managers who, as a wife or a mother, manage the things related to households by making and executing such as planning and exerting budgets and showing the results of their plans in-day-today life. This paper describes the developing entrepreneurial skills among women will be a good approach for women empowerment and this would elevate social status of women in the present era. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Women Entrepreneur, Microfinance, Empower Women

Introduction: women. The job for women certainly leads to extra income Women traditionally have an occupational status, which to the family. has been ever in close association with the home and The entrepreneurial world in India mainly belongs to men family. Since some economically rely on their husband for a long time. This trend has changed recently. There or father their status in the society is secondary to that is a notion, which is very popularized and emphasized, of the men. Whether it is industrially advanced or less that women can become an entrepreneur and lend a advanced country, the women are treated with contribution to the country’s economic growth. Indian inequalities due to micro cultural and economic experts as administrators and policy makers have to discrimination practiced in the society. Industrialization, come out with innovative and probable plans to promote commercialization and modernizations transform the entrepreneur skills among women. Indian women have traditional ways of production into modern capitalistic already proved that they can take up any job, which has entrepreneurs by energetically and actively functioning been meant for men for centuries. They have shown to in the fast developing countries. Women form the most the world that they are not second to men in proficiency important segment of the society irrespective of any for doing work and have efficiency in the management of country or race. It is very important to give due status to enterprise effectively under normal, difficult and women. It is necessary for women to attain economic challenging circumstances. Indian women are travelling self-reliance for themselves to raise their position and through centuries carrying the testimony for having done status in the home and society. Women can gain self- from ordinary works such as rocking the cradle to risky reliance and self-respect by becoming an entrepreneur works such fighting in the battle field as warriors, ruling and by getting an opportunity to make higher income the country and the like. through entrepreneurial work. It also gives women an opportunity to improve their personality and offer their Women are known for their best desirable qualities like share to the general welfare or purpose of the society their ability to manage details, dedication to the work by their good participation. The status of women in the they take up and tolerance and kindness towards people, large division of Indian society cannot be raised without which are the qualities relevant to entrepreneurship. They creating openings of independent employment for proved it to be a misconception that women are unfit to be an entrepreneur executive’s experts and managers.

1. Lecturer in Commerce,Dept. of Commerce, Silver Jubilee Govt. College (A), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

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Indeed, Indian women are basically excellent managers and employment of a business enterprise. Accordingly, who, as a wife or a mother, manage the things related to a woman entrepreneur is defined as “an enterprise owned households by making and executing such as planning and controlled by women having a minimum financial and exerting budgets and showing the results of their interest of 51 per cent of the capital and giving at least plans in-day-today life. 51 per cent of the employment generated in the enterprise to women.” Women until recent time have been considered unfit to the roles other than of housewives, nurses, primary school The term women entrepreneur in the study refers to a teachers, sales girls, telephone operators, stenographers woman or a group of women, who initiate, organize and and the receptionists and unfit for playing any higher operate a business enterprise. In the case of a family roles. The past false image of women is fast losing its partnership business, the key person has been treated shape and the real image of them with its new changing as the woman entrepreneur. In the case of a non-family shape is getting emerged. A host of women entering the partnership business or a limited concern, the main labour force in the present time is observed. Working for partner in terms of investment has been considered the women has been seen as a secondary business to their women entrepreneur. main work of running a family, maintain household chores and looking after children and other senior family According to the Indian context, an entrepreneur is more members. But, the social attitude to women as well as an adapter and imitator than a true innovator. The task to their education has tremendously changed in the of entrepreneurs has been full of challenges, but still modern world because of the development of diverse and women have proved to be independent entrepreneurs. In diversity of occupation. It has made women take part in a recent study, economist Catherine Swift has shown the economic activities of the society and earn their that women face a need of a tougher security than men. livelihood. Women entrepreneurs have been making an impact on all areas of the economy in many countries. The retail Women Empowerment Characteristics: trades, restaurants, hotels, education, cleaning, • Women empowerment is a process of acquiring insurance and manufacturing are the areas chosen by power for women in order to understand her rights them. and to perform her responsibilities towards oneself Women entrepreneurs start their business for the and others in a most effective way. following reasons: • Women empowerment is giving power to women; it • They require new challenges and opportunities for is making women better off. self-fulfilment. • Women empowerment enables a greater degree of • They need to prove their mettle in innovative and self-confidence and sense of independence among competitive jobs. women. • They expect the change to maintain the balance • Women empowerment gives the capacity or power between their personal and business lives. Duna to resist discrimination imposed by the male Lavoie, Professor of entrepreneurship, Montreal dominated society. observes that it men entrepreneurs have two or three • Women empowerment enables women to organize employees; they have nine employees or more for themselves to increase their self-reliance. the same task. Often, a small business is fit for • Empowerment of women makes them more powerful women’s life style. Expanding the business may to face the challenges of life, to overcome the cause a loss of control or disruption in the amount of disabilities, handicaps and inequalities. time she has to spend in other facets of her life. • Empowerment of women enables women to realize • She may also think of overseeing and controlling every their full identity and power in all spheres of life. aspect of her business and may feel she will lose • Empowerment also means equal status to women. opportunity of growing to the level of her success. • Women empowerment occurs within sociological, Women Entrepreneurship: psychological, political, cultural, familiar and economic spheres and various levels such as Women entrepreneurs require a special treatment individual, group and community. against this backdrop. Since they have to fight against heavy odds and belong to the largest disadvantaged Women Entrepreneurs: group in the country. Industrialization, urbanization and The Government of India has defined women democratization have made the women move towards entrepreneurs based on women participation in equity emancipation and seek profitable employment in various

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 207 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 fields. In socio-economic reality, entrepreneurship has List Of Various Schemes And Loans Only For been defined differently. The government and other Women: agencies ascribe greater importance to women • Annapurna Scheme: entrepreneurs as a part of policy. Women form 50 per This scheme is offered by the State Bank of Mysore cent of the population of the world and account for two for those women entrepreneurs who are setting up third of total working hours. About ten percent of the food catering industry in order to sell packed meals, income of the world is received by women and less than snacks, etc. The amount granted as a loan under one per cent of the asset of the world owned by them. this scheme can be used to fulfil the working capital Indian women are heavily restricted by tradition and they needs of the business like buying utensils and other have to play the traditional role of housewife or mother kitchen tools and equipment. in the home and compete with her men folks in the field of business and industry. They find it increasingly difficult • Stree Shakti Package for Women Entrepreneurs: to adjust themselves with these dual roles. This scheme is offered by the greater part of the SBI Women entrepreneurs can be seen wherever in the start- branches to women who have 50% share in the up ecosystem of India. Women too are seen leaving ownership firm or business and have partaken in the their prominent occupations and also some venturing state offices run Entrepreneurship Development out of the four dividers of their homes and joining the Programs (EDP). pool of Entrepreneurship in India. The central point to • Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loan: kick off the entrepreneurial journey is capital and different This loan is an emotionally supportive network for banks offer specific loans for women entrepreneurs that maturing women entrepreneurs hoping to begin new have somewhat unique and more adaptable arrangement pursuits in the fields of the retail sector, loan against of terms and conditions relating to insurance security, property, MICRO loans, and SME loans. financing costs, and so on. • Dena Shakti Scheme: Benefits of Women Entrepreneurship: This scheme is given by Dena bank to those women entrepreneurs in the fields of agriculture, Table-1 manufacturing, micro-credit, retail stores, or small enterprises; that need money related help. Benefits of Empowerment • Entrepreneurship Udyogini Scheme: This scheme is offered by Punjab and Sind Bank in Rise in economic • Increased income order to give women entrepreneurs engaged with • status Increased consumption Agriculture, retail and small business enterprises to • Control over spending get loans for business at flexible terms and • Confidence in sustaining trend concessional interest rates. Self worth • Finds greater ability to lead • Cent Kalyani Scheme: • To work in groups This scheme is offered by the Central Bank of India • To resolve conflict with the point of supporting women in beginning • Freedom to make business life and own decision in life another wander or growing or changing a current • Gets recognition in work venture. This loan can be profited by women who are associated with town and cottage industries, micro, Self confidence • To be proactive small and medium enterprises, self-employed women, • To face critics agriculture and allied activities, retail trade, and • To take risks (calculated risk) government-sponsored programmes. • To influence others • Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme: • Social Status Positive image This scheme is launched by Punjab National Bank • More gender equality and goes for supporting the women entrepreneurs • Sociability - net wokring engaged with the small scale industries by granting • Involvement in community them soft loans that can be reimbursed over a time works • Involvement in political activities of 10 years. • Encouraging other women to • Mudra Yojana Scheme For Women: entrepreneurship This scheme has been launched by the Govt. of India for singular women needing to begin small new Source: Geetha Sulur and Barani Gunatharam

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enterprises and businesses like beauty parlors, to adjust themselves with these dual roles. Women have tailoring units, tuition centres, etc. and a gathering equal opportunities and rights as men. In such a situation, of women needing to begin a wander together. The it is essential to develop suitable technology, which will loan doesn’t require any insurance security and can enable the woman to play her role as an effective be profited according to 3 schemes: entrepreneur without disturbing her priorities. Women i. Shishu: Loan amount is restricted to ¹ 50,000 and emerging as entrepreneurs in India can be viewed as can be profited by those organizations that are the rightful growth of respectable socio-economic growth in their underlying stages. of women. But, a society restricted by suppressive socio- economic factors cannot produce all alone the more ii. Kishor: Loan amount extends amongst ¹ 50,000 required women entrepreneurs. Industrialization, and ¹ 5 lakhs and can be benefited by the urbanization and democratization have made the women individuals who have a settled venture. move towards emancipation and seek profitable iii. Tarun: Loan amount is ¹ 10 lakhs and can be employment in various fields. The difficult circumstances profited by those in which a women entrepreneur has to operate in our organizations that are settled yet require society must be recognized. Some of the problems faced additionally subsidizes with the end goal of by women are not the same as an ordinary entrepreneur extension would face. Thus, it is necessary to take into account • Orient Mahila Vikas Yojana Scheme: such factors which only women entrepreneurs have to face. This scheme is given by Oriental Bank of Commerce to those women who hold a 51% share capital separately References: or mutually in an exclusive concern. No guarantee 1. C.B.Gupta and N.P. Srinivasan, Entrepreneurial security is required for loans of ¹ 10 lakhs up to ¹ 25 Development, Sultan Chand and Sons, New Delhi, lakhs if there should be an occurrence of small-scale 2002, p.127. enterprises and the time of reimbursement is 7 years. A concession on the interest rate of up to 2% is given. 2. C,Swarajayalakshmi. Development of Women Entrepreneurship in India, Discovery Publishing Women have equal opportunities and rights as men. In House, New Delhi, 1998, p.23. such a situation, it is essential to develop suitable 3. M.D, Vinze, Women Entrepreneurs in India, Mittal technology, which will enable the woman to play her Publication, Delhi. 1987, role as an effective entrepreneur without disturbing her priorities. The difficult circumstances in which a women 4. Sharma Arpita, “Women Empowerment : Milestone entrepreneur has to operate in our society must be and challenges”, Kurukshetra, Vol. 59, No. 11, recognized. Some of the problems faced by women are September 2011, p. 11-12. not the same as an ordinary entrepreneur would face. 5. http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/ 30255/4/chapter3.pdf Conclusion: 6. Ashok K. Pokhriyal,, Rekha Rani,, Jaya Uniyal (2014), Indian women are heavily restricted by tradition and they “Role of Micro-Finance in The Empowerment of The have to play the traditional role of housewife or mother Women”, Journal of Business and Finance, Vol 2 in the home and compete with her men folks in the field No.1, pp. 21-31. of business and industry. They find it increasingly difficult

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WOMAN IN INDIAN DEMOCRATIC SCENARIO

Dr.Trinadh mente1

Abstract Woman’s political participations is a key component of Indian politics. To-day the issue of woman’s political participation is on the front page of the news papers in India. There was at time when most of the faces of the woman in news papers were the face of the victims. But we are now seeing woman who are emerging as builders of democracy: Woman who are registering to vote and who are making their vote count. Women are coming to the forefront of Indian democracy and some of them are working in that direction to participate in politics as well as in elections.

Introduction: How women enter into politics Woman’s political participations is a key component of The women of India have been torchbearers of its Indian politics. To-day the issue of woman’s political democratic advancement since the time that Bapuji gave participation is on the front page of the news papers in them a clarion call to leave their courtyards and emerge India. There was at time when most of the faces of the as equal partners in the progress of the nation. Women woman in news papers were the face of the victims. But fought shoulder to shoulder with men in the freedom we are now seeing woman who are emerging as builders movement and they have shouldered more than their of democracy: Woman who are registering to vote and fare share of hard work in the task of nation building . who are making their vote count. Women are coming to Women has exercise the franchise with clarity and the forefront of Indian democracy and some of them are honesty in every election General, State or Panchayats. working in that direction. Participation of woman in They turnout in large numbers to participate in the festival politics will help woman to put their issues on the public of democracy singing songs, dressed in the colourful agenda, influence policy, allowing them to create their finery and in a mode of joyous expectations. own public agenda and facilitating their participation in Across the country today there are estimated to be more the political process. than one million women in all three ties of PRI. Bringing these women into politics was an act of positive The status of women: discriminations. There is evidence to suggest that History will remember the year 1993 as the year when women would not have entered these elected bodies in the women of India were given priceless gift in the shape large numbers if these facilities were not given to them. of the 73th Amendment to the constitution under which Analysis of emerging patterns of women leadership in 33% of seats in all tiers of Panchayat institutions were Panchayats has reveal that elected women reserved for women. It gave new lease of life to representatives mostly belong to 25 to 50 age group. institutions of local governments viz. Panchayat Raj Almost all of them are married. While a substantial institutions with 33% reservation for women. Proportional numbers were literate and partially literate in addition to representation for schedule caste and schedule tribe, well educated women. Member form lower strata of the regular elections and jurisdiction over 29 subject of society were also actively participating. Initially women governance. In once stoke women were brought into the participated due to mandatory reservations and most of main stream of governance not only as ordinary members them often as proxies for their male family members. but also as chairpersons and deputy chairpersons. Thus But soon after this initial reluctance gave way to a greater rd the 73 constitutional amendment act 1992 marked a maturity in outlook , and enthusiasm increasing political watershed event in the history of local self government consciousness and increasing perception of their role in India . This figure has now risen to 50% a figure that and responsibilities. Participation has helped women to is symbolic of the acknowledgement by centre and state change their perception of themselves as they gain a that women have proved their mettle in local governments. sense of empowerment by asserting control over It is now time that the nation must give women their due resources, officials and most of all by challenging man. representations in parliament and legislative assemblies Women has became articulate, conscious of them, also. power and despite low literacy level have been found to be successful in tackling the political and bureaucratic systems.

1. Vice principal KGRL College Degree,AP.

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Several studies have also provided evidences of the demanding 33 percent reservation in the legislature qualitative change brought by the presence of elected bodies. women representatives in the governs of state. Issues United state ranks 74th place in the IPU list. Since its that seriously impact rural lives such as water, alcohol establishment in 1789, there have been only 38 woman abuse, educations, child care, health and domestic in the senate which has a 100 seats. Today only 17 of violence are getting prioritized with greater frequency the 1000 US senators are woman, 13 are Democrats and forcefulness. In these and other ways the issues and four are republics. U.S. lags behind Afghanistan, that women have chosen differ from conventional political Pakistan Israel, and Iraq. platforms which are usually caste, ethnic, or religious. Even in situations where women act as proxies the lower In 1917 J. Ramkin the first woman was elected to the relations between men and women are changing due to House of representatives . From 1789 to to-day 229 the opportunity provided by the women to the male women have been elected to the House. Currently, there members for entering into the public sphere. In spite of are 75 elected representatives in the House comprising their overwhelm presence, women continued to battle a 17.2 percent of the total legislatures. number of challenges. These range from inadequate United Kingdom ranks with 62nd place in the IPU list. educations, burden of reproductive and productive roles, Britain with 19.5 percent woman representation in its lack of self confidence to cultural, religious and gender legislature bodies is not betters then the Pakistan and biases. Afghanistan. Woman in Britain has first struggled to get For a constituency that has been given so little by the the right to vote and then to contest elections. According state in terms of opportunities for personal and collective to parliamentary records, it took over 50 years of advancement, this feeling of exceptions always meets campaign and debates before woman were allowed to with the disillusionment. The women’s reservations bills vote in British elections. According to IPC list there are was drafted in September 1996 and passed by Rajya no woman in parliaments of the gulf countries like Oman, Sabha finally on 9th March 2010 after being referred to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. committee and being subjected to never ending debates Just as the issues that affect women have gained priority on minor contentions issues. The bill is expected to face in the panchayat governance at the state and the central a stormy reception in the Lok Sabha. Incidentally India level will acquire a gendered prospective only when the largest democracy lags much behind other countries women received adequate representations. It is an including its neighbours Pakistan and Afghanistan, when mockery of democracy when 50% of the population does it comes to the participation of the fair sex in politics. not have a voice that can be heard in the corridor of According to the comparative data by the inter th powers. Our pride at the progress of India in the league parliamentary Union, India ranks 99 among 187 of Nations takes a severe battering when we realize that countries with only 10.08 percent of woman meaningful democracy requires that every constituency representation in the Lok Sabha and9 percent in the is heard and represented. Fifteen years in not a long Rajya Sabha currently. India has only 59 woman time in the History of the World but it is a long mach representatives out of 545 members in the Lok Sabha that the women of India have under taken and will while there are 21 female members in the 233 members emerged victorious. It is a march that began at the Rajya Sabha. Panchayats and will culminate in parliament. The Swedish parliament is the most gender balanced one in Europe. Of the 349 members as many as 164 Woman in government which brought many 46.4 percent are woman. In France only 18.09 percent benefits: of elected representatives are woman. Germany fares • Woman representatives initiate, formulate and better with 32.8 percent woman’s in parliament. Italy implement policies and programmes which benefits has only 21.3 percent female elected representatives woman. and Spain has as many as 36.6 percent woman • Woman representatives bring in a feminine parliamentarians. The Afghan parliament has 27.3 percent perspective to the process of planning , policy of female elected representatives i.e., better then India, formulation and execution of development Pakistan with 22.2 percent woman in its parliament face programmes such as health, nutrition, children’s better then United States. According to the Pakistan welfare , family care, drinking water etc. constitution, 20 percent of the seat in both the upper • Election of more woman’s plays a major role to house and the lower House of the parliament should be empower woman by strengthening their innate reserved for woman. However woman politicians have capacities through acquiring knowledge power and experiences. Increase in number helps woman

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becoming an effective presser group through the Conclusion: instrument of collective bargaining. Personally I am not in favour of 33% of reservation of • Larger participation provides woman an exposure to seats for woman in national and state legislative outside world. Their participation has improved their assemblies. This will not improve the status of the woman status in society as well at home. It provides a of India. It a misnomer. Thought I am not a political platform for woman to gain experience, overcome their scientist it is definitely against the spirit of the Indian fear and build in confidence, break the shackles of constitutions as article 15th gives equal status to men patriarchy and orthodoxy. and woman in India. In the same way I will be happy if I see many women members in the corridor of the The mere introduction of reservation will not yield the parliament and state legislative assemblies. It is possible desired result. Any substantial improvement requires without reservation of seat for woman. If political parties change in attitude an shift from traditional approaches of India at National and State level give more ticket to on the part of those who are at the helm of affaires. woman candidate for contesting elections. If 1/3rd woman Reservation policy is an enabling tool but it is not end in member will given a chance to contest in the election itself. Even where woman hold different officers, many by every political parties in national and state levels the times they failed to get the support both from the political problem of woman participation in parliament and state executives and the administration. Serious efforts are legislative assemblies will be fulfilled I enforced to required both on social and political fronts to remove conclude in these line because Indian constitution them from fringes and main stream them even after a provides reservation to SC and ST communities but after decade and half of legislative intervention. The need of 69 years of independence, the reservation system fail the hour is the convergence of institutional, political and to avail yield desired results. cultural circumstance of development in order to achieve actual participation and ensure good governance. Reference: For effective participation of woman representatives in • Bhora,O.P.Woman in decentralized democracy. governance, the legislation should be implemented both Journal of Rural Development Vol.16 in letter and spirit. Though political parties have had to • Jain, Devaki, Woman; New Vision of Leadership. A support woman candidates because of the reservations Presentation at Flobal Form, Dublin 1992. policy but they have not shown much interest in their • Mohanty bidyut, Woman and political Empowerment, real grooming. The political parties should make serious New Delhi, 2002 and sincere efforts beyond mere lip service to ensure that they encourage greater participation of women in • Pradhan, K.C., Woman and Social Change, New politics. Although the record of political parties at state Delhi, 2010. and national level is dismal but a real beginning can be Rural woman : From darkness to light. New Delhi, made from the local governments upwards. Similarly 2011. bureaucratic apathy and insensitivity act as barrier for • Panda, Snehalata, Emerging pattern pf leadership woman’s entry and effective participation. Woman in among rural woman in odisha Indian journal of public politics should be actively promoted and groomed for administration Vol.42.No.3-4. public service so that they come out on their own and • Rameswari, Pandya, (Ed) Woman in India, New Delhi, not as a mere pros and proxies for their male relatives. 2007. Political parties will have to work hard towards ensuring • a safe and level playing field for woman members to Reheman, Zainab, Empowerment of rural Indian effectively deliver on their mandates. woman, Delhi, 2010.

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EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH PANCHAYATI RAJ INSTITUTIONS IN INDIA Dr. M. Galaiah1

Abstract Women constitute more or less than half of the population of any country. But their involvement in politics is insignificant compared to men. Many physical, psychological and social factors hold women back from active political involvement. Political status of women implies a degree of equality and freedom enjoyed by women in sharing of power and importance given by the society to the role of women in the political system. Political system and decision making process in seen clearly in the changes incorporated in the Panchayati Raj Institution. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992 gave them not less than one-third reservations in the PRIs at all the levels. This has been enhanced to 50 percent in some of the states. Affirmative action to ensure women’s political representation is an important step in democratizing and engendering local governance. However, it does not guarantee effective participation or ensure that issues of concern to community and women will automatically be addressed by local governance structures. This paper analyses the empowerment of women in India and to assess the how far impact of 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in empowering women in India. It also analyses the reasons for women’s low level of participation and make suggestions for their effective participation of women towards the process of democratic decentralization.

Introduction: myriad forms of patriarchal domination, and Empowerment has become a fashionable and buzz word. discrimination at every stage. In fact, women’s It essentially means decentralisation of authority and empowerment is central to the achievement of the triple power. It aims at getting participation of deprived sections goals of equality, development and social justice. And of people in decision-making process. Empowerment is for that political participation is needed. In a democratic the process by which the disempowered or powerless system, women participation may be viewed at two people can change their circumstances and begin to levels: (i) awareness and assertion of women political have control over their lives. It results in a change in the rights; and (ii) acquisition and exercise of power (Anil balance of power, in the living conditions and in the Dutta Mishra, 2014:400-401). relationships (Promilla Kapur, 2001). Women Participation in India: According to World Bank (2008) empowerment is Women constitute more or less than half of the increasing the capacity of individual or groups to make population of any country. But their involvement in politics choices and to transform those choices in to desired is insignificant compared to men. Many physical, actions and outcomes. Women empowerment could be psychological and social factors hold women back from defined as that gives them control of power and resources active political involvement. This is true as far as the and change women’s lives over time through their active state and national level politics is concerned. A participation. democratic country cannot progress if energies of its The process of empowerment is taking place at so many half population are concerned in the kitchen only. After levels that it is quite difficult to gauge the actual nature attaining independence Indian constitution ensured and extent of empowerment in improving status of women. gender equality through various provisions and Certainly the process is entangled in the struggles of regulations. It was presumed that these rights would civil society against the state, and under the weight of automatically get translated into political development historical practice and ongoing debates over the of the women in the country. The issue of women’s appropriate role of ideologies (Sheetal Sharma, 2006:14). participation in politics cannot be viewed in isolation from A woman’s empowerment begins with consciousness— the general position of women in a society but despite perceptions about herself and her rights, her capabilities their vast strength, women occupy a marginalized position and her potentials, awareness of how gender and socio- in the political system (Rashmi Arun, 1996). cultural and political forces affect her. Political Political participation of women in India has been empowerment, economic development and social neglected even since independence. Though our country upliftment of women are necessary and desirable to fight has adopted democratic system of government and the

1. Guest Faculty, Department of Political Science & Public Administration, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 213 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 women constitute 48.9 per cent of population of the some (like AndhraPradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana) country, but their political participation is very low. Due adopted co-option. On the other hand some States (like to various constraints they could not occupy the Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar) gave up the positions of power and assume leadership roles. representation to women in PRIs (Mishra, 1997). Women’s participation has been increasing rapidly but Despite these efforts, because of our male dominated it is not satisfactory. They are also denying opportunities rural society, presence of women in PRIs remained to participate in the administration, even in the making negligible as shown by various studies in different areas of decisions that affect their life and welfare (Vikas D’ Lima, 1983 (Maharahstra), Manikyamba 1990 (Andhra Nandal, 2013:47-48). Pradesh), Bhargava and Raphael, 1994 (Karnataka), Constitutional Provisions and Policies for Women: Singh, 1993 (Gujarat). Women could not play a significant role in PRIs. Provisions of nomination/ co-option of In our Constitution there is guarantee of equality and women into PRIs became a patronage of socio-politically dignity of the individual and it claimed the fundamental dominated rural elites, instead of leading them to rights of women to political and legal equality and meaningful participation. guaranteed non-discrimination in employment and office under the states. It had provided many channels for the The Constitution of India is based on the principles of development and progress of the women. The preambles equality. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of of the Constitution, the chapters of Fundamental Rights, religion, race, caste, sex and place of birth. It envisages Directive Principles of the State Policies etc., are the political equality for men and women but no concrete specific objectives of this purpose (Vikas Nandal, step was taken by the government before 1993. With 2013:47-48). the introduction of reservation or quota system in the Panchayat Raj institutions a great beginning has been The Fundamental Rights as guaranteed by the made in the direction of legislative empowerment of Constitution (Part III, Articles 12-35) tries to remove women and it is hoped that along with women’s inequalities which Indian women had suffered a lot. In empowerment through collective voicing and participation this regard, Article 14 promises equality before the law in the development stream, it should go a long way in and equal protection by the laws. Article 15 prohibits the real empowerment of women (Shiva Kumar Lal, discrimination on grounds of religion, race caste, sex or www.isical.ac.in/~wemp/Papers/Paper Shiva Lal place of birth and also provides that the state may make Revised.doc, retrieved on 22-09-2014). special provisions for women and children. Article 16 guarantees equality of opportunity in public employment. Scenario After 73rd Amendment: Article 23 prohibits traffic in human beings as well as It is the Constitutional 73rd.Amendment Act, which forced labor. seems to have provided some real basis for bringing Despite all such constitutional provisions, there is no women into the power structure at the base i.e. the satisfactory development in their social status. Because Panchayat level. While reserving one-third seats for the they are not yet behaving as active citizens and now Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes in the Panchayat they are living in a very parochial traditional culture. In area, one-third of such seats shall be specifically reserved order to study the political behavior of women, an attempt for women belonging to SC/ST sections, provide the Act has been made to study their electoral behavior which as per Article 243D(2) Article 243D(3) provides that not is the only indices of the political behavior of women as less than one-third (including the women’s SC/ST seats) a whole (Artatrana Gochhayat, 2013:40). of the total number of seats to be filled by direct election in every Panchayat shall be reserved for women and The Panchayati Raj System was initiated to such seats may be allotted by rotation to different institutionalize the participation of rural people from all constituencies in a Panchayat. Further, the Act provides sections in local governance. The architects of for reservation of SC/ST and women, in the offices of panchayati raj envisaged that not only men but also rural Chairpersons of the Panchayats at the village or any women should participate in their development. The other level. The intentions of the Act are thus clear. Power Balwantrai Mehta study team was conscious about the has to devolve to the people at the grassroots, and representation of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions specific provisions have been made for those sections (PRIs). It therefore recommended that co-option and which have suffered through centuries of stark nomination of women in Gram Panchayats (GPs) and exploitation by being kept out of power and depriving Panchayati Samitis (P.S.). Accordingly, different States them of education, property and power i.e. the attempt to provide representation to rural women. Some Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and women. The states (like Maharashtra) chose nomination whereas Act enables thousands of SC/ST women candidates to

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 214 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities take power in their own hands and use it for the betterment dominance elected women members are functioning of their condition (Harsukhjit Kaur, 2006:96). more or less as dummies – the husband of women Sarpanches are actively participating in the panchayat In India, affirmative action for women and disadvantaged matters instead of allowing their wives to take part in groups has been enshrined into the constitution. The the decision making process. Financial matters are not Constitution (73rd Amendment Act), enacted in 1992, tackled by the women representatives and for this they calls for the reservation of a minimum of one-third of depend upon their husbands or sons or any other male seats for women (both as members and as chairpersons) relatives. Most of the elected women Sarpanches are within all of India’s locally elected governance bodies regarded as a mere ‘Rubber Stamp’ and all the functions commonly referred to as Panchayati Raj Institutions of the Panchayat are being performed by their husbands (PRIs). More recently in 2009, the Government of India of local elites. Attendance of elected women Sarpanches approved a 50 per cent reservation for women in PRIs; are regarded as mere ‘Rubber Stamps’ and all the and many states, including Rajasthan and Odisha, have functions of the Panchayat are being performed by their passed similar legislation. The same amendment also husband of local elites. Attendance of elected women calls for PRIs to “prepare and implement plans for representatives in Gram Panchayat Meeting is found very economic development and social justice” (International low. Majority of them did not attend the meeting regularly. Center for Research on Women, 2012:1-2). In spite of reservation of seats for women, the meetings Women in India are much better represented in the of the Gram Panchayat are overwhelmingly a male Panchayati Raj Institutions as compared to the dominant event (Dasarathi Bhuyan, 2008:36). Parliament. As per the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in The 73rd Constitutional Amendment in 1992 gave them 2008 the Gram Panchayats had 37.8% women members, not less than one-third reservations in the PRIs at all the Intermediate Panchayats 37% women members and the levels. This has been enhanced to 50 percent in the District Panchayats 35.3% women members. The some of the states. However, some studies on the impact total representation of women in all three tiers of the of this Amendment have pointed out that this has Panchayat amounted to 36.87%. This seems to be a enhanced their representation but has not provided result of Article 243D of the Indian Constitution, genuine empowerment to them. A field study of mandating at least 1/3rd of the seats in all tiers of the Uttarakhand has reported that it would be more Panchayat. A further Amendment to the Article was appropriate to say that it was in reality “Empowering proposed in 2009, increasing the reservation to 50%, Men through Women.” but was not passed. Some states such as Bihar have 50% reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj as per The reservation of seats for women has actually the State Legislation, but not all the states in India have empowered the male members of their families. An adopted similar legislations (Apoorva Rathod, 2014:2). empirical study of Himachal Pradesh has found that women representatives have failed to acquire an On the positive side it has been noticed that due to independent identify as decision makers (Ranbir Singh, reservation of seats many women were elected to local 2013:1). bodies. Reservations has created a space for women’s need within the structural framework of politics and Initially, women were hesitant to enter the political arena, legitimized women’s issue. They have been given the political parties took advantage of this situation and opportunity to share powers with men. Reservation has proxy rule prevailed. A new class of sarpanch pati also also recognized the identity of women and their presence emerged where the husband of the women sarpanch in the public life. managed the affairs of the panchayat, while women acted only as a rubber stamp (Mathew George 2003). Some On the negative side it has been found that the elected of the women representatives feel that male members representatives are treated ‘as puppets’ in the help them in the functioning of the Panchayati Raj bodies Panchayati Raj Institutions. Most of them remain silent because they are totally ignorant of their role and spectators to the proceedings of the panchayat meetings illiteracy becomes an obstacle in their functioning and rarely participate in the discussions. They hardly (Palanithurai 2002). voice their own opinion regarding identifying beneficiaries, assigning contracts, locating developmental projects, etc. A number of micro-studies have documented the profile Simply sitting and listening to proceedings of the meeting and experience of the emancipated rural women and have been their form of participation. Active participation perceptions about their new role. The studies have in the form of involving in the decision making process, reflected variety of experience and participation of women budget preparation, planning etc, was found to be rare in different groups. It is seen that women have to use in case of women representatives. Due to male the new political space in the Panchayats in the face of

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 215 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 unspoken opposition or at least reservation. A study in The external factors which affect the process of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh noted participation and empowerment of women are: influence that the reservation for women immediately led to four of family, caste, social outlook, patriarchy etc. The myths about their entry and likely performance; (a) their dominated Indian Society does not perceive women as passivity and disinterest in political institutions; (b) only capable or worthy of leadership. The Indian males still the well-to-do, upper strata women come through perceive that they are alone capable of occupying reservation, (c) positions and holding power (Dasarathi Bhuyan, 2008:36). Men representatives also do not help their Women’s political connectivity – only kins of powerful women counterparts in understanding their role and in politicians enter Panchayats to keep the seats for them playing an active part because men feel that women do and finally, (d) Women are only proxy – ‘namesake’ not have an understanding of development work to be members and they do not participate in Panchayats. undertaken by panchayats. Another major problem is Nirmala Buch in her study has exploded these myths that due to pressure of household activities, livestock without discounting existence and behaviour of some care and farm work, rural women are not able to give women who would fit into this patriarchy oriented enough time to panchayat activities (Tyagi L.K. and B.P framework. The participation of women in Panchayats Sinha, 2004:140). has had an impact on their sense of self. The data on their perceptions, recognition, respect, enhanced status, Conclusion: confidence levels, enhanced levels of mobility and Since independence India is emerging as a leading exposure, their increased political perceptions and developing nation in the world. After independence our community’s perceptions and evaluation of their country has attained growth and development in almost performance are seen as markers of empowering process all the spheres, but if we look at the gender equality it for women (Roy Jaytilak Guha,1997). provides a very unsatisfactory picture. Women are facing Susheela Kaushik’s study on Panchayati Raj Institution problems in every sphere of life whether employment, in Haryana revealed that most of the women members education, access to health care or property rights. No were illiterates, poor and mostly engaged in domestic doubt the government of India has initiated a number of responsibilities. Due to these disabilities these elected policy measures to eradicate gender inequality, but still women have not been performing their role effectively. In it has to go a long mile. Women empowerment in India order to perform their duties they had to depend on is still a distant dream. There still exists a wide gap members of their families (Mahi Pal, 2004). between the goals enunciated in the constitution, legislation, policies, plans and programms on the one The studies in different states reflect that women were hand and the ground reality on the other hand. Gender used as proxies. The proxies suffer from certain based discrimination exists in the society which restricts characteristics. the role of the women. Women are considered inferior 1. They display a lower level of political awareness to men. 2. They show their primary loyalty to their family The study revealed that after the passing of 73rd 3. Their role as an elected representative is merely an Amendment Act revealed that with the provision of 33 extension of their role as housewife per cent reservation clause, the number of women in 4. They serve paternal interests of the family (Mini Panchayathi Raj bodies has significantly increased. But Thakur, 2010:23-24). the dominance of men persists because of patriarchal culture, traditional outlook and low percentage of literacy Reasons for Women’s Low Level of Participation: among women. There are many women who have not The Internal factors which is affecting the process of only remained powerless but have become dummies for women & empowerment and participation are identified other powerful forces. The proportion of such leaders is as : lack of awareness, experience, knowledge, skills, alarming high. The opportunity created by the policy leadership quality, low level of education, lack of exposure makers to bring about gender equity in governance has etc. It is noticed that women representatives are not not been completely translated into reality. aware of their functions, duties and responsibilities. Lack Elections have played a significant role in Indian of education or low level of education has become a Democracy. During the elections time, political parties major obstacle in the path of playing active role in the stated that they gave priority to women participation. functioning of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The elected No political party wants to participation of women as members are unable to understand the basic of working candidate in election. Though they honour women but of Panchayati Raj Institutions. As a result they provide very few are in favour of women’s active participation in an ineffective leadership.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 216 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities election as candidate. This is the fact that women • Artatrana Gochhayat, (2013), Political Participation Reservation Bill is still pending in parliament. No party of Women in Gram Panchayat Elections in Odisha: is willing to give 33 per cent reservation to women in A Case Study of Hindol Block in Dhenkanal District, election, but does not want to be exposed. During the International Journal of Humanities and Social elections, when women voters are taken seriously for Science Invention, Vol.2, No.2, February, p.40. vote purpose women’s participation in political process • Bhargava, B.S. and Jos C. Raphael, (1994), “Working is a must for today’s political atmosphere. of Gram Sabhas in Karnataka; A Study of Micro Level, Suggestions: Journal of Rural Development, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 145-157. 1. Most of the women representatives are totally ignorant of their role and illiteracy becomes an • Dasarathi Bhuyan, (2008) “Women’s: Empowerment obstacle in their functioning. Hence, there is need to Grassroots, Participation in Panchayati Raj”, Yojana, train these women Panchayati Raj functionaries Vol. 52, October, p.36. about their rights and duties and their role in • D’ Lima Hazel (1983), Women in Local Government Panchayati Raj institutions. – A Study of Maharashtra, Concept Publishing 2. Another important effort required for real Company, New Delhi. empowerment of rural women is to bring about an • Harsukhjit Kaur (2006), “Women, Grass-Roots attitudinal change in both men and women. The feeling Democracy and Constitutional Measures”, Punjab that women are meant for household activities and University Research Journal (Arts), Vol. XXXIII, No. rearing children needs to be transformed into a feeling 1, April, p.96. of equal partnership of women and men. To inculcate • International Center for Research on Women, (2012), this they should be imparted education for bringing Opportunities and Challenges of Women’s Political about social and political awareness among both. Participation in India A Synthesis of Research 3. There should be increased emphasis on ensuring the Findings from Select Districts in India, pp.1-2, participation of women in the meetings of Panchayats http://www.icrw.org/files/publications/India %20 at all the levels. This is needed to promote and governance %20 report %20 synthesis %20 2013.pdf, enhance their leadership qualities and self- retrieved on 15-01-2018. confidence. • 4. Incentives play a vital role in ensuring the participation Mathew George (2003), Panchayati Raj Institutions of elected representatives in decision-making. It has and Human Rights in India”, Economic and Political been noticed that there are certain very active and Weekly, Vol. XXXVIII, No. 02, January 11. enlightened women leaders at all the levels of • Mahi Pal (2004), Empowerment of Women through Panchayats, who have been successfully Panchayats – An Assessment and Talks Ahead, implementing the developmental schemes and have Women’s Link, April – June- 2004. ensured overall development of their constituencies. • Manikyamba, P (1990), “Women Presiding Officers 5. The media both print as well as electronic can play at the Tertiary Political Levels : Patterns of an important role in creating awareness in the rural Introduction and Challenges in Performance, Journal society. It can act as an agent of political socialization of Rural Development, Vol. 9, No. 6. for inculcating the values of gender equality and • Minni Thakur, (2010), “Introduction”, Women gender justice Empowerment Through Panchayati Raj Institutions, References: Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi, pp. 23- 24. • Anil Dutta Mishra, (2014), Women Empowerment: Issues and Challenges, Indian Journal of Public • Mishra, Sweta (1997), “Women and 73rd Administration, Vol. LX, No. 3, July-September, pp. Constitutional Amendment Act : A Critical Appraisal, 400-404. Social Action, Vol. 47, No. 1, pp.16-30. • Apoorva Rathod (2014) Women’s Political • Palanithurai, G. (2002), Dynamics of New Panchayati Participation and Representation in India, Delhi Raj System in India, Vol. 1, Concept Publishing, New Policy Group Issue Brief, April 2014, Delhi. http://www.delhipolicygroup.com/uploads/ • Promilla Kapur (2001), “Empowering the Indian publication_file/1066_Women_in_Politics_final.pdf, Women”, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, retrieved on 24-01-2018. Government of India, New Delhi.

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• Purohit, B.R. Chaturvedi, Arun, Lodha, Sanjay (2002), • Shiva Kumar Lal, A Study of Issues and Challenges “State of Panchayats in Rajasthan”, Palanithurai, G. in Empowerment of Women Through Their (ed), Dynamics of New Panchayati Raj System in Participation in the Panchayat Raj Institution: A Case India. Vol. II, Concept Publishing, New Delhi. Study of Allahabad District of Uttar Pradesh, • Ranbir Singh, (2013), “Empowerment of women in www.isical.ac.in/~wemp/Papers/Paper ShivaLal PRIs: Issue and Challenges”, Panchayati Raj Update, Revised.doc, retrieved on 22-09-2014. Vol. XX, No.2, February, p.1. • Singh, S.K. (1993), Development and Gram • Rashmi Arun, (1996), “Role of Women in Panchayati Panchayat : A Case Study of Rajsamadhiyala Gram Raj”, The Administrator, Vol.12. p. 45. Panchayat, Journal of Rural Development, Vol.12, No.5. pp. 541-545. • Ross Karen, (2002), Women, politics and change, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, p. 190. • Tyagi L.K. and B.P Sinha, (2004)”Empowerment of Rural Women through Panchayats : A Diagnosis”, • Roy Jaytilak Guha, (1997), “Decentralization IASSI Quarterly, Vol. 23, No. 1, p.140. Development and the Role of Women: The West Bengal Experience”, Indian Institute of Public • Vikas Nandal, (2013), Participation of Women in Administration, New Delhi. Panchayati Raj Institutions:A Sociological Study of Haryana, India, International Research Journal of • Sheetal Sharma, (2006), “Empowerment of Women Social Sciences, Vol. 2, No.12, December , pp.47- and Property Rights Key to Rural Development”, 50. Kurukshetra, Vol.54, No.8, June 2006, p.14. • World Bank, (2008), Empowerment, retrieved on 15- 01- 2018.

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WORK LIFE BALANCE: WORKING PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND WORKING HOUSE WIFE

Dr. Pankajakshi R1

Abstract Work is central to an individual‘s lives. For an Individual especially for women, Work is a source of income generation to meet the basic and material needs of the family, to earn recognition and respect in the society. According to Business Dictionary Work Life Balance (WLB) means “A comfortable state of equilibrium achieved between an employee's primary priorities of their employment position and their private lifestyle”.This conceptual paper discusses the factors affecting the working women both at the personal and professional life. The author through a conceptual model tried to draw the linkages between the factors affecting the women and the consequences of the same which has lead to Work Life Conflict (WLC) and Work Life Imbalances (WLI). The paper highlights the suggestive measure to be taken care by the women in order to have balanced personal and professional Life through the model, where understanding of 3E’s (Educate –Enrich-Empower) can help women to achieve 3L’s (Live Lively Longer). The paper also tries to highlight the suggestive measures need to be taken by the organizations to maintain healthy working atmosphere for women in order to face the challenges of the highly competitive environment with a focussed career. This in turn can support women to have peaceful family and personal life with productive professional life. Key Words: Work Life Balance (WLB), Personal Life, Professional Life, 3E’s, 3L’s, WLC

Introduction age of 25 and over 65% below the age of 35. About 72.2% India is one of the youngest countries in the world, with of the population lives in some 638,000 villages and the a significant segment of its 1.2 billion population in the rest 27.8% in about 5,480 towns and urban areas. It is age group of 20-35. By 2020, it is estimated that the also stated that the India’s Population will reach 1.36 average age in the country will be 29. The information billion by the end of year 2017, Population of India in collected through the secondary sources reveals that 2016 is 1.34 billion, India’s Population in 2015 was more than 50% of India’s current population is below the estimated to be 12,928 million. India will take over China which is a most populous country in the world by 2025. Table-1: Details about India’s Population

Current Population of India in 2017 1,349,552,768 (1.34 billion) As of April 07, 2017

Total Male Population in India 696,909,049 (69.6 crore)

Total No of Females in India 652,643,718 (65.2 crore)

Sex Ratio 945 females per 1,000 males

Age structure

0 to 25 years 50% of India's current population

Currently, there are about 51 births in India in a minute.

Source: http://www.indiaonlinepages.com/population/india-current-population.html

Women form an integral part of the Indian workforce. Women constitute to the half of the Indian population and one third of the work force, irrespective of men and women work together but still there are gender differences. According to the information provided by the office of Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, As per Census 2011, in India, the total number of female workers is 149.8 million and rural female workers are 121.8; Urban female workers are 28.0 million. Out of total 149.8 million female workers, females working as cultivators are 35.9 million and agricultural labourers are 61.5 million. Of the remaining female workers, 8.5 million are in household Industry and 43.7 million are classified as other workers.

1. Associate Professor, Dept. of MBA, Visvesvaraya Technological University, Centre for Post Graduate Studies - CPGS, VIAT, Chikkaballapur District.

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Employment of Women in different sectors employment in organised sector in the country which is Work is central to an individual‘s lives. For an Individual higher by 0.1 percent as compared to the preceding year. especially for women, Work is a source of income As per the last Employment Review by Directorate st generation to meet the basic and material needs of the General of Employment & Training (DGE&T), on 31 family, to earn recognition and respect in the society. In March 2011, about 59.54 lakh women workers were the recent trends, women balancing both the personal employed in the organised sector (Public and Private and professional life are a growing concern for both the Sector). Of this, nearly 32.14 lakh women were employers and as a employee. According to Business employed in community, social and personal service Dictionary Work Life Balance means “A comfortable state sector. of equilibrium achieved between an employee’s primary Irrespective of there has been increase in the female priorities of their employment position and their private literacy rates and enrolment of education, Women lifestyle”. Most psychologists would agree that the participation in workforce is seen on lower side compared demands of an employee’s career should not overwhelm to other countries such as Saharan Africa and the Middle the individual’s ability to enjoy a satisfying personal life East.. According to the McKinsey report it is said that outside of the business environment. by bridging the gender gap in the labor force, India stands As per Census 2011, the Women Work Participation to gain as much as 2.9 trillion of additional annual GDP rate is observed to be 25.51 percent, where as in 2001 it in 2050. Educating and involvement of women in was 25.63 percent. The Women Work Participation rate workforce is the best way to address the societal has reduced to some extent in 2011, where there is an problems such as gender discrimination, harassment improvement in 1991 i.e. 22.27 percent as compared to and violence against women. 19.67 percent in 1981. The Women Work Participation According to English Dictionary Work Life Balance rate in rural areas is 30.02 per cent as compared to means “the amount of time one spend doing the job 15.44 per cent in the urban areas. compared with the amount of time one spend with The review of available literature of government statistics family and doing things that an individual enjoys”. Work- reveals that the women’s labor participation rate fell from life balance is the balanced arrangement and usage of 29.4 percent in 2004-2005 to 22.5 percent in 2011-2012. one’s time between the personal and professional life In rural areas women’s participation is 32 percent where without any negative consequences on one’s health, as men is 83 percent, and subsequently in urban areas family and without affecting the productivity or women participation is 21 percent and men is 81 percent. professional achievements in an organization. In other According to the ILO, in 2011-12, while 62.8 percent of words it can be said that the Work Life Balance of women women were employed in the agriculture sector, only 20 is the ‘right’ combination of one’s involvement and percent were employed in industry and 17 percent in participation in paid work (career or professional life), the services sectors. According to Employment and and other aspects of their lives (personal and family life). Training department, Bangalore the total employment of The balancing of the personal and professional life, women in organized sector as on 31st March 2012 was irrespective of the changing priorities. 7,64,669 of which 2,90,983 were in public and 4,73,686 Objective of the Study: were in private sector for the Total population of 23,47,177. Women Work Life Balance basically discusses about the women who tries to balance their time both at the Based on information available through review of literature personal and professional level. The woman prioritizes have revealed that the women employment in IT sector and gives importance within and outside family, catering is seen an increase, as the women feel that it a to the needs and demands of the work place effectively. prestigious while-collar job, higher salary, international It is seen that Life is a Balance; One’s gain at professional opportunities and mobility, no gender discrimination as level is equal to what one has lost at the personal life men and women are treated equally. The work profile in and vice versa. It all depends on how well a woman IT sector ist more focussed on the Knowledge centric tries to handle the situations and manage the things and individual skill possessed. The Indian IT-BPO industry giving equal importance to both personal and professional is seen 2.23 million professionals employed directly with life. In olden days most of the women, especially in the the employment percentage of female employees have rural side were restricted to be within the four walls and steadily increased from 35% in 2006 to 36% in 2008 at take care of the family, but as the days are changing the junior level (NASSCOM-Mencher, 2009). with the technological upgradation, change in the As far the organised sector is concerned, in March, 2011 perspective and the mindset of the individuals has made women workers constituted 20.5 percent of total women to be a productive home maker as well as working

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 220 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities professional. This has created a challenge for women to Vijaya Mani (2013), the author has made an attempt to manage things at family as a daughter, wife, mother, so gain insight in to the role of a sample population of on and as an employee, employer in an organization. women employed in different occupations, in balancing work and life in Tamil Nadu, India. The author has This conceptual paper discusses the factors affecting collected data, studied and analyzed the same in order the working women both at the personal and professional to explore and portray the sensitivity of women and their life. The authors through a conceptual model tried to perceptions of the society as well as to highlight the draw the linkages between the factors affecting the values, attitudes and beliefs of women in the formal work women and the consequences of the same which has organizations and primary family system. lead to Work Life Conflict and Work Life Imbalances. G. Delina and Dr. R. Prabhakara Raya (2013), The The paper highlights the suggestive measure to be taken authors in their paper has an attempt to explore the tough care by the women in order to have balanced personal challenges faced by working women in maintaining a and professional Life through the model, where balance between their personal and professional life. The understanding of 3E’s(Educate –Enrich-Empower) can authors have examined the various factors affecting the help women to achieve 3L’s (Live Lively Longer). The work-life balance of married working women. The tool paper also tries to highlight the suggestive measures used for the study is the manual on work–life balance of need to be taken in organization to maintain the healthy The Industrial Society (now the Work Foundation) by working atmosphere for women in order to face the Daniels and McCarraher. Data were subjected to challenges of the highly competitive environment and descriptive statistics and it was found that the problems also to maintain balance in work environment with a faced by the working women of Pondicherry in terms of focussed career and to lead a peaceful family and work-life balance are quite high. personal life. Khushboo Mitta, Sethi and Upasna Joshi (2013), the Literature Review: authors in their study have tried to see how aptly women Extensive Secondary literature survey was carried out juggle all their roles and the repercussions on their to understand the concept of Work Life Balance of women health, productivity, family commitments, etc. The and to extract the relevant information. Secondary authors have also made an attempt to know about the Sources of information was collect through Books, various factors contributing to maintain a healthy work articles, research papers published in Journal & E- life balance studied by various researchers. Journals, Websites etc. A few selected review of literature Rincy V. Mathew and N. Panchanatham (2011), the has been presented below: author’s objective was to develop and validate an Satish Puranam (2016), the author in the article has appropriate tool to illustrate the work-life balance (WLB) explored the various bodies of study conducted in the issues faced by women entrepreneurs of South India, recent past and compiled relevant suggestions to also to understand the important factors influencing the organizations to deliver a positive WLB for women. WLB of the women entrepreneurs. In the study the authors have revealed that role overload, dependent care Richa Agarwal et.al (2015), the authors in their article issues, quality of health, problems in time management have highlighted the factors affecting work-life balance and lack of proper social support are the major factors of women employees, impact of demographic variables influencing the WLB of women entrepreneurs in India. on work-life balance and organizational policies addressing work-life balance of women employees. The Times of India article, March 2014 has shared in the article “Women have no say in marriage” in the Lalita Kumari (2015), The author aims to study and find empowerment index: out the perception of various factors for married women employee’s which has lead to Family Work Conflict • 59% women (over 25) with any say in marriage. (FWC). • 48% women (over 25) were married before age 18 Anju Sigroha (2014), The author in the paper have • 17.8 is the mean age at marriage examined the differences in employees perception about • 18% women (over 25) knew their husbands before the impact of work life balance facilities on employees, marriage overall performance among three sectors of Indian • 39% give expensive items in dowry. corporate sector (Manufacturing, service, IT sector). The • 55% women with name on bank account study is descriptive in nature and found that there is significant difference in the employee’s perception about • 91% women have cash in hand the impact of work life balance facilities on overall • 76% women have a say in purchasing goods performance of employees.

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• 19% women with name on house documents. A Conceptual Model – Factors influencing Work Life • 81% need permission to visit health centre Balance (WLB) • 60% women practice head/face covering. Women constitute to the half of the Indian population and one third of the work force. Women are considered • 70% deliveries take place in hospital to be the strength of the family and the nation. As per • Declining sex ratio from 927 in 2001 to 919 (2011) for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Women has every 1000 boys. equal right in power sharing and participation in the One of the major challenges faced by the women from household decision making and also in the country’s engaging in India’s labor market is societal concerns. It political level. Women being the prominent gender play is seen that there is an increase in the wiliness of parent a multi skilled role for development of family, and for the to invest in educating women in both rural and urban betterment of the society. India, but still accepting women as a working Women at Personal life basically focuses about taking professionally is hard to digest by the society culturally. care of the family members such as parents, spouse, Some of the empirical studies information reveals that children, health status of the family members, spending the women are proved to be better managers, better and socializing during their leisure time with the family, decision makers and better problem-solvers than men friends and relatives. Women are more likely to The women face tough challenge in this sophisticated experience the stress from various sources as they play society with many constraints which has been listed a mutli role as a mother and wife where they are bound and discussed below: to carry the responsibilities of both children and household responsibilities than men at personal life. Issues and Challenges faced by Women in Personal Women as Professionals or career oriented in their Life (Working House Wife): professional life aim to grow and earn respect, higher • Gender bias, Male dominant society (especially in position or key positions, with good salary package in rural areas) the organization and as well as in the society. • Deprived of education A conceptual framework has been designed to illustrate • Limited exposure and awareness about individual’s the factors affecting the Work-Life Balance among the rights and responsibilities. working women which is being presented below. (Fig.1) • Lack of support and encouragement from family and The above model is self explanatory where working society professionals face many challenges and there are many • Lack of self confidence especially in the rural women. factors which influences the women at their personal • Cultural and Societal Constraints and professional life. The Interpersonal conflict at work among colleagues, unsupportive supervisor with • Harassment and exploitation in family unhealthy working environment often lead to Work Life • Domestic Violence against Women. Conflicts (WLC). If the challenges faced by the women are not well managed and balanced leads to stress, as Issues and Challenges faced by Women in a result of this an individual faces Work Life Imbalances Professional Life:(Women Profession Life) (WLI). In order to have Work Life Balance, women need • Lack of encouragement and responsibilities to prioritize the importance and to dedicate her time • Gender bias, Importance given to Male based on the need and demands both at the professional • Unsupportive colleagues level and personal life. Women can be effective in • Pressure from superiors overcoming stereotype threat when they maintain a strong sense of humour. This means maintaining a • Inadequate information on working style positive attitude even in unhealthy, imbalanced • Limited access to information and understanding situations; being willing to laugh at themselves and take technology. up the challenges with enthusiasm. (Fig.2) • Insufficient training and Professional skill The 3E’s play a vital role in Work Life Balance in women • Society and Cultural constraints where the Education is the one of the tool which can • Harassment and exploitation in work place. Enrich and upgrade ones knowledge this can in turn help the women to be Empowered with an opportunity to face the challenges of the competitive environment

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Factors influencing WLB Consequences due to Stress Outcome: WLC/WLI

Professional Life Professional Life Work environment Disturbances Job profile/security Job dissatisfaction Work Deadlines Performance downfall Coping with the Technology Absenteeism Rate increase Pressure from superiors Unsupportive Colleagues Health Problems: Cardiac Problems, Diabetic, WORK LIFECONFLICT (WLC) Thyroid, Blood Pressure etc. WORK LIFE IMBALANCE(WLI)

Depression: Disturbances both at Suicidal attempt, Accidents etc. Personal & Professional Life

Personal Life Personal Life Disturbances Individual characters Marital life: Divorce Marital Life Health problems, Family Demands Impact on spouse, children Societal concerns and Relatives

Fig.1 : A Conceptual Model –Factors influencing Work Life Balance (WLB)

Enrich Live

Work life balance (WLB)

3 L’s 3 E’s

Educate Empower Lively Longer

3E’s WLB 3L’s

Source: Author Fig.2 : The Essentials of 3E’s and 3 L’s in Work Life Balance (WLB) skilfully and at the same time this gives rises in strength for the women to manage and balance the work and personal life which in turn give rise to 3L’s to Live their life Lively and Longer and Vice Versa. Working women are facing the challenge with multiple responsibilities handled professionally where one need to attend to targets, meeting schedules, business trips along with managing the routine responsibilities at home. The changing trends are increasing anxiety among working women where they need to strike a balance in managing the family and work. Many working professionals are torn between the incompatible commitments both at the personal and professional life.

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Suggestive measures for women to maintain Work work from home facility especially in the IT sector Life Balance (WLB) where one can manage the work effective irrespective • Prioritising the importance of work and the need of of their absence from office. individual in family, both at personal and official-work • Presence of Women Grievance Cell (WGC) to life. address the problem and challenges faced by women, • Involvement of women in decision making, to have providing of transportation facility for the needy. gender equality both at personal and professional life. • Recognize and rewarding the women for their • Women should take initiatives to get educated, achievements through incentives and facilitating with enrich their knowledge and empower oneself in order other fringe benefits to occupy the higher position in the organization, to • Conduction of training for the women workers related get respect and involvement not only at family level to safety and security measures. but also in addressing the societal issues. • Regular medical check-ups, conduction of yoga, • Women should take care of themselves related to meditation classes, recreation programmes for their health, overcome infant mortality rate and develop women to overcome the stress faced by women both Nutritional status in order to lead a healthy lifestyle at Personal and Professional Life and also to perform better. • Arrangement for counselling for the needy depending • Women should upgrade their technical and on the situation to manage the work life imbalance. managerial skills, empowering technologically to meet • Organizations need to take up initiatives and organize the challenges of the highly competitive world and awareness programmes about the rights of the also to take key decisions both at personal and women workers, to have information, better professional life. understanding and handling of situations at the work • Women should try to overcome the economic place. dependency, where one can either be self employed and provide employment for others this not only Conclusion empowers economically but also socially. Women constitute to the half of the Indian population . • Women need to take care of their economical and and one third of the work force Women are considered social security in order to overcome the exploitation to be the strength of the family and the nation. As per of oneself at work place and also at family level. the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Women has equal right in power sharing and participation in the • Women should take up initiative, self motivated and household decision making and also in the country’s motivate others also to take up challenging task to political level. enhance leadership quality. For a women, personal and professional life is like a two Suggestive Measures to be taken by the sides of a coin, where striking a balance between the Organizations for Women to maintain Work Life two is tedious and critical. Women in order to excel in Balance: professional life have to prioritize the importance, create • Providing of required infrastructure, basic amenities positive impact in the organization where the employer with healthy working environment such as clean sees the individual’s attitude, loyalty and commitment drinking water, proper ventilation, canteen, rest towards work which is directly linked with the ones rooms, crèches facility for the needy with nominal productivity and achievements in an organization. charges. Women being the prominent gender play a multi skilled • Organization should follow the Labour laws such as role for development of family, and for the betterment of Minimum Wages Act, Factories Act, Employee State the society. Women should take initiatives to get Insurance (ESI) Act, Provident Fund (PF), and educated, enrich their knowledge and empower oneself Maternity Benefit Act. in order to occupy the higher position in the organization, • Encourage women workers to go for higher studies, to get respect and involvement only at family level but take up higher responsibilities and position, based also in addressing the societal issues. The balancing on merit without any gender discrimination; this can of women both at career and as home maker not only bring in the competitive spirit. makes the family to lead better life, beneficial to the • Avoiding long working hours of women, if required organization but also contributes for the socio-economic with a provision of flexible working hours such as development of the country.

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References: • Richa Agarwal et.al (2015). “GENDER AND WORK- nd • Anju Sigroha (2014), “Impact of work life balance on LIFE BALANCE”, in the 2 International Conference working women: a comparative analysis” The on Science, Technology and Management, University Business & Management Review, Volume 5 Number of Delhi (DU), Conference Centre, New Delhi, 27 3 November 2014, pp: 22-30, International Trade & September 2015. Academic Research Conference (ITARC), 3-4th • Rincy V. Mathew and N. Panchanatham (2011), “An November 2014 UK. Exploratory Study On The Work-Life Balance Of • Annual Report, 2012-2013, Department of Women Women Entrepreneurs In South India”Asian Academy and Child Development – DWCD, Government of of Management Journal, Vol. 16, No. 2, 77–105, July Karnataka. 2011 © Asian Academy of Management and Penerbit Universiti Sains Malaysia, 2011. • G. Delina and Dr. R. Prabhakara Raya (2013), “A study on Work-Life Balance in Working Women” • Satish Puranam (2016), “Work Life Balance in IRACST – International Journal of Commerce, Context of Indian Women”, The International Journal Business and Management (IJCBM), ISSN: 2319– of Business & Management (ISSN 2321–8916), Vol. 2828,Vol. 2, No.5, October 201, pp:274-282. 4, Issue 8, August, 2016, pp: 92-96. www.theijbm.com. • Khushboo Mitta, Sethi and Upasna Joshi (2013), “Can Women Manage it All-Work, Family and Life: ERA of • Shailaja M.L. and Pankajakshi R (2014), “5E’s to being a Superwoman? A Review of Literature”, Global capitalize on Women Empowerment” in the Journal of Management and Business Studies, ISSN International Conference on Enhanced Changes in 2248-9878, Volume 3, Number 10 (2013), pp: 1187- Corporate Environment organized by Mohamed 1196, © Research India Publications. Sathak College of Arts and Science, Sholinganallur, Chennai on 29th September 2014. • Lalita Kumari (2015), “Family Work Conflict among Married Women Employees in Ludhiana:An Empirical • S. Sulaja (2004), “Social Development and Women Study”, Pacific Business Review International, in Status –An Analysis of South Indian States”,The Volume 8, Issue 4, October 2015, Pg: 31-39. Journal of Family Welfare, Vol. 50, No.2, December 2004, pp: 55-57. • Mandakini Devasher Surie (2016), Where Are India’s Working Women? , March 9, 2016. http:// • Vijaya Mani (2013), “Work Life Balance and Women asiafoundation.org/2016/03/09/where-are-indias- Professionals”, Global Journal of Management and working-women/ Business Research Interdisciplinary, Volume 13 Issue 5 Version 1.0 Year 2013, Global Journals Inc. (USA), • Pankajakshi R (2012), “Technological Change and Online ISSN: 2249-4588 & Print ISSN: 0975-5853. The Role of Women”, World Women Wellness, Dept. of Management Studies, Dr. MGR Educational and http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/work- Research Institute, Chennai, First Edition 2012, ISBN: life-balance.html 978-81-910827-6-0, pg: 236-239.

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SAGA OF PERSEVERANCE IN SELECTED NOVELS OF SUDHA MURTY

G. Radha Madhavi1

Abstract Sudha Murty, a prolific writer in Kannada and English, a visionary technocrat, a philanthropist and Chairperson of Infosys, pens down the psyche of Indian women, changing alongwith the times, in pursuit of sustaining their identity as ‘Woman’ in the patriarchal Indian society. Sudha Murty’s novels revolve around the prime concern for women and issues pertaining to sustaining their identity as ‘Women of 21st Century’. This paper, presents the saga of ‘Anupama’ in ‘Mahashweta’ and ‘Shrimati’ in ‘Gently Falls the Bakula’ , intricately woven by Sudha Murty, focusing on the social, economic and psychological subjugation faced by them and the plightful ordeals which they underwent in the process of their 'Quest for Self' as ‘Woman’, in this male dominated society. Sudha Murty’s female protagonists emerge out successful in accomplishing their dreams and intellectual aspirations, thus exemplifying themselves as ‘Women of Forte’ in 21st Century. Their ‘Saga of Perseverance’ exhibited in confronting the challenges and unparalled enigma shown in creating opportunities to elevate their stature as ‘Women of 21st Century’ is highly commendable. Key words: Subjugation, Challenges, Aspirations, Opportunities, Introspect, Patriarchal society, Saga, Perseverance, Feminism, Women of 21st Century

Introduction her and marries her against the wishes of his family. Women writers, especially novelists, have carved a niche Anupama faces unconcealed animosity in her new in Indian Writing in English. Their works are distinct and household and becomes a subservient daughter-in-law. act as dynamic witness to the various socio-cultural, When Anupama is afflicted with Leukoderma, the real political, economical and psychological conflicts faced nature of her husband Dr. Anand is revealed.He is by the Indian women of different social strata. They resentful, uncaring and abandons her. The insensitive emphasized and synthesized the varied traditional and nature of her husband and family breaks down the spirit modern reactions of Indian women, under various of Anupama and she contemplates suicide. She prays circumstances and finally succeeded in portraying their to the Goddess, female protagonists as ‘Women of Forte’ in 21st Century “Give me the courage to live, no matter what happens”. in their phenomenal works. (Murty,79) Sudha Murty, a versatile writer, a multifaceted With the help of her friend Sumitra, Anupama rebuilds technocrat, in her novels, sketches out the tribulations her life and career against all odds, with great maturity faced by women in the conventional patriarchal Indian of thought and action. Anupama moves to Bombay Society. Sudha Murty, herself, an embodiment of ‘Woman (Mumbai) and works as a Sanskrit lecturer in a college. st of 21 Century’, firmly believes that education and She faces sexual harassment from Hari, Sumitra’s financial independence are the tools which empower husband and she shifts to another accommodation. She women to face various tribulations and nurture their meets with an accident while crossing the road and Dr. confidence to emerge out successful. This is clearly Vasant, who is an ardent lover of Arts and Literature, evident in Sudha Murty’s ‘Mahashweta’, wherein, the attends her case. Dr. Vasant notices the white patches, female protagonist, Anupama, exhibits immense a sign of Leukoderma, on Anupama’s hand and thinks perseverance and unparalleled forte in empowering for a moment, herself and sustaining her identity as ‘Woman of 21st Century’. “What a blemish on this beautiful portrait!” (Murty,97) Anupama, the protagonist, in Sudha Murty’s Anupama has a leg injury and recovers with the help of ‘Mahashweta’, is a talented and cheerful woman who is Dr. Vasant. She write many letters to her husband. Dr. of down-to-earth nature. She is well versed in Sanskrit. Anand but in vain. She doesn’t receive any reply. When Dr. Anand, sees Anupama for the first time when she Satya, a close friend of Dr. Vasant, becomes depressed enacts the role of ‘Mahashweta’. He falls in love with because he was betrayed by his lover, Anupama says about her husband,

1. Research Scholar, Dept. of English,Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam.

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“He had loved ‘Mahashweta’ as a heroine. But when in purity in thoughts and behaviour. Anupama, who was real life I developed this white patch and became a real socially excluded and ruthlessly abandoned by her Mahashweta, the white one, he couldn’t handle it. This husband and family, emerges out successful in her Mahashweta was not acceptable to him” (Murty,116) career, commands respect and the promise of an enduring friendship and rekindles the spark in her life, Dr. Anand goes to Bombay, to attend a conference. Dr. thus justifying her ‘Saga of Perseverance’ and emerges Prakash Apte, Anand’s friend comes across him near out as a ‘Woman of 21st Century’. the beach and suggests that they should watch a Sanskrit play being staged at Tata Theatre. ‘Shrimati’, the protagonist in ‘Gently Falls the Bakula’, a well-educated and intelligent woman, marries her Dr. Anand, reluctantly agrees to his friend’s proposal neighbour and childhood friend – Shrikant Deshpande. because watching a Sanskrit play reminds him of Shrimati is plain-looking yet charming woman and Anupama, their love, marriage and separation. When he Shrikant is amiable and handsome man. They both excel hears the voice of the compere, he recollects the voice in their academics. The “Bakula Tree” stands as a of Anupama and realizes that though he deserted her witness to their relationship of love. However, after for no fault of hers, yet she is an integral part of his life. marriage ‘Shrimati’ confines herself to the happiness of Anupama directs the Sanskrit play, “Swapna Shrikant. She abandons all her academic aspirations Vasavadutta”, written by Bhasa. The play is enacted with and indulges herself in household chores. On the contrary, outstanding performance by the students and Anupama Shrikant joins an IT company and rapidly climbs the and her team receive a standing ovation, lots of acclaims corporate ladder. He enjoys a lucrative pay, he works and accolades. Dr. Anand recognizes Anupama and takes relentlessly and reaches the pinnacle in his career. He her address from the manager of the theatre and pays a neglects Shrimati’s personal aspirations. Shrimati, sudden visit to her.Anupama is shocked by seeing her silently fulfills her duties as a Corporate leader’s wife. husband and remains speechless. A clear transition is She follows her husband as his uncomplaining shadow. seen in her personality. Anupama, who was once a Shrimati has an inclination towards Indian History. Prior subservient daughter-in-law and submissive house wife, to her marriage, Professor Rao introduces her to Prof. has now transformed as a woman of immense forte. Mike Collins. Prof. Collins is highly impressed by the “Her eyes sparkled with confidence, there was not a trace extensive notes prepared by Shrimati on Buddhism. Prof. of self-pity in her demeanour. Anupama seemed to have Collins requests Shrimati to guide him on his tour. grown in stature” (Murty,146) Shrimati accompanies him and Prof. Collins wonders at Despite, many requests by Dr Anand for reconciliation, the potential of Shrimati, her sharp intellect and knowledge she rejects all his pleas, she sternly questions him, of Indian History. He feels that Shrimati can be an excellent Research Scholar, and suggests the same to her. “Did you speak when you first got to know about my However, she puts aside the thought of pursuing Ph.D. condition? Was it my fault that I got this white patch? Is it my fault that I am a poor man’s daughter?” (Murty,146) Prof. Collins thinks, “You never treated me as a human being. I was only a ‘It was her decision and her life. Perhaps what she was beautiful object that you wished to possess and doing was normal in India’. (51) flaunt…“Suppose you had got Leukoderma, do you think Shrimati and Shrikant are childless. When Shrimati I would have left you for some other man”? (Murty,147) proposes to adopt a child, Shrikant refuses the idea. “How can you possibly expect a burnt seed to grow into This deeply hurts Shrimati and the thought that she will a tree? … I am no longer the naive Anupama, whose be deprived from the bliss of motherhood pricks her world revolved around you. I know what my goals are constantly.Shrimati, receives a letter from Prof. Collins and where I am heading and I don’t need anyone’s help stating that he will be on a visit to India and seeks her to reach my destination. God has been very kind to me”. guidance during his tour. Shrimati is elated by seeing (Murty,148) Prof. Collins letter and agrees to join him on his tour. One day, when Prof. Collins questions her about her Dr. Anand watches as Anupama walks away from his silence, life, forever. Dr. Vasant proposes to Anupama but she politely declines his proposal and says that they can be Shrimati replies, good friends. ‘My loneliness. Sometimes it is very depressing’ Anupama, signifies herself as ‘Mahashweta’, the white Prof. Collins says, one. ‘White’ symbolizes purity and peace. Anupama One should have the basic happiness within oneself. builds a remarkable identity of her own – an identity of That happiness comes from confidence and confidence

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 227 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 comes from the kind of work one does whole-heartedly’. For me, the glamour of money, house, car is immaterial… (Murty,113) If you were in my shoes, what would you have done? The same thing that I am doing.’ (Murty,161) Shrikant becomes the Managing Director of his company. In due course of time, he ignores Shrimati’s presence ‘I am also clear about my goal and I want to achieve and she feels distressed. Shrimati is filled with sorrow it’.( Murty,162) and bewilderment. She realizes the naked truth that ‘Shri, I cannot get a better friend than you’. Shrikant didn’t pay any heed towards her emotions and aspirations. She introspects her life and realizes that it Before bidding good-bye to Shrikanth, Shrimati mentions is a fiasco. that he is always welcome to meet her whenever he visits the US. She kisses him gently on his forehead, ‘She had to live like his shadow all the time. She wouldn’t gives him a warm hug & walks out with her bag without have any identity of her own. Her life would be that of a turning back. Shrikant feels that she was taking his spirit planet which shines with reflected light, rather than that away with her. Thus the ‘Bakula’, which had immense of a star which radiates its own light.’ (Murty,150) significance in their relationship, falls down gently. The She also remembers how Shrikant sneered at her, ‘Saga of Perseverance’ exhibited by ‘Shrimati’ in surpassing the subjugation and empowering herself to ‘The whole world says that you are more intelligent than accomplish her dreams is highly commendable. me. You think over it and whatever you feel is right, go ahead and do it’. (Murty,150) At the outset, ‘Anupama’ in ‘Mahashweta’ and ‘Shrimati’ in ‘Gently Falls the Bakula’, manifest unparalleled enigma She thinks, in realizing their dreams. Sudha Murty emphasizes on ‘She always disliked being dependent on anyone. Living ‘Women Empowerment’ through her protagonists. like this was worse than death to her’(Murty,151) In all her novels, Sudha Murty, connotes the significance Shrimati says to Shrikant, of the famous Sanskrit saying, ‘I cannot live in this kind of an atmosphere with these “Yatra Naryasthu Pujyanthe , Ramanthe Tatra Devatha.” artificial values. I require to breathe fresh air. I do not which means ‘Where women are respected, Gods dwell want to live as your shadow. I want to find my own there’. happiness. Shri, if I had not been sensitive and bright, Sudha Murty’s pen, in true sense, proves mightier by I wouldn’t have had to suffer such loneliness. I could curbing the social stigma and taboos deeply rooted in have enjoyed your wealth. When I was thinking about the Indian society, as is evident, as in the case of my life so far, what my goal has been, I have realised Malathi, whose marriage was cancelled as she was what I want’. (Murty,161) afflicted with leukoderma. The groom confessed that he She questions her husband about her importance in his finally changed his opinion about leukoderma and married life and she is aghasted when she receives a cold reply. Malathi after reading Sudha Murty’s ‘Mahaswetha’. She firmly decides to pursue Ph.D. in History in the True to the belief that ‘A drop of ink makes millions think’, U.S. and with the help of Prof. Collins, she gets a Sudha Murty’s novels stand as testimonials to the impact scholarship to pursue her Ph.D. She reveals her decision of literature on the society. to Shrikant who is shocked, and pleads her to reconsider her decision. However, Shrimati firmly decides to open Works Cited: the doors of her aspirations and achieve her goals. Murty, Sudha. Mahashweta. New Delhi: Penguin Books, ‘Shri, I loved history and I loved you. In fact, once upon 2007. a time I loved you more than history. But when you lost Murty, Sudha. Gently Falls the Bakula. New Delhi: your finer sentiments, chasing your success in the world Penguin Books, 2008. of business, I was left with nothing other than history.

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SOCIAL STATUS OF WOMEN - INDIAN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES

Yadagiri Kambhampati1

Abstract Patriarchy and traditional patterns of life have relegated women to a position of insignificance. Women suffer this discrimination in silence. They are subjected to exploitation both in the house and in the society. They are the victims of violence like female foeticide, infanticide, child marriage, dowry, purdah, sati slavery. The birth of a daughter is considered as bad luck. A growing girl child is considered as a burden for the family. A female child at the tender age is subjected to sexual exploitation. The married woman is subjected to myriad forms of violence of varying proportions. Despite the enactment of a plethora of laws, the status of women has not improved. The home has become the least safe place for women, whereas it has become the safest place for men to commit violence against women. It is unfortunate that even after 71 years of Independence, the position of women has not changed. Even though the Constitution of India affords equality of status and opportunity to all its citizens, Indian womanhood is still tied up by the rusted chains of religious customs and traditions. According to the statistics in 2001 Census the female sex ratio is 933:1000. This reflects society’s preference for a male child and an Indication of the low status accorded to women. Domestic Violence is a serious and important matter but is not given any importance. Women are individuals who have their own identity. A clear legislation is to curb the domestic violence in the need of the hour. Key Words: Society, Social Status, Marginalized, Inequalities etc.

Introduction • To know the historical practices in India. The development history of the evolution of society's • To explore the guarantees provided by the scrutiny of primitive society, Men and Women also the Constitution of India to all women in India. wealth of food in search they are working equally. So that's the difference, however, was in distress. Nuts, • To find out the conclusions and suggestions for above tubers, fruits piled make the women involved, Hunting, discussion. the men involved in the acquisition of honey. The woman Methodology was on the responsibility to protect children. So, woman is not responsible for the hunt. Due to the robust nature The methodology of the present research work is based of the boundaries of the women did not even let the on doctrinal study. The relevant data has secondary external things. But the distress is not going to be the sources. For the present study the researcher difference. Secondary source has collected through published books, journals, periodicals, reports and along with this The evolution of society in their respective communities, unpublished research works. culture, traditions, values, adjustments, will also appear in ceremonial affairs. Still gods are found in the world of Historical background- status of women in India: agriculture. For example: Yellamma, Maisamma, The status of a woman in the society is normally Uppalamma etc. Even in today's society women of the determined by societal practices and customs. In this village gods. light the author has discussed the phenomenon of the But today woman are most marginalized sections of status of women in the phases of history. Indian Society various social and economic indicators Vedic Period: provide the evidence of inequalities and vulnerabilities of women in all sectors economic, social, demographic, In the Vedic period women participated in all the fields health, nutrition, etc. The rising incidence of crime and like men and took active part in every sphere of human violence against women are indicators of a decline in life. During that period woman enjoyed a fair amount of the respect of women in society. freedom and equality with men. Women studied in Gurukul and enjoyed equality in learning The Vedas. Objectives Women in Post-Vedic Period: In the Post-Vedic • To study the historical background of status of women period, from 1500 BC to 500 AD, the status of woman in India. suffered a setback when various restrictions were put

1. Research Scholar, Comm. & Journalism, Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 229 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 on woman’s rights and privileges by Manu. The role of Women in Sikhism: The Sikh doctrine brought women got restricted to the four walls of their home. revolutionary change in the status of woman and they During 500 BC to 500 AD which can be approximated to fully participated in ‘Sangat’ and ‘Pangat’ established the period of early Smiritis, the epics of The Ramayana by Guru Nanak. The practice of Sati has been and The Mahabharata and the early The Puranas, the condemned. The purdah, veiling of woman’s face, was Upanaya rights for girls were completely abandoned. The eradicated. The practice of female infanticide is male law-givers bound freedom of women in deed and forbidden. speech, society became polygamous, polyandry Women in Jainism: Atma has no division of male or disappeared except in some rare cases like polyandry female. Woman in particular has a unique position as practiced by Draupadi the Mahabharata. During the Jana Matha, the woman who gives birth to Thirthankara, Puranic and Epic period, there was reduction of the age the Jain deity. She has the highest position as the Mother of marriage of girls, deprivation of women in various areas. of Nature. History is full of names of Jain women who Women in Medieval Period: did a lot for their society and religion. It is stated in Mahapurana that woman has the same rights as man, The medieval period saw the women being oppressed in to get educated, take up jobs and so on. Vrishabha the feudal social order and patriarchal families. Women Deva, the first Thirthankara, is said to have imparted lost the right of education and they could worship only knowledge of language and mathematics to his through priest. The system of dowry had taken a positive daughters first and only then to his sons. He taught the root of great magnitude from about 13th and 14th Century Jain alphabets to his daughter Brahmi, thus the famous AD, with an alarming position in Rajasthan. Brahmilipi is named after her. Women in Mughal and British Period: The Mughal Women in Buddhism: The establishment of the Order period and the subsequent advent of the British period of Buddhist nuns gave women an opportunity for spiritual were marked for general practice of killing baby girls, practice and enfoldment. Women’s role as mother condemnation of widow, polygamy and system of commanded veneration, but society generally expected Devadasis in different parts of India. Injustice on women her to give birth to a son, so that he could perform rituals folk was echoed by Dada Bhai Naroiji, Swami Dayanand for the salvation of his ancestors. This fear always Saraswati, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Lokmanya Tilak, remained with the women. If all goes well, the wife is Aurobindo and Mahatma Gandhi. Widow re-marriage called the ‘Comrade supreme’. Number of devoted was advocated by Raja Ram Mohan Roy and his Brahmo couples is mentioned in the Palicanon. The most ordeal Samaj. His work was further developed by persons like pair preferred by Buddha was Nakula-Pita and Nakula- Ranade and Karve in Maharashtra. The 19th Century Mata. There are examples of women scholars in brought a new era and crucial role was played by some Buddhism like Sangamithra who with their scholarship outstanding women like Annie Besant, sister Nivedita, and wisdom reigned. Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kripalani, Durgabai Deshmukh, Kasturba Gandhi, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, and many more. Medieval Period: Christian Missionaries in Bombay started the first school Rudramma Devi succeeded her father to the Kakatiya for girls in 1824. throne at the age of 14, assuming the title Rani (Queen) Women in Islamic Society: The Holy Quran makes it and the name Rudradeva. Though, she assumed full clear that woman has rights similar to those of man but sovereignty in 1262-63 AD, she was not the crowned yet man is a degree above woman. The Holy prophet queen until 1269, which was when her father died. Her gave a definite status to the woman in the society, as a nomination and accession to the throne was not entirely wife, as a mother, as a daughter and as a sister. He accepted; indeed, some people had turned against made a ceiling to the number of wives one could have Ganapatideva even during his lifetime because of his and specific conditions were laid down for contracting a decision to appoint a woman as his heiress. On her plural marriage. accession some nobles who were unwilling to submit to a woman’s authority, took up arms against her. Women in Christianity: Her status and role were conferred by Yahweh himself, to be companion and wife However, no other evidence is available to prove the to man and mother of all the living things of the world. existence of her step-brothers. Even if it is believed that Her role increased her status in the society. Polygamy some intransigent nobles and close relations rebelled was a legal fact. A man could have any number of wives against her authority, the Kayastha Chief Jannigedeva and a harem. Later, the Talmud fixed the number of four and his younger brothers, Tripurari and Ambadeva, wives for an ordinary man and eighteen for the King. Recherla Prasaditya and Reddy Chiefs such as Gona These were abuses which later were made legal. Gannaya were firmly loyal to the queen, esposed her

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 230 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities cause and helped her to defeat the rebels. The important have been around forty reported cases of Sati since people in her life were Shivadesikulu, a minister who independence. In 1987, the Roop Kanwar case of served the dynasty and Annamambikadevi, who was the Rajasthan led to the Commission of Sati (Prevention) wife of Gona Gannaa Reddy. Act. In spite of these conditions, some women excelled in Jauhar: Jauhar refers to the practice of the voluntary the fields of politics, literature, education and religion. immolation of all the wives and daughters of defeated Razia Sultana became the only woman monarch to have warriors, in order to avoid capture and consequent ever ruled Delhi. The Gond queen Durgavati had ruled molestation by the enemy. for fifteen years, before she lost her life in a battle with Purdah: Purdah is the practice of requiring women to Mughal emperor Akbar’s general Asaf Khan in 1564. cover their bodies so as to cover their skin and conceal Chand Bibi defended Ahamednagar against the mighty their form. It imposes restrictions on the mobility of Mughal forces of Akbar in 1590s. Jahangir’s wife Nur women, it curtails their right to interact freely and it is a Jehan effectively wielded imperial power and was symbol of the subordination of women. It does not reflect recognized as the real force behind the Mughal throne. the religious teachings of either Hinduism or Islam, The Mughal princesses Jahanara and Zebunnissa were contrary to common belief although misconception has well-known poets and also influenced the ruling occurred due to the ignorance and prejudices of religious administration Shivaji’s mother; Jijabai was deputed as leaders of both faiths. queen regent, because of her ability as a warrior and an administrator. In many South Indian women administered Devadasis: Devadasi was a religious practice in some villages, towns, divisions and heralded social and parts of southern India, in which women are ‘married’ to religious institutions. a deity or temple. The ritual was well established by the 10th century A.D. In the later period, the illegitimate sexual The Indian woman’s position in the society further exploitation of the Devadasi’s became a norm in some deteriorated during the medieval period when Sati, Child parts of India. marriages and a ban on Widow Re-marriages became part of social life in India. The Muslim conquest in the British Peroid: European scholars observed in the 19th Indian subcontinent brought the purdah practice in the century that Hindu women were ‘naturally chaste’ and Indian society. Among the Rajputs of Rajasthan, the ‘more virtuous’ than other women. During the British Raj, Jauhar was practiced. In some parts of India, the many reformers such as Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwara Devadasis or the temple women were sexually exploited. Chandra Vidyasagar, Jyotirao Phule etc. fought for the Polygamy was widely practiced especially among Hindu upliftment of women. While this list might suggest that Kshatriya rulers. In many Muslim families, Women were there was no positive British contribution during the era, restricted to Zenana areas. that was not entirely so, since missionaries’ wives like Martha Mault nee Mead and her daughter Eliza Caldwell The Bhakti movement tried to restore women’s status nee Maultar rightly remembered for pioneering the and questioned some of the forms of oppression. education and training of girls in south India a practice Mirabai, a female saint-poet, was one of the most that initially met with local resistance, as it flew in the important Bhakti movement figures. Some other female face of tradition. Raja Rammohan Roy’s efforts led to saint-poets from this period include Akka Mahadevi, Rami the abolition of the Sati practice under Governor-General Janabai and Lal Dev. Bhakti sects within Hinduism such William Cavendish-Bentinck in 1829. Ishwara Chandra as the Mahanubhav, Varkari and many others were Vidyasagar’s crusade for the improvement in condition principle movements within the Hindu fold to openly of widows led to the Widow Remarriage Act, 1856. Many advocate social justice and equality between men and women reformers such as Pandit Ramabai also helped women. the cause of women upliftment. Historical Practices: In 1917, the first women’s delegation met the Secretary Traditions such as Sati, Jauhar and Devadasi have been of State to demand women’s political rights, supported largely defunct in modern India. However, some cases by the Indian National Congress. The All India Women’s of these practices are still found in remote parts of India. Education Conference was held at Pune in 1927. In 1929, the Child Marriage Restraint Act was passed, stipulating Sati: Sati is an old, largely defunct custom, in which fourteen as the minimum age of marriage for a girl through the widow was immolated alive on her husband’s funeral the efforts of Mahomed Ali Jinnah. Though, Mahatma pyre. Although, the Act was supposed to be a voluntary Gandhi himself married at the age of thirteen, he later on the widow’s part, it is believed to have been forced on urged people to boycott child marriages and called upon the widow. It was abolished by the British in 1829. There young men to marry the child widows.

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Women played an important part in India’s independence rights in India. Many women emerged as leaders of local struggle. Some of the famous freedom fighters include movements. For example, Medha Patkar initiated the Bhikaji Cama, Dr. Annie Besant, Pritilata Waddedar, Narmada Bachao Andolan. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Arum Asaf The Government of India declared 2001 as the Year of Ali, Sucheta Kriplani and Kasturba Gandhi. Other notable Women’s Empowerment (Swashakti). The National names include Muthulakshmi Reddy, Durgabai Policy of Empowerment of Women has set certain clear- Deshmukh etc. The Rani of Jhansi Regiment of Subhash cut goals and objectives. The policy aims at upliftment, Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army consisted entirely development and empowerment in socio-economic and of women including Captain Lakshmi Sahgal. Sarojini politico-cultural aspects, by creating in them awareness Naidu is a distinguished poet and a freedom fighter; she on various issues in relation to their empowerment. was the first Indian woman to become the president of Indian National Congress and Governor of Uthar Pradesh. The specific objective of National Policy is particularly rural folk working on empowerment of women in India. Independent India: The National policy for empowerment of women envisaged Women in Indian now participate in all activities such introduction of a gender perspective in the budgeting as education, politics, media, art and culture, service process as an operational strategy. A few laws and sectors, science and technology, etc. Smt. Indira legislations are enforced strictly for effective and proper Gandhi, who served as Prime Minister of India for an implementation of this policy. aggregate period of fifteen years is the world’s longest serving woman Prime Minister. Conclusion: Bearing the women of India have been exposed to greater The Constitution of India guarantees to all the women insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, unhealthy living conditions, in India, equality before law (Article, 14), no discrimination backwardness, corruption, criminalization and mate by the State (Article, 15(1), equality of opportunity dominance in most of the field. They have been affected (Article, 16) and equal pay for equal work (Article, 39(d). by lack of opportunities and facilities owing to innate In addition, it allows special provisions to be made by discriminations prevalent in the society. It is unfortunate the state in favour of women and children Article 15(3) that in spite of the existence of so many laws majority renounces practices derogatory to the dignity of women of women are being deprived of their rights and benefits by the state for securing just and humane conditions and their security are Jeopardy and the offences against work and for maternity relief (Article 42). women in various fields are on the rise. The feminist activism in India picked up momentum during later 1970s. One of the first national level issues Suggestions that brought the women’s groups together was the Awareness campaigns, seminars, debates should be Mathura rape case. The acquittal of policemen accused conducted and the knowledge regarding their legal rights of raping a young girl of Mathura in a police station, led and nature of problem faced them, need to invite to a wide-scale protests in 1979-1980. The protests were suggestions for the effective implementations to empower widely covered in the national media and forced the the status of women. The central government, state Government to amend the Evidence Act, the Criminal government and the NGO’s through the radio and TV Produce Code and the Indian Penal Code and introduce programmes should educate the people about the the category of custodial rape. Female activists united importance of status of women. The violation of rights of over issues such as female infanticide, gender bias, women cannot be eliminated from society unless society women health and female literacy. refuses it. The hegemony of men should be changed without changing the patriarchal culture; it is not possible Since, alcoholism is often associated with violence to change the social status of women in India. Girls against women in India; many women groups launched should be given an opportunity to stand their own. anti-liquor campaigns in Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and other References: States. Many Indian Muslim women questioned the • Suman Rai (2011), Law Relative to Protection of fundamental leaders’ interpretation of women rights under Women from Domestic Violence, Orient Publishing the Sharit law and criticized the triple Talaq system. Company, New Delhi. In 1990s, grants from foreign donor agencies enabled • Gokilavan, S., and S.G. Jelestin (2008), Marriage, the formation of new women-oriented NGOs. Self-Help Dowry Practice and Divorce, Regal Publication, New Groups and NGOs such as Self Employed Women’s Delhi, p.252. Association (SEWA) have played a major role in women’s

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• K. Murali Manohar (ED) et al., (1984) Women’s • Flavia Agnes, (2005), ‘How to implement the Domestic Status and Development in India, (Ed) etal., Society Violence Act”, The Asianage, 19th Sept. for Women’s Studies and Development, Warangal. • Alok Kumar Kashyap, (2007), Women and Social • Veena Mazumdar, (1979), Symbols of Power Studies Issues problems and Challenges, Mohit Publications, on the Political Status of women in India, (Ed.), New Delhi- 110 002. Bombay, Allied Publications, 1979. • Goel, Aruna, (2004). Violence and Protective • Myneni S.R., Sociology (Indian Society), Allahabad Measures for Women Development and Law Agency, 16/2, Mathura Road, Plot No.93. Empowerment. New Delhi: Deep & Deep Publishers, New Delhi.

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ATROCITIES AGAINST WOMEN

Ankit Sharma1

Abstract From a time unknown, there have always been crime against women. Especially in India, women have been victims of violence from many centuries in almost all the societies, regions, cultures and religious communities. Male chauvinism is wide spread and this has lead to unbelievable atrocities against this gender. Unfortunately, the quote “all the gods together could not stop Kauravas from harassing Draupadi” almost seems like a reality and this makes the state of the women a very saddening one. Though the constitution states equal rights for all genders, women do not seem to enjoy all the rights to freedom. If researched and analyzed there cannot be even a single state, city, colony found in where the women are not ill treated.The study will focus light on how harassment happens to women of lower income group. Primary data will be collected from working women like labourers, maids, Janitors, etc and non working women. The study will try to find out the reasons behind the brutality performed by men and the steps that can be taken to put a period on this issue.

Introduction • As many as 1 in 4 women experience physical or The United Nations defines violence against women as sexual violence during pregnancy. "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is • Over 60 million girls worldwide are child brides, likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or married before the age of 18. suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether Crime against women in India: occurring in public or in private life." From the origin of social life in the country various Violence against women is not a new phenomenon, nor centuries came and gone, time has changed people’s is its consequences to women’s physical, mental and mind and environment a lot, however violence against reproductive health. What is new is the growing women does not seems to change a little bit. Time is recognition that acts of violence against women are not the real eyewitness of all the sufferings (like sex isolated events but rather form a pattern of behaviour discrimination, exploitation, oppression, aggression, that violates the rights of women and girls, limits their degradation, humiliation, etc) bear by the helpless participation in society, and damages their health and women. Women are so helpless in the Indian society well-being. When studied systematically, as was done where many female goddesses are worshiped. In the with this report, it becomes clear that violence against Vedas, women are glorified as mother means one who women is a global public health problem that affects can create and nourish a life. On the other hand, they approximately one third of women globally. have found themselves suppressed and subjugated by the men in the patriarchal society. The term “violence against women” encompasses many forms of violence, including violence by an intimate partner India is having 68.7% of the population below the poverty (intimate partner violence) and rape/sexual assault and rate amongst which 31.6% are women. These women other forms of sexual violence perpetrated by someone have a lower income as they work in sectors like other than a partner (non-partner sexual violence), as manufacturing, constructions, house chores etc. Most well as female genital mutilation, honour killings and the of them being uneducated and poor face the day to day trafficking of women. problems for food, children’s school fees, employment, hygiene needs etc but beyond this they also go through Fast facts: various atrocities by people around them. • Up to 7 in 10 women around the world experience Violence against women can be domestic as well as public, physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their Physical, emotional or mental. Women have fear of violence lifetime in their mind which causes the lack of participation in various • 603 million women live in countries where domestic areas of life. Fear of violence in the women mind has been violence is not yet considered a crime. so deep which cannot be out easily even after complete removal of violence against women in the society.

1. Student, St. Joseph’s Degree and PG College, Hyderabad.

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Crimerecods : Table-1 : States With The Worst Rates, Numbers Of Incidents

State Incidents Per1 lakh female population

Delhi 2,199 23.7

Chhattisgarh 1,560 12.2

Madhya Pradesh 4,391 11.9

Odisha 2,251 10.8

Rajasthan 3,644 10.5

Maharashtra 4,144 7.3

Uttar Pradesh* 3,025 3.0 * Surprisingly low rate suggest widespread non- registration of rape cases

Table - 2 : Overall Crime Against Women Delhi tops rate chart, UP has biggest national share

State Cases Per 1 lakh female population %age contribution to all - India total

1 Delhi 17.104 184.3 52

2 Assam 23.,258 148.2 7.1

3 Telangana 15,135 83.1 4.6

4 Odisha 17,144 81.9 5.2

5 Rajasthan 28,165 81.5 8.6

6 Haryana 9,446 75.7 2.9

7 West Bengal 33,218 73.4 10.1

8 Tripura* 1,267 68.2 0.4

9 Madhya pradesh 24,135 65.5 7.4

10 Chandigarh* 463 64.8 0.1 * Fewer cases, but small populations raise the rate

About the study In this research, the focus is to light upon harassment happening to women of lower income group. The study is limited to crimes happening in India. This study has used both primary and secondary sources of data. For the purpose of analysis past crime records, report data has been collected and analyzed. A group of 10 women from different backgrounds of work like labourers, janitors, maids, etc and non working women were asked a set of questions and the reasons behind the brutality performed on them were known. The study also includes the steps that can be taken to put an end to the issue.

Findings of the study: • 8 out of 10 women agreed that they have faced brutality by people around them • Women faced physical torture the most by their husband and in laws and reasons included dowry and dominating mentality equally • It was found that victims of sexual harassment called their colleagues and employers the reason behind

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• Women were mistreated after their husbands got • Building centres for those who have been victims so drunk. Also, it was noted that these women were that they can find a new life and overcome their past. beaten up for money and had their families insulted for not being able to fulfil the dowry demands Conclusion: The analysis of various records and responses has given • Many women told that they faced humiliation while us the reasons for the ill treatment of women and the travelling to the work place and they often had their kind of problems they face but, knowing these would safety in danger not be enough. To bring an end to these, right steps • Only 1 woman approached a higher authority but was have to be taken and implemented strictly. Not disappointed. In fact she was ridiculed in return. everything can be done by the government; the change should be started from every single individual whether • Most of the women are abused on a daily basis but they are facing the problem or not. they would not raise their voice out of the fear of being judged by the society The analysis also revealed that despite their is law and order women in India are so cooped up with the • It was also found that these women were hesitant to stereotypical mindset that they don’t see any point in answer the survey questions and feared that their bringing any kind of change. Even if they do, they are information would be revealed. discouraged. Recommendations: The women feel so scared about speaking of any sexual • All sexual offenders must be monitored by law harassment being done to them, that they don’t share enforcers once they have served their sentence. these even with their family members. They have a fear • Sessions on self esteem development can help that they would be looked down by the family members women raise voice against any kind of violence on and the society. them. The state of women would only change when along with • Change regressive mindsets: Women are not to be their minds, the perspective of the society towards them objectified. change. Women need to realize their potential and stand Equality: Treat your kids equally, don't tell your against any crime irrespective of the consequences. daughter what she shouldn't do. References: Educate: A girl by giving her formal education and a • UNITE: http://www.un.org/en/women/endviolence/ boy by telling him to respect the other gender. situation.shtml “Facts of Human rights violation” Freedom: Give a girl freedom to live her life and teach her to be independent. • NCRB: http://ncrb.gov.in “Crime Records of different states” • Stop stereotyping • Do not sit and stay calm when things around you are • World economic forum: https://www.weforum.org/ going wrong. events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2018 “Poverty rate, lower income group” • Strict rules which ensures safety of women at work place and a redressal forum for the victims to be • BVIMR New Delhi: http://www.bvimr.com “Women heard. work participation” • Awareness about how alcohol affects physical as • Jaago re: https://www.jaagore.com “recommendation well as mental peace of the environment around. to build centres for victims”

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WOMEN EDUCATION, EMPOWERMENT AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT V. Charankumar1 Dr. Bathula. Rajababu2

Abstract Women education refers to every form of education that aims at improving the knowledge, and skill of women and girls. It includes general education at schools and colleges, vocational and technical education, professional education, health education, etc. Women education encompasses both literary and non-literary education. Educated women are capable of bringing socio-economic changes. The constitution of almost all democratic countries, including India, guarantees equal rights to both men and women Primary education is now a fundamental right. When a woman (or a girl) is ensured of her rights, the society at large is ensured of its sustainability. Realizing the importance of women education, the government and many non-government organizations took a lot of projects to spread women education. Literacy programs are being taken in favor of women. Ancient Women and Education are some bright exceptions in this dismal picture. The role of women in Ancient Indian Literature is immense. Ancient India had many learned ladies. There were two types of scholarly women the Brahmavadinis, or the women who never married and cultured the Vedas throughout their lives; and the Sadyodvahas who studied the Vedas till they married. Panini mentioned of female students’ studying Vedas. Katyana called female teachers Upadhyaya or Upadhyayi. Ashoka got his daughter, Sanghamitra, inducted into preaching Buddhism. From the Jain texts, we learn about the Kousambi princess, Jayanti, who remained a spinster to study religion and philosophy. Often, Buddhist nuns composed hymns. Women did write Sanskrit plays and verses, excelled in music, painting and other fine arts.

Importance Of Women Education Dignity and honor: Educated women are now looked upon with dignity and honor. They become a source of Educating girls and women is so important for the world inspiration for millions of young girls who make them as a whole. When we consider the entire human their role-models. population, the percentage of educated women is at much lower level than men. The importance of women Justice: Educated women are more informed of their education are briefly summarized below rights for justice. It would eventually lead to decline in instances of violence and injustice against women such Economic development and prosperity: Education as dowry, forced-prostitution, child-marriage, female will empower women to come forward and contribute foeticide, etc. towards the development and prosperity of the country. Choice to choose a profession of her choice: Economic empowerment: So long as women remain Educated women can prove be highly successful in the backward and economically dependent on men, the fields of life. A girl-child should get equal opportunity for helpless condition of them cannot be changed. Economic education, so that, she can plan to become a successful empowerment and independence will only come through doctors, engineers, nurses, air-hostesses, cook, or proper education and employment of women. choose a profession of her choice. Improved life: Education helps a woman to live a good Alleviate poverty: Women education is a pre-requisite life. Her identity as an individual would never get lost. to alleviate poverty. Women need to take equal burden She can read and learn about her rights. Her rights would of the massive task of eliminating poverty. This would not get trodden down. The life or condition of women demand massive contribution from educated women. would improve a lot, if we take a broad outlook in the There cannot be much social and economic changes field of female education. unless girls and women are given their rights for Improved health: Educated girls and women are aware education. of the importance of health and hygiene. Through health education, they are empowered to lead a healthy life- Education and women's empowerment style. Educated mothers can take better care of both Education systems vary in administration, curriculum herself and her baby. and personnel, but all have an influence on the students that they serve. As women have gained rights, formal

1. Research Scholar, AcharyaNagarjuna University, Guntur –AP. 2. Principal, BSNM. College of Education, Kothavalasa, Vizianagaram District.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 237 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 education has become a symbol of progress and a step liberty that actually had societal sanctions. The ancient toward gender equity. In order for true gender equity to Hindu philosophical concept of 'shakti', the feminine exist, a holistic approach needs to be taken. The principle of energy, was also a product of this age. This discussion of girl power and women’s education as took the form of worship of the female idols or goddesses. solutions for eliminating violence against women and In India even today people worship Goddess "Saraswati" economic dependence on men can sometimes take as the Goddess of education. Vedic literature praises dominance and result in the suppression of the birth of a scholarly daughter in these words: "A girl understanding how context, history and other factors also should be brought up and educated with great effort affect women (Khoja-Moolji, 2015). For example, when and care." (Mahanirvana Tantra); and "All forms of past secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, referenced the knowledge are aspects of Thee; and all women tragedies of Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan and the girls throughout the world are Thy forms." (Devi Mahatmya). kidnapping in Chibok, Nigeria as comparable, using girls’ Women, who so desired, could undergo the sacred education as the focus, history and context were ignored. thread ceremony or 'Upanayana' (a sacrament to pursue What led to the shooting of Malala was reduced to being Vedic studies), which is only meant for males even to solely about her educating herself as a girl. United States this day. The mention of female scholars and sages of interference, poverty, and government corruption and the Vedic age like Vac, Ambhrni, Romasa, Gargi, Khona instability were not addressed. Education systems and in the Vedic lore corroborates this view. These highly schools play a central role in determining girls’ interest intelligent and greatly learned women, who chose the in various subjects, including STEM subjects, which can path of Vedic studies, were called 'brahmavadinis', and contribute to women's empowerment by providing equal women who opted out of education for married life were opportunities to access and benefit from quality STEM called 'sadyovadhus'. Co-education seems to have education. existed in this period and both the sexes got equal attention from the teacher. Moreover, ladies from the Women's Empowerment And International Kshatriya caste received martial arts courses and arms Development training. The Vedas have volumes to say about these Micro- and macro level factors that get attention by women, who both complemented and supplemented their international development agencies (IDA) vary. For male partners. example, reaching a quota of representatives in political positions (macro level) but ignoring how home life Independent India pressures (micro level) do not actually leave women at After India attained independence in 1947, the University a position of free self-expression (Stromquist, 2015). Education Commission was created to recommend IDA’s tend to focus on numbers and on information suggestions to improve the quality of education. However, provided by the national governments. This ignores the their report spoke against female education, referring to possibility that national governments are not the most it as: "Women's present education is entirely irrelevant reliable or trust worthy. Programs put on by FAWE to the life they have to lead. It is not only a waste but (Forum for African American Educationalists) called often a definite disability.However, the fact that the female Tuseme clubs in Africa, which are Non Formal Education literacy rate was at 8.9% post-Independence could not programs, are explored as they have proven successful be ignored. Thus, in 1958, a national committee on and effective but do not get enough support from the women's education was appointed by the government, government to be replicated. Tuseme means “let’s speak and most of its recommendations were accepted. The out” in Swahili and in action the programs tailor to each crux of its recommendations were to bring female participating school, focusing on communication and life education on the same footing as offered for boys. Soon skills, keeping the community in mind. The program is afterwards, committees were created that talked about set up as an extracurricular activity that focuses on equality between men and women in the field of issues through tools like school newspapers, dance and education. For example, one committee on differentiation theater. In this example, education and empowerment of curriculum for boys and girls (1959) recommended are tackled on outside the classroom. equality and a common curricula at various stages of their learning. Further efforts were made to expand the Ancient Vedic Age -1000 BC education system, and the Education Commission was The history of female education in India has its roots in set up in 1964, which largely talked about female ancient Vedic age. education, which recommended a national policy to be During the Vedic age, more than 3,000 years ago, women developed by the government. This occurred in 1968, were assigned a high place in society. They shared an providing increased emphasis on female education. equal standing with their men folk and enjoyed a kind of

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Current Policies politically different approaches to helping empower Before and after Independence, India has been taking women (Ghosh, Chakravarti, & Mansi, 2015). In West active steps towards women's status and education. The Bengal, literacy rates were found to be low even after 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2001, has been a fulfilling the 73rd amendment from 1992. The amendment path breaking step towards the growth of education, established affirmative action by allotting 33% of seats especially for females. According to this act, elementary at panchayats, or local self-governments, to women. education is a fundamental right for children between Mizoram chose not to partake in the 73rd Amendment the ages of 6 and 14. The government has undertaken but has seen greater literacy rates, it is second highest to provide this education free of cost and make it in the country, and also has a better sex ratio. It was compulsory for those in that age group. This undertaking thus found that affirmative actions steps alone were not is more widely known as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan enough. Women also need to be given the opportunity (SSA).Since then, the SSA has come up with many to develop through formal education to be empowered to schemes for inclusive as well as exclusive growth of serve and profit from holding these public leadership Indian education as a whole, including schemes to help roles. foster the growth of female education Conclusion: The major schemes are the following: Until the middle of nineteenth century, girls and women • Mahila Samakhya Programme: This programme were educated only for traditional household works. Now, was launched in 1988 as a result of the New the society is witnessing changes in the role-status of Education Policy (1968). It was created for the women. There is greater emphasis on education girls empowerment of women from rural areas especially and women in the same way as we educate boys and socially and economically marginalized groups. When men. The modern-day parents want to fulfill the aspiration the SSA was formed, it initially set up a committee of their children without gender parity. The educated to look into this programme, how it was working and women should insist on exercising their civil, social, recommend new changes that could be made. political and economic rights. This will help improve the overall condition of women in the society. We can hope • Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya for better days while all women of our country will be Scheme(KGBV): This scheme was launched in July, enlightened and educated. 2004, to provide education to girls at primary level. It is primarily for the underprivileged and rural areas References : where literacy level for females is very low. The • Cracking the code: girls' and women's education in schools that were set up have 100% reservation: 75% science, technology, engineering and mathematics for backward class and 25% for BPL (below Poverty (STEM). Paris: UNESCO. 2017. ISBN line) females. 9789231002335. • National Programme for Education of Girls at • Ghosh, Ratna (2015). "Women's Empowerment and Elementary Level (NPEGEL): This programme was Education: Panchayats and Women's Self-Help launched in July, 2003. It was an incentive to reach Groups in India".Policy futures in education. 13 (3). out to the girls who the SSA was not able to reach through other schemes. The SSA called out to the • Khoja-Moolji, Shenila (2015). "Suturing Together Girls "hardest to reach girls". This scheme has covered and Education: An Investigation Into the Social 24 states in India. Under the NPEGEL, "model (Re)Production of Girls' Education as a Hegemonic schools" have been set up to provide better Ideology". Diaspora, Indigenous, and Minority opportunities to girls. Education. 9 (2). One notable success came in 2013, when the first two • Stromquist, Nelly P. (2015). "Women's Empowerment girls ever scored in the top 10 ranks of the entrance and Education: linking knowledge to transformative exam to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Sibbala action".European Journal of Education. 50 (3). Leena Madhuri ranked eighth, and Aditi Laddha ranked • S. P. Agrawal; J. C. Aggarwal (1992). Women's sixth. In addition, the status and literacy rates between Education in India: 1986-1987. Concept Publishing West Bengal and Mizoram were found to be profound; a Company. p. 31. study compared the two states as they took on

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IMPACT OF GENDER PARITY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON NUTRITION OF WOMEN

Dr. P. Jyothi Kumari1

Abstract To address the social inequality and food security in the country, there is a need to increase over food availability and diversify the diet, particularly with respect to animal foods, vegetables and pulses. It’s not the matter of ancient days where existed the disparity between man and women but same is seen in modern social structure. Having few exceptions, women have no power to take decisions either inside or outside home. Due to this women are g Developing countries are confronted with the undernourished mothers who are more likely to give birth to low- birth – weight (LBW) babies. If these babies survive they become stunted children and small adults with impaired physical and mental capacities. Because of gender norms, women often also have limited access to and control over resources and may therefore be excluded from household decision-making of male participation: Men’s low involvement in infant and childcare further has a negative impact on children’s nutrition quantities and quality of food, but also of nutrition insecurity. Because of their triple burden of productive, reproductive, and social roles, women also tend to have less time to attend to their own needs, leisure related or otherwise. Gender Inequality Is Bad for All Inequities in access to and control of assets have severe consequences for women’s ability to provide food, care, and health and sanitation services to themselves, their husbands, and their children, especially their female children. Let’s hope and wish that our participative democracy, in time to come, and with the efforts of both women and men, would be able to found solutions to the problem of gender inequality and allow us all towards our cherished dream of a truly modern society in both thought and action.

Introduction and physiological phenomenon which defines man and We proud Indians of 21st century rejoice in celebrations woman. Gender is a function of power relationship when a boy is born, and if it is a girl, no celebrations is between men and women where men are considered the norm. Love for a male child is so much so that from superior to women. the time immemorial we are killing our daughters at birth Gender Inequality, in simple words, may be defined as or before birth, and fortunately, she is not killed we find discrimination against women, based on their sex. various ways to discriminate against her throughout her Women are traditionally considered by the society as life. Though our religious beliefs make women a goddess weaker sex. She has been given a subordinate position but we fail to recognize her as a human being first; we to men. She is exploited, degraded, violated and worship goddesses but we exploit girls. We are a society discriminated both in our homes and in outside world. of people with double-standards as far as our attitude This peculiar type of discrimination against women is towards women is concerned; our thoughts and prevalent everywhere in the world and more so in Indian preaching are different than our actions. Let’s try to society. In Muslims also the situation is same and there understand the concept of gender inequality and search too sanction for discrimination or subordination is provided for some solutions. As per ancient Hindu law giver MANU: by religious texts and traditions. Similarly in other “Women are supposed to be in the custody of their father religious beliefs also women are being discriminated when they are children, they must be under the custody against in one way or other. Extreme poverty and lack of their husband when married and under the custody of of education are also some of the reasons for women’s her son in old age or as widows. In no circumstances low status in society. Poverty and lack of education she should be allowed to assert herself independently”. derives countless women to work in low paying domestic It’s not the matter of ancient days still we see the same service, organized prostitution or as migrant laborers. in modern social structure. Having few exceptions, Women are not only getting unequal pay for equal or women have no power to take decisions either inside or more work but also they are being offered only low skill outside home. jobs for which lower wages are paid. This has become a ‘Gender’ is a socio-cultural term referring socially defined major form of inequality on the basis of gender. Educating roles and behaviors assigned to ‘males’ and ‘females’ in girl child is still seen as a bad investment because she a given society; whereas, the term ‘sex’ is a biological get married and leave her paternal home one day. Thus,

1. Department of Nutrition, CH.S.D.ST. Theresa’s College for women, Eluru.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 240 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities without having good education women are found lacking by U.S. Department of Commerce, the chief barrier to in present day’s demanding job skills; Not only in female education in India are inadequate school facilities, education, in case of family food habits, it is the male shortage of female teachers and gender bias in child who gets all the nutritious and choicest foods while curriculum. Literacy Though it is gradually rising, the the girl child gets whatever is left behind after the male female literacy rate in India is lower than the male literacy members have taken their meals or the food which is rate. According to Census of India 2011, literacy rate of low in both quality and nutrition. And this becomes a females is 65.46% compared to males which is 82.14%. major health issue in her later years. One of the main Compared to boys, far fewer girls are enrolled in the reasons for the high incidences of difficult births and schools, and many of them drop out. According to the anemia in women is the poor quality of food which a girl National Sample Survey Data of 1997, only the states always gets either in her paternal home or in her in- of Kerala and Mizoram have approached universal laws. So the inequality or discrimination against women female literacy rates. According to majority of the is at various levels in the society, either in home or outside scholars, the major factor behind the improved social home. and economic status of women in Kerala is literacy. From 2006-2010, the percent of females who completed at Gender status in India: Gender inequalities, and its least a secondary education was almost half that of men, social causes, impact India's sex ratio, women's health 26,6% compared to 50.4%. In the current generation of over their lifetimes, their educational attainment, and youth, the gap seems to be closing at the primary level economic conditions. Gender inequality in India is a and increasing in the secondary level. In rural Punjab, multifaceted issue. Some argue that some gender the gap between girls and boys in school enrollment equality measures, place men at a disadvantage. In increases dramatically with age as demonstrated in India, Although the constitution has granted men and National Family Health Survey-3 where girls age 15-17 women equal rights, gender disparity still remains. in Punjab are 10% more likely than boys to drop out of Discriminatory attitudes towards men and women have school.[39] Although this gap has been reduced existed for generations and affect the lives of both. The significantly, problems still remain in the quality of world's largest human resources association with education for girls where boys in the same family will be members in 140 countries, in a 2009 report wrote that sent to higher quality private schools and girls sent to female labour participation is lower than men, but has the government school in the village. A key factor driving been rapidly increasing since the 1990s. Out of India's gender inequality is the preference for sons, as they are 397 million workers in 2001, 124 million were women, deemed more useful than girls. Boys are given the states Lockwood. Over 50% of Indian labour is employed exclusive rights to inherit the family name and properties in agriculture. A majority of rural men work as cultivators, and they are viewed as additional status for their family. while a majority of women work in livestock maintenance, In a survey-based study of 1990s data, scholars found egg and milk production. Rao states that about 78 that son are believed to have a higher economic utility percent of rural women are engaged in agriculture, as they can provide additional labour in agriculture. compared to 63 percent of men. About 37% of women Another factor is that of religious practices, which can are cultivators, but they are more active in the irrigation, only be performed by males for their parents' afterlife. weeding, winnowing, transplanting, and harvesting stages of agriculture. About 70 percent of farm work was Some studies in south India have found that gender performed by women in India in 2004. Women's labour disadvantages, such as negative attitudes towards participation rate is about 47% in India's tea plantations, women's empowerment are risk factors for suicidal 46% in cotton cultivation, 45% growing oil seeds and behavior and common mental disorders like anxiety and 39% in horticulture. There is wage inequality between depression. While women express a strong preference men and women in India. The largest wage gap was in for one son, the evidence of discrimination against girls manual ploughing operations in 2009, where men were after they are born is mixed. A study of 1990s survey paid  103 per day, while women were paid  55, a data by scholars found less evidence of systematic wage gap ratio of 1.87. discrimination in feeding practices between young boys and girls. In impoverished families, these scholars found India is on target to meet Million Development Goal of that daughters face discrimination in the medical gender parity in education by 2015. UNICEF's measure treatment of illnesses and in the administration of of attendance rate and Gender Equality in Education vaccinations against serious childhood diseases. Index (GEEI) capture the quality of education. Despite Immunisation rates for 2 year olds was 41.7% for girls some gains, India needs to triple its rate of improvement and 45.3% for boys according to the 2005 National Family to reach GEEI score of 95% by 2015 under the Million Health Survey-3, indicating a slight disadvantage for girls. Development Goals. In rural India girls continue to be Malnutrition rates in India are nearly equal in boys and less educated than the boys. According to a 1998 report

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 241 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 girls. During adolescence, girls’ During pregnancy, the result of inadequate quantity. Risk of anemia and anemia increases the risk of complications and is also iron deficiency increases due to quick growth and a main cause of maternal death. ESAR has one of the menstruation, often further enhanced by malaria and highest maternal mortality ratios in the world with some parasitic infections. Iron deficiency and anemia slow 80,000 women dying every year from causes related to growth and increase fatigue, leading to lower performance pregnancy and childbirth . Risk of anemia and iron in school. Gender inequality is an important underlying deficiency increases due to quick growth and cause of women’s under-nutrition and is further menstruation, often further enhanced by malaria and aggravated by poverty and lack of access to resources. parasitic infections. Iron deficiency and anemia slow In many cultural settings in the region, boys and men growth and increase fatigue, leading to lower performance traditionally eat first, and girls and women eat the in school. Gender inequality is an important underlying leftovers. When food is short, this can mean females cause of women’s under-nutrition and is further increased have very little, or nothing at all, to eat. by poverty and lack of access to resources. In many Because of gender norms, women often also have limited cultural settings, boys and men traditionally eat first, access to and control over resources and may therefore and girls and women eat the leftovers. When food is be excluded from household decision-making of male short, this can mean females have very little, or nothing participation: Men’s low involvement in infant and to eat. Because of gender norms, women often also have childcare further has a negative impact on children’s limited access to and control over resources and may nutrition quantities and quality of food, but also of nutrition therefore be excluded from household decision-making insecurity, which can have many causes: limited access of male participation: Men’s low involvement in infant to quality healthcare services; deficits in environmental and childcare further has a negative impact on children’s health; lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene; and nutrition. unsafe food preparation practices. A similar study which was conducted in Zambiaj has If a woman’s nutritional status is poor at conception and revealed that Through the Feed the Future Zambia if she does not gain sufficient weight during pregnancy, Mawa Project, Catholic Relief Services and partners she will most likely give birth to a low birth weight baby. are supporting communities tackling food insecurity and Her child may never catch up in terms of growth and, as malnutrition by promoting essential health and nutrition an adult, will run an increased risk of chronic illness practices, such as optimal breastfeeding and such as heart disease and diabetes. complementary feeding practices, to women and men in rural households. Since participating in Mawa, both Low levels of exclusive breastfeeding further contribute women and men have been feeding their children more to morbidity and mortality among children. In ESAR only diverse and nutritious food using better feeding practices, 40 percent of babies are exclusively breastfed during and they feel empowered by seeing their children growing the first six months, despite the fact that breast milk is up healthy. Including men in nutrition activities and the best form of nutrition for infants and significantly discussions has helped them recognize the importance reduces the risk of diarrhoea, acute respiratory infection of providing nutritious food to their families and increasing and other child killers. A woman may fail to breastfeed their participation in household chores related to child exclusively due to inadequate support from her partner care and feeding. As a result, women were able to find or family. the time to rest or participate in other Mawa activities. Gender and nutrition are inextricable parts of the vicious During focus group discussions, fear of women’s cycle of poverty. Gender inequality can be a cause of empowerment leading to men’s disempowerment, hunger and malnutrition. Not surprisingly, higher levels women’s laziness and perhaps divorce were observed of gender inequality are associated with higher levels of among a few participants including both men and women. under nutrition, both acute and chronic undernutrition. The project found that couples responded more positively In order to improve children’s nutritional status, women’s to messages linking gender equality to better household nutrition needs to be addressed at all stages of the life development outcomes, such as improved child health, cycle. Nutrition and the life cycle Physiological factors increased agricultural production and increased income, augment nutritional vulnerability among adolescent girls compared with messaging focusing solely on women's and women. Selected nutritional requirements (e.g. iron) empowerment. are higher among women of child-bearing age than among The health of a child is inextricably linked to the health their male counterparts in order to sustain/compensate and nutritional status of the mother. An under-nourished biological processes including menstruation, pregnancy woman will give birth to a baby with low birth weight, and lactation. For example, gender disparities are causing the cycle of under-nutrition and poor health to observed with respect to iron deficiency and iron continue. Poor nutrition in girls and women is not only deficiency anaemia due regular blood loss during menses

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 242 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities in girls post-menarche and premenopausal women. Both and cooking techniques; it also encompasses access pregnancy and lactation considerably augment nutritional to water, fuel/wood and cooking utensils. needs in terms of dietary quantity (e.g. daily caloric Furthermore, women tend to be knowledgeable about needs increase) and quality (micronutrient intake, food that was grown locally and consumed in the past, particularly folate/folic acid, iron and iodine). even if this knowledge is not always appreciated. These Results from a recent, seminal study on maternal food items are often healthy and affordable since they nutrition have indicated that maternal nutrition during early are produced locally. Women who possess this stages of pregnancy contribute more to pregnancy knowledge should be encouraged to share it with others, outcomes than later stages of pregnancy, identifying clear passing it down to younger generations, in support of implications for nutrition policy and programming . While sustainable diets. Nutrition programmes should foster exclusive breastfeeding is promoted for the first six such information exchange, where feasible. Income- months of life and continued breastfeeding promoted up generating activities and spending income on nutrition. to the first two years of life, breastfeeding places an While enhancing agricultural production is one lever used extra time and physical burden on women. In many cases, to address malnutrition, it does not automatically women do not receive support and/or time compensation improve nutrition. Agriculture also provides a source of to help them breastfeed their children, which may income to 70-80% of the people in developing countries, contribute to continued low levels of breastfeeding. Social who suffer from hunger. Improving nutrition empowers norms frequently exacerbate the situation with men (and people and helps them generate income given linkages sometimes male children) receiving preferential access between nutrition, cognitive development, educational to meat and other nutritious foods. This situation is further attainment and productivity. Some income-generating compounded if the mother is overburdened with tasks, activities are targeted to women, recognising that women poorly educated, in poor health, as her ability to provide tend to spend a larger portion of additional income and proper infant and young child feeding is compromised. other resources on household nutrition, health and Linkages have been observed between excessive education. physical activity during pregnancy and poor birth outcomes, namely increased risk of: preterm-deliveries, Conclusion small-for gestational age and low birth weight. Other Gender and nutrition have multiple dimensions and are landmark studies have shown that suboptimal maternal highly context-specific. Ideally, the pathway towards nutrition and poor infant and young child nutrition, starting improved food and nutrition security - for all - should be in pregnancy through the first two years of life, can lead a gender-equitable process. In recent years, to largely irreversible effects on growth and development, considerable progress has been made with regard to both physical and cognitive . prioritizing gender and nutrition in policies, programmes and projects though these efforts have largely treated Further evidence suggests that mothers experience gender and nutrition as two distinct topics. Greater difficulty meeting the increased energy (calories) required attention is needed for operationalising opportunities to of lactation when facing high physical demands (e.g. combine the two. The above recommendations are a manual labour in fields). For these reasons, targeting preliminary attempt to bridge these two areas in support women in nutrition programmes and activities is of gender-sensitive nutrition policies, programming and warranted. Local food culture and gender Food taboos, projects as a means to increasing nutritional impact. preferences and consumption patterns have an impact Nutrition can offer opportunities to address otherwise on the nutritional status and frequently have a gender sensitive issues regarding gender roles. Mainstreaming dimension. These factors should be addressed if they gender in nutrition within the field of agriculture is a critical hinder healthy dietary practices (e.g. the tendency of aspect of strengthening gender and nutrition linkages in women to eat smaller portions than other household recognition of their substantial contribution to agriculture members in some countries11). Likewise, there is often production and their central role in household food a gender dimension to the roles and responsibilities of collection, preservation/processing and preparation. food collection, preservation, preparation and distribution. Women play a key role in household food preservation/ The inclusion of gender-sensitive approaches in primary processing (e.g. solar-drying, soaking, fermentation, health care, water and sanitation, social protection and etc.), appealing to local tastes and preferences, which education are equally weigh, and may be achieved can also help smooth consumption during lean seasons through multiple entry points. Furthermore, and support nutrition gains (e.g. sustained consumption mainstreaming gender in nutrition offers opportunities of micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables). Their role in to integrate agriculture and health approaches. This will food preparation goes well beyond knowledge of recipes require increased collaboration and coordination between

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 243 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 and within organizations working in the field of gender asymmetries benefits the entire family. Equal access and nutrition so as to apply a holistic approach. to and control over assets raises agricultural output, increases investment in child education, improves visits Facilitating household logistics such as making to health facilities for infants, raises household food childcare services available at household and/or security, and accelerates child growth and development. community levels is critical, with increased accountability also needed between household members to achieve a Women’s contribution to food production, food more balanced distribution of reproductive tasks among preparation, and child care are critical underpinnings for men and women. Practical measures to work towards the social and economic development of communities, greater equality include livelihood support for women and yet efforts in this direction are hampered by malnutrition. girls, reducing women’s workloads, ensuring protection Furthermore, malnutrition in women contributes from gender-based violence and equitable access to significantly to growing rates of maternal deaths and is resources and services, and, more broadly, transforming directly related to negative nutritional status and growth gender relations. Specific measures are often required retardation in children. Maternal malnutrition has been to increase the limited opportunities women and girls linked to low birth weight, which in turn results in high may have in up scaling their livelihoods. Gender and infant morbidity and Nutrition and mortality rates, adding generational analysis – the study of the different roles, to health care costs and undermining the human needs, and priorities of women and men of different ages resource potential for an economy. It is also now clear and socio-economic groups – is therefore needed in each that foetal malnutrition harms health status in later life, specific context. In the case of conflicts, analysis is and in fact predisposes one to increased incidence of required of how gender relations shape the ways in which non communicable diseases. In addition, malnutrition women and girls engage in, are seek to resolve conflict. in mothers affect the quality of care giving they can offer In situations where rigid gender roles and highly unequal their children by reducing the meaningful mother-child relations exist between men and women in terms of interaction that is necessary for proper growth. decision-making and their access to resources, The list of legislations as well as types of discriminations knowledge and information, targeting women for or inequalities may go on but the real change will only productive activities requires specific strategies. come when the mentality of men will change; when the This can provide a way out of the vicious circle of poverty. male species of human beings would start treating Poor female nutrition early in life reduces learning women as equal and not subordinate or weaker to them. potential, increases reproductive and maternal health In fact not only men but women also need to change risks, and lowers productivity. This situation contributes their mindset as through cultural conditioning they have to women’s diminished ability to gain access to other also become part of the same exploitative system of assets later in life and undermines attempts to eliminate patriarchy and are playing a supportive role in furthering gender inequalities. In essence, women with poor nutrition men’s agenda of dominating women. are caught in a vicious circle of poverty and under nutrition. Therefore, what is needed is the movement for Women’s Women typically have limited access to land, education, empowerment where women can become economically information, credit, technology, and decision making forums. independent and self-reliant; where they can fight their When involved in formal employment, they typically own fears and go out in the world fearless; where they command lower remuneration rates than their male can snatch their rights from the clutches of men and colleagues, even when they hold the same skills. they don’t have to ask for them; where women have good Because of their triple burden of productive, reproductive, education, good career, ownership of property and above and social roles, women also tend to have less time to all where they have freedom of choice and also the attend to their own needs, leisure related or otherwise. freedom to make their own decisions without the Gender Inequality Is Bad for All Inequities in access to bondages of age old saying of Manu. and control of assets have severe consequences for Let’s hope and wish that our participative democracy, in women’s ability to provide food, care, and health and times to come, and with the efforts of both women and sanitation services to themselves, their husbands, and men, would be able to found solutions to the problem of their children, especially their female children. Women gender inequality and would take us all towards our with less influence or power within the household and cherished dream of a truly modern society in both thought community will be unable to guarantee fair food and action. In many countries in the world including India, distribution within the household. These women will also girls face a lot of issues. From female infanticide to have less ability to visit health clinics when their infants gender inequality to sexual abuse, there is no dearth of and children are sick and to spend time interacting with issues. To erase these menaces, there is need of their infants and other children. Any reduction in gender awareness on the importance of girl child and for the

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 244 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities same, every year on January 24 in India people celebrate References National Girl Child day. The main aim of the day to bring • Global Gender Gap Report to light the menaces faced by girls in our country and • A Nutrition Foundation for Development also to create awareness about the rights that every girl has in India. The day marks the significance of the • Nutrition Foundation for Gender Brief daughters of India and on this day people promote the • Rao, E. Krishna (2006), "Role of Women in importance of girl education, health and also to promote Agriculture: A Micro Level Study." Journal of Global how people should discourage sex selection. “We Economy, Vol 2 commend the 104 companies included in the 2018 GEI • “Global Gender Gap Report 2013”. World Economic for their efforts to create work environments that support Forum. Archived from the original on 31 March 2014. gender equality across a diverse range of industries," Retrieved 31 March 2014. said Peter T Grauer, chairman of Bloomberg and • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3): 2005-2006 founding chairman of the US 30% Club (the members of Government of India (2005) which aim to have women accounting for a third of their boards). "Their leadership sets an important example www.indiacelebrating.com/.../gender-inequality-in- that will help all organisations innovate and navigate the india growing demand for diverse and inclusive workplaces." agrilinks.org www.genderindex.org/country/indi The Global Gender Gap Report 2012 (www.indiacelebrating.com/.../gender-inequality-in- india).

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WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS AFFECTING FACTORS IN RURAL INDIA

B. M. Philomenamma1 Dr. G. Sudhakar2

Abstract Entrepreneurship is the core of economic development.The motto of this paper is to study how women in rural areas are facing challenges in entrepreneurship. In this regard, the paper gives information about the affecting variables and their impact on orientation and satisfaction. The proposed model and hypotheses were tested by using the data collected from boutiques, beauty parlors, carpet making units, and general stores in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh (India).The paths were created for evaluating the cause and effect of relationship between different factors viz., social, psychological, financial, push, pull factors, problems, and entrepreneurial orientation and satisfaction. The key finding of the paper is that all factors affect orientation highly as compared to satisfaction. The implications of research findings for researchers and practitioners are discussed and the suggestions have also been provided. Key Words: Women, Satisfaction, Rural India, Psychological Factors

Introduction confidence. Based on the interpretive phenomenological Entrepreneur is important factor of entrepreneurship and approach (IPA), this study explores different influencing present women are successful in entrepreneurship factors on women's work and family roles in the unique because they have desirable qualities for the Indian socio-economic and cultural environment. The entrepreneurship development.Entrepreneurship refers to methodology helped to analyze data about challenges set a new business to take advantage from new faced by women entrepreneurs to achieve work-life opportunities. It is a suitable profession for women than balance as well as to have an insight about some of the regular employment. Increased participation of women techniques and effective strategies they use to balance in the labor force creates challenges for them to balance work and family obligation. work and family obligations. The situation becomes more Literature Review: complicated in patriarchal societies such as India due to women's stereotypical domestic roles, religious The importance of female entrepreneurs: prescriptions as well as cultural norms and values. This In 2010, 104 million women in 59 economies which study aims to explore different influencing factors on represent more than 52% of the world's population and women's work and family roles in the unique Indian socio- 84% of world GDP embarked on new venture creation economic and cultural environment. Women are showing and development. These self-employed women comprise more interest towards the Entrepreneurship in present between 1.5% and 45.4% of the adult female population years than past. Women are having immense in their respective economies. Frequently, businesses development in their mind. With increasing dependency owned by women are privately owned and depend largely on services sectors, there are more opportunities for on the owner and her skills or competencies. women. During last twenty years, increasing number of Entrepreneurial competencies have been identified as a Indian women have entered into the field of specific group of competencies relevant to the exercise entrepreneurship and also they change the face of of successful entrepreneurship. Such entrepreneurship business. Women have been taking interest in recent is often associated with the survival and development of year in self business. In the process of small and new businesses. Interest in entrepreneurial Entrepreneurship, women have to face various problems competence derives from the supposed link between and these problems get doubled because of her dual competencies and the birth, survival and growth of a role as earner and homemakers. In India most of the venture. There is evidence to suggest that understanding homemakers want to start their own business but there of the competencies in small businesses will support is so many problems faced by them. They feel frustrated the development of competence, and, will, in turn, have in dual role. Govt. started several programmed for the consequences for successful business growth, in one training of women entrepreneurship. Training program of the few studies to examine a range of entrepreneurial create the interest among women and helpful to increase competencies in women, found evidence of the link the skills and also to build the social attitude, high between an entrepreneur's skills and venture

1. Research Scholar, Dept of Economics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Andhra Pradesh. 2. Principal, Dr. K.R.R.M. Degree College, Duggirala, AP.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 246 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities performance and growth.Most of the previous studies Widow 13 13 on the entrepreneurial competencies of female business owners have focussed on specific aspects of their Divorce 3 3 competencies or skills, and specifically consider Number of children women's competencies relative to those of their male None 12 12 counterparts. For example, there is evidence that women 1 26 26 business owners tend to feel that social adroitness and interpersonal skills are their strongest personal assets 2 < 2 44 40 .On the other hand, there is a considerable body of 22 22 research that suggests that women may be weaker in Income 47 47 financial skills than men More specifically, women Rs.1500-3500 38 38 frequently rate themselves as less competent in financial skills than do men In a review of the literature note that Rs. 3500-7000 20 20 there is a solid base of empirical research demonstrating <7000 that for the most part male and female business owners do differ in some fundamental ways with respect to their: ANALYSIS: • Social and human capital; Most of the women entrepreneurs 56% belong to the age group of 36 and above followed by the age group of • Motivations; 26-35 (29%) and 18-25 (24%) in that order. Hirsch and • Goals and success criteria; brush (1986) described the typical women entrepreneur • Growth orientations; to be about 35 years of age when she start her business. • Strategic choices; and It appears in this age due to the economic pressure. Demand and more leisure time as their children are • Use of financial capital. growing. 47%of women interviewed belong to the low Women business owners may be disadvantaged in their income level that is Rs 1500 -3500. And only 20% women access to various entrepreneurial capitals, given their are above Rs 7000. The data shows that economic needs personal backgrounds and employment experiences and are the essential factor for the women to enter into the the socio-economic and cultural context in which their entrepreneurship. On the other hand women with small businesses operate. Accordingly, there are grounds for families enter into this type of entrepreneurship. further exploration of the unique competencies exercised Educational status does not influence women in seeking by female entrepreneurs. Indeed, recent reviews of the this type of entrepreneurship. Majority in this was 44% literature have acknowledged that many gaps exist in which are belong to only SSC passed women. Only 9% the knowledge regarding female entrepreneurs and their women were illiterate which very low % in total is. 23% businesses. Relevant to this study, there is a distinct were only intermediate and 27% were only graduate. gap in the understanding of competencies in female The data shows that only 3% women were post graduate, entrepreneurial businesses. it means that higher education does not affect the interest TABLE- 1: WOMEN ECONOMIC PROFILE of women in this field. The data shows that married women have more interest in the women Age in years Number of women (n) Percentage (100%) entrepreneurship. Highest 71% women are involved in 18 - 25 24 24 the business because they need more financial support than unmarried and others. Only 9% women interviewed 26 - 35 29 29 that they are unmarried. Widow women also want to < 35 56 56 start their own business. But only 15% women Education interviewed that they are widow. This shows that married Illiterates 9 9 women take more risk in starting new business. No. of children also affect the women entrepreneurship. In the SSC 44 44 collection of data only 8% women interviewed that they Intermediates 23 23 have no children. 26% women interviewed that they have Degree 27 27 only one child. Most of the women interviewed that they Post graduate 3 3 have two children that is 44%women.Only 22% women interviewed that they have more than two children. This Marital status data shows that the single women have no interest in Unmarried 7 7 the entrepreneurship. The maximum interest by those Married 74 74 women who are married and have child.

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TABLE NO. 2: TIME SPENT FOR THEIR BUSINESS 2. Some women need the support from the financial institution. No. of hours Number of Women(n) 100(%) 3. The product must fit the need through bottom up 2-4 hrs 18 18 approach. 5-7 hrs 57 57 4. Public speaking scheme also provided by the govt. 8-9 hrs 29 29 to the women entrepreneurs 5. Some women need some technical training. <9 hrs 5 5 6. Make a social culture relation.

Women entrepreneurship also affects the no. of hours CONCLUSION devoted in the business.In the study of data we find that Women entrepreneurs are facing many problems in all only 57% women are working for 5-7 hrs.18% women aspects of financial, marketing, health, family, and problems. have only 2-4 hrs for their business. They have their Some guidelines should be given by the Government house work and burden of the family work. They have and the financial institution to the women entrepreneur less support from their family. May be they lives in a at time to time. What women need for enterprises little separate family. Only 29% women gave 8-9 hrs to their training, some financial support and motivation at all business and they have huge family support and levels-home, the society and the Government. Its hope husband support. In the study we find that there are that suggestion forwarded in the article will help the only 5% women who are totally devoted to their entrepreneurs in particular to look this problems and business. For the women it is impossible to give more develop better schemes by the government. hours to the business in the serrate family and unsupported family. Apart from these aspects others REFERENCES problems like finance, marketing, health, family and • Research on women entrepreneurs: challenges to (and location were some more areas where the women faced from) the broader entrepreneurship literature?JE Jennings, problems in the new ventures. They also need a training CG Brush - Academy of Management Annals, 2013 of managerial and technical skills. • Attributes, environment factors and women FINDINGS: entrepreneurial activity: A literature review I Ekpe, N Mat, RC Razak - Asian Social Science, 2011 These results show that among other motivational people to start their own businesses, achieving work-life balance • Levie, J. and Hart, M. (2012), “Global Entrepreneurship is one of the most significant ones. Their own businesses Report United Kingdom 2011”, Monitoring Report, give more flexibility, control and freedom to juggle with Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, Aston. their family and social responsibilities.Four main clusters • Hart, M. and Levie, J. (2010), “Global of competencies were identified: personal and Entrepreneurship Monitor: United Kingdom 2010 relationship, business and management, entrepreneurial, Monitoring Report”, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, and human relations competencies. Whilst previous Aston, Jennings, J.E. and Cash, M.P. (2006). research on the competencies of entrepreneurs has • “Women's entrepreneurship in Canada: progress, identified the two clusters of business and management, puzzles and priorities”, in Brush, C.G., Carter, N.M., and entrepreneurial competencies, the competencies in Gatewood, E.J., Greene, P.G. and Hart, M.M. (Eds), the other two clusters have received less attention and Growth-oriented Women Entrepreneurs and their have not been identified as clusters. Arguably, Businesses, Edward Elgar, Northampton, MA, pp. competencies in these clusters are valued more highly 53-87. by female entrepreneurs than by their male counterparts. • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Lack of sufficient time, gender bias, social and cultural (2010), “Accelerating recovery: promoting the SME norms as well as family responsibilities are the most sector's role in rebuilding prosperity in the UK. significant challenges women face to achieve balance in a patriarchal society. Strategic planning, organizing • Man, T.W.Y. and Lau, T. (2005), “The context of and delegating are the most effective strategies women entrepreneurship in Hong Kong: an investigation use to cope with competing roles of work and family. through the patterns of entrepreneurial competencies in contrasting industrial environments”, Journal of SUGGESTIONS Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. There is some suggestion for promotion of the women 12 No. 4, pp. 464-81. entrepreneurship to keep in mind the present study. • Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2003), 1. Need of Pre –entrepreneurial training to the women Research Methods for Business Students, 3rd ed., entrepreneur. Prentice Hall, London.

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DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR’S VISION TOWARDS THE EMPOWERMENT OF INDIAN WOMEN

M.Rambabu1

Abstract In ancient India, women enjoyed a very high position but gradually their position degenerated into merely objects of pleasure meant to serve certain purpose. They lost their individual identity and even their basic human right. In the name of sanskaras, the Hindu women are tied to bandages of superstitions, which they carry till their death. That is why Dr. Ambedkar, the father and architect of Indian Constitution, was of the firm opinion that until and unless, we defy the Hindu Dharma – Shastras, nothing much can be changed. The operations of caste both at the systematic level and at the functioning of patriarchy, the growing caste divide in feminist political discovers makes Ambedkar’s view on women’s oppression, social democracy, caste and Hindu social order and philosophy, significant to modern Indian feminist thinking. He believes that Buddha treated women with respect and love and never tried to degrade them like Manuscripts did; He taught women Buddha Dharma and religious philosophy. Ambedkar cites women like vishakha, Amrapali, Gautami Rani Mallike, Queen of Prasenajjth who approached Buddha, as evidences of Buddha’s treatment of women as equals. Hence, for Indian women’s movement Ambedkar provides a powerful source of inspiration to formulate a feminist political agenda which simultaneously addresses the issues of caste, class and gender in the contemporary sociopolitical setup.Ambedkar created awareness among poor, illiterate women and inspired them to fight against the unjust and social practices like child marriages and devdasi system. Dr. Ambedkar tried an adequate inclusion of women’s right in the political vocabulary and constitution of India. He also insisted and evoked all the parliamentary members to help to pass the bill in parliament. Present paper deeply discussed about Dr.B.R.Ambedkar’s vision, views on the empowerment of Indian women in present scenario. Key words: Women Empowerment, Hindu code bill, perfect equality, Social justice, Hindu Social order, Women problems, Indian Constitution.

Introduction to animals and put to the lowest rug of humanity. Dr. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a saviour of the Babasaheb Ambedkar fought for tooth and nail for suppressed classes, a noted jurist, the chief architect woman's economics liberation and for securing woman's of Indian constitution a profound scholar, a daring leader, social rights, He stressed the need to safeguard the overall a multifaceted personality an intellectual dignity and to respect the modesty of the women folk. revolutionary, a ray of hope for the downtrodden and He studied extensively the Hindu Shastras and Smritis underprivileged section of Indian society but also worked to find out the root cause of degraded status of women tirelessly throughout his life to challenge the legitimacy in India. He started his movements in 1920 raised his of orthodox Hindu social order that upheld iniquitous voice against the Hindu social order and social system gender relations in an institutionalized manner.Dr. through renowned journal Mook Nayak in (1920) and Babasaheb Ambedkar was observed in several roles as Bahishkrit Bharat in 1927. The content of all issues used a noted scholar,teacher, lawyer, parliamentarian, to be on gender equality, women education and exposed administrator, journalist publicist, negotiator agitations the problems related to women and other depressed leader and devote (MoonVasant-1991). Dr. Babasaheb class. He strongly advocates for family planning Ambedkar acquired deep knowledge in every field of measures for women in Bombay Legislative Assembly. human activity to become a founder of his own And equal opportunity and equal share with their male independent ideology. He was trained as a social counterpart in Indian Society. scientist, social progress and social stability depended Objectives of the study: on equity. According to Dr. Babasaheb no caste, no inequality and no superiority all are equal that is what 1. To study about Dr,\.B.R.Ambedkar’s views and vision stood for. Literature survey reveals that from ancient time towards the empowerment of Indian women. women in our land were not given proper treatment. Her 2. To identify the relevance of his modern democratic societal positioning was never at par with men. She was ideas in present and social scenario of India. not given even the basic rights. They were even equated

1. Asst. prof. Department of Economics, Sri Aravinda Shatajayanti Govt. Degree College, Narayanapuram, West Godavari Dist, AP.

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Methodology: The secondary sources of data were Ramabai,Dr. Babasaheb wife as its president. Along with used for this study. These are collected from from Internet, the depressed classes conference in Nagpur in 1930 published papers, books, proceedings and speeches of women also had their separate conference. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar in various meetings in parliament, In the Kalaram temple entry satyagrahas at Nasik in various conferences and meetings in pre and post 1930, five hundred women participated and many of them independent India. were arrested along with men and ill treated in jails. The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's approach to women's encouragement of Babasaheb to empower women to empowerment was entirely different from other social speak boldly was seen when Radhabai Vadale reformers like Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Rajaram Mohan addressed a press conference in 1931. She said “It is Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and Mahatma Gandhi been to die a hundred times than live a life full of who tried to reform the Hindu Society of certain outdated humiliation. We will sacrifice our lives but we will win customs and practices without questioning the our rights. The credit for this self-respect and firm hierarchical social order. He believed that society should determinations of women goes to Dr. Babasaheb. be based on reason and not on atrocious tradition of Dr Babasaheb believed in the strength of women and caste system therefore, in order to reconstruct Hindu their roles in the process of social reforms. The historic Society along modern democratic ideas of liberty, Mahad satyagrahas witnessed participation of three equality and fraternity and his mission was to challenge hundred women along with their male counterparts. the ideological foundations of graded system of caste Addressing another meeting of about 3000 women, Dr. hierarchy that denied equality, freedom and human dignity Babasaheb said, I measure the progress of community to women in Hindu Society. He suggested in “The by the degree of progress which women had achieved. Annihilation of Caste System”, that Hindu mind should Let every girl who marries stand by her husband, claim be purged from the thralldom of the shastras.Dr. to be her husband's friend and equal and refuse to be Babasaheb Ambedkar's perception on Women's problem his slave. I am sure if you follow this advice you will emphasized on women's right to education right to bring honor and glory to yourselves. The credit for property, involvement in the political process, gender inculcation self-respect and firm determination in women equality which resembled with the global feminist goes to Dr. Babasaheb. demand. He started his movement in 1920 and believed in the strength of women and their role in the process of He strongly advocated for family planning measures for Social reform and progress of the society which can be women in Bombay Legislative Assembly. In 1942 being achieved by accelerating male educations persuaded a labor minister of executive council of Governor General side by side with female education. To strengthen his introduced a maternity benefit bills and provided several movement he started his owned newspaper Mook Nayak provisions in the constitution for projecting the welfare in 1920 and Bahishkrit Bharat 1927 to upgrade the social and civil rights of the women. The presence of 25,000 status and to motivate women to participate in social women in All Indian Dalit Mahila Conference on 20th reform movements against social evils and demanded July 1942 pleased Dr. Babasaheb with their awaking and for their socio-economic rights. In the same year in March activities. Gaining inspiration from Dr. Babasaheb many 1927, Dr. Babasaheb launched Mahad Satyagrahas in women wrote on various topics like planning Buddhist this historic march thousands of Men/Women were philosophy plays, and autobiographies also participated accompanied to assert their rights to take water from in satyagrahas. Tulsabai Bansode started a newspaper Chawdar tank at Mahad. The movement was to liberate this was the awareness created among poor, illiterate society from out worn traditions and evil customs women and inspired them to fight against the unjust imposed ruthlessly and upheld religiously by a vast social practices like child marriages and devdasi society up to its weaker and helpless constituent and system.Dr. Babasaheb spent his life into for the to restore human rights and dignity to them. betterment of women even involved in bad practices and professionals like prostitutions. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar made a bonfire of Manusmriti in presence of more than fifty women in the conference The Preamble of Indian constitution guarantees of depressed classes held at Mahad on 25th December social and economic justice to Women and that 1927. At the end of the conference he addressed about are because of Ambedkar contribution. In the three thousand women in a meeting which was first of preamble it is mentioned: its kind in modern India and urged them to dress well i. Social, economic and political justice, and live a clean life, do not feed spouse and sons if they are drunk, send your children to schools. Education is ii. Freedom of thought, expression, belief, faith and necessary for females as it is for males The women's worship, association was established in January 1928 and iii. Equality of status and opportunity and

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 250 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities iv. Fraternity assuring dignity of the individual and emancipation. Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 was national unity to all the citizens of India without any amended in 1976 made the following provisions for discrimination of caste, creed or sex. In Indian women: Constitution, there are few articles exist that help 1. The legitimization of illegitimate children (Sec.16). the women of Indian Society to improve their position 2. Punishment-bigamy (Sec.26). and to compete with their male counterparts. For example 3. Custody of children (Sec. 26). 4. Marriageable age of females rose to 18 years. Article14 – All are equal in the eyes of law and equally protected by the law. It means equal rights and 5. Provision for alimony (Sec. 25). The Act abolishes opportunities in political, economic and social spheres. the difference between a maiden and a widow. Article 15 prohibits discrimination on the ground of sex. Ambedkars defence for women as the law minister of Article 15(3) enables positive discrimination in favor of free India appeared in the form of Hindu Code Bill in women. parliament on 11thApril 1947. He, by codifying Hindu Law in respect of marriage, divorce and succession, Article 16 mentions there shall be equality of opportunity rationalized and restored the dignity to women. Prior to for all citizens in matters relating to employment or the Hindu Succession Act, 1956 and Hindu Marriage appointment to any office without any discrimination on Act, 1955, the Hindu Law was un-codified in a large the basis of religion, caste, creed and sex. measure, though Hindu Women's Right to Property Act, Article 24 prohibits the employment of children below 1937 was the subject of legislative intervention. The the age of 14 years in factories, mines or in any other Sharda Act is also worth mentioning. It has set the seal hazardous employment. of authority upon that piece of social reforms, which the Article 39 and 39(d) state Equal means of livelihood and heads of orthodoxy were, imposing and impending. In equal pay for equal Work. As per article 41 the state Hindu Code Bill, the principles of codification covered: shall guarantee within its economic limits to all the i. Right to property, citizens, the right to work, to education and public ii. Order of succession to property, assistance in certain cases. iii. Maintenance, marriage, divorce, adoption, minority Article 42 the state makes provision for Human and guardianship. The Bill was a part of social conditions of work and maternity relief. engineering. It was really a first step towards the Under article 44, the state provides a uniform Civil Code recognition and empowerment of women in India. to all the citizens throughout the territory of India. Under these revolutionary measures, a woman will have property in her own right and be able to dispose Article 46 – The state to promote with special care, the of her property. A debate on this bill continued for educational and economic interests of weaker section more than four years and still remains inconclusive. of people and to protect them from social injustice and In the words of Dr. Ambedkar, “It was killed and died all forms of exploitation. Article 47 – The state to raise unset and unsung”. Here once again, the orthodoxy the level of nutrition and standard of living of its people prevailed upon the reforms. He felt that the and the improvement of public health and so on. government led by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru was not Article 51 (A) (C) – Fundamental duties to renounce eager to clear the Hindu Code Bill. He, therefore, practices, derogatory to the dignity of women. tendered his resignation but continued to participate Article 243D (3), 243T (3) & 243R (4) provides for in the Parliamentary debates on the request of the allocation of seats in the Panchayati Raj System. Prime Minister. Later, the original Bill split into four Ambedkar not only ascertain constitutional guarantees different Bills with slight changes. Those were passed to women but also introduced and got passed four Acts as The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955; The Hindu which strengthened the position of women in the society. Succession Act, 1956; The Hindu Minority and These were incorporated in the Hindu Code Bill. These Guardianship Act, 1956; and The Hindu Adoption and are: Maintenance Act, 1956. i. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. ii.The Hindu Conclusion: Succession Act, 1956.iii) The Hindu Minority and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was a path-maker of all the Guardianship Act, 1956. iv).The Adoption and women irrespective of religion, caste, creed, gender and Maintenance Act, 1956. If we look at the provisions brought a new trend for uprising the women through his of those Acts, we can easily make out that Ambedkar thoughts and beliefs. Along with women all the people was a great thinker of women rights and of India should be proud for the tremendous and

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 251 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 everlasting steps for the empowerment of women in • M Sampath Kumar (2015) Social Ideology of Dr.B R Indian society carried by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. He Ambedkar- A Study. Historical Research Letters, also talked about the Muslim women about wearing veil, Vol 17.pp 43-46 their religious traditions and marriages and fought against • S Mohammad Azaad (2013) Dr.Ambedkar and Gender all kinds of discrimination against women throughout his Equality. Proceedings of Third International whole life. But still discrimination against women in Indian Symposium (SEUSL) pp 117-121 society is overlooked. So it is a duty of every Indian to • Satyajit Das (2015) Ambedkar and Women rights: fulfill the dreams of Ambedkar for a better life world of An Analysis. International Journal of Interdisciplinary women. It may also be mentioned here that the and Multidisciplinary Studies.(IRJIMS) Vol I, Issue term,”Social Justice” will not be exercised properly if Ipp191-195. the people of India should not be able to change their attitudes specially towards women, SCs, STs and other • Sanjeev Kumar (2015) Women Empowerment in India weaker section of the society. In the era of globalization and Dr.B R Ambedkar. International Journal in many Multi National Companies (MNC) are searching Commerce, IT and Social Sciences. (IJCISS). Vol 2, for merit for the smooth running of the functions of their issue 05 pp71-77. companies. In that context, to prevail social justice in • More, Vijay G (2011) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s the society, the companies should work within the Contribution for Women’s Rights?, Variorum, Multi- constitutional framework and the concerned state Disciplinary e-Research Journal Vol.-02, Issue-I, pp government or central government should make rules, 1-8 regulation for the engagement and involvement of people • Kavita Kait (2013) Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Role in from different categories so as to ensure social justice. Women Empowerment: Legal Articles 2013. (Women So that society would be based on equality and equal Issue). opportunity and the dreams of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar • Bharati, T (1992) Ambedkar and Uplift of Women?, would be fulfilled. Keeping in mind the importance of published in an edited book “Ambedkar and Social Ambedkar's views towards Indian society, the then prime Justice-Volume II”, pp 264 (1992) minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said, “Dr. • Babasaheb Ambedkar was a symbol of revolt against all Singariya M.R (2014) Dr B R Ambedkar and Women oppressive features of Hindu society”. In present scenario Empowerment in India?, Quest Journals Journal of the Indian women have progressed a lot in various parts Research in Humanities and Social Science, Volume of their life although they are still suffering from various 2~ Issue 1, pp 1-4. social evils like dowry, eve teasing, rape etc. It is a fact • Gunjal V.R (2012) Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and that in the glorious development of Indian society, the Women Empowerment, Social Work, Vol. XI (1), pp Indian women have march forward to the developmental 84-85. process and somewhere treated equally with their male • Godbole Mahendra Tukaram (2015) An Overview of counterparts but it is yet to be realized by the people of Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji India that women should have given the equal rights and Ambedkar’s Writings and Revolutionary Social opportunity with men so as to establish a shining India Change in Modern India. International Journal of Social where women can live freely and equally irrespective of Science and Humanities Research. Vol. 3, Issue 2, religion, caste, creed, gender etc. I would like to conclude pp: 586-590 here by quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's slogan on Unity, • Ambedkar, B.R (1987) Women and Counter Education and Agitation. “Unity is meaningless without Revolution” Riddles of Hindu Women” in Dr. the accompaniment of women. Education is fruit-less Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches, Vol. without educated women, and Agitation is incomplete 3, Department of Education, Govt. of Maharashtra. without the strength of women” • Government of India: ( 2001 ) “The National Policy for References: the Empowerment Of Women 2001”, Department of • Barnwal, Bijay K (201) Dr.Ambedkar’s Quest for Women and Child Development, Ministry of Human Gender Equality its Relevance in Contemporary Resource Development, New Delhi, International Feminist Discourse?, Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal, {Bi-Monthly}, Volume-IV, Issue-II, • Moon Vasant (1991)Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches”, Govt. of Maharashtra, Vol 16, Bombay Dept of Education .p 47

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THE ROLE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

B. Peera Kumar1

Abstract The role of women entrepreneurs has changed over the years in the world. Participation and their importance have been commendable in the country’s economic growth and development. India has also supported many women entrepreneurs by providing loans and advances, helping them to establish their business, making them self sufficient by providing vocational skills, and creating many jobs for other women in the respective areas. These opportunities are need based in India, and many factors are driving these forces. This paper unfolds the significance of women entrepreneurship and also focuses the role of women entrepreneurs in the Indian economy and also their contributions to the economic development. Various broader objectives like growth with equity can be achieved by enabling the development of women entrepreneurship. Key words: Women Entrepreneurship, Role in Indian economy, Economic Development, Reasons for women becoming entrepreneurs, Challenges faced by women entrepreneurship.

Introduction interest of 51 per cent of the capital and giving at least The women of modern India has explicated in making a 51 per cent of the employment generated in the separate identity for herself. She now plays a very crucial enterprise to women. Women entrepreneurs engaged in role in the society. Whether it is in career development business due to push and pull factors which encourage or in the development of women empowerment, the women to have an independent occupation and stands woman is emerging as leader with potential. Indian on their own legs. A sense towards independent decision- women rank top in the list of numbers of professionally making on their life and career is the motivational factor qualified women. Women play different roles in society. behind this urge. Saddled with household chores and She is in the fields of politics, sports, literature, banks, domestic responsibilities women want to get entrepreneurs, Ngoc’s etc. The entry of women into independence. Under the influence of these factors the business in India is traced out as an extension of their women entrepreneurs choose a profession as a kitchen activities mainly 3 P’s Pickle, Powder and Pap challenge and as an urge to do something new. Such a pad. But with the spread of education and passage of situation is described as pull factors. While in push time women started shifting from 3 P’s to 3 E’s i.e. factors women engaged in business activities due to family Energy, Electronics and Engineering. Skill, Knowledge compulsion and the responsibility is thrust upon them. and adaptability in business are the main reasons for Objectives Of The Study: women to emerge into business ventures. Women entrepreneurship is both about women’s position in the 1. To study the role of women entrepreneurs in the society and about the role of entrepreneurship in the economic development of India. same society. Women entrepreneurs face many 2. To study the challenges faced by the women obstacles, specifically in marketing their product entrepreneurs. including family responsibilities that have to be overcome 3. To study the factors responsible for the success of in order to give them access to the same opportunities the Women Empowerment. as men. Materials And Methods: Concept of Women Entrepreneurs This is a theoretical research paper, where secondary Women Entrepreneurs may be defined as the women information produced by different authors and researchers or a group of women who initiate, organize and operate has been used. For obtaining necessary information, a business enterprise. The Government of India has various books, journals as well as websites have been defined women entrepreneurs as an enterprise owned explored by the researcher which has been mentioned and controlled by women having a minimum financial in the reference section.

1. Scholar, Dept. of Economics, V.S. University, SPSR Nellore, AP.

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Reasons For Women Becoming Entrepreneurs: The glass ceilings are shattered and women are found indulged in every line of business. Skill, knowledge and adaptability in business are the main reasons for women to emerge into business ventures. The following flow chart shows the reasons for women becoming entrepreneurs

Self indentity and social status innovative Education thinking and qualification

New challenges and Support of opportu nities for family members sel’ fulfillment

Employment Role model generation Reasons to others Women Become Entrepreneurs

Freedom to take Success stories own decision and of friends be independent and relatives

Government Bright future of policies thier wards and procedures

Need for Family occupation additional income

Flow chart : 1

Contributions Of Women Entrepreneurs: The role of women in the economic development of the nation cannot be neglected. In fact they have to be encouraged and motivated to take active part in any business activity. Women occupy a larger share of the informal economy and also in the micro and small enterprise sector in India. The acceleration of economic growth requires an increased supply of women entrepreneurs. Women entrepreneurs play the role of change makers both in the family and also in the society and inspire other members of the society to take up such activities. Women entrepreneurs are assets of the nation as they are engaged in certain productive activity and also the create job opportunities for others. This leads to poverty reduction and minimizing the problem of unemployment. 1. GENERATION OF EMPLOYMENT: Entrepreneurial activities give rise to employment opportunities. The women entrepreneurs become the job creators and not job seekers. Naturally the economic growth will be accelerated by generating employment. 2. IMPROVEMENT IN PER CAPITA INCOME: The exploitation of the opportunities to convert the idle resources like land, labour and capital in to national income and wealth in the form of goods and services is the outcome

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of increasing entrepreneurial activities. The per capita the catalyst of development and with them we prosper, income and the net national product will be increased but without them we are poor. Time went out when Indian resultantly. women are confined to four walls of their homes with their immense strength and potential. Now they are the 3. CAPITAL FORMATION: An economy grows rapidly important part of economic development. Women if the idle savings are invested in some productive perform an important role in building the real backbone activities. The idle funds mobilized and invested in of a nation’s economy. National development will be the industry and thus optimum utilization of national sluggish, if the economic engine operates only at half resources is done. This phenomenon of capital power. There is considerable entrepreneurial talent formation accelerates the economic growth. among women. Many women‘s domestic skills such as 4. BALANCED REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: The people and time management and household budgeting regional development of the nation is balanced as are directly transferable in the business context. Women the women mostly start their business activities in have the ability to balance different tasks and priorities the rural and underdeveloped regions. Government and tend to find satisfaction and success in and from also encourages the entrepreneurs to start building relationships with customers and employees, businesses in these areas through different schemes in having control of their own destiny, and in doing and subsidies. something that they consider worthwhile. The process 5. IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD OF LIVING: Various of economic development would be incomplete and products are produced by the women in their small lopsided, unless women are fully involved in it. The scale businesses, which are offered to the people at highest national priority must be for the unleashing of reasonable rates. New products are introduced and woman power which is the single most important source the scarcity of essential commodities is removed. of societal energy. Emancipation of women is an This facilitates the improvement in standard of living. essential prerequisite for economic development and social progress of the nations. 6. INNOVATIONS: Innovation is the key of entrepreneurship. Women entrepreneurs are transforming families and society, besides making contributions to business development. Women are more likely to reinvest their profits in education, their family and their community. Despite of all these contributions, today we find that rate of women entrepreneurs is very low. Government and non government agencies also have recognized their contributions and have paid increasing attention towards the empowerment of women entrepreneurs. Although the women are entering into the field of enterprise at lower speed, we see various women successfully running their Fig. 2 businesses both in domestic markets and also international markets. Economic Development:

Fig. 1 Fig. 3 Women have been regarded as the nuclei of nation and builder and molder of its destiny. It is fact that, when Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurship: there is development of women, family develops, the Women have to face various problems in both the cases society develops and the country develops. They are while entering into any entrepreneurial activity and also

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 255 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 while they are continuing with their business. No doubt these days when women work in space research even men entrepreneurs also have to face challenges centres. Ours is a patriarchal society which pampers but being a woman’ or the womanhood has created the male ego and whims. In this scenario, a woman certain challenges which the women have to face taking up entrepreneurial activity is a distant dream. exclusively. The other challenges faced by women are those which are common to both men and women entrepreneurs. 1. CONFLICTS BETWEEN DOMESTIC AND Shortage of finance, marketing problem, shortage of ENTREPRENEURIAL COMMITMENTS: A woman raw material, stiff competition, high cost of primarily has to look after the domestic work. Her production, limited managerial ability, lack of family obligations are obstacles for her most of the entrepreneurial training, etc are the various challenges times for conducting her entrepreneurial activities. faced by women entrepreneurs. Her responsibilities towards her children and the old members and family as whole, results in very little Suggestions - Overcome The Challenges: time left for her to engage herself in any business There is no doubt; women have to come forward to start activity. up the enterprise. But she needs a little support in the 2. GENDER GAPS IN EDUCATION: In many families initial stages of setting up the business. in India girls/women are avoided to go to schools 1. EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: The negative social and colleges due to various reasons. The family attitude of the society can be changed by conducting members stop their education at different levels before different awareness programs and educate the women graduation, thus the question of higher education and also the society regarding the fruits of women doesn‘t come into picture. There is a lack of indulging in the entrepreneurial activities. Women combination of education, vocational courses and also should be made aware of the importance of other courses necessary for taking up any education, different vocational courses, so that they entrepreneurial activity. can make up their mind for starting enterprise. 3. NOT BEING TAKEN SERIOUSLY: Women who take 2. PLANNING: Women should never enter into any up any business are not taken seriously. The people business without proper planning. They have to create around her feel that it is her hobby or any side project appropriate strategies. A blue print of the activities to to her family duties. Women‘s opinions and advice be undertaken should be prepared which will specify are not always viewed as expert compared to a man‘s the product, service, the target customers, the mode opinion. of financing and the way the business will be 4. FEAR OF TAKING RISKS: Women are considered undertaken on daily basis. This will give a proper idea as being more afraid of taking risks and moving to the woman entrepreneur of her responsibilities and forward. Women are more comfortable in their safe her commitments. zone. They are afraid of moving out of their comfort 3. TRAINING FACILITIES: Women lack different skills zones. This fear may be fear of failure, fear of success, like the managerial skills, communication skills, fear of being their own. language problems, etc. Various training programs 5. WANTING TO PLEASE EVERYONE: Women, right can be developed so that the women take full from their childhood, are taught to be nice with advantage and confidently engage themselves into everyone. They are taught to say Yes ‘always and any business activity. please everyone and due to this woman are taken for 4. FINANCE CELLS: Finance cells should be opened granted many a times. They feel difficult to say no to so that the women entrepreneurs will get finance and anyone who may be at the cost of their needs, also appropriate guidance regarding the financial business or otherwise. schemes available to them. 6. WANTING TO BE PERFECT IN ALL TASKS: 5. TEAM BUILDING: The woman entrepreneur has to Women want to be always perfect in all the tasks forget the fact that she is the only person who will do may it be in their personal life or their professional the particular task perfectly. She should have a team, life. They feel that they’ are the best ones who can the members of which have different skills and perform any task in front of her perfectly. This makes strengths and the women should be able to coordinate them poor in delegation of authority which may be with the team and thus bring out all the strengths an obstacle for their success in their business. and skills in the members for the success of the 7. PATRIARCHAL SOCIETY: Women do not get equal business. treatment in this male dominated society even in

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6. AVOIDING TO GET TOO CLOSE WITH THE minimize her weaknesses. This will be certainly being a EMPLOYEES: Women, naturally, are family oriented. mantra for her to develop and grow her business They are attached to anybody as if he/she is that successfully. woman‘s family member. She gets too close to her employees which will make her difficult many a times Reference: to maintain professional relationship with them. Thus • https://scmspune.ac.in/chapter/pdf/ the women should be able to be professional and Chapter%2010.pdf practical always and be informal at some times. • http://www.ijstm.com/images/short_pdf/ 1459447053_1204B.pdf Conclusion: • http://www.gnlu.ac.in/bc/ According to the above information we can say that there BI_Weekly%20Column%20- is direct relationship between the economic growth, %205_Shrut_Brahmbhatt.pdf poverty reduction and women entrepreneurship. It has been correctly stated by our first Prime Minister Pandit • https://www.ripublication.com/gjfm-spl/ Jawaharlal Nehru, that when women move forward, the gjfmv6n5_14.pdf family moves, the village moves and the nation moves. • https://www.msm.nl/the-role-of-womens- The above discussion reveals that though women entrepreneurship-in-society-and-economic- entrepreneurs are gaining recognition recently, still there development/ is a long way they have to go. The transition from • http://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbm/papers/Vol13-issue1/ homemaker to women entrepreneur is not so easy and B01310712.pdf in the same way it is also difficult for a woman to succeed • ata.conferenceworld.in/BHIMA/P1099-1107.pdf and sustain in her business. She has to learn from her • experiences, adapt herself and overcome the challenges https://insightssikhiri.wordpress.com/2015/07/22/ in her field. She has to creatively utilize her strengths to women-empowerment-through-women- overcome the threats and grab all the opportunities to entrepreneurship-economic-growth/ • http://ijar.org.in/stuff/issues/v2-i2(8)/v2-i2(8)-a007.pdf

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MOTIVATIONAL FACTORS FOR PROMOTING WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP-EVIDENCE FROM EMPIRICAL STUDIES

Siva Krishna Golla1

Abstract Women entrepreneurship has been recognised as an important source of economic growth across the nations. Women entrepreneurs play extremely significant role of the global expedition for economic development in India. However, they still represent a minority of all entrepreneurs. Looking into the reason of the minority representation, this study aims at determining the factors affecting the motivation of Women to become Entrepreneurs. Motivation is the set of forces that initiate behavior and determine its form, direction, intensity and duration. Women are motivated into business by different factors. This paper is wholly based on the secondary data obtained from thefindings of five empirical studies carried out in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and North Western India and from various publications of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).The article covers two parts: (i) analysis of two main aspects of women entrepreneurship based on the findings of five empirical studies carried out in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and North Western India. (ii) Few observations regarding Schemes with Focus on Woman Entrepreneurs. The aspects covered are: (i) socio-demographic attributes of women entrepreneurs; (ii) factors influencing the motivation of women to become entrepreneurs; the proposition is accelerating the pace of women entrepreneurship is essential for broad-basing entrepreneurship in various sectors of the economy. For facilitating this, it is important to understand the prerequisites and guidelines for developing entrepreneurial qualities among the females. The evidence from empirical studies presented in the paper can serve as the basis for formulating strategies for the future, and supporting entrepreneurship among females in a sustained manner. Key words: Woman Entrepreneurs,Entrepreneurship, Economy, Schemes and strategies

Introduction entrepreneurs in proprietary concerns or other forms of Women entrepreneurs, as persons who have shown organisation, and in which she / they individually or jointly enterprise, having an eye for opportunity, willingness to have a share capital of not less than 51 per cent as take risk, a commercial acumen, and through their partners / shareholders / directors of a private limited enterprising skills and innovativeness generate company / members of a cooperative society. employment for others, and create wealth, have set a Percentage of women employed in the enterprise new trend in the country in the efforts directed at stipulated earlier, has since been dropped. The entrepreneurship development in varied walks of life, in components of this definition can be extended to other particular in industry, service and business in the small sectors as well where women’s participation is and medium enterprise (SME) sector. It was the Industrial significant. In about two decades time, women Policy Resolution of 1978, which recognised women entrepreneurs not only entered business in a small way entrepreneurs as a special group, needing assistance but ventured into starting and managing large enterprises and support, as a sequel to the Declaration of on professional lines, and have been able to sustain and International Decade for Women between 1976 and 1985, survive in the competitive environment. Among the and the International Conference on Women numerous areas of operation that women have entered Entrepreneurs held at New Delhi in 1984. through self-employment, mention may be made of education and training, information technology sector, The year 2000 was declared as the Year of Empowerment health services, real estate development, tourism, of Women in India, and National Policy for Empowerment services sector, housekeeping, travel services, of Women was formally announced in the country in organising conventions and trade fairs, and consultancy 2001. The definition of women entrepreneur-promoted services. enterprise announced in 1978 was modified in the Small and Tiny Enterprises Policy of 1991. A women Women in business in the entrepreneurial role have been entrepreneur-promoted enterprise is defined as a micro, inadequately researched in the country, though a number small or medium (MSM) manufacturing or service of studies have been conducted in recent years on a enterprise, managed by one or more women few aspects. Some of the aspects on which studies have

1. Scholar, School of Economics, University of Hyderabad. AP.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 258 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities been conducted so far relate factors influencing the Study, examined the opportunities, performance, and motivation of women to become entrepreneurs and problems of women- promoted enterprises. Analysis experiences of work-home role conflict. of the socio-demographic profile of women entrepreneurs covers the following aspects. Maximum Evidence From Empirical Studies number of respondents started their units in the age 1.1 Socio–demographic Attributes of Women group 25-40 years, i.e., after completing their Entrepreneurs education, getting married; and in some cases also after acquiring a few years of work experience. The attributes presented are with reference to start–up Majority of them (81.1%) had good educational and development of income generating enterprises in background of graduation and above. 45.7% had industry, service and business from three empirical experience in manufacturing / trading / service or a studies – studies from Rayalaseema region and combination of these ranging from six months to more Visakhapatnam city of Andhra Pradesh, and North than five years, prior to the launch of their enterprises. Western India. A significant percentage of the respondents (35.4%) i. S. Shahina Begum (2006) in her study on Women had undergone training of a duration ranging from less Entrepreneurship in Rayalaseema region of Andhra than three months to more than two years before Pradesh, referred to as Rayalaseema Study, starting their ventures. 42.3% of them were earning presented the fact-file of Women Entrepreneurs in quite well before venturing into their own businesses. industry, service and business in Rayalaseema region Majority of them (84%) were married at the time of based on the coverage of 80 entrepreneurs, as middle starting the enterprise, and 78.9% had urban aged, married, middle income group, educated, many background. Their families belonged to business / with prior business background, through own family professional background, strengthening the belief that business or husband being in business, or in own business family background does facilitate one’s entry business on their own. Many made efforts to acquire into the entrepreneurial world. experience or at least exposure to the product line / activity they would like to pursue, before promoting To sum up, conclusion from the three studies on socio- the venture. Ambition while starting the enterprise demographic aspects can be stated as follows: service was to be self-employed followed by, to provide enterprises can be taken up in 20-25 years age group, employment to others. businesses at 25-35 years age group, and industry at 30-45 years age group. The occupation and background ii. D. Lalitha Rani (1996) in her study of 100 women of the husband and father provide the basis in many entrepreneurs in manufacturing, trading, and service cases to select the entrepreneurial activity. Apart from in Visakhapatnam city of Andhra Pradesh, referred education and training, experience goes a long way in to as Visakhapatnam Study,analysed the socio- enabling a woman to become a successful entrepreneur. economic background of women entrepreneurs. The They should have a clear understanding of how they respondents were either from families which were intend to realise their goal of transforming their dream already in business or having highly educated into a reality. They need to aim high, and expand their husbands or fathers. Women preferred to start markets beyond the traditional boundaries. Networking enterprises based on their educational background. through women associations, and also mixed Service sector enterprises had entrepreneurs with associations will enable them to proceed faster, and higher level of education, and trading with work vigorously to pursue their goal. Constraints and comparatively lower education level. In manufacturing, problems faced by women entrepreneurs need to be nearly half of them had technical education. Majority overcome through creation of a more conducive of entrepreneurs in the service sector were employed entrepreneur-friendly support system, including banks. prior to starting the enterprise. The socio-economic profile of women entrepreneurs in Visakhapatnam is 1.2 What motivates Women Entrepreneurs? – largely Telugu speaking, forward community, Hindu Factors influencing theirMotivation in 30-39 years age group at the time of starting the Factors motivating women entrepreneurs to start an enterprise, coming from a nuclear, middle class family, enterprise can vary depending on the nature of activity – and well educated husbands settled in business. industry, service and business. Common considerations Many of the respondents migrated to Visakhapatnam which can motivate persons to start a new venture are owing to husband’s or father’s business or job. considered to pinpoint the factors relevant for various groups of women entrepreneurs. Similarly, discouraging iii. S.K. Dhameja (2004) in the study of 175 women factors in starting and managing the enterprise, and entrepreneurs from seven districts of Punjab, Haryana, locational aspects influencing the choice of location are and Chandigarh, referred to as North Western India also considered. These are attempted from five regional

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 259 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 studies – two from Andhra Pradesh, and one each from priorities according to the time available, and duties Haryana, Maharashtra, and North Western India. they plan to perform, by giving due recognition to i. The Rayalaseema Study (2006) brought out the domestic and enterprise responsibilities. Trading following factors as motivational aspects in order of sector’s profitability was affected to a greater extent importance for starting an enterprise: in respect of due to the role conflict of women entrepreneurs than industry - to be self-employed is the dominant the other two sectors. The entrepreneurs expressed motivation, followed by, to achieve higher income, that the role conflict existed; and they had managed and to utilise professional expertise; for service - to overcome it with the cooperation of other members providing employment to others, followed by, prestige of the family. The entrepreneurs did not aspire to status, and profit motive; for business – to achieve improve the business and profitability to very high higher income, followed by, to be self-employed, and levels, as they gave priority to devoting time for the profit motive. family, including children’s education, and were content with a certain desirable level of growth of the Discouraging factors in starting and managing the enterprise. enterprise in the descending order of importance are: for industry – discouragement from the family, iii. The North Western India Study (2004)analysed competition, and labour problem; for service – motivational and facilitating factors. The study inadequacy of credit, discouragement from the family, revealed that push and pull factors operated in relation and difficulty in getting technical know-how; for to the entry of respondents in business. A large business – inadequacy of credit, labour problem, and number of younger women had high level of discouragement from the family. Discouragement motivation not only by the desire to become from the family is, thus, one significant factor standing economically independent, and do something in the way of accelerating female entrepreneurship. creative, but also to achieve job satisfaction by accomplishing some challenging tasks, and to Locational factors influencing the setting up of the compete with others. As a contrast, the elder age enterprise in the descending order of importance are groups of women of 40 years and above were as follows: for industry – power supply, industrial motivated mainly by pecuniary considerations. The environment, and credit facilities; for service – raw respondents exhibited entrepreneurial performance material availability, skilled manpower, and credit by way of generating more employment, influencing facilities; for business – market facilities, raw material growth and diversification, modernisation, availability, and skilled manpower. improvements and innovations in their enterprises. ii. The Visakhapatnam Study (1996) examined the They also exhibited entrepreneurial mobility. Socio- motivational and facilitating factors, and work–home personal problems faced by maximum number of role conflict. The study revealed that the major respondents were: resistance from the husband / aspirations of women entrepreneurs before setting family at the time of starting the enterprise, dual up the enterprise were to pursue an activity duties, indifferent attitude of society, and non- independently, followed by utilising their skills, talents cooperation from family members, male dominance, and professional expertise. After setting up the and limited liberty given to women. enterprise, their aspiration was to run it successfully; iv. Anil Kumar (2005) in his study of 120 women followed by expansion of the enterprise in case of entrepreneurs engaged in small manufacturing manufacturing and service sectors; and to set up enterprises in six districts of Haryana, referred to another enterprise in the trading sector. as Haryana Study, has attempted to determine the Women were motivated towards entrepreneurial factors which compel women to enter business activity by their education, occupational and ventures. The entrepreneurs were asked to rank the economic status of husband / father. At the same three options proposed, namely: (a) to achieve the time, entrepreneurial activity of women was goal through a successful career, (b) to make fruitful conditioned by factors such as choice of location of use of free time, and (c) compulsion of family the enterprise, and line of activity. Size and type of circumstances. The study reveals that women have activity were limited by internal factors such as skills, started participating in economic activities not due occupation and economic status of the entrepreneur to family compulsions but mainly to achieve a goal and her husband / father rather than opportunities in life by making a successful career, and available in the environment. secondarily to make fruitful use of free time. It indicates high growth in the economy, and positive On work-home role conflict, the experiences were development in the society. as follows: Women entrepreneurs defined their

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Women entrepreneurs, who have given first business alternatives in the micro and small enterprise preference to achieve the goal, are of a higher level sector in industry, service and business. Evidence from of income as compared to other respondents. This three studies is presented in this section – two from shows that these two features are positively Andhra Pradesh, and one from North Western India. correlated. Next in importance in ranking is to make i. TheRayalaseemaStudy (2006) covered four districts use of free time by starting a small enterprise. Only of the less developed Rayalaseema region (Andhra 15 per cent of women respondents gave the first rank Pradesh) with 80 enterprises in industry, service and to family compulsion to start their business, and 47 business – 50 from industry, 13 from service, and 17 per cent assigned the third rank. Family compulsion from business. is found to be more in the case of respondents with low level of education. a. Products of manufacturing enterprises can be categorised as agro, forest and leather-based, v. Sujata Mukherjee (2006), in her study of 125 women mineral-based, engineering and metal-based, and entrepreneurs in service, trading, and manufacturing chemical and plastic industries. Products include: sectors in Greater Mumbai and Pune districts of processing of paddy, coriander, coffee and dal, Maharashtra, referred to as Western Maharashtra vermicelli, milk products, sawing of timber and Study, examined the factors influencing motivation wooden furniture, footwear, granite cutting and of women entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs selected polishing, fly ash bricks, cement concrete were of low income strata. The study revealed that products, pulverising of minerals, iron grills, the respondents were motivated to entrepreneurship assembling of television sets, ceramic products, primarily to satisfy their socio-economic needs. plastic pipes, rubber plates, plastic cups, and Satisfying psychological needs of becoming carry bags. economically independent, increasing self- confidence, and ability to take risks were considered b. Service enterprises cover personal and industrial the motivating factors for venturing into services. These include: desk top publishing entrepreneurship. A large majority of them (91%) were (DTP), Xerox, video cassettes, electrical dry motivated to support the family earnings, and by a cleaners, compact disc (CD) shop, beauty parlour, sense of responsibility and obligation towards the sofa repair works, minibus transport operators, family. To gain recognition in the family and society embroidery, flour mill, and welding works. also emerged as a motivating factor (77%). The need c. Business enterprises cover household goods and to establish them in the society is, thus, considered industrial goods. These include: readymade an important factor in this study, compared to a few garments, clothes, provisions, rice, fancy items, other studies where monetary attraction was considered sarees, medicines, utensils, bakery items, the main factor for venturing into entrepreneurship. A hardware items, photo frames, and wooden sizeable percentage of entrepreneurs (58) also cited furniture. the desire to keep busy, to pursue specific interests, and to be independent, self-confident, and do ii. The Visakhapatnam Study (1996) covered the something new (48%), as motivating factors. industrially well-developed district headquarters of Visakhapatnam city (Andhra Pradesh) with 100 The study reveals that the decision to start a business enterprises - 30 in manufacturing, 36 in trading, and cannot be solely explained by the entrepreneurial 34 in service. Products in each of the categories are psychological factors alone. It is likely to be based on a as follows: combination of personal, environmental, and social a. Manufacturing: fabrication, assembling of factors, together with triggering events. Further, education television sets, automobile parts, polyfilms, either up to class (xii) or above, or vocational training defence packaging, readymade garments, food played an important role in sustaining motivation. Family products, bakeries, fancy items, and agro–related and business management techniques also contributed items – aromatic oils and essences, paints, towards sustaining motivation among entrepreneurs. The flower cultivation, and flour mill. study advocates a holistic multi-pronged and multi- agency strategy to sustain and motivate women b. Trading: retail or wholesale dealer, travel bags, entrepreneurs. ice cream distribution, tailoring materials, photographic materials, departmental store, 1.3 What Enterprises can be promoted by Women hardware and electrical items, ladies accessories, in Industry, Service and Business? fancy and general stores, and florist. Examples of women-promoted enterprises from a few c. Service: nursing home, pathological laboratory, regions based on empirical studies can offer possible beauty parlour, school, training institute, computer

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institute, desk top publishing (DTP), book binding, development in the location finalised for setting up the plants and nursery, and architect and interior enterprise. In addition, the level of industrialisation and designer. services available in the region play a decisive role in iii. The North Western India Study (2004) covered the selection of the product. seven highly industrialised districts from Punjab, Few Observations Regarding Schemes With Focus Haryana and Chandigarh. In all, 175 enterprises of On Woman Entrepreneurs diversified nature were covered. Women entrepreneurs in the sample were engaged in diverse activities, some A few of the schemes with focus on woman entrepreneurs of which involved relatively complex technologies are referred to here. Various Ministries of Government of demanding considerable managerial capabilities. India, and State governments, apart from specialised Traditional women with low level of education and institutions, including banks have formulated special skill, and limited access to finance opted for low schemes for the benefit of woman entrepreneurs. The investment ‘soft’ enterprises such as garments, organisations include Union Department of Science and handicrafts, and miscellaneous products. With Technology (DST), Central Social Welfare Board increased level of education and availability of credit, (CSWB), Small Industries Development Bank of India a number of entrepreneurs opted for entrepreneurial (SIDBI), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural careers in engineering, plastics, electronics, leather- development (NABARD), and individual banks including related activities, beauty therapy, scientific State Bank of India (SBI) and Central Bank of India CBI). instruments, music and entertainment, education 1. Under Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and and training, publishing and printing, packaging, etc. small Enterprises (CGTMSE) of SIDBI, guarantee Typical features of women entrepreneurs from an cover of 80% is given for micro and small enterprises industrially advanced region like the sample covered in owned/operated by woman entrepreneurs, SC/St this study can be gauged from the pattern of development entrepreneurs, compared to 75% in case of others. of enterprises over a period. A few of them diversified 2. For providing venture capital fund for women and other their businesses, and added new product lines. Nine weaker sections, there are special provisions. respondents were found to have exported their products. 3. For infrastructure development in a cluster of micro The export items were in. and small enterprises, GoI grant is 60% of the cost a. Handicrafts, of the project, i.e, a maximum of Rs.10 crore b. Bicycle rubber parts, excluding the cost of land (80% in case of North Eastern and other Hill States, and industrial estates/ c. Silk garments and other embroidered garments, and areas with more than 50% (a) micro, (b) women- upholstery, owned, and (c) SC/ST enterprises). For existing d. Home interiors (curtains, etc.), clusters, up gradation proposals will be based on e. Readymade garments (including jeans), actual requirement.The state government provides f. Bed-spread and quilts, and suitable land for the projects. GoI provides grant-in- aid.The remaining amount may be obtained as loan g. Knitted fabric and hosiery. Modernisation and from Small Industries Development Bank of India. The innovation were also noticed in a few enterprises. state government will also be able to meet additional Quality consciousness amongst the sample funds required for the project, in excess of Rs.10 enterprises was of a high order. This speaks of the crore or any escalation in cost. high level of performance. Six respondents made quality improvement in their products and production 4. Under the Ministry of MSME, assistance to woman process with a view to make the product more entrepreneurs is provided under various schemes, attractive to the customer, cutting down cost of apart from support for training through various production, improving profitability, and thereby institutions all over the country. Some of the schemes increasing productivity of enterprises. Nine are: TREAD, Mahila coir Yojana, PMEGP, STEP, respondents stated that their products were of Marketing support for woman entrepreneurs, international standards. MahilaUdyamnidhi and MahilaVikasNidhiof SIDBI. Choice of a product/Service: The choice of a product Conclusion by a woman entrepreneur is related to the educational Increasingly, female entrepreneurs are being considered and socio-economic background of the person, training as an important catalyst for economic development. Not received in the area of special interest, experience only do they contribute to employment, wealth creation, gained, and support made available from the family and and economic growth through their increasing numbers, friends, apart from the location, and potential for

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 262 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities and diversity of activities, but they also make a Reference contribution to the diversity of entrepreneurship in the • Anil Kumar (2005), “Women Entrepreneurs: Their economic process. Among the reasons for women to profile and factors compelling business choice”, manage organised enterprises are their skills, knowledge GITAM Journal of Management, 3(2), July – and expertise, their talents and abilities in business, December: 138-144. - A study in six districts of and a compelling desire to achieve a goal by doing Haryana, referred to as Haryana Study. something positive and constructive utilising their • Dhameja, S.K. (2004), Women entrepreneurs – expertise. The Government has acted as a major catalyst opportunities, performance and problems, New Delhi: in the democratic framework, organising efforts and Deep and Deep publishers. – A study in seven planning new initiatives in close consultation with industrially advanced districts of Punjab, Haryana entrepreneurs from various regions, through associations and Chandigarh, referred to as North Western India functioning at different levels. the direction needs to be Study. pursued more vigorously at the district and state levels to bring about socio-economic transformation through • Ghosh, Piyali and ReenaCheruvalath (2006), female entrepreneurship in a number of fields, which have “progress of Female Entrepreneurs in low income not yet been exploited by women. Efforts should be countries – A theoretical enquiry in India”, TheIcfai made to develop women entrepreneurship more evenly Journal of Entrepreneurship Development, 3(3), in different regions, including rural and semi-urban areas. September: 8-18. • India. Ministry of Skill Development and Review of the findings of five empirical studies covering Entrepreneurship (MSDE) (2015), National Policy for Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and North Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015, New Western India brings out very relevant conclusions for Delhi. promoting women entrepreneurship at an accelerated pace in the country, by highlighting the prerequisites, • India. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium and steps that need to be taken to groom younger Enterprises (MSMEs) (2012), Report of the working aspiring women as entrepreneurs. In terms of motivation, group on MSMEs growth for the 12th Five Year Plan it is well established that to be self-employed, and (2012-17) –Report of the sub-group on Skill establish oneself in the family and society, and achieve Development and Training (Chairman of the working the goal set by her is the primary motive, particularly group: R.K. Mathur), New Delhi. www.msme.gov.in among middle income and better educated women. • Lalitha Rani, D. (1996), Women Entrepreneurs – a supplementing the family income, and working for study of Visakhapatnam City, New Delhi: A.P.H. improving the monetary earnings is particularly relevant Publishing Corporation. - A study in an industrially for low income families, and for elder aged persons. advanced district in Andhra Pradesh, referred to as Discouraging factors need to be overcome with the Visakhapatnam Study. cooperation of the family members and institutional • MadhuriModekurti (2007), “The Normative Context for support. In the selection of the product line / service Women’s Participation in Entrepreneurship: A Multi- activity, multiple factors play a role; here again, it is country Study – Research Summary”, The Icfai relevant to make sure that the background of the person Journal of Entrepreneurship Development, 4(1), in terms of education, experience, aptitude, and interests March: 93-95. should get greater weightage. Some of the dominant • Shahina Begum, S. (2006), Women entrepreneurship characteristics required for the success of an enterprise, in Rayalaseema Districts of Andhra Pradesh, as brought out by these studies are: self-confidence, unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Sri Venkateswara drive and energy, taking initiative and seeking personal University, Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh). – A study in responsibility, positive outlook, and long term involvement four industrially less developed districts of in a sustained manner. Rayalaseema region, referred to as Rayalaseema Research on women entrepreneurship needs to be more Study. broad-based, as indicated in the early part of the article. • Sujata Mukherjee (2006), “what motivates women Multi-pronged and holistic approach needs to be evolved entrepreneurs – Factors influencing their motivation”, for accelerating the pace of women entrepreneurship in The Icfai Journal of Entrepreneurship Development, the areas where females have already entered; and in 3(4), December: 7-20. - A study in Greater Mumbai many other areas where potential exists, to enable them and Pune districts, referred to as Western to become successful entrepreneurs. Maharashtra Study.

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FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA – A REVIEW

Dr.V.Sujatha1 Dr.K.Venu Madhava Rao2

“An Enlightened Woman is a Source of Infinite Energy”-- Swami Vivekananda Abstract Women empowerment is well-known and an old concept around the globe. In world around 50 percent of population is women and true for India also. Still gender inequalities and gender wise discrimination prevails in some parts of world as well as in India. This situation hinders the economic growth and society’s development. To pave the way of women empowerment, Govt. of India has introduced women-centric schemes and few reputed institutes provide training for entrepreneurship development programs to encourage women to become entrepreneurs. These women- centric schemes and training programs act as support systems for women empowerment and entrepreneurship is effective tool for women empowerment. When the focus is on the achievement of sustainable development, there must be an attempt to include maximum number of participation from all the sections of the society. But the lack of awareness and financial literacy among the rural population of the country especially women is hindering the growth of the economy. Financial inclusion helps in the empowerment of the underprivileged, poor and women of the society with the mission of making them self-sufficient and well informed to take better financial decisions. Even after 70 years of independence, a large section of Indian population still remains unbanked. This dissatisfaction has led generation of financial instability and depression among the lower income group. In this background the paper has made a modest attempt to bring about the role of financial inclusion in making the women empowered in the Indian society. The paper also presents brief view of women empowerment scenario in India and evolving scenario of different support systems including the role of entrepreneurship development programmes. Key Words: Financial Literacy, Financial Instability, Underprivileged sections, Women-centric schemes, Women empowerment, Women Entrepreneurship, Sustainable development,

Introduction Entrepreneurial and Micro credit. The Government of India Financial inclusion is the expanding outreach of banking and the RBI have been making concerted efforts to or financial services at an affordable cost to a vast section promote financial inclusion as one of the important of disadvantaged groups of society. It may provide them national objectives of the country. Some of the major a financial cushion for their sustenance as well as social efforts made in the last five decades include - empowerment. In India where women constitute 46 nationalization of banks, building up of robust branch percent of total population majority of them are denied network of scheduled commercial banks, co-operatives to opportunities and rights due to their financial and regional rural banks, introduction of mandated priority dependence. Financial inclusion is much needed for sector lending targets, lead bank scheme, formation of women as it helps in increasing amount of regular savings self-help groups etc. Permitting BCs/BFs to be appointed along with enabling women to pay for micro insurance by banks to provide door step delivery of banking services, and obtain credit. It also helps in increasing income from zero balance BSBD accounts are also included in employment and micro enterprise, usage of mainstream Financial Inclusion. The fundamental objective of all these banking services that offer appropriate designed products initiatives is to reach the large sections of the financially and service. In other words financial inclusion make excluded Indian population. By empowering individuals women informed about their role and right in economic and families to cultivate economic opportunities, financial development to improve access to markets and other inclusion can be a powerful agent for strong and inclusive information for overall empowerment. By helping women growth. to meet their practical needs, micro finance may help Women Empowerment and Financial Inclusion: women to gain respect and achieve more in their socially defined roles along with wellbeing. Women’s security, decision-making power, and mobility are three indicators for women’s empowerment. In India, Financial services include Bank Accounts, Savings and more so for rural and less educated women, these Products, Remittances & Payment services, Insurance, three indicators are significantly low.

1. Associate Professor, Dept.of Economics, The Hindu College, Machilipatnam, AP. 2. Associate Professor, Dept.of Economics, ANR College, Gudivada, AP.

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Importance of Women`s Financial Inclusion: empowerment. Studies suggest that when a woman has Women Empowerment itself elaborates that Social ownership of an account and access to money, it is Rights, Political Rights, Economic stability, judicial used in to benefit the family’s health or education of her strength and all other rights should be also equal to children. Women are also found to be more regular in women. There should be no discrimination between men loan repayment than men. When the Pradhan Mantri and woman. Women should know their fundamental and Jan Dhan Yojana was set up, it was aimed at broadening social rights which they get once they born. financial inclusion and was not gender-specific. But positive fallout of it seems to have been the eagerness • There should be respect and dignity towards women. of women to access banking. • Total independence of their own life and lifestyle inside the home and also outside at their work. Education and Women Empowerment: • They should make their decision, by their own choice. Very powerful way of ensuring greater gender equality is • They should have a high social respect in society. through the financial route. But poor education levels have kept women away from availing themselves of not • They have equal rights in society and other judicial just banking but other financial services to which they works. are entitled. When we talk of Skill India and vocational • They should not be discriminated while providing any education, it is rarely in the context of women. The type of education. government could easily push for a scheme to provide • They should select their own economic and financial women job-related skills at the rural level. Women in choices by their own. rural areas have few opportunities beyond farming. If this • There should not be any discrimination between was changed and they were to be trained in basic woman and man while giving jobs and employment.\ healthcare and education, not only would their literacy levels improve, it would have a domino effect on the whole • They should have safe and secured Working location socio-economic situation in rural areas. with proper privacy. The government has very big interest on Make in India Financial inclusion of women is essential prerequisite programme, but the focus has been on heavy industries for poverty alleviation, upholding human rights and for and inviting foreign companies to set up shops in India sustainable development. When women control and generate employment here. But entrepreneurship decisions regarding credit and savings they will optimize should be encouraged much more at the rural level and their own and household`s welfare leading to financial the panchayat system should be made to work for sustainability and empowerment. Financial inclusion women. Giving women sewing machines is a favorite enables women for economic decision making, with our political parties. As though women cannot enhancing purchasing capacity, control over loans and conduct any business besides stitching clothes for control over income and savings, borrow for investment people in the locality. Even in farming, much more and insure against risk. According to P.K.B Nayar – investment must be made in women to enable them to Empowerment is an aid to help women to achieve understand and execute the business of farming. equality with men or at least to reduce gender gap considerably. Women empowerment gives power to Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Programme women. It enhances self-confidence and helps to be (PMJDY): independent in life. It is the process of acquiring power It is the biggest financial inclusion initiative in India. A for women in order to understand their rights. year after the scheme was implemented across India; Financial Literacy as a tool for Women its success has highlighted the enormous role that Empowerment: financial inclusion programmes can play in the growth of the economy. At present, more than 17.5 crore bank Financial literacy is an important tool to help the accounts have been opened under the initiative and people customers to accept and use the products to which they have deposited more than Rs 22,000 crore in them. Plus, increasingly have access. It helps to develop skills to zero-balance accounts under PMJDY have declined from compare and select the best products for their needs 76 per cent to 45.74 per cent since its inception. PMJDY and empower them to exercise their rights and is enabling citizens at the grassroots to perform financial responsibilities. It enables women to act “Smart transactions and keep their hard-earned money safe. Financially” by providing them knowledge and skills to Inclusive growth is the sine qua non of India’s economic understand financial planning, savings, basics of banking, development. Unless all sections of society enjoy the understanding need of household budgeting, cash flow fruits of economic expansion, growth itself shall be short- management, asset allocation to meet financial goal etc. lived. If financial inclusion is being implemented with Women’s inclusion in banking has a huge impact on

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 265 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 success across states, it is because there is strong strengthen their control over household budgets. This, political will to carry out bold structural reforms and in turn, often results in higher spending on necessities successfully make technology work towards this end. such as health and education. CGAP prioritizes women’s financial inclusion throughout its work. More recently, Women Empowerment Scenario in India: CGAP is exploring how to further increase its Women and girls make up a little over half the world’s engagement on the topic. population, but their contribution to measured economic For the first time, the majority of Indian women have activity, growth, and well-being is far below its potential, been financially included. Fresh data show that the resulting in significant socio-economic consequences. proportion of Indian women with individual accounts in Globally, only half of women participate in the labor force, formal financial institutions (primarily banks) reached 61 compared to three quarters of men. In developing percent in 2015, a sharp increase from 48 percent in countries, up to 95 percent of women’s employment is 2014, lagging men by only eight percentage points. A informal; in jobs that are unprotected by labor laws, or close look at these numbers reveals opportunities and which do not benefit from social protection. Women and challenges to build on this quiet, and important, victory. girls are also the face of poverty, the latest “ Progress of the World’s Women 2015-2016” by UN Women finds The Intermediary India Financial Inclusion Insights (FII), that women are more likely than men to live in the poorest an annual, nationally representative survey, confirms that households in 41 out of 75 countries. both individuals and households show growth in bank registration, largely driven by the government’s Pradhan Financial services are a core enabler for consumption Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and its emphasis on smoothing, risk mitigation, self-employment, SME individual accounts (rather than household). By capturing growth, asset accumulation and wealth creation. Lack demand-side data from individual citizens, the FII survey of access to financial services reduces women’s ability found that overall individual bank account ownership in to climb out of poverty; increases their risk of falling into India increased from 52 percent in mid-2014 to 63 percent poverty; contributes to women’s marginalization to the in mid-2015. While the survey shows growth in financial informal sector; and reduces their ability to fully engage inclusion for all adults, the gains were the highest in in measurable and productive economic activities. rural areas and for individuals below the poverty line, Forty-two percent of women and girls worldwide – and, most of all, women. These encouraging numbers approximately 1.1 billion– remain outside the formal suggest financial inclusion is widening to reach the most financial system, according to the Global Findex vulnerable adults in India. Additionally the gender gap database. Despite recent progress in financial inclusion has decreased, as Indian men experienced an increase rates in general, the gender gap has not narrowed: While of nine percentage points, from 60 percent to 69 percent account penetration increased by 13 percentage points in the same period. These data mirror other recent among men and women between 2011 and 2014, the studies such as Anjini Kochar’s finding that business gender gap remains a steady 7 percentage points. Among correspondents (BCs) have increased the savings of both adults living in the poorest 40 percent of households in landowning and landless households in India; with the developing economies, the gender gap is 11 percentage savings of the landless increasing more than those of points. The gap varies significant by region and is highest landowning households. She explains this difference in in South Asia. terms of the fact that access to a BC increased the While women represent a larger share of the self- wage income and hours of work of landless households, employed in developing countries and thus are in greater particularly those of women, a likely consequence of need of access to formal financial services, they are the tie-up between the financial system and the less likely to secure bank credit according to research MGNREGA. by the World Bank. IFC research shows that because Studies on Women Ownership of Accounts: of poor credit history or lack of collateral, women are Evidence from multiple studies and the conclusions are more likely to be denied formal credit than men and often clear that women and their families benefit greatly from pay higher interest rates. individual account ownership. Esther Duflo’s study of Financial inclusion of women and girls can create gender South African pensions reveals that when the pension equality by empowering them and giving them greater recipient is a woman in the household, it translates into control over their financial lives. Savings accounts can strong health effects for girls in the family. Pascaline provide women and girls with a safe and formal platform Dupas, in her work in Kenya, shows that access to fairly to save their earnings for future investments in business simple savings tools has a significant impact on health- operations and build a credit history. Digital payments related investments of families. Silvia Prina, in a help women take control of their own finances and randomised experiment in Nepal, offered flexible savings

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 266 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities accounts to female-headed households with no opening, unexpected events. Inability to deal with these events deposit or withdrawal fees. After one year, the study found can be devastating for women and their families. that 80 percent of those offered the account opened one The 2015 Brookings Financial and Digital Inclusion and used it actively. After one year, household assets Project report ranked India ninth among 21 countries in had increased by 16 percent. All these studies strongly financial and digital inclusion efforts. This was based on suggest that the gender of the account-holder matters four dimensions of financial inclusion: country and drives differential outcomes for the family. As a commitment, mobile capacity, regulatory environment, universally targeted programme, women’s empowerment and adoption of traditional and digital financial services. and economic inclusion were not direct objectives of the The silver lining is that the government is committed to PMJDY. But the programme design of targeting individual inclusive growth where financial inclusion plays a crucial accounts, and the disproportionate impact this focus role in helping provide numerous benefits through the has on women’s empowerment and economic inclusion, strengthening of the banking system, better access to may prove to be one of the PMJDY’s most lasting and financial resources and transparent governance. transformative features. This remarkable achievement for women should now be Efforts of the Government for the Empowerment of extended to the remaining 39 percent of them. This will Women: require commitment to implementation, quality of service, Despite efforts from the government of India to provide and a willingness to look beyond one-size-fits-all assistance in food, education, and pension plans, these solutions in addressing the diversity of women’s financial communities, especially women, remain without as they needs. For women, some of the features valued most in cannot access the bank accounts that unlock these formal accounts are trust, privacy, and security from theft benefits. With access to financial services (bank and harassment. When providers do not treat their accounts, loans, etc.) women’s bargaining power in customers in a fair manner particularly low-income society increases as they are equipped with the tools customers and women trust in financial services is that help them earn and maintain a living. Additionally, eroded. Experience has shown that efforts such as the studies overwhelmingly show women are more likely to “no-frill accounts” were abandoned by clients when save, allocate, and invest money in order to be protected payments were not received in time, and customers lost against unexpected expenses, and in their children’s confidence in their financial providers. In the FII data, education; giving an opportunity for a better livelihood to PMJDY holders reported experiencing issues with the next generation. transactions and account terms. Specifically, they were more likely to complain about banks deducting fees SHGs and Women Empowerment: without informing them, and a decrease in available Government of India through the State Governments is account funds due to mishandling or fraudulent activities. developing SHGs consisting of women members who A commitment to customer protection in implementation, are interested in taking up entrepreneurship individually and thinking through women’s needs at all stages, are or jointly as a group. The aim of the SHGs is mainly to one way to ensure sustainable growth and outreach. pool out the technical as well as managerial skills available within the women (who are less privileged) to In addition, while technology and digital finance offer a set up enterprises ultimately to enhance their income promising solution to some of the traditional physical levels and improve their standard of living. Facilitating and other access barriers to extending financial inclusion access to microfinance through SHG-supported bank to all of India’s women, women face a stark “digital linkages is one of the most critical aspects of financial divide”. To date only 44 percent of women compared to inclusion program and this enables the poor to make 75 percent of men own an individual mobile phone, and capital formation through their own savings within the the simple difference between owning a phone and being SHGs and access credit, pledging their collateral before able to “borrow one” plays a significant role in women’s the bank. SHGs play a pivotal role to improve the socio- technological skills development and privacy in financial economic condition of women folk and providing micro transactions. Ensuring that first-time users learn that finance in times of need and also encouraging micro banking is an experience of convenience and trust, and entrepreneurs. recognizing the diversity of needs of Indian women in accessing financial services are the only ways to Role of Financial Institutions in attaining Women continue the remarkable trajectory of financial inclusion Empowerment: for women. We must build on this success to extend Financial Institutions supports women empowerment the gains to other important financial services such as through financial assistance in entrepreneurship activity. insurance and credit. In this same FII survey, only 15 State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National percent of women reported having a financial plan for

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Bank are very large public sector banks and these banks up a saloon, boutique, tailoring centre or beauty parlor. provide support to the entrepreneurs through different The loan amount can be used to meet any expenditure schemes. Mudra Bank specially caters the needs of associated with setting up such a center and for daily Entrepreneurs. IDBI has got large experience in expenses. Development Banking. Another two banks Dena bank Scheme for self-employed women can be utilized to and Oriental Bank of Commerce have also introduced purchase fixed assets to enhance or start a business. schemes for entrepreneurs. Few selected schemes are The maximum loan amount is limited to Rs 5 lakh, with State Bank of India grants financial assistance to a repayment period ranging between 5 and 7 years. technically qualified, trained and experienced entrepreneurs for setting up new viable industrial projects. IDBI launched the “Stand up India’ Scheme on a pan India basis on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary Bank of Baroda offers one loan scheme for women of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on 14th of April 2016. During entrepreneurs, the Akshaya Mahila Athik Sahay Yojna the launch, prominent SC/ST and women entrepreneurs (AMASY), designed to help women reach their business were invited at all regional locations of the Bank on pan dreams without having to worry about finances. This loan India basis to familiarize them with the scheme. Eligible can be availed by women who are engaged in or wish to beneficiaries were issued loan sanction letters as per establish a business in retail trade, cottage industries the scheme guidelines. and/or allied agricultural activities. Different schemes offered by Punjab National bank for Women Role of Training Institutes in Women entrepreneurs are PNB Mahila Samridhi Yojana, PNB Entrepreneurship: Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme, PNB Schemefor financing Training Institutes like NIESBUD (National Institute for crèches, PNB Mahila Sashaktikaran Abhiyan, PNB Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development), Kalyani Card Scheme. Micro Units Development and Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and the Refinance Agency Bank (MUDRA Bank) is a financial Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) institution setup by the Government of India for play important role for the Entrepreneurship development development of micro units and refinance of MFIs to programmes. Among them role of NIESBUD is very encourage entrepreneurship in India & provide the funding important in this aspect. National Institute for to the non-corporate small business sector. Bank helps Entrepreneurship and small Business Development to cater financing needs of micro and small (NIESBUD), an autonomous institute under Ministry of entrepreneurs. Skill Development and Entrepreneurship conducts Loans available under different schemes: training programs throughout the year. Till March 2016 Institute has conducted total of 36,752 different training SHISHU loan (financial support up-to Rs. 50,000) is programs covering 9, 37,438 participants which include designed for startups and the KISHOR loan (financial 206 International programs with 3,993 participants from support Rs. 50,000-Rs.5, 00000) is designed for more than 135 countries. Also Institute facilitates and businesses that have already started & require financial supports Central / State / Other Agencies in Organizing help for establishing themselves. The TARUN loan Entrepreneurship Developing Programs, very significant (Rs.5,00,000-Rs.10,00,000) is designed for business in present scenario. units which are already established but require financial help for expansion of the business. Global Entrepreneurship Summit: Dena Bank offers an exclusive scheme to aid female The 8th ‘Global Entrepreneurship Summit’ in Hyderabad entrepreneurs, providing them sufficient financial help to was started on 28th November 2017. The summit theme build an enterprise. Loans can be availed as per RBI was 'Women First, Prosperity for All'. The sessions directions, with the amount varying according to the on 'Women can do it!' and 'Innovations in Workforce sector in which a woman wishes to establish a venture. Development and Skills Training', focused on the main This loan can be used for agriculture, MSMEs, education, theme. Industry leaders from all walks of life discussed housing and retail trade. Borrowers are also eligible for ways to boost women participation in the workforce, and a special interest rate which is 0.25percent lower than advocated for better access to skills and training prevailing rates. programmes, education, and career opportunities. Niti Aayog hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Oriental Bank of Commerce has two schemes designed Hyderabad in association with the United States for self-employed women and those who are keen on government. As many as 1,500 entrepreneurs from 170 setting up a beauty parlour /saloon. Scheme for Beauty countries attended the three-day summit; many Indian parlours /boutiques aims to promote entrepreneurial spirit Americans are also participated. US President Donald among women, and offers loans up to Rs 10 lakh to set Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, headed the US

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 268 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities delegation. In line with the theme, women make up about Minister said the government has evolved a system for 52.5 per cent of the entrepreneurs, investors and ‘ease of doing business’ to sanction all the necessary ecosystem supporters attending the event. Ivanka said permissions to the investors and entrepreneurs in just women in the workforce provided a strong economic and 21 days. fiscal benefit. "It is a proven study that 90 cents of a The AP government has sanctioned eight industrial hubs dollar spent by what a woman earns goes back to exclusively for women entrepreneurs across the State families and communities, which eventually gives back which will be grounded by the Association of Lady to society," she said, adding that women entrepreneurs Entrepreneurs of AP (ALEAP), India. The state provide incomes for their families, employment for their government is extending all the needed support for the communities, and products and services that bring new smooth implementation of the project. The Chief Minister value to the world around them. "Having diversity is better announced that 19 lakh SHGs formed by women would business. It's therefore a fiscal responsibility of be converted into “Self-Business Groups” soon. businesses to their shareholders to balance the gender gap in the labour force." Recommendations: Steps taken by the Andhra Pradesh Government to To protect and to promote the interest of the women or Encourage Women Entrepreneurs: to empower the women through SHGs and financial inclusion in the developing country like India the International Conference of Women Entrepreneurs appropriate authority should follow the guide lines given (2018): below: The “International Conference of Women Entrepreneurs” • Educate and aware the women to form more and on innovation, incubation and industrialization was more SHGs especially for rural areas. inaugurated on 17th January 2018 at Visakhapatnam. Chief Minister of Andhra Praesh, Chandrababu Naidu • To popularize SHG-Bank Linkage program, more said that an “International Women Entrepreneurs' Trade awareness should be created for cooperative and Technology Hub” is going to come up in formation. Visakhapatnam to develop and promote business • More information regarding banking services and their opportunities among women entrepreneurs of SAARC benefits should be publicized. region. Several organizations like World Trade • Women entrepreneurship programs should be Organisation (WTO), some of the women organizations arranged and mobilize them to attend and utilize the and ministries are going to come and work with the two information. organizations - Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of • Encouraging competition among financial providers India (ALEAP) and South Asian Women Development by giving more bank licenses. Forum (SAWDF). An investors' meet will be held in the • next month at Visakhapatnam involving the AP Infrastructures should be developed to minimize cost government, Government of India and Confederation of of transaction in remote areas. Indian Industries. Industrialists and entrepreneurs from Conclusion: 50 countries are expected to participate in this meet. He also said that women are doing better than men in India for a long time recognized the social and economic various sectors, including IT. Women productivity is more imperatives for broader financial inclusion and has made than men. Hence AP Government decided to distribute an enormous contribution to economic development by all assets in the name of women be it house or land. finding innovative ways to empower the poor, women and This would lead to inclusive growth rate so that more other disadvantaged group. Starting with the and more women can do economic activity. nationalization of banks, priority sector lending requirements for banks, lead bank scheme, To encourage the women entrepreneurs, the AP establishment of regional rural banks (RRBs), service government offers 25 per cent subsidy on primary capital area approach, self-help group-bank linkage programme, investment up to a maximum limit of `30 lakh and a 15 etc., multiple steps have been taken by the Reserve per cent rebate on machinery expenditure. The Bank of India (RBI) over the years to increase access to government has invested Rs 30, 47,801 crore so far by the weaker segments of society. Financial inclusion is signing 1,900 MOUs and generated around 30 lakh job a great step to women empowerment in India. To achieve opportunities. In the last two years, Naidu said, around this, the government should provide a less perspective 24,000 Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) environment in which banks are free to pursue the have been set up in the State with an outlay of Rs 11,000 innovations necessary to reach low income consumers crore and the units have created 2.5 lakh job opportunities especially women still make a profit. Financial service thus far. Referring to the new industrial policy, the Chief providers should learn more about the consumers and

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 269 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 new business models to reach them. Financial inclusion References: is the road that India needs to travel toward becoming a • Financial inclusion and women empowerment, global player. Financial access to all sections of people October 26, 2015, 6:51 AM IST Economic Times in will attract global market players to our country and that ET Commentary | Economy, India | ET, By Naina Lal will result in increasing employment and business Kidwai. opportunities. Inclusive growth will act as a source of • Financial Inclusion: Indian Women have something women empowerment and allow them to participate to Bank on, 3rd October 2015, By Bindu Ananth and more effectively in the economic and social process. Amy Jensen Mowl, IFMR Finance Foundation. To conclude it is true that women participation in • Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion, entrepreneurship activity is increasing due to August 5, 2015, The World Bank, IBRD-IDA. industrialization and globalization. Women population • Chakraborty K.C. Financial Inclusion in India: Journey constitute around half of total population but surveys so far and way forward, RBI Bulletin, 2013. show women constitute only 13.76 percent of total entrepreneurs i.e., 8.05 million out of 58.5 million • Paramasivan C, Ganeshkumar V. Overview of entrepreneurs. In India situation is much worse. Hence Financial Inclusion in India, International Journal of major portions of women not getting flavor of Management and Development Studies. 2013. entrepreneurship activity. To make the women • Dhruba Hazarika: Women Empowerment in India: A empowered, entrepreneurship is an effective tool and to Brief Discussion, International Journal of Educational make “women” success, different support systems Planning & Administration. ISSN 2249-3093 Volume including the role of government and role of training 1, Number 3 (2011), pp. 199-202. providers, in this aspect is noteworthy. These support • Women's Empowerment In India: An Analytical systems will encourage and motivate women to be Overview Prepared By Reecha Upadhyay. empowered through entrepreneurship activity and Paper presented by Dr.V,Sujatha and Dr.K.Venu Madhava enhance the status of women in society. Empowering Rao, at the International Multi Research Conference women to participate fully in economic life across all (IMRC 2018) on “Women in 21st Century – Challenges sectors is essential to build stronger economies. As we and Opportunities” on 9th& 10th February 2018 organized have pointed out in this paper India has begun to take by the department of Management Studies, Social several initiatives in this regard and so let’s hope for the Sciences and Women Studies of Ch.S.D.St.Theresa’s bright future of the Women Entrepreneurs. College for Women.

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WOMEN IN EDUCATION

Dr. A. Vijay Gopal1

Abstract “YATRA NARYANTU PUJYATE RAMANTE TATRA DEVATA”. According to a Sanskrit shloka it has been mentioned that where a woman is praised or respected there God Lives. That much of importance has been given to a woman. Because a lady in a family acts as a mother, wife, sister, Sister in Law and also several other positions. Role of a woman in a family is always remarkable. For success of every person definitely behind there is a woman. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF AN EDUCATION: Education is the initiation into the life of spirit training of human soul in the pursuit of truth and the practice of virtues. Educating a woman means educating the family and the nation. Women are significantly under-represented in decision-making at all levels. While the economic benefits of educating girls are similar to those of educating boys, recent findings suggest the social benefits are greater. WOMEN IN EDUCATION: There are several professions in which a woman can give her services. Among all women in Education is going to be proved so effective. As per a proverb if a doctor commits mistake a person will suffer, if an engineer commits mistake few persons will suffer where as if a Teacher commits a mistake a generation will suffer. That is why Teaching profession is more responsible and sensitive than all other professions. CONCLUSION: Thus we can say a woman in education can gives a lot of impact in education system and she can create and can invent several systems which can be suitable for the present generation. At the last but not the least every one can say impact of a woman in education is remarkable. REFERENCES: 1. Majority of the contents are by own and self draft. 2. An Article from Internet Wikipedia under the title Female Education. 3. An Article from internet named- Why to educate woman-Advantages

Introduction 'shakti', the feminine principle of energy, was also a “YATRA NARYANTU PUJYATE RAMANTE TATRA product of this age. This took the form of worship of the DEVATA”. According to a Sanskrit shloka it has been female idols or goddesses. In India even today people mentioned that where a woman is praised or respected worship Goddess "Saraswati" as the Goddess of there God Lives. That much of importance has been given education. Vedic literature praises the birth of a scholarly to a woman. Because a lady in a family acts as a mother, daughter in these words: "A girl also should be brought wife, sister, Sister in Law and also several other positions. up and educated with great effort and care." (Mahanirvana Role of a woman in a family is always remarkable. For Tantra); and "All forms of knowledge are aspects of Thee; success of every person definitely behind there is a and all women throughout the world are Thy forms." woman. (Devi Mahatmya). That is why an education for a woman is always essential Sex based discrimination is prevalent in India. Thus we for the development of the family because if a man is might have seen or heard that many parents especially educated he is alone educated but if a woman is educated in lower strata of society send their male child to school entire family is educated. but not the girl child. This is one problem where parents do not send their daughters to school. Secondly, it is The history of female education in India has its roots in also common to see that parents especially in urban ancient Vedic age. During the Vedic age, more than 3,000 areas often send their male child to better schools. Even years ago, women were assigned a high place in society. if girls are enrolled, their dropout rate is very high. We They shared an equal standing with their men folk and must understand the consequences of not educating enjoyed a kind of liberty that actually had societal sanctions. The ancient Hindu philosophical concept of

1. Vice-Principal, HOD of Commerce, Nalanda Degree & PG College, Adilabad, (TS).

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 271 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 our girl child. When a woman is not educated then it not kids to study further and wish them to live a better life only affects her but the entire family as well as the nation. than hers.

What Is The Meaning Of An Education: Educating women results in promoting self-respect and also helps in raising the status of women. An educated Education in the present scenario is considered as woman will be aware of her rights. She can fight against acquired from school as well as from the books but as social evils such as domestic violence, dowry demand, per the opinions of many it never be only from the school low wages etc. and also from books, but it can be either from school and also from their surrounding or from their community Is It Essential For A Woman To Get An Education or from their region or from their society or from their Only From School: culture or from elsewhere. BECAUSE EDUCATION IS Certainly not because a lady named Subhashini Mistri, THE INITIATION INTO THE LIFE OF SPIRIT TRAINING aged 70 years Residence of Bengal who received OF HUMAN SOUL IN THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH AND Padmashree Award recently, who has construct a THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUES. To survive in the society hospital for the poor people of their villagers is a normal an education from books are not only enough but certain House servant she has not studied anything from the other common factors can also be required. What is school but learned so much from the society and its best for one to survive in the society is considered as an sorroundings.Similarly a lady named Laxmi Kutti, residing education. Educating a woman means educating the in a Tribal backward area from Thiruvananthapuram who family and the nation. Women are significantly under- has received Padmashree Award recently treating several represented in decision-making at all levels. patients with nature plants has not learnt anything from While the economic benefits of educating girls are similar schools. Thus it indicates that education needs not to be to those of educating boys, recent findings suggest the acquired only from schools but also it can be from anywhere. social benefits are greater. Learning from School is completely different from learning Classification Of An Education: from surrounding. In olden days there were joint families. Children used to learn so many things from their An education is classified in to grandparents including manners. But on the name of 1. Ability to earn development or modernization nuclear families are 2. Ability to protect Health coming in to an existence. Children are not getting an 3. Ability to have Legal Awareness opportunity to learn from their parents as well as from Grandparents. That is why it is becoming necessary to 4. Ability to promote Self Respect learn from school education. A Child is learning everything 5. Ability to impart bright future to children. from the boundaries of school premises. 6. Ability to help and support their family Essentiality To Learn Education From School/ 7. Ability to know to have legal Protection Colleges: 8. Ability to encourage others. To meet or understand the present technology or system 9. Ability to Save. it is becoming necessary to learn from school education Women have the potential to change their own economic only. So many oppertunities are providing by the status and that of their communities and countries in governments. Several legislative acts have been formed which they live yet usually women’s economic to make the children to learn compulsory. It would be a contributions are unrecognized, their work undervalued great opportunity for the girl child to learn from the school and their promise undernourished. education because several reservations, facilities have been provided. Certain communities refuse to allow their Empowerment means moving from enforced girl child to study with other boys .For such all the powerlessness to a position of power. Education is an reasons only separate girl/women schools / colleges essential means of empowering women with the are established. Because Education to a woman or girl knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to fully is very essential for the development of the nation. participate in the development process. Problems of gender inequality or killing girl fetus or child Women must be educated for a healthy and a happy marriages can be stopped if percentage of women life. An educated woman can be a better human being, education increases. It has been proved that a way of successful mother and a responsible citizen. Educating work or decision making or quality of work or less women will definitely increase the living standard both absenteeism to the work of a woman is always so better at and outside home. An educated woman will force her than a man.

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In the present era a woman is coming forward to work in Improving girls' educational levels has been demonstrated all the sectors including defense, operating heavy to have clear impacts on the health and economic future machines etc., this made all possible only through a of young women, which in turn improves the prospects school education. She can better understand what way of their entire community. The infant mortality rate of she can protect, survive or others to survive only through babies whose mothers have received primary education an education. is half that of children whose mothers are illiterate. The generation to generation feeling, sentiments, In the poorest countries of the world, 50% of girls do not customs is changing time to time .Every community in attend secondary school. Yet, research shows that every different nations encouraging the girl to join school extra year of school for girls increases their lifetime education like Malala in Pakistan. People started income by 15%. Improving female education, and thus understanding the evils of restrictions. Too much is too the earning potential of women, improves the standard bad that is why realizing that if they restrict, much negative of living for their own children, as women invest more of response they may receive .that is why every government their income in their families than men do. Yet, many including developed , developing and undeveloped nations barriers to education for girls remain. In some African taking tremendous steps for increasing the women countries, such as Burkina Faso, girls are unlikely to education. attend school for such basic reasons as a lack of private latrine facilities for girls. Women In Education: Higher attendance rates of high schools and university There are several professions in which a woman can education among women, particularly in developing give her services. Among all women in Education is going countries, have helped them make inroads to to be proved so effective. As per a proverb if a doctor professional careers with better-paying salaries and commits mistake a person will suffer, if an engineer wages. Education increases a woman's (and her partner commits mistake few persons will suffer where as and the family's) level of health and health awareness. if a Teacher commits a mistake a generation will suffer. That is why Teaching profession is more Education systems vary in administration, curriculum responsible and sensitive than all other professions. and personnel, but all have an influence on the students that they serve. As women have gained rights, formal Every other professional person is going to be created education has become a symbol of progress and a step by a teacher only. As per the direction and motivation of toward gender equity. In order for true gender equity to a teacher only the interest of the students and their goals exist, a holistic approach needs to be taken. The are decided. So Teaching profession is going to be more discussion of girl power and women’s education as responsible as well as respectable profession in the solutions for eliminating violence against women and society. economic dependence on men can sometimes take Generally a woman can have more patients than a man. dominance and result in the suppression of Sometimes a man can have bad habits like smoking understanding how context, history and other factors and drinking. Such habits may influence the students affect women. to follow. Whereas woman teacher never have such habits, hence she can directly instruct or warn the youth Conclusion: students not to divert towards unethical or bad habits. Thus we can say a woman in education can gives a lot of impact in education system and she can create and At a primary level a student expects a parental response can invent several systems which can be suitable for from the teacher which he can’t get it from a male teacher the present generation. At the last but not the least every but the same thing can be expected from a lady teacher. one can say impact of a woman in education is We can feel every woman as our Mother but we can’t remarkable. feel every person as a father. That is why in the present education scenario majority References: schools and colleges are giving priority to woman 1. Majority of the contents are by own and self draft. teachers rather male teachers. The salary expectation, 2. An Article from Internet Wikipedia under the title Absenteeism, idle time during the work time is more as Female Education. in the case of male teachers but it can be less in the 3. An Article from internet named- Why to educate case of female. woman-Advantages

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IMPACT OF SHG ON SOCIO- ECONOMIC STATUS OF DALIT WOMEN IN CHEJARLA VILLAGE OF NARASARAOPETA MANDAL IN GUNTUR DISTRICT

P.Raja Ramesh1

Abstract Till some years ago, many dalit women were ill treated and educationally backward inspite of the facilities for free education. The reasons for the high rate of illiteracy among dalit women are many. The main reasons are resistance from the family to send girls to schools; fear of insecurity in villages; lack of physical facilities like accommodation, school, transport and medical facilities; the girls were forced to take care of the siblings when the parents are away at work; girls were forced to do domestic works which prevented them from attending schools; working to earn for the family prevent the girls from attending schools; working with parents to earn their livelihood in beedi factories or other unorganized sector made them illiterate; because of the sick and unemployed parents, girls were forced to work; many were forced to get married at young age, which stop schooling; social restriction is that the girls should stop education after marriage; in some areas there are complaints from dalit women teachers of misbehaviors, blackmail and exploitation by the male staff of other high caste people; distance of schools from home and fear of alienation of girls from their environment as a result of education are some of the other factors for low literacy level among dalit girls. Even if the education improved the marriage prospects of the girls, the minus point is the increase in dowry. Therefore many parents wish to withdraw the girls from schools.

Introduction unemployed parents, girls were forced to work; many There are about 250 million Dalits in India. There is were forced to get married at young age, which stop meager improvement in the socio-economic condition schooling; social restriction is that the girls should stop of dalits in the past 50 years. Every fourth Indian is a education after marriage; in some areas there are dalit. They are generally scattered in villages and they complaints from dalit women teachers of misbehaviors, are not a monogamous group. About 75 per cent of blackmail and exploitation by the male staff of other high dalits live below poverty line. Economic backwardness caste people; distance of schools from home and fear of dalits is mostly due to injustice done to them by the of alienation of girls from their environment as a result of high castes and also due to exploitation. From the time education are some of the other factors for low literacy immemorial they worked like slaves, sold as level among dalit girls. Even if the education improved commodities resulting in their social discrimination, the marriage prospects of the girls, the minus point is economic deprivation and educational backwardness. the increase in dowry. Therefore many parents wish to withdraw the girls from schools. Till some years ago, many dalit women were ill treated and educationally backward inspite of the facilities for Dalits women belonging to the creamy layer of the free education. The reasons for the high rate of illiteracy society are better with good education and socially and among dalit women are many. The main reasons are economically they are well off like other high castes. resistance from the family to send girls to schools; fear They are fully aware of the welfare schemes provided by of insecurity in villages; lack of physical facilities like the Government and their percentage is very low when accommodation, school, transport and medical facilities; compared with the total dalit population. In rural areas, the girls were forced to take care of the siblings when the first generation girls from Dalits need the attention the parents are away at work; girls were forced to do of Government and other organization. Mostly the domestic works which prevented them from attending teachers of the locality provide information to them about schools; working to earn for the family prevent the girls the welfare schemes. In many Dalit association from attending schools; working with parents to earn executive position are occupied by male members their livelihood in beedi factories or other unorganized whereas very poor representation is given for women. sector made them illiterate; because of the sick and The women are not properly informed about the

1. Research Scholar, Dept of Economics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur.

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Government schemes and there is an urgent need to respondents and the issues related to empowerment of get a feedback about the welfare schemes where lot of women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). money is spent for the development of Dalits. The funds are not utilized properly for their upliftment. Change in Economic Conditions Distribution of the respondents by whether there is any The occupation of many dalit women can be divided in change in economic conditions is presented in Table-1. the following heads-Agriculture labourer, Marginal It is evident from the table that 75.8 per cent of the Cultivators, Fisherwomen, Traditional artisans, Leather respondents stated there is an increase in economic Workers, Weavers, Scavengers and sweepers, Midwifery conditions after joining the SHGs. Further, it is observed and Beedi factories and unorganised sectors. The that about 24 per cent of the respondents stated that contribution of dalit women to the economic development there is no increase in economic conditions after joining of our country is significant especially in the agricultural the SHGs. Therefore, it may be concluded that about sector. They are exploited by the higher caste landlords. three fourths of the respondents stated that there is an They are paid very marginal salary for the hard work in increase in economic conditions after joining the SHGs. the field for the whole day. In leather industries the tanning process is considered to be an unclean job which Table - 1 : Distribution of the Respondents by is done only by socially backward class. Traditional whether there is Any Increase in Economic artistes get very more benefit because the middleman Conditions exploits them. The condition of scavenger and sweepers is very deplorable and they the most vulnerable sectors Whether there is any increase in economic Number Percentage among dalits. The working condition is very poor and conditions the remuneration is also very low. Yes 91 75.8 Because of the girls remain uneducated, they got married 29 24.2 very early. Marriage in the high reproductive stage with No high fertility rate, children care more. Because of the Total 120 100.00 unlimited family, the burden fell on the young girls which Source: Computed from the Primary Data. affected their health. They were not able to assist in family matters to their husbands. But now the situation It is found from the study that the women have got is different. The girls manage to plan their family, educate courage after joining the SHGs since the group the children, assist the husbands in family matters and constitutes with 10 to 15 members. One of the SHGs office going and professional girls improve the economic members takes the amount saved by these members conditions. On the whole the family becomes socially and the amount released by the government in one month developed because of the education of the girls. and another member in another month. Priority for a needy member is given to receive the amount in a month. Objective Rather, some of the SHGs in the study are doing some In the light of above circumstances, The main objective business commonly and sharing the profits equally. of the paper is to analyse the Impact of SHGs on Socio Further, it is found from the study that after joining the Economics status of the Dalit women in the study area. SHGs, taking debts from other sources is also decreased. Further, it is found that since the group Methodology constitutes with literates and illiterates, illiterate Tthe paper is based on both primary sources of data. members more or less are learned from the literate The primary data is collected with the help of a pre- members. With the loan amount, they are doing business tested questionnaire. Chejarla village of Guntur district on their own. Training imparted by the government is is selected for the present study. 120 sample dalit also very much helped these SHGs members to produce women are selected for the study. Simple purposive their products. Some of the members’ income is raised random sampling technique is adopted for the study. after joining the SHGs as the work relating to mid day The primary data collected is tabulated with help of meals scheme in the schools is entrusted to the Computer. Simple statistical tools such as percentages members of the SHGs. Thus, the majority of the are used. Substantial part of the thesis is based on members of the SHGs, economic conditions have been tabular analysis. changed after joining the SHGs.

Data analysis Change in income generation after joining the SHGs This paper presents the primary data analysis, which Opinions of the respondents on change in income includes socio-economic conditions of the sample generation after joining the SHGs is presented in Table-

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2. It is evident from the table that 60.8 per cent of the Table - 4 : Distribution of the Respondents by respondents felt there is a substantial change in income Items on Which Expenditure is Increased generation after joining the SHGs. It is further observed Item Number Percentage that 21.7 per cent of the respondents felt that there is a considerable change in the income generation after Education 24 20.00 joining the SHGs. 17.5 per cent of the respondents Health 12 10.00 opined that there is a moderate change in income generation after joining the SHGs. Nutritional food 17 14.00 Family needs 60 50.00 Table - 2 : Distribution of the Respondents by Change in Income Generation after Joining SHGs Others 7 6.00 Total 120 100.00 To what extent, there is a change in income Source: Computed from the Primary Data. Number Percentage generation after joining SHGs Increase in savings level after joining SHGs Respondents were asked whether there is any increase Substantial 73 60.8 in monthly savings level after joining SHGs. Cent Considerable 26 21.7 percentage of the respondents reported that there is an Moderate 21 17.5 increase in savings after joining SHGs, but the amount of savings varies from one respondent to another. Total 120 100.00 Distribution of the respondents by increase in amount Source: Computed from the Primary Data. of savings is given in Table – 5.

Is the income generation through SHGs is Table - 5 : Distribution of the Respondents by permanent or not Increase in Amount of Savings after Joining Respondents were asked whether they are getting SHGs income regularly through the SHGs. Distribution of the Amount Rs. Number Percentage respondents by whether they are getting income regularly through SHGs is presented in Table – 3. It is 30-40 7 6.00 observed from the table that only 52 per cent of the 40-50 14 12.00 respondents felt that they are getting income regularly 50-75 43 36.00 from the SHGs, while 48 per cent of the respondents reported that they are not getting income regularly from 75-100 55 46.00 the SHGs. Total 120 100.00 Table - 3 : Distribution of the Respondents by Source: Computed from the Primary Data. whether they are Getting Income Regularly from SHGs It is inferred from the table that significant percentage of the respondents reported that the increase in savings Yes/No Number Percentage level after joining SHGs is ranging from Rs.75/- to Rs.100/ Yes 62 52.00 - (46 per cent). At the next level, majority reported that there is an increase from Rs.50/- to Rs.75/- (36 per cent). No 58 48.00 A few of the respondents reported that there is an increase Total 120 100.00 in monthly savings level after joining SHGs ranging from Source: Computed from the Primary Data. Rs.30/- to Rs.50/-.

Increase in expenditure after joining SHGs Increase in man days after joining the SHGs Distribution of the respondents by items on which Distribution of the respondents by increase in man days expenditure is increasing after joining SHGs is presented after joining the SHGs is presented in Table-6. It is in Table – 4. It is observed that 50 per cent of the inferred from the table that largest percentage of the respondents felt that they spent more on family needs respondents stated that there is an increase in man days after joining SHGs. Further, it is observed that 20 per after joining the SHGs. Only two respondents of the cent of the respondents reported that they had increased present study stated that there is no increase in man expenditure on education. A few of the respondents felt days after joining the SHGs. It is observed from the that they had increased their expenditure on health, table that for 55 per cent of the respondents, increase in nutritional foods, etc. man days after joining the SHGs is below 25 days, while

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 276 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities for 43.3 per cent of the respondents, increase in man Table - 8 : Distribution of the Respondents by on days is above 25. Therefore, it may be concluded that which they had increased their Knowledge after there is a considerable increase in man days after joining Joining SHGs the SHGs. On which knowledge is Number Percentage Table - 6 : Distribution of the Respondents by increased Increase in Man Days after Joining SHGs Legal rights 24 20.00

Number of days Number Percentage Benefits of education 58 48.00 0 2 1.7 Understanding on election 22 18.00 Below 25 66 55.0 Sanitation and Health 17 14.00 Above 25 52 43.3 Total 120 100.00 Source: Computed from the Primary Data. Total 120 100.00 Source: Computed from the Primary Data. Relations with the society after joining the SHGs Improvement in awareness level Distribution of the respondents by whether relations with the society have improved after the respondents have The study made an attempt to know the impact of the joined the SHGs is presented in Table-9. It is revealed SHGs in terms of improvement in the awareness level from the table that 93.3 per cent of the respondents stated on various things among sample Dalit women. that relations with the society in the village have improved Distribution of the respondents by whether there is any after they have joined the SHGs. As against this, 6.7 imp7rove-ment in the awareness level about various per cent of the respondents stated that relations with things after joining SHGs is presented in Table – the society in the village have not improved after they Table - 7 : Distribution of the Respondents by have joined the SHGs. Therefore, it may be concluded Whether there is any Improvement in the that largest percentage of the respondents stated that Awareness Level after Joining SHGs relations with the society in the village have improved after they have joined the SHGs. Improved/ Not improved Number Percentage Improved 96 80.00 Suggestions In view of the above findings of the study, the following Not improved 24 20.00 suggestions are offered for better functioning of the Self- Total 120 100.00 Help Groups.It may be suggested that the government Source: Computed from the Primary Data. should initiate concrete steps to impart training to each and every member of the SHG as it is found from the It is revealed from the above table that huge percentage study that some of the members of the SHGs were not of the sample respondents reported that their awareness undergone any training. on various things has been improved after joining SHGs 1. It may be suggested that the people should be (80 per cent). As against this, 20 per cent of the motivated and educated towards the utilization of respondents reported that there is no improvement in facilities provided, through SHGs. If needed that the their awareness levels after joining SHGs. rules and regulations are to be relaxed and should Increase in knowledge after joining SHGs be in reach of the dalit women. Respondents were asked on which they had increased 2. It is understood that after joining SHGs, the income their knowledge after joining SHGs. Distribution of the of the sample respondents has got enhanced in this respondents by on which they had increased their regard, it can be suggested that dalit women should knowledge after joining SHGs is given in Table – 8. It is be motivated and enhanced in this regard, it can be found from the table that majority of the respondents felt suggested that people below poverty line should be that they know the benefits of education after joining motivated and encouraged to improve their living SHGs (48 per cent). At the next level, majority reported standards through SHGs and other such groups. legal rights (20 per cent), followed by 18 per cent, 3. It may be suggested that dalit women should be awareness on elections and 14 per cent, sanitation and educated and motivated against sex discrimination. health. Besides, these should be motivated towards health programmes and child care programmers.

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4. It may be suggested that the policy makes should References take initiate measures to support and encourage • Abdul Raheem A., and Yasmeen Sultana, H. (2007), social service centers, under N.G.O.s besides “Empowerment of Women through Self-Help Groups”, providing financial assistance for the socio – economic Kissan World, March, 2007, Vol. 34, No.3, pp. 48- upliftment of the dalit women. 52. 5. The dalit women need to be politically influential to • Ariz Ahmed M., (1999), “Women Empowerment: allow their demands to influence resource allocation Self-Help Groups”, Kurukshetra, April, Vol.47, No.7, and the action of public institutions. They should be pp.19-20. aware enough so that the resources allocated to them • Ashish Thakare (2005), “Need for Empowerment of are not diverted to others. The dalit women must have Women", Social Welfare, August. local level organisations to act as watchdogs and to protect their interest. They have to make real efforts • Batliwala (1994), “Empowerment Benefits of Co- to be aware of different programmes meant for them operations”, Kurukshetra, November. and to organise themselves to make their presence • Chandra Kumar, K., (2005), “Strategies for felt in existing socio-political set up. Empowerment of Women in India: A Review”, in 6. The provision of adequate marketing services at Koteswara Rao, M (eds.), ‘Empowerment of Women different levels and on a regular basis would go a in India’, Discovery Publishing House, New Delhi, long way in improving the performance of the units. pp.407-415. Hence, necessary marketing facilities for the sale of • Chandramani M. (2005), “Self-Help Groups for the products made by SHG members be provided. Empowerment of rural Women”, R.K. Samanta, ISBN 7. The officials should suggest appropriate remedial & 81-89110-02, pp.131-149. measures to ensure smooth and unhindered • Dasgupta and Rajaram (2001), “Grameena Bank: functioning of the units. The officials should also listen Performance and Sustainability”, Discussion Paper to the grievances of members and offer solutions to No.306, The World Bank, Washington D.C. the extent possible; such a helpful gesture would • Devasia, Leelamma (2001), “Rural Women help increase the self-confidence of the members and Empowerment: A Grass Root Level Experiment”, contribute positively to the efficient functioning of the Social Welfare, July, Vol.48, No.4. groups.

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GENDER INEQUALITY, EQUALITY THROUGH UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

P. Jayapal Reddy1 Dr.D.Chandra Mouli Reddy2

Abstract "Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance." — Kofi Annan (Former UNO Secretary General) Gender Equality and Women and their role and status in the society has always been a hot simmering issue, International Women’s Day is a good occasion to reflect on the status of women in India. The best measure of a civilised nation is whether its women are treated with respect, dignity and equality. Gender inequality refers to unequal treatment or perceptions of individuals wholly or partly due to their gender. We know that the women always occupied a lower position when compare to that of men in the patriarchal society since ancient times in India. In most of the personal matters like matrimony or succession, adoption or even issues related to inheritance, the women were not give equal priority with men in Indian society during those days. Secularism as a value has been accepted by one and all but when it is translated into the personal laws of its subjects disagreement arises on the idea of secularism. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Parsees have different personal laws and these personal laws have given place to discrimination in the matters pertaining to adoption, marriage, guardianship, succession, divorce of Indian Women. The implemented ofUniform Civil Code in India to the women will give to them equal rights in the matter of marriage, divorce, property etc. The main objective of this article is to analyze the status of women in Vedic period, Medieval period and Legal & Constitutional Safeguards of women in the modern period and also it explains the position of the women in labour force, contribution of women to GDP, and utilization of various Central Government Schemes for Women welfare by the women of the country. Keywords: Gender Equality, International Women’s Day, Patriarchal Society, Personal Laws, Vedic Period, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Uniform Civil Code.

Introduction inheritance. It is with this intention that the Government Meaning of Gender Equality and UCC aims to modify the personal laws or implement the Uniform Civil Code. Gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of Research Methodology: society, including economic participation and decision- Research methodology is analytical and descriptive. The making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations study is based on the secondary data. The secondary and needs of women and men are equally valued and is collected from Books, Magazines, News papers, favoured Research Articles, Research Journals, and E-journals, The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) provides universal laws etc. and civil rules for all the citizens irrespective of their In the ancient Indian society women were treated with religion, caste etc. It supervenes upon the personal laws, great respect and were worshiped as goddesses. In it treats equally all caste, tribe and religion and it deals early Vedic age, Woman enjoyed good status and withadoption, marriage, divorce, property acquisition and respect in the society. Worship of goddesses depicts property administration. Article 44 of the Directive the respect that the woman had in thatsociety.Woman Principle of State Policy of Indian Constitutionclearly lays had overall freedom regarding suggesting their partners down that State shall exert to guarantee for the citizens (swayamvara), to live as spinsters, Widows could the uniform civil code throughout the territory of India remarry, Women were Educated, No child marriages , because it helps to avoid violence against women and No sati, Dowry only existed symbolically, not as a social also discrimination in matters of marriage, divorce, evil. The women could take part in religious activities

1. Research Scholar, Dept. of Political Science & Public Administration, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, AP. 2 . Asst.Professor, Dept. of Political Science & Public Administration, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, AP .

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 279 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 like husband and wife performing Yagna together. Women • Widow Remarriage: Vidyasagar made efforts in were considered equal to men. The concept of passing the Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856. “Ardhangani”i.e. equal half, was prevalent, Women were • The Sati (Prevention) Act, 1987 was enacted to very educated and just like man, went through abolish and make punishable the inhuman custom brahmachary” discipline including “upanayana” ritual, of Sati. Woman contributed largely to Vedic literature as is • The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 to eliminate the apparent from the famous Woman scholars like Ghosha, practice of dowry. Visvavara, Maîtri, Gargi, and the like, The great Indian epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana, also depict • The Special Marriage Act, 1954 to give rightful status woman playing an important role in society. to married couples who marry inter-caste or inter- religion However in the mediaeval period in India, the status of • women got degraded to a great extent. In this period, Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act, 1956: It women are treated as objects of lust and as slaves in prohibited selling and buying of women, devadasis the society. Their main role was only to perform duties and slavery. like bring up children, caring for every family member and taking care of other house hold activities in the society. Earlier to this, women were facing a lot of problems because of male dominated, patriarchal social system, practice of old traditional believes etc. In the modern era though the status of women in India has been improving, they continue to face problems of Himalayan proportions.All this gave rise to new evils such as- Sati, Plight of Widows, Child Marriage, Devadasi, Other Socio- economic problems Social issues like gender inequality continue to hinder the social and economic growth of women who constitute half of the population. Though the Constitution has given Fig. 1 equal opportunity in employment to women through • Article 16, the patriarchal mindset of society is making Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 women confine to households and is making them work Some Constitutional Provisions for Women in as labourers and is confining them within the four walls Indian: of the house. When compared to the Northern States, 1. Article 14 of the Indian Constitution provides that the the Southern states are somewhat better with regard to State shall not deny to any person equality before gender equality and freedom. Through policy making, the law or the equal protection of the laws within the legislature is providing equal opportunities to women as territory of India. This provision confers rights to all seen in the case of 33% or 50% reservation in local citizens (men & women). bodies that is panchayats and municipalities and schemes for their education, skill development and 2. Article 15 of the Indian Constitution provides that the capital support through various schemes paving the way State shall not discriminate against any citizen on for making them to contribute their might to societal grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. development. 3. Article 15(3) states that the State is permitted to make any special provisions for women and children. Some Legal Safeguards of Womenbefore and After Independence: 4. Article 23 prohibits traffic in human being and forced labour and any contravention of this provision shall Various protective Legislations have also been passed be an offence punishable in accordance with law and by the British Government and Parliament to eliminate to punish the offenders under this Act, the Parliament exploitation of women and to give them equal status in has made Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act 1956. society. 5. Article 39(d) which deals with the Directive Principles • Infanticide: Lord Bentinck also tried to suppress it of State Policy provides for equal pay for equal work by legislating Female Infanticide Prevention Act, for both men and women. 1870 that declared infanticide illegal. 6. Article 42 which is part of the Directive Principles of • Sati: Abolition of Sati by Lord William Bentinck in State Policy makes provision for just and human 1829. Pioneering efforts in this direction were made conditions of work and maternity relief. by Raja Ram Mohan Roy

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India’s Rank on Global Gender Gap Index Only 23.7 percent of eligible Indian women are part of the workforce compared to that of men which is 75 percent. In The index measures gender gap as progress towards urban areas, this number drops further to only 16 percent. parity between men and women in four indicators For men, the comparable number is 69 percent. Even for i. Educational attainment, those women who are part of the workforce, the ii. Health and survival, unemployment rate is high. 8.7 percent compared to 4 percent for men. The result - India ranks abysmally low in iii. Economic opportunity and terms of economic participation of women. The Global iv. Political empowerment. Countries are ranked based Gender Report 2015 by the World Economic Forum ranked on scores on scale ranging from 0 (lowest i.e. India at 139 out of 145 countries. Syria, Pakistan, Saudi imparity) to 1 (highest i.e. parity). It is released every Arabia and Yemen are among the few that rank below India. year by WEF since 2006. The fifth annual Employment-Unemployment Survey Table - 1 published in September 2016 acknowledged the problem, noting that encouraging more women to join the workforce India’s Rank on Global Gender Gap Index is critical to the nation’s ability to benefit from the so-called Year Rank demographic dividend. 2014 127 Women will account for a substantial proportion of the working age population and therefore participation of women 2015 125 in the labour force is of utmost importance to realize the 2016 87 full benefits of demographic dividend. Increasing the labour 2017 108 force participation rate (LFPR) for women is vital to achieving high growth of employment and overall economic growth. Source: https://currentaffairs.gktoday.in The Government is keen to address the issue of low female India was ranked low at 108th position out of 144 countries LFPR and WPR (Worker Population Ratio) and has in Global Gender Gap Index 2017 released as part of World launched various legislation-based schemes and other Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2017. programmes/schemes where the emphasis is on female India slipped by 21 places compared to 87th rank last participation. year(2016).it was 125th rank in 2015, in2014 India’s The Governmnet has launched certain schemes for women ranking is 127 out of 152 countries in the List. like Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK) 1993, Rajiv Gandhi Table - 2 : Women Workers in India Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (Sabla) in 2010, Support to Training & Employment Program for India's missing Women Workers Women (STEP) Launched in 1986-87, Gandhi Matritva Year 2011-12 2012-13 2014-15 2015-16 Sahyog Yojana (IGMSY) 2010, Conditional Maternity Benefit (CMB) scheme, National Mission for Empowerment Female 6.90% 7.20% 7.70% 8.70% Unemployment of Women (NMEW) 2010, National Credit Fund for women Rate (rural), Mother and Child Tracking System (MCTS) 2009, Ujjawala, in 2007, SWADHAR etc,. These schemes are Female Labour 25.40% 22.60% 25.80% 23.70% strengthening women in the matter of education, skill Force Participation development, vocational courses, financial support to Rate women; mobilize the co-operative groups, financial support to pregnant women’s and rehabilitation of women in different circumstances.

UCC for Gender Equality Gender equality is one of the objectives of the Constitution of India which envisages equal rights of women with man. Gender equality is considered as basic human right until women are allowed to live with dignity in the society.1 The Constitution of India enumerates various provisions to ensure gender equality in Part III as well as in Part IV. Part IV provides for Directives Principles of State Policy and these directives are fundamental in the governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the State to apply these Fig. 2 principles in making laws.

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The State so far made laws to implement various Directive Table - 3 Principles. Some of the Directive Principles which aimed Women Voting Issues at gender equality such as Art.39 and 42 have been Percentages implemented by enacting legislation but the state however, even after 66 years of the commencement of the 1. Total ban on oral/ 92.10% unilateral divorce Constitution of India have not taken any step to implement the Directive Principles of State Policy provided under Art.44 2. Opposed to Polygamy 91.70% of the Constitution of India. Art.44 provides for the Uniform 3. Codification of Muslim 83.30% Civil Code throughout the territory of India. Uniform Civil family law Code is a proposal to replace the personal laws which govern the different religious communities in India with a common set of rules governing marriage, divorce, 3. Codification inheritance, adoption and maintenance. A personal law in of Muslim India is based on religion, tradition, scripture and culture. family 1. Total ban on law, 83.30% oral/unilateral Personal laws contain some provisions which are unjust divorce, 92.10% to women e.g. a Muslim husband can marry four wives, he can divorce his wife unilaterally by the word ‘Talaq ’ thrice, her right to receive adequate maintenance from the husband after divorce is not recognized. Many provisions of Muslim personal law are discriminatory towards women and are based on patriarchal ideology. Personal laws relating to Hindus was also discriminatory, however, with the 2. Opposed to codification of Hindu Personal law many reforms have taken Polygamy, 91.7 place in order to provide equal right to Hindu women. But it 0% cannot be said that the Hindu Personal law has completely Fig. 3 been reformed because in different parts of India some customary law prevails. This customary law is based on Source:: BMMA Conducted Survey and it published in caste, belief and tradition and plays a vital role in regulating www.Thetimeofindia.com family affairs which are derogatory towards right of women. The state should make an endeavor to reform personal The recent progressive decisions of the Shani laws of the communities in India in order to ensure gender Shingnapur and Trimbakeshwar temple trust to allow Reform of the personal law should be made in conformity entry of women in the wake of a series of protest of various Fundamental Rights of the Constitution which constitute a welcome development in what has been a seeks to promote gender equality and social justice. long march towards gender equality.

When it comes to the real sense of equality the Supreme Providing land property rights to women in 29 states of Court of India in certain cases has opined a need for the India, Mizoram occupied first place, Tamilnadu has taken legislation for a Common Civil Code or Uniform Civil Code. second position and Utter Pradesh got last position (29th It said in Shah Bano case in 1985, in Saral Mudgal case in position). Southern states are better than Northern states 1995 and in Vallamattam case in 2003, in Ahmadabad with regard to providing the land property rights to women. Women’s Action Group (AWAG) vs. Union of India. In Southern states Tamilnadu occupied the first Noorjehan Safia, Niazand Zakia Soman, Co –founders of position;Telangana holds the second position and Andhra the Bharatiya Muslims Mahila Andolan (BMMA) in a letter Pradesh got 3rd position. If we critical look at to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2015, constitutional debate, legislative enactment and judicial observed “From the Shah Bano case in 1985 till date, Muslim decisions very clearly we can appreciate the lack of women have never been heard in matters concerning their seriousness in ensuring justice to women. Although 84% lives thanks to the political leaders in our country, in the of married women in the country are participating in matters of reforms Muslim personal law. BMMA conducted household decisions, collectively speaking, there are survey and it has taken primary sample of 4710 Muslim considerable state- wide disparities which imply that women across 10 states. Overwhelming 92.1% women women in our country don’t have an equal voice across. want a total ban on oral/ unilateral divorce and 91.7% are There is lack of seriousness to our leaders in women opposed to polygamy. 83.3% women said that codification rights. Still even today some social evils existing in the of Muslim family law will help Muslim women get justice. society. This data explained below table and pie chart (Table - 3)

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Conclusion • NawalNitu,Sharma R.K., Domestic Violence against International Women’s Day is a good occasion to reflect Women Legal Protection, Legislative, and Judicial on the status of women in India. The best measure of a Aspects, Regal Publication, New Delhi, 2013. civilised nation is whether its women are treated with • Anand,A.S., Justice for Women Concerns and respect, dignity and equality. We seem to fall short of Expressions, Universal Law Publishing Co. that target. Even though they make up nearly half the population, women here have endured discrimination for • www.lawjournals.org centuries.The most effective tool is perhaps women’s • SivakumarMarimuthu,Gender Discrimination and political empowerment. So what is required is a Women s Development in India, MPRA Paper sustained, comprehensive drive to end inequality. A first 10901,2008. step would be to improve the access for girls to education • to reduce the in-built disadvantages that they have from D.D.Basu- Introduction of the Indian Constitution. birth onwards. A second step would be to address • Jayaplan, N. (1998). Constitutional History of India. market and institutional failures that lock women into Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, New Delhi. low-return, highly vulnerable forms of employment and • of self-employment. The government started different Banerjee Arpita, Status of Women and Gender programmes for against the women discrimination, Discrimination in India: A State wise Research Vol.3, empowerment of women and women welfare. But the Issue, 12, December, 2013. government didn’t focus on the effective implementation • M.V.Pylee. ((2004) Constitutional Government in of the programmes in the ground levels, so the India. S. Chand & Co., Bombay. government must create the awareness among the rural • https://www.lawctopus.com/academike/uniform-civil- people code-gender-justice/ The term ‘social justice’ includes gender justice. The • www.mssv.co.in/Journal/vol1no2/ idea of gender justice prohibits discrimination on the MSSVJHSS010207.pdf ground of sex, be it social, political and economic. The anti discriminatory provisions are applicable to the • www.indianexpress.com, Columns Nov 17, 2016 - actions of the state. To prohibit discrimination on the Arguments in favour of a uniform civil code often ground of religion, race, caste, sex etc17 the state has project Hindu law as just, in spite of the evidence of made uniform laws for all matters other than a uniform its anti-women practices law relating to marriage, adoption, inheritance etc. The • www.insightsonindia.com/.../4-uniform-civil-code- State has, however, made many changes in the Hindu needed-gender-justice. law of those practices which were manifestly unjust e.g. prohibition of Sati practices, permission to widow’s • Shabana Azmi; women, Stand up for you rights, The remarriage, prohibition of child marriage, Women’s right Times of Indian, July, 2005 to inheritance, prohibition of practice of polygamy etc. • United Nations. 2002. Johannesburg Summit 2002. There is link between Gender Justice and Uniform Civil Ethiopia-country Profile. Available from: http:// Code, so the government must implement the Uniform www.un.org/esa/agenda21/natlinfo/wssd/ethiopia.pdf Civil Code or Codified the Personal of different religious, (Accessed 4 December, 2012). then also women get equal rights in the matter of marriage, divorce, property rights, adoption, etc. • United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP). 2003. Human Development Report 2003. New York: Reference Oxford University Press. United Nations Children s • Gender Disparity in India: Unheard Whimpers – Fund (UNICEF).2006. by Siuli Sarkar • The State of The World’s Children 2007: Women and • Gender and Politics in India: Themes in Politics– by Children-The Double Dividend of Gender Equality. New Menon Niyedita York: United Nations Children s Fund (UNICEF). • Gender Justice – 2014 by Dr. Sunanda Goenka • Debate on Uniform Civil Code the Hindu July 14th 2016 • Gender Equality in the Welfare State? Hardcover – Import, 30 Apr 2012 by Gillian Pascall. • Das Bhaswati, KhawasVimal, Gender Issues in Development Concerns for the 21st century, Rawat Publication ,2009, New Delhi.

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WOMEN IN CORPORATE SECTOR

Tanusha V L Kurapati1 Sai Varshini T2

Abstract India is the 7th largest country and the 3rd largest country by population in the world. Women in India, although the sex ratio is less but women are a step ahead in every walk of life. Around 36% of women work in the corporate sector. Corporate sector is one of the leading sectors in India and the salaries they receive are also constant and there are chances for increment also.Those days were long gone when women were suppressed in hands of men. Now a day’s women are leading in every field. There are many examples like Chitra Ramkrishna (MD and CEO national stock exchange), Aarthi Subramanian (executive director TCS), Arundhati Bhattachrya (chairman SBI). The researchers will give some real life examples describing some of the incidents. There are some restrictions like women should only be confined to kitchens and take care of the family, to be precise working of women is against the norms and values of the society. And also even if they break these boundaries and start working, there are many other hindrances that they face in either the work place or at their homes. In the work places it includes sexual harassment, and also gender discrimination and income disparities which in turn affect their lives. The researchers will cover various aspects about women working in corporate sector. This research will cover the gender inequality that women face in this sector and also the main problems like sexual harassment and income disparities. It will also cover certain legislations which help in reducing such exploitation and also some remedies that would reduce these hindrances which can help in women empowerment in the end.

Introduction and political benefits yet they were never effective to Drastic changes in the position of women: bring a radical change in the situation. Women had only the role of a ‘good wife’ to play and if a woman ventured From the evolution of life in India women were given most out to work, she was seen as a bad woman against important place in the society. According to most of the societal norms. Hindu literature women were even considered as goddesses e.g., Saraswati Devi, whom we worship as a Women in India slowly started realizing their potential. goddess of study and Lakshmi Devi goddess of wealth. She has started questioning the rules laid down for her The planet earth on which we live in is personified as by the society. As a result she has started breaking the mother earth, which is a female gender. barriers and earned a respectable position in the world. With the change in time people started becoming selfish Today Indian women have excelled in each and every and the women position was suppressed. Women field. Today the modern women is so deft and self confined to houses, they were either forced to follow sufficient that she can be easily called a super women, their father or husband, although people worshipped juggling many fronts single handedly. goddesses, but they never cared for the self respect of Women are now fiercely ambitious and are proving their women. Even though some rulers of their respective times metal not only on the home front but also their respective tried to bring a change in the position of women they positions. The Indian women has to make her way didn’t succeed in changing the minds of the people. through all socialized prejudices against her, and the During the British colonialism in India freedom fighters man yet have to allow and accept the women to be equal like Mahatma Gandhi, Bala Gangadhar Tilak had tried participants in the countries way forward. to educate people about gender equality. Corporate Sector: When our country got our independence, the participation of women nationalists was highly acknowledged. When In economics, the business sector or the corporate Indian constitution was formulated it had granted equal sector sometimes popularly called business is the part rights to women, considering them legal citizens of the of the economy made up by companies, it is a subset of country and as equal to men in terms of freedom and the domestic economy excluding the economic activities opportunity. Though a number of constitutional of the general government, of private households, and of amendments were made for women social, economic nonprofit organizations serving individuals. 28% of the Indian GDP is from the corporate sector.

1. BA LLB (HONS) 2nd Semester, Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam, AP. 2. BA LLB (HONS) 2nd Semester, Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Sabbavaram, Visakhapatnam, AP.

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Many surveys among the top corporate sector NCRB statistics case of sexual harassment of women companies around India have proved that women are within work places have more than doubled between 2014 present in high numbers in the companies. Women are to 2015. More over to make matters worse 70% of working strong, smart, technically competent emotionally valiant women do not report workplace harassment in India. in comparison to their male counter parts. As such they The sheer failure in properly implementing the sexual are rightly called as the new age corporate women. But harassment of women at work place law, 2013 is one of despite achieving such huge laurels, women still face the reasons why the collective voices of women have many obstacles in their work place. had come together. These are women who have suffered Gender bias and sexual harassment are biggest issue various forms of harassment by bosses, colleagues, they face and there are some other issues which are professors etc. This violent discourse is because of the big hurdles for women to grow in the corporate sector. patriarchal and male centric nature that has been prevalent in the society since ages. Let us discuss the most pre dominant challenges that women face in their day to day life. A rising India, a shinning India but also a perverted India. A country that boasts the culture of worshipping women Sexual Harassment: as goddesses but ranks one of the highest in terms of One of the most heart shameful and heart wrenching gender-based violence against women in domestic, public challenge that a women faces in working environment is and professional workplaces in the world. This is should the kinds of sexual abuse she is exposed to. According be curbed by bringing more stringency in the already to the sexual harassment Section 2(n) of the sexual enacted laws. harassment of women (Prevention Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013 states sexual harassment includes Gender Discrimination any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or Girls and women constitute almost half of the population behavior (whether directly or by implication) namely: in India. But they are not given equal opportunities and • Physical contact and advances; or access to all the resources. Almost every Indian would agree that of all the women they know, most are a victim • A demand or request for sexual favors; or of discrimination in their life. Not only during employment • Making sexually colored remarks; or but also the type of work they are entrusted with differ • Showing pornography; or from the work given to their male counter parts and also • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal coupled with the conditions of work and also the conduct of sexual nature. opportunities they get to advance. Women are overlooked for certain jobs on the account of their gender to being This definition of sexual harassment has to be read along offered inequitable wages and development paths. with section 3 of the 2013 act, which states that no women shall be subjected to sexual harassment at any The most live example is Ms. Sudha Murthy, the present work place. There cannot be implied or explicit promise/ chairman of Infosys and a philanthropist and a writer. In threat, preferential/ detrimental or hostile work the starting of her career when she was studying in IISC environment for women; is humiliating treatment that is Bangalore, she wanted to go abroad for her higher studies likely to affect women’s health or safety. but one day she came across a advertisement of TATA engineering and locomotive company (TELCO) which is Sexual harassment at work place can occur in two ways: stating an employment opportunity only for men in the quid pro quo and hostile environment Quid pro quo refers automotive manufacturing called the field work. She was to this for that which means if you oblige for this I will infuriated by the advertisement and wanted to prove her give you that and vice versa. Hostile environment refers worth, as she also scored the same marks as her male to sexual conduct that unreasonably interferes with an counter parts did. So, she wrote a post card to the then individual’s job performance or creates an intimidating, company’s chairman Ratanji Tata complaining about the hostile or offensive work environment. gender discrimination or the gender bias at the TELCO. One of the most significant aspects of this act is that As a result she was granted a special interview and hired the employers were made liable for the breach of law by immediately. And became the first female engineer hired its employees. Before the enactment of this there was at India’s largest automotive manufacturing company. no vicarious liability on sexual harassment cases. There is also a dearth of women who are in key positions The recent upheavals of sexual harassment of women and senior positions in India. In some cases, even though at work places in India are highly disturbing. It is baffling they are women who occupy as board members and to know that there has been a sharp rise in the sexual also the organizational policies that are governed by harassment of women at work places. According to gender equality but still women have to work hard a long

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 285 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 way to achieve success and they face discrimination at In 2011 Kolkata resident was compelled to leave her job some or the other point of time. One of the biggest as a sub editor with a national newspaper after she got reasons why women occupy the lower positions is pregnant. First she was in poor health and her boss because of the lack of support from their family after reduced her work hours. But after three months she was marriage, both professionally and personally. called for a meeting with her seniors and she was asked to leave her job stating that how can she work in this This gender discrimination in return leads to income condition. She asked for time stating that she needed disparities in the earning of men and women. the income to support her family. Income Disparities In 2011, Kolkata resident was compelled to leave her Men in IT services earn Rs 360.9 per hour, while women job as a subeditor with a national newspaper after she earn only Rs 239.6 per hour. got pregnant. Seth’s health was poor in her first trimester, and her bosses initially reduced her work hours. These Amid a raging debate over gender pay gap globally, a negotiations continued for a week and so, and also they new report shows the figure for India stands as high as wanted her invite her husband for a chat. And finally when 27 per cent, where men earned a median gross hourly her husband met them they had asked him how you salary of Rs. 288.68, while women earned Rs, 207.85 could even allow your pregnant wife to work. At the end per hour. As per the latest Monster Salary Index by online keeping in mind her deteriorating health she took an career and recruitment solutions provider Monster India, indefinite leave, but refused to resign. She was paid for in the IT services sector, the median gross hourly salary three months of maternity leave but the mental trauma was the highest at Rs. 337.3. she went through could not be excused and she decided But the IT services sector has a huge gender pay gap of never to return back to the company. 34 per cent. Men in IT services earn Rs 360.9 per hour, Most companies do not provide crèches or flexible hours, while women earn only Rs 239.6 per hour. A sector-wise forcing women to choose between work and the home. analysis shows the gender pay gap was highest in There has been amendment to the maternity benefit act manufacturing sector (34.9 per cent) and lowest in the 2016; the leave has been raised from 12 weeks to 26 BFSI and Transport, logistics, communication, equally weeks. And prenatal leave is also extended from six to standing at 17.7 per cent. eight weeks. But we oppose this because either in According to the report, some of the reasons behind taking care of the mother or raising a child both the wife gender pay gap could be the preference for male and husband have the same and equal duty, So even employees over female employees, preference for paternal leave should be granted such that there would promotion of male employees to supervisory positions be no discrimination between men and women here. and career breaks of women due to parenthood duties And also the funds which are being given by the and other socio-cultural factors. Worldwide, lack of pay government for providing maternity benefit are misused parity has taken centre stage, with strong views being by the companies. These all should curb. And it should shared by sportspersons, political and business leaders be seen that there strict implementation of maternity alike. Men often get higher salary offers than women benefit act. vying for the same title in the same organization, Monster India Managing Director Sanjay Modi said. “Needless to Conclusion say, the situation is far from desired in India, especially It is impossible to think about the welfare of the world when the country is gearing towards inclusive unless the condition of women is improved it is development,” Mr. Modi said adding that the task at hand impossible for bird to fly on one wing. was the pace at which this pay gap could be bridged. There was a strong need to create equal opportunities - Swami Vivekananda for all, particularly women, who were key contributors in There are also many other problems which women face the job market, he added.1 in the corporate sector. The researcher has focused on the above issues. Although these all these problems Maternity Leave create havoc in the lives of the women working the A section of corporate India is consciously choosing corporate sector. But in India there are a bunch of gender-sensitive policies such as flexible hours and courageous women who stand on par with the male crèche services for working mothers. But, there are also counter parts like Chitra Ramkrishna, MD & CEO, companies where women still have to face discrimination National Stock Exchange; Aarthi Subramanian, and harassment when they announce that they are Executive Director, TCS; Alice G. Vaidyan, CMD, GIC pregnant. Re; Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairman, State Bank of

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India; Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji • https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2011/11/sexual- Telefilms; Nita Ambani, Chairperson, Reliance harassment-of-women-in-india/ Foundation and Director, Reliance Industries; Suneeta • https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2012/03/heres-how- Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group and the-status-of-women-has-changed-in-india-since- many other women. Women in India should take 1950-till-date/ inspiration from many of the women who have excelled • https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/ in their jobs and are now in the top positions. And women relationships/work/All-you-need-to-know-about- in India are also not that weak to sit back in the house increased-maternity-leave/articleshow/50622146.cms seeing the obstacles that appear. And also the mindset of the people should change they should allow girls to • www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jbm/papers/Vol17-issue1/ come out and work. Version-3/D017132527.pdf • http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/India- References suffers-from-huge-gender-pay-gap-says-report/ • http://www.businesstoday.in/powerful- article14324693.ece businesswomen/2016/ • http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/India- • https://qz.com/385866/pregnancy-remains-a-curse- suffers-from-huge-gender-pay-gap-says-report/ for-working-women-in-corporate-india/ article14324693.ece

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SOCIAL EXCLUSION OF GIRL CHILDREN FOR EDUCATION ISA BARRIER FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN ADVANCED CAREER

J. Pavani1 Dr. Sr. Lovely Jacob2

Abstract In India government has expressed a strong commitment towards education for girls however, the progress in girls education in India is far from satisfactory as mentioned in the human development report. In India the discrimination is that the girls and women are not able to enjoy their right to education. There are several reasons for the low levels of literacy among girls in India. Education is not only to read and to write but it is also to question and search for answers. It is also to challenge the exploitative norms of society and be able to say and do what they feel right to do. Engaging girls in domestic work is another barrier to the progress of girls’ education. There are social exclusion in all the sectors such as in the family, school, society and the nation at large. Inclusion of girl children in the educational field can bring lots of change in their lives and they can be agents of social change. This paper is to highlight the importance of girl child education. Key words: Social Exclusion, Education, Policies for education, Barriers for women empowerment

Introduction and not just those suffering from it. The complete reliance Across the globe, girls are systematically excluded from on this approach is quite tricky as it may get bogged participation in social, economic, and political life. The down in empirical issues rather than focus on important absence of girls in these arenas has implications not policy-questions.In addition, getting educated is an only for the young women themselves but also for society important participatory process for children and equal as a whole, exacerbating poverty and perpetuating access for all to this process allows participation in, disparities in health, education, and economic and respect by society. In fact in the 18th and 19th achievement. Adolescent girls encounter barriers to centuries viewed the inclusionary nature of the education entering and staying in school, finding work, making process, and the fostering of citizenship through friends, learning life skills, accessing health services, education as more important skills one may acquire and participating in civic life. through education. While there is a considerable debate about the precise Problems faced by girl child for education meaning of the some of the most useful definitions have The sheer business of survival drains her of all energy. sought to emphasize that social exclusion is concerned Education is hardly a priority in her every day battle for with the ‘inability to participate effectively in economic, survival. Women are caught in a vicious circle where social, and cultural life and, in some characteristics, they are unable to educate their daughtersgender alienation and distance from mainstream society. Article discriminate the person as masculine and feminine 29: “States Parties agree that the education of the child ideology. Social factors like early marriage or parental shall be directed to the development of child’s apathy to girls denies them from education. Some personality, talents, and mental and physical abilities parents also stated that since they have to pay heavy to their fullest potential. dowry to attract educated bridegrooms, they have to withdraw their girls from education to save money for Social Exclusion and Education the dowry.Conversely, education can be a source of Education is one of the most important factors affecting exclusion for children and thus carry with it the intrinsic the development of children. It has great intrinsic problems this involves. This is particularly the case if, significance as access to education is an important right. for some children, it fails to meet the standard called for At the same time, establishing the empirical linkages in the Convention of the Rights of Children of may be very important to generate societal consensus ‘development of the child’s personality, talents, and around policies combating social exclusion, particularly mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential.’ It if it can be shown that social exclusion hurts everyone

1. Department of Social Work, Maris Stella College ,Vijayawada,AP. 2. HOD, Department of Social Work,Maris Stella College,Vijayawada,AP.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 288 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities can also be exclusionary if the process of education and more importantly taking care of younger siblings fails to promote equal participation and access. which ultimately use to keep them away from school education.Additional research is needed across the Girls in School Education globe to learn more about which girls are excluded, to In India the participation of girls at all stages of education examine the effects of isolation on their lives, and to has been increasing steadily through the years. In 1950- develop context-specific approaches to meet girls’ needs. 1951 girls’ participation has increased many folds in Researchers should also explore the negative effects of primary, middle secondary, higher secondary stages and social exclusion on poverty reduction and achievement higher education levels.In the higher education sector, of the Millennium Development Goals, as well as other the University Grant Commission (UGC) has been human development measures. In the end, girls’ rights implementing various schemes for promoting women’s are human rights. Socially isolated girls are a group that education in universities and colleges. Some of these we cannot afford to leave behind. are scheme of grants for women universities foe technical courses. There are scheme for construction of women, Significance of Girls’ Education hostels setting up women study centers in 72 • An extra year of education for girls can reduce infant universities.Higher levels of education among girls will mortality by 5-10 percent with the link especially likely to have higher dowry expenses as they want strong in low income countries. comparably educated husband. • Analysis finds that doubling the proportion of women with a secondary education would reduce average Male-Female literacy Gap in Education fertility rates from 5.3 to 3.9 per women. Women not only make up one half of this potential talent • Providing girls with one extra year of education beyond base they also contribute to bringing in some different the average boosts eventual wages by 10-20% perspective that are so important in a complex, Interdependent and fast moving world. Over the past few • Studies shows finds that more productive farming due decades among various others causes, poverty is the to increased female education accounts for 43% of prime reasons for lack of education and especially for a the decline in malnutrition achieved b/w 1970 and girl child is perceived as waste of money and resources. 1995. • A recent cross – country study finds that women’s Dynamics of Current Scenario of Women’s education generally has more impact than men’s Education education on children’s schooling. The Indian Government has expressed a strong • Educated women are three times as likely to commitment towards education for all however, the participate in political meeting as illiterate women. progress in women’s education in India is far from • Education girls have better opportunities to earn satisfactory as mentioned in the human development higher wages participate in community life and report of South Asia . One of the discrimination that girls decision making and are better informed about health and women are facing in India is the facts that they are risks that may be relevant to both themselves and not able to enjoy the right to education more than half of their families. the adult illiterates (63%) are women and nearly 2/5 girls enrolled in primary schools are dropout before grade. Social Work Intervention There are several reasons for the low levels of literacy Method of case work could be great help in addressing among girls in India, not the least of which is the high the socio-economic problems faced by the girls. level of poverty over one third population is estimated to Awareness creation could be a great tool in imparting be living below the poverty line although. School the benefits of education. Special classes and evening attendance is free the cost of books and transportation classes can bring change in their attitudes towards to school can be too much for poor families. study. Discussions with parents, communities and Engaging girls in domestic job is another major barrier schools will be of a great motivation force for the girl to the progress of women educationengagement to children to study. Sponsorships and other financial working f0or their own household is more common for a support also will encourage the girls to take to take their girl child studies reveal that in the Indian context girl study. Social workers can encourage girls to overcome children begin to work in the household from a very early the cultural and traditional barriers. Community age girl children are mainly engaged in domestic house involvement and group interventions also can be used to hold activities such as cooking cleaning fetching water advance the girls education. and fuel wood looking after old and sick family member

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Conclusion responsibility of each person to strive forward in Education is significant for girls for bringing all round understanding the situation of the girl children and development beginning from employment opportunities educate them for the realization of their full potentials to respectful position in the society in them. The and in turn their contribution towards society. involvement and support of family in the process of a References girl’s education will encourage and act as a boon for the girls. The problem of low self-esteem is endemic to many • BhaskaraRao, Digumali. 2000. A.P.H. publishing girls in all societies especially where women’s position corporation, NewDelhi. is legallyand economically as a permanent juvenile • Gupta, Mukta. 2003. Women and educational anddependent. As a girl or women abandons the development, institutes of environment development stereotypes, she also abandons what she knows best, studies, New Delhi the sense of self with which she and many generations • Sunita Gupta and MuktaMittal . 1995, Anmol before her were raised. The success of development publications efforts depends upon making women full partners. It is • VijayaeswarRao, G. 2004, women and in schools that the journey out of poverty and towards society,Himalaya publishing house employment and decision making begins. It is the

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ROLE OF SELF HELP GROUPS IN WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP A STUDY ON MADANAPALLE TOWN, CHITOOR DISTRICT, A.P

Ch. Subbaya Naidu1

Abstract Today, more women are breaking free from the traditional, gender-specific roles and venturing into the business world. Not only are they holding high corporate positions but they are also successful women entrepreneurs. The steady rise in female entrepreneurs can be due to many different reasons, most of which share the same rational as their male counterparts – passion for their ideas, the desire to become their own boss, and the need to address philanthropic causes. Keeping the above background, it is very clear that the SHG entrepreneurship for women group is essential and it is to be developed. So some measures should be introduced to reduce their household burden. This requires a drastically change in the mind set of the men towards women in general and working women in particular. Hence, it becomes necessary for the society and Government to find remedies for the problems of women SHG entrepreneurship.Awareness, interest and involvement ultimately lead to participate, which is an indicator of participatory political culture on which democracy flourishes and becomes more strengthened. Participation manifests itself in the actual involvement of an individual, directly or indirectly, in the formulation and implementation of a variety of programmes launched by the Government. Participation in this sense makes programme successful. The present study is an attempt at answering questions raised in the beginning. The findings show that irrespective of several welfare programmes for the empowerment of rural women unchanged. It was also observed that the levels of awareness, involvement, interest and participation on the part of the rural people are significantly low as a result of which they cannot derive the benefits to the desired extent, from such welfare programmes.

Need for the study To know about the socio economic status of the rural women, the investigator wants to study the implementation of rural development programmes for women through aspects like Awareness, Interest, Participation, involvement and satisfaction among the beneficiaries of the study area.

Specific Objectives of the study are • To know about the socio economic status of rural women. • To explore the levels of awareness, interest, participation and involvement of the women in the welfare programmes of the study area. • To examine the status of socio economic change of women. • To recommend with few suggestions to strengthen the status of women in rural areas. • To identify the problems/bottlenecks in implementation of the women welfare programmes.

Research Methodology • The primary sources of data collection for the study include fieldwork, relevant documents, reports and guidelines issued by the Government of India and Government of Andhra Pradesh. • In addition to the collected information through the above methods, substantial information was also collected through informal discussions with officials beneficiaries of the district rural development agency in the Chitoor district. Key Words: Self Help Groups, Entrepreneurship, Socio economic, Women empowerment,

Introduction different reasons, most of which share the same rational Today, more women are breaking free from the traditional, as their male counterparts – passion for their ideas, the gender-specific roles and venturing into the business desire to become their own boss, and the need to world. Not only are they holding high corporate positions address philanthropic causes. Keeping the above but they are also successful women entrepreneurs. The background, it is very clear that the SHG steady rise in female entrepreneurs can be due to many entrepreneurship for women group is essential and it is

1. Lecturer,Besant theosophical college, Madanapalle,AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 291 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 to be developed. So some measures should be beneficiaries of the district rural development agency introduced to reduce their household burden. This in the Chitoor district. requires a drastically change in the mind set of the men towards women in general and working women in Profile of the district particular. Hence, it becomes necessary for the society Madanapalle was founded by Sri Ahobila Naidu in 1618 and Government to find remedies for the problems of AD. Sir Thomas Munro was first collector of Cuddapah. women SHG entrepreneurship. He built a small thatched house at the present Collector’s bungalow and visited Madanapalle every summer. In Awareness, interest and involvement ultimately lead to 1850, Madanapalle was developed as subdivision and participate, which is an indicator of participatory political F.B.Manoly was the first Sub Collector. The town culture on which democracy flourishes and becomes experienced several natural calamities like floods, more strengthened. Participation manifests itself in the famines and epidemics.Rabindranath Tagore translated actual involvement of an individual, directly or indirectly, "Jana Gana Mana" from Bengali to English and also set in the formulation and implementation of a variety of it to music in Madanapalle. The National Anthem was programmes launched by the Government. Participation written by Rabindranath Tagore as early as in 1911 and in this sense makes programme successful. The present was sung at the annual session of the Indian National study is an attempt at answering questions raised in Congress at Calcutta on December 27 that year. But it the beginning. The findings show that irrespective of was actually done in Besant Theosophical College, several welfare programmes for the empowerment of rural Madanapalle, where Tagore stayed for few days in women unchanged. It was also observed that the levels February 1919 that the now familiar tune was set. of awareness, involvement, interest and participation on the part of the rural people are significantly low as a Madanapalle occupied an Educational and Cultural centre result of which they cannot derive the benefits to the from early 1915, when Dr. Anne Besant started Besant desired extent, from such welfare programmes. Theosophical College, famously known as B.T. Integrated Campus. B.T. College was initially part of Need for the study National University to which Dr. Rabindranatha Tagore To know about the socio economic status of the rural was Vice Chancellor. women, the investigator wants to study the The primary and secondary school education is imparted implementation of rural development programmes for by government, aided and private schools, under the women through aspects like Awareness, Interest, School Education Department of the state. The medium Participation, involvement and satisfaction among the of instruction followed by different schools are English, beneficiaries of the study area. Telugu. Specific Objectives of the study are Madanapalle has famous standing educational • To know about the socio economic status of rural institutions like Besant Theosophical College, Rishi women. Valley School, a boarding school, founded by the • To explore the levels of awareness, interest, philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Zilla Parishad High participation and involvement of the women in the School, which was founded in 1924.It also has four welfare programmes of the study area. engineering colleges - Madanapalle Institute of • To examine the status of socio economic change of Technology and Science, Sir Vishveshwaraiah Institute women. of Science & Technology, Aditya College of Engineering. • To recommend with few suggestions to strengthen The most important assets of a nation are the citizens the status of women in rural areas. themselves. If the citizens are healthy, patriotic, honest, • To identify the problems/bottlenecks in and sincere, the nation will progress at a much faster implementation of the women welfare programmes. pace. For this reason, it is very essential to have moral education in schools and colleges. To provide moral Research Methodology education to students, there can be many ways – telling • The primary sources of data collection for the study stories, preaching, group discussions, Yoga, and include fieldwork, relevant documents, reports and Meditation.This is how humans determine their actions guidelines issued by the Government of India and based on their cognitive abilities to interpret a social Government of Andhra Pradesh. situation. Issues of reasoning, problem solving skills, self-control and adaptability are components in exhibiting • In addition to the collected information through the key components of the moral process. above methods, substantial information was also collected through informal discussions with officials

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Findings of the study:- based record keeping system starting from SHG 1. Most of the respondents felt that there is more may be an option. change in their socio economic condition after 7. Awareness generation as an activity is proposed by themselves selected through among the target the guidelines to fulfill the objectives of reaching the beneficiaries. poor by DRDA. Initial awareness generation activities 2. An overwhelming majority of the respondents in the need to be supplemented through promotion of sample did not have adequate education to transparent operational systems as well as understand towards the welfare programmes. participatory planning process and these will lead to building confidence in DRDA target group 3. Majority of the respondents have medium awareness households. However, focus has remained on about rules, regulations and procedures of the DRDA awareness generation right in the introduction stage Programmes. of the scheme. It is also observed that IEC is majorly 4. Majority of the respondents have active involvement dependent on inter-personal media. The programme in the SHG programmes. staff does not feel the importance of IEC activities in 5. An overwhelming majority of the respondents in the reaching the target group households. sample faced difficulty of getting the loan amount 8. There is a need of promotion of better communication sanctioned by the DRDA. tools and media including audio visual and mass 6. Most of the respondents felt that support given by media. IEC actions also need to go beyond scheme DRDA for welfare schemes was not adequate information and orientation. The field study identifies enough. a definite need for developing common and shared understanding role of IEC in community based Suggestions:- functioning through trainings. Measures to improve the performance by the District Rural Development Agency in the implementation of Conclusion various programmes/schemes in the rural areas. As a result, rural development policies and approaches 1. The study also finds a major impediment in the that may have worked before may not be as effective context of caste conflicts and caste prejudices. any more. It is necessary for the government to take a fresh look at rural development and to identify persistent 2. Study points out that the people had little knowledge and emerging issues to revise where necessary conceptual about the rural development programmes because frameworks and to reform institution to make these more of their illiteracy, this hampered implementation. responsive to the specific needs of the poor. However, Literacy rate among the beneficiaries should be there is an urgent need to share the wealth of successful improved in order to create awareness about the innovative initiates in rural development that target the programmes and ultimately make them to raise their various dimension of poverty under different condition. voice when their needs are not fully satisfied. 3. Politicians and other pressure groups should be kept References away in the implementation of the programmes • Shri Ram Maheswari. Rural Development in India, A and encourage the people’s participation in decision Public Policy Approach: New Delhi, 2001. making process in the rural development programmes. • Vasant Desai., Rural Development, Issues and 4. Involvement of NGOs is necessary in the action Problems: Himalaya publishing House: Bombay, process. 2001. 5. For the beneficiaries of IKP scheme the training • Raja Rajeswari.,A., Implementation of Jawahar should be arranged with the help of experts available Rozgar Yojana in Visakhapatnam, A Case Study of in the nearby universities/Departments. These Chinagadili mandal, Andhra University: programmes are to be conducted periodically not Visakhapatnam, 1994. only to the beneficiaries but also to the prospect. • Esminger, Rural Development, What is it? Its 6. Operational issues relating to specific schemes also contribution to National Building”, East West emerged during the study. These include small, one Centre’s Conference, London, 1974. –two staff bank branches in remote areas definitely • Mishra.S., New Horizons in Rural Development affect response time from banks. Similarly, SHG Administration, Mittal Publications, New Delhi, 1989. based record keeping seems to be a need to understand clear picture of repayment. There is a • Katar Singh, Rural development- Panchayatiraj need for a mutually agreeable repayment recording Institutions;Principles, Policies and Management , system by DRDA and bank. Use of IT and community Sage publication, New Delhi -2009.

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MAKING WOMEN AS BEST ENTREPRENEURS- (A Case Study of Madanapalle Town, Chitoor District, A.P)

Dr. D. Mallikarjuna Rao1

Abstract In the present study, an attempt has been made to examine the efficacy of women entrepreneurship particularly those who are residing in rural areas by taking certain key concepts like the respondent awareness, interest, involvement and participation in the process of implementation of various programmes. The present study is an attempt at answering questions raised in the beginning. The findings show that irrespective of several welfare programmes for the empowerment of rural women unchanged. It was also observed that the levels of awareness, involvement, interest and participation on the part of the rural people are significantly low as a result of which they cannot derive the benefits to the desired extent, from such welfare programmes. Awareness, interest and involvement ultimately lead to participate, which is an indicator of participatory political culture on which democracy flourishes and becomes more strengthened. Participation manifests itself in the actual involvement of an individual, directly or indirectly, in the formulation and implementation of a variety of programmes launched by the Government. Participation in this sense makes programme successful.

Need for the study To enquire about the levels of awareness, participation and involvement for the improvement in their socio economic life. The investigator wants to study the implementation of welfare programmes for women through aspects like Awareness, Interest, Participation, involvement and satisfaction among the beneficiaries of the study area.

Specific Objectives of the study are • To examine the efforts made by government in empowering the rural women. • To explore the levels of awareness, interest, participation and involvement of the women in the welfare programmes of the study area. • To examine the status of socio economic change of women. • To recommend with few suggestions to strengthen the status of women in rural areas. • To identify the problems/bottlenecks in implementation of the women welfare programmes.

Research Methodology • The primary sources of data collection for the study include fieldwork, relevant documents, reports and guidelines issued by the Government of India and Government of Andhra Pradesh. • In addition to the collected information through the above methods, substantial information was also collected through informal discussions with officials beneficiaries of the Madanapalle town. Key Words: Entrepreneurship,Socio economic, Women empowerment, and dedication

In the present study, an attempt has been made to interest and participation on the part of the rural people examine the efficacy of women entrepreneurship are significantly low as a result of which they cannot derive particularly those who are residing in rural areas by taking the benefits to the desired extent, from such welfare certain key concepts like the respondent awareness, programmes. Awareness, interest and involvement interest, involvement and participation in the process of ultimately lead to participate, which is an indicator of implementation of various programmes. participatory political culture on which democracy flourishes and becomes more strengthened. Participation manifests The present study is an attempt at answering questions itself in the actual involvement of an individual, directly raised in the beginning. The findings show that or indirectly, in the formulation and implementation of a irrespective of several welfare programmes for the variety of programmes launched by the Government. empowerment of rural women unchanged. It was also Participation in this sense makes programme successful. observed that the levels of awareness, involvement,

1. Asst. Prof of English, Sir C R Reddy College of Engineering, Eluru.

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Need for the study Integrated Campus. B.T. College was initially part of To enquire about the levels of awareness, participation National University to which Dr. Rabindranatha Tagore and involvement for the improvement in their socio was Vice Chancellor. economic life. The investigator wants to study the The primary and secondary school education is imparted implementation of welfare programmes for women by government, aided and private schools, under through aspects like Awareness, Interest, Participation, the School Education Department of the state. The involvement and satisfaction among the beneficiaries of medium of instruction followed by different schools are the study area. English, Telugu. Specific Objectives of the study are Madanapalle has famous standing educational To examine the efforts made by government in institutions like Besant Theosophical College, Rishi empowering the rural women. Valley School, a boarding school, founded by the To explore the levels of awareness, interest, participation philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Zilla Parishad High and involvement of the women in the welfare programmes School, which was founded in 1924.It also has four of the study area. engineering colleges - Madanapalle Institute of Technology and Science, Sir Vishveshwaraiah Institute To examine the status of socio economic change of of Science & Technology, Aditya College of Engineering. women. To recommend with few suggestions to strengthen the The most important assets of a nation are the citizens status of women in rural areas. themselves. If the citizens are healthy, patriotic, honest, and sincere, the nation will progress at a much faster To identify the problems/bottlenecks in implementation pace. For this reason, it is very essential to have moral of the women welfare programmes. education in schools and colleges. To provide moral Research Methodology education to students, there can be many ways – telling stories, preaching, group discussions, Yoga, and The primary sources of data collection for the study Meditation.This is how humans determine their actions include fieldwork, relevant documents, reports and based on their cognitive abilities to interpret a social guidelines issued by the Government of India and situation. Issues of reasoning, problem solving skills, Government of Andhra Pradesh. self-control and adaptability are components in exhibiting In addition to the collected information through the above key components of the moral process. methods, substantial information was also collected District Rural Development Agency is the main instrument through informal discussions with officials beneficiaries of government for effectively managing and overseeing of the Madanapalle town. the implementation of rural development programmes at Profile of the district district level. It is a specialized and professional agency Madanapalle was founded by Sri Ahobila Naidu in to manage the anti-poverty programmes of the Ministry 1618 AD. Sir Thomas Munro was first collector of Rural Development. “District Rural Development of Cuddapah. He built a small thatched house at the Agency Administration Scheme” was introduced from present Collector’s bungalow and visited Madanapalle 1st April, 1999 under which the salary and administrative every summer. In 1850, Madanapalle was developed as expenses (limited to 30% of the salary costs) of District subdivision and F.B.Manoly was the first Sub Collector. Rural Development Agency establishments are funded The town experienced several natural calamities like by the Central and State Governments in the ratio of floods, famines and epidemics.Rabindranath 75:25. The object of the scheme is to strengthen and Tagore translated “Jana Gana Mana” from Bengali to professionalize the District Rural Development Agency English and also set it to music in Madanapalle. to enable them to effectively manage the anti-poverty The National Anthem was written by Rabindranath with other agencies like line departments, Panchayati Tagore as early as in 1911 and was sung at the annual Raj Institutions, financial institutions, NGOs as well as session of the Indian National Congress at Calcutta on technical institutions with a view to gather support and December 27 that year. But it was actually done in resources required for poverty reduction measures. Besant Theosophical College, Madanapalle, where The activities of DWCRA and Velugu were integrated Tagore stayed for few days in February 1919 that the under a programme called Indira Kranti Patham. The now familiar tune was set. basic objective of this integration is to implement various programmes for strengthening of self-help Groups with Madanapalle occupied an Educational and Cultural similar implementation strategy. The new scheme Indira centre from early 1915, when Dr. Anne Besant started Kranti Patham had been designed by clubbing Women Besant Theosophical College, famously known as B.T. Empowerment with Poverty Alleviation.

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Indira Kranti Patham (IKP) is a statewide poverty Findings of the study:- reduction project to enable the rural poor to improve their 1) Most of the rural women in the town benefited by livelihoods and quality of life through their own SHG for entrepreneurship. organizations. It aims to cover all the rural poor 2) Beneficiaries have adequate education to understand households in the state with a special focus on the 30 towards the entrepreneurship programmes given by lakh poorest of the poor households. It is implemented the organization. by Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), Dept of Rural Development, Govt of AP. SERP is an 3) Respondents expressed satisfaction towards the autonomous society registered under the Societies Act, sanctioning of loan by the government. and implements the project through District Rural 4) It was noticed that there is more change in their Development Agencies (DRDAs) at the District level. The socio economic change in the rural women. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh is the Chairperson of 5) Majority of the women expressed that there is more the Society. IKP builds on more than a decade long, support,cooperation and team work in the SHGs of statewide rural women’s self-help movement. The focus the Madanapalle town. is on deepening the process, providing an institutional Suggestions:- structure and developing a framework for sustaining it for comprehensive poverty eradication. It is the single 1. Study points out that the people had little knowledge largest poverty reduction project in South Asia. about the SHG programmes , because of less awareness towards the programme, government Women entrepreneurship helps in the reduction of rural should made more publicity and propaganda about poverty and also contributes in the economic the programme rigorously in the rural areas. development. Women must be empowered with business approach by enhancing their knowledge, skills and 2. There should be regular monitoring and evaluation facilitating overall development of the society. Therefore, of the training process and involvement of the the promotion of small businesses has been recognized beneficiaries for getting more skills and knowledge as an important strategy for the empowernment of rural a per their requirement. women. The concept of Self Help Groups in this scenario 3. District administration should encourage the rural is proving to be a helpful way for the women women to utilize the loans for uplifting them as best empowerment. SHG is an organization of rural poor, entrepreneurs. particularly of women that deliver micro credit to 4. There should be need for improving the facilities and undertake the entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurship infrastructure to make the programme more development and income generating activities are a viable success. solution for empowering women. It generates income 5. As the Government priorities are changing from time and also provides suitable working hours according to to time and the poverty alleviation programmes are the needs of families. Economic independence and designed for a particular period. It is evident that income generation is the need of the hour. Thus to poverty cannot be elevated overnight whatever be examine the empowerment of women through the kind of programmes. Hence there is an enough entrepreneurial activities of self help groups, this scope and opportunities to be provided to the rural particular research was directed with the specific poor to come out of the poverty. objective to investigate the empowerment. Total of 963 women were become as entrepreneurs in the Conclusion Madanapalle town encouraged and supported by the it is necessary for the government to take a fresh look District administration. at rural development and to identify persistent and Table- 1: showing list of entrepreneurs benefited emerging issues to revise where necessary conceptual in the Madanapalle Town frameworks and to reform institution to make these more responsive to the specific needs of the rural youth. S.No Year Loans for SHGs However, there is an urgent need to share the wealth of 1 2014-15 155 successful innovative initiates in rural development that target the various dimension of unemployment in rural 2 2015-16 280 areas under different condition. 3 2016-17 289 4 2017-18 239 Total 963

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WOMEN IN CORPORATE WORLD-A STUDY ON BANKING INDUSTRY MADANAPALLE TOWN, CHITOOR DISTRICT, A.P

Dr. K. Rajesh Kumar1 Dr. K. Mallikarjuna2 Dr. M. Obulapathi3

Abstract Women as compared to men have always been delicate and therefore they have to face many problems when they come out of the house to work with men. Women in developed economy do not face the problems which are faced by the Indian women. Indian women are confronted with many such problems. Indians believe in the philosophy that “Women should never be left independent, she should be under the control of her father in childhood, under the control of her husband after marriage and under the control of her son in old age”.In the present study, an attempt has been made to examine the efficacy of women welfare programmes particularly those who are residing in rural areas by taking certain key concepts like the respondent awareness, interest, involvement and participation in the process of implementation of various programmes. . Despite many achievements, women get trifled by many difficulties. Some being common for both male and female and some are the curse only to the women. There are many psycho- social factors which hinder the path of women empowerment and her stepping towards entrepreneurship. Women have always been criticized by the male dominant society for their out of home activities.The present study is an attempt at answering questions raised in the beginning. The findings show that irrespective of several welfare programmes for the empowerment of rural women unchanged. It was also observed that the levels of awareness, involvement, interest and participation on the part of the rural people are significantly low as a result of which they cannot derive the benefits to the desired extent, from such welfare programmes. Awareness, interest and involvement ultimately lead to participate, which is an indicator of participatory political culture on which democracy flourishes and becomes more strengthened. Participation manifests itself in the actual involvement of an individual, directly or indirectly, in the formulation and implementation of a variety of programmes launched by the Government. Participation in this sense makes programme successful. Need for the study To analyse about the levels of satisfaction towards the working in the corporate sector especially in the bank management, the investigator wants to study the levels of motivation and team work in the working area and various aspects like working conditions, motivation and satisfaction among the beneficiaries of the study area. Specific Objectives of the study are • To evaluate the level of motivation of the women employees in the study area. • To analyse the level of team work and cooperation. • To examine the satisfaction levels in the working place . • To recommend with few suggestions to strengthen the status of women in rural areas. • To identify the problems/bottlenecks in implementation of the women welfare programmes. Research Methodology • The primary sources of data collection for the study include fieldwork, relevant documents, reports and guidelines issued by the Government of India. • In addition to the collected information through the above methods, substantial information was also collected through informal discussions with official’s of the different banks in the Madanapalle Town. Key Words: Motivation, team work, cooperation and dedication.

Introduction Women as compared to men have always been delicate and therefore they have to face many problems when they come out of the house to work with men. Women in developed economy do not face the problems which are faced by the Indian women. Indian women are confronted with many such problems. Indians believe in the philosophy that “Women should never be left independent, she should be under the control of her father in childhood, under the control of her husband after marriage and under the control of her son in old age”.

1. Associate Professor, Department of Politics & Public Administration Besant theosophical college, Madanapalle 2. Principal, Besant theosophical college, Madanapalle,AP. 3. Associate Professor, Department of Politics & Public Administration Besant theosophical college, Madanapalle

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In the present study, an attempt has been made to • In addition to the collected information through the examine the efficacy of women welfare programmes above methods, substantial information was also particularly those who are residing in rural areas by taking collected through informal discussions with official’s certain key concepts like the respondent awareness, of the different banks in the Madanapalle Town. interest, involvement and participation in the process of implementation of various programmes. . Despite many Profile of the district achievements, women get trifled by many difficulties. Madanapalle was founded by Sri Ahobila Naidu in 1618 Some being common for both male and female and some AD. Sir Thomas Munro was first collector of Cuddapah. are the curse only to the women. There are many psycho- He built a small thatched house at the present Collector’s social factors which hinder the path of women bungalow and visited Madanapalle every summer. In empowerment and her stepping towards entrepreneurship. 1850, Madanapalle was developed as subdivision and Women have always been criticized by the male F.B.Manoly was the first Sub Collector. The town dominant society for their out of home activities. experienced several natural calamities like floods, famines and epidemics.Rabindranath Tagore translated The present study is an attempt at answering questions "Jana Gana Mana" from Bengali to English and also set raised in the beginning. The findings show that it to music in Madanapalle. The National Anthem was irrespective of several welfare programmes for the written by Rabindranath Tagore as early as in 1911 and empowerment of rural women unchanged. It was also was sung at the annual session of the Indian National observed that the levels of awareness, involvement, Congress at Calcutta on December 27 that year. But it interest and participation on the part of the rural people was actually done in Besant Theosophical College, are significantly low as a result of which they cannot Madanapalle, where Tagore stayed for few days in derive the benefits to the desired extent, from such February 1919 that the now familiar tune was set. welfare programmes. Awareness, interest and involvement ultimately lead to participate, which is an Madanapalle occupied an Educational and Cultural centre indicator of participatory political culture on which from early 1915, when Dr. Anne Besant started Besant democracy flourishes and becomes more strengthened. Theosophical College, famously known as B.T. Participation manifests itself in the actual involvement Integrated Campus. B.T. College was initially part of of an individual, directly or indirectly, in the formulation National University to which Dr. Rabindranatha Tagore and implementation of a variety of programmes launched was Vice Chancellor. by the Government. Participation in this sense makes The primary and secondary school education is imparted programme successful. by government, aided and private schools, under the Need for the study School Education Department of the state. The medium of instruction followed by different schools are English, To analyse about the levels of satisfaction towards the Telugu. working in the corporate sector especially in the bank management, the investigator wants to study the levels Madanapalle has famous standing educational of motivation and team work in the working area and institutions like Besant Theosophical College, Rishi various aspects like working conditions, motivation and Valley School, a boarding school, founded by the satisfaction among the beneficiaries of the study area. philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Zilla Parishad High School, which was founded in 1924.It also has four Specific Objectives of the study are engineering colleges - Madanapalle Institute of • To evaluate the level of motivation of the women Technology and Science, Sir Vishveshwaraiah Institute employees in the study area. of Science & Technology, Aditya College of Engineering. • To analyse the level of team work and cooperation. The most important assets of a nation are the citizens • To examine the satisfaction levels in the working themselves. If the citizens are healthy, patriotic, honest, place . and sincere, the nation will progress at a much faster • To recommend with few suggestions to strengthen pace. For this reason, it is very essential to have moral the status of working women in banking sector. education in schools and colleges. To provide moral • To identify the problems/bottlenecks faced by the education to students, there can be many ways – telling women in the working area. stories, preaching, group discussions, Yoga, and Meditation.This is how humans determine their actions Research Methodology based on their cognitive abilities to interpret a social • The primary sources of data collection for the study situation. Issues of reasoning, problem solving skills, include fieldwork, relevant documents, reports and self-control and adaptability are components in exhibiting guidelines issued by the Government of India. key components of the moral process.

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30 women respondents were surveyed from different References private banks and interviewed through informal • Report of Micro, Small and Medium enterprise, discussions and made analysis according the response Government of India, Development institute, given by the women employees as per their Visakhapatnam. communication and schedule. Keywords like Motivation, • Module for Capacity Building, Centre for Resource team work, cooperation and dedication are used Management, AMR- A.P .Academy of Rural according to the research analysis. Development, Hyderabad. Findings of the study:- • India: Rural Development Report, National Institute of Rural Development: Hyderabad, 1999. 1. It was found that majority of the women employed • belongs to different places in the state. Shri Ram Maheswari. Rural Development in India, A Public Policy Approach: New Delhi, 2001. 2. An overwhelming majority of the women employees • Vasant Desai., Rural Development, Issues and noticed positively, that there is a tremendous change Problems: Himalaya publishing House: Bombay, in their socio economic condition. 2001. 3. The study reveals that there is great awareness, • Samuel Dayakar.A., Rural Development in India; A interest, participation and dedication towards the case study of Visakhapatnam District, with teamwork in the bank. reference to training of Rural Youth for self 4. It was found that there was dissatisfaction in the employment (TRYSEM) :Visakhapatnam,2002. working conditions and working timings. • World Bank; Rural Development Sector Policy Paper, 5. It was noticed that working hours are very crucial at World Bank publishing: Washington.D.C, 1975. the business hours. Bibliography Suggestions:- • Academy of Management Studies Impact assessment 1. Banks should implement interval periods and rest study of rural development programmes in district Barely of Uttar Pradesh.-Luck now: AMS, 2003. period for the employees for their effective performance in the production. • Academy of Management Studies Impact assessment study of rural development 2. Banks should provide regular medical checkups for programmes in district Ghazipur of Uttar Pradesh. - the women employees at regular periods. Luck now: Academy of Management Studies, 2003. 3. Rest room should provide for women employees to • Agnihotri V.K.Socio economic profile of rural India.- take rest at unhealthy period. New Delhi: Concept publishing company, 2002. 4. There should be need for improving the facilities like • Agrawal, Arun. Social nature: resources, food canteen and rest rooms for the women staff. representations, and rule in India Arun New Delhi: 5. Training should be provided for employees to improve Oxford University Press, 2014 the efficiency in the work. • Agrawal. K.C. shaping India of our dreams. - New 6. Regular monitoring of safety and better working Delhi: Crusade-India, 2003. conditions should be provided by the management. • Council for Economic and Social Research Impact assessment study of rural development programmes Conclusion in Sundergarh district. -- New Delhi: Council for However, despite the struggle for equal pay in India, Economic and Social Research, 2003. industries has made progress in helping to encourage • India. Ministry of Rural Development, Report of the equal pay across gender. It is necessary for the export group on prevention of alienation of tribal land government to take a fresh look at women development and its restoration.-New Delhi: Ministry Of Rural and to identify persistent and emerging issues to revise development, 2004. where necessary conceptual frameworks and to reform • Institute of Rural Management AnandImpact institution to make these more responsive to the specific assessment study of rural development programmes needs of the rural youth. However, there is an urgent in Surendranagar district of Gujarat.- Gujarat: IRMA, need to share the wealth of successful innovative initiates 2004. in rural development that target the various dimension of • Venkata Ravi, R. Empowering rural India : better working under different condition. experiments and experiences / New Delhi: Kanishka Publishers, Distributors, 2006.

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INDIAN LAWS AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS RELATED TO WOMEN

Dr. Jaheeda Begum1 Sanda Sridevi2

Abstract Crimes against women occur every minute in India. Women are not safe, whether it is in their houses, public places or at the workplace. Your safety in your hands sounds like a clichéd adage to repeat. Given the number of crimes that are committed against women, it is pertinent that women are aware about the laws that are in place to protect them.The status of modern Indian Women is a kind of inconsistency. There are some dazzling examples of particularized success of different women at different levels, but at the same time violence, discrimination, torture, and exploitation etc. make the life of others unhappy. Women are no longer a child bearer and care taker of home only but come out of home to fight for their own identity. They are human being like their fellow men and enjoy same rights and duties with men. They have achieved a lot, but they have yet to achieve so many things. 70 years of our Independence have passed but still we are discussing that women of India is a subject of exploitation by a patriarchal society. Indian women are directly or indirectly compelled to sacrifice her own needs feelings or interest constantly for the needs, feelings and interests of some other; be it children, husband family or community. We talk about the tall words of respect for women like women empowerment, reservation of seats for women in legislature, participation of women in policy making of the nation etc., but despite their day-night tireless endeavor, till they have failed to secure a safer place for themselves even at home. The need of the hour is the reassessment of the existing provisions of law, constitutional rights and to explore the real cause why the position of women remain unaffected despite the continuous endeavor by almost all the authorities. Keywords: Women, Indian Laws, Constitutional Rights, Empowerment, Acts.

“Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women of issues that men simply do not have to contend with. emancipated from all forms of oppression” Remember knowledge is power. As a parent, wife, NELSON MANDELA daughter, employee and a woman these are rights set in place to protect you and it is important that you are Introduction aware about these. Crimes against women occur every minute in India. The rights available to woman in India can be classified Women are not safe, whether it is in their houses, public into two categories, namely as constitutional rights and places or at the workplace. Your safety in your hands legal rights. The constitutional rights are those which sounds like a clichéd adage to repeat. Given the number are provided in the various provisions of the constitution. of crimes that are committed against women, it is The legal rights, on the other hand, are those which are pertinent that women are aware about the laws that are provided in the various laws (acts) of the Parliament and in place to protect them. the State Legislatures. Presently Indian women are facing toughest time as far Parliamentary Provisions To Ensure Dignity Of as their routine personal and life is concerned. Mental Women: and physical torture of women has become quite common and their safety is at stake. One of the problems behind After Independence there was need to introduce some this situation is lack of knowledge of legal and statutory laws to ensure safety and protection of women. constitutional rights of a woman. Most unfortunate part Keeping in view this requirement, just like constitutional of this is even women are not fully aware about their provisions, various parliamentary steps have also been rights. Through this article I am going to share few legal taken by the law of India in order to ensure dignified life and constitutional rights of a woman. Women's Legal to the Indian Women. Parliamentary steps means and Issues are a unique body of law with a distinct history. includes the enactment of various laws and statutory Although there has never been a better time in history acts to protect the interest of women and to stop the to be a woman in this country, women still face a number crime against women. These acts have proved really useful towards progress and safety of women in society.

1. Assistant Professor in Political Science, GDC, Falaknuma, O.U. Hyderabad. 2. Lecturer in Commerce, GDC, Falaknuma, O.U. Hyderabad.

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Personally I feel that equal rights should be awarded to Maternity Benefit Act, 1861 women which have already been enjoyed by men in our This act regulates the employment of women and society as women forms a major part of Indian population maternity benefits mandated by law. It states that a and for social and economic welfare on global platform woman employee who has worked in an organisation for women welfare is very much needed. In order to ensure a period of at least 80 days during the 12 months adherence to constitutional provisions for women welfare, preceding the date of her expected delivery is entitled to there was a need to enact specific laws by the state receive maternity benefits, which includes maternity and central Government. Although a women can be victim leave, nursing breaks, medical allowance, etc. of any crime in society and in fact all crimes cannot be classified as a crime against women except few crimes Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act,1971 which affects a women largely. However major steps have The Act came into effect into 1972, was amended in been taken by the legislation which has proved as 1975 and 2002. The aim of the Act is to reduce the weapons for women and helped them to stand in male occurrence of illegal abortion and consequent maternal dominating country. mortality and morbidity.It clearly states the conditions under which a pregnancy can be ended or aborted and Some Legislative Acts For Women At One Place specifies the persons qualified to conduct the same. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace According to the International Research Centre for (Prevention and Redressal) Act, 2013 Women, almost 47 percent of girls are married before the age of 18. Currently, India ranks 13 in the world when To ensure women’s safety at workplace, this Act seeks it comes to child marriages. The Prohibition of Child to protect them from sexual harassment at their place Marriage Act was made effective in 2007. This act defines of work. Sexual harassment at workplace also includes child marriage as a marriage where the groom or the bride – the use of language with sexual overtones, invasion of are underage, that is, the bride is under 18 years of age private space with a male colleague hovering too close or the boy is younger than 21 years. Parents trying to for comfort, subtle touches and innuendoes. marry underage girls are subject to action under this law. Indecent Representation of Women (Prevention) Special Marriage Act, 1954 Act,1986 The objectives of this act are to provide – a special form This Act prohibits indecent representation of women of marriage in certain cases, provide for registration of through advertisement or in publications, writings, certain marriages and, to provide for divorce. In a country paintings, figures or in any other manner. like India and with the diverse religions and cast, when National Commission for Women Act, 1990 people from different faiths and caste chose to get married they do it under the Special Marriage Act. The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body of the Government of India, established Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in January 1992. Lalitha Kumaramangalam was According to this act, taking or giving of dowry at the appointed its Chairperson in 2014. The NCW represents time of the marriage to the bride or the bridegroom and the rights of women in India and provides a voice for their family is to be penalised. Dowry system, giving their issues and concerns. The National Commission and taking of dowry, is a norm in India. Dowry is often for Women Act aims to improve the status of women asked of the bride and her family by the groom and his and worked for their economic empowerment. family. The system has taken strong roots because women after marriage move in with their spouse and in- Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 laws. Also, over the centuries, the lack for economic This Act prevents discrimination in terms of remuneration. independence of women and the taboo towards divorce It provides for payment of equal recompense to men and has resulted in bride burning. When demands for dowry women workers.It is necessary to know these and other even after marriage are not met by the girl’s families, laws in place to protect the interests of women. Only if many women are tortured, beaten and even burnt. you are aware of your rights can you fight against any injustice meted out to you at home, at the workplace, or Indian Divorce Act, 1969 in the society. The Indian Divorce Act allows the dissolution of marriage, The above acts are not conclusive but inclusive. These mutual consent, nullity of marriage, judicial separation acts have given ample provisions to ensure the protection and restitution of conjugal rights. Family Courts are of women rights like minimum wages, protection from established to file, hear, and dispose of such cases. domestic violence, right of equal remuneration, prevention

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 301 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 from immoral trafficking, prevention from indecent representation of women through advertisements, books, representation of women etc. So there is no doubt that writings, paintings, figures films or any other manner. our judiciary and legislature has taken various effective The Supreme Court also emphasized the need to provide steps to ensure the dignity of women a life of dignity to the sex workers in our country by giving them some technical skills through which they Constitutional Rights To Women: can earn their livelihood instead of by selling their bodies. The Constitution of India prohibits discrimination based on sex but it equally directs and empowers the ♦ Rights Of Women Against Exploitation government to undertake special measures for women. Right against exploitation is recognized under Article Though the position of women has improved in the last 23 and 24 of the Constitution of India. Article 23 four decades, but still they are struggling to maintain prohibits “traffic in human beings and beggar and other their dignity and freedom. Presently Indian women are similar forms of labour”. The expression “traffic in human facing the toughest time mentally and physically, mainly beings is evidently a very wide expression including the due to unawareness and lack of knowledge of legal and prohibition of traffic in women for immoral or other constitutional rights of a woman. The Constitution purposes. Also the Suppression of Immoral Traffic provides many protection rights for women such as in Women and Girls Act, 1956 has been enacted with Protective discrimination in favour of women, Right to the object of inhibiting or abolishing the immoral freedom of women, Right of women against exploitation, trafficking of women and girls. Articles 21 & 23 also Rights of women under directives and political impose the duty on state to identify, release and representations of women. All these rights are explained rehabilitate freed bonded labourers. In Gaurav Jain vs. below. Union of India, the Supreme Court held that the children of the prostitutes have the right to equality of opportunity, ♦ Protective Discrimination And Women dignity, care, protection and rehabilitation so as to be The Preamble to the Constitution resolved to secure part of mainstream social life. all its citizens, including equality of status and ♦ Rights Of Women Under Directives opportunity while Articles 14 to 18 and 39 provide for Right to equality and non- discrimination among men Directive principles of State policy under Articles 36 and women. Article 14 ensures that the state shall not to 51 of the Constitution of India are fundamental in the deny to any person equality before law. It prohibits class governance of the country and it shall be the duty of the legislation but permits reasonable classification. This is state to apply these principles in making laws. Under a very important provision which provides equal legal this various rights of women have been implemented protection to women against any women based crime. through legislations. The Directive under Article 39(a) Article 15 (1) prohibits discrimination against any citizen provides that the citizens, men and women equally have based on religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth while the right to an adequate means of livelihood and Article Article 15 (3) permits ‘protective discrimination’ in favour 39(d) ensures that there is equal pay for equal work of women according to which state can make special for both men and women. The Parliament has enacted provision for women and the scope of this article is wide the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 and to implement enough to cover the entire range of state activity including Article 39 (d). Article 42 of the Constitution provides employment. Article 16 of constitution of India ensures that the state shall make provision for securing just and equal employment opportunity to every citizen of India. humane conditions for work and maternity relief and for this purpose the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 was ♦ Right To Freedom Of Women enacted. Articles 19 to 22 of The Constitution of India provide a ♦ Political Representations Of Women detailed scheme of Right to Freedom. Article 19 (1) guarantees 6 freedoms (speech and expression, Article 40 of the Constitution which lay down that the assembly, association or unions, movements, residence, state shall take steps to organize village panchayats profession and occupation) for citizens with reasonable and endow them with such powers and authority as may restrictions and Article 21 provides for Right to life and be necessary to enable them to function as units of self personal liberty of each and every person in India which government. To realize the Directive the 73rdand 74th includes Right to live with human dignity, right to Constitutional Amendments had sought to ensure a livelihood, right to work, right to privacy, right against certain proportion of women as chair persons of sexual harassment etc. The Indian Parliament also panchayats. According to Article 243- D (3) and 243-T enacted The Indecent Representation of Women (3), not less than one third of the total number of seats (Prohibition) Act, 1986 which prohibits indecent to be filled by Directive election in every Panchayat/

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Municipality shall be reserved for women (including SCs • All India Democratic Women’s Association. Gender- AND STs). This opportunity of being a part of local level Just Laws. Delhi, India: self-published, 2000. arbitration process has improved the social conditions • Legal status and rights of women in Indian of women in village areas. constitution. Available from: https://www. researchgate.net/publication/290691292_ Conclusion Legal_status _ and _ rights _ of_ women _in _ Indian To conclude I would like to say that Indian women has _ constitution come a long way and prove that she is capable of doing • Dhanda, Amita, Archana Parashar. Engendering anything and equal partner in the growth and prosperity Law: Essays in Honors of Lotika Sarkar. of the nation. Women are one of the pillars of the society Lucknow, India: Eastern Book Company, 1999. and it would be very difficult to imagine society without the presence of women. Now it is high time for all of us • Women’s Empowerment in India: An to understand the power of women. Even our judiciary Analytical Overview; The Asia Foundation. and legislature has also accepted the fact that women • Women Security and Legal Safeguards in India: are one of the most important elements of society and Journal of Business Management & Social their exploitation would not be accepted at any cost. Sciences Research (JBM&SSR), ISSN No: There is one saying that behind every successful man 23195614, 2013; 2:4. there is a woman. This saying is enough to prove that • Goonesekere Savitri. Violence, Law, and man and women both are necessary element of society. Women’s Rights in South Asia. New Delhi, India: Women plays different role in her life which is not an Sage Publishers, 2004. easy task. During her life she acts as daughter, wife, • Imtiaz Ahmad. Divorce and Remarriage among sister and mother at different stages of life. So we must Muslims in India. Delhi, India: Manohar Publishers, give them due care and respect and understand their 2003. efforts towards welfare of the society at large. Through this article I tried my best to cover all the constitutional, • Jacobsohn, Gary J. The Wheel of Law: judiciary and legislative rights of women against the India’s Secularism in Comparative Constitutional crimes which they are facing from quite some time now. Context. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, I hope this article will help us to understand that rights 2003 of women are very necessary and Indian law is strong • Kapur, Ratna, Brenda Cossman. Subversive enough to protect her from any kind of harassment and Sites: Feminist Engagements with Law in India. torture. New Delhi, India: Sage Publications, 1996. • Verma B.R. Commentaries on Mohammedan Law References (in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh) 8th ed. • Parashar A. Women and family law reform in India. Allahabad, India: Law Publishers, 2002. Uniform Civil Code and gender equality. New Delhi, • The Constitutional Law of India: Dr. JN India, Sage Publications, 1992, 348. Pandey Universal’s Criminal Manual, 2011. • Agnes, Flavia. Law and Gender Inequality: The Politics of Women’s Rights in India. New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press, 1999.

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WOMEN ENTERPRENEURSHIP IN PRESENT ERA

T. Gangaraju1 K.V. Bhavani2

Abstract In present era, the transformation of social fabric of the Indian society, in terms of increased educational status of women and varied aspirations for better living, necessitated a change in the life style of every woman. Woman constitutes the family, which leads to society and Nation. Social and economic development of women is necessary for overall economic development of any society or a country. Entrepreneurship is the state of mind which many women have in her but has not been capitalized in India in way in which it should be.Due to change in environment, now people are more comfortable to accept leading role of women in our society, though there are some exceptions. She has competed with man and successfully stood up with him in every walk of life and business. These women leaders are assertive, persuasive and willing to take risks. They managed to survive and succeed in this cut throat competition with their hard work, diligence and perseverance. Developing and developed nations have realized that developing women entrepreneurship is indispensable to flourish, as economically dominant nations in the modern high-tech world. Therefore, creation of platforms and networks for entrepreneurial culture are prominent issues globally. This paper of Women entrepreneurship has been motivated by gender inequality problems. In Indian environment men are always considered as economic supporter for his family as well as for the nation and women are considered as a care taker of the family rather than an economic support. Key words: Entrepreneur, Women Entrepreneur, International Implication

Introduction “An individual who bears the risk of operating a business The word “Entrepreneur” is derived from the French in the face of uncertainty about the future condition” _ language “Entreprender” means “to undertake”. Around International Encyclopedia. 1700 A.D the term was used for architects and contractor Women entrepreneur it may be defined as a women or of public works. The Frenchman who organized and led group of women who initiate, organize and run a business military operations expeditions were referred to as enterprise. Government of India has defined women “Entrepreneurs” entrepreneurs as owning and controlling an enterprise Entrepreneurship is the process of designing, with a women having a minimum financial interest of launching, and running a new business which is often 51% of the capital and giving at least 51% of the initially a small business. The people who create these employment generated in the enterprise to women businesses are called entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship Definitions Of Women Entrepreneur has been described as the "capacity and willingness to develop, organize and manage a business venture along 1. “Women who innovate initiate or adopt business with any of its risks in order to make a profit." actively are called women entrepreneurs” 2. “Women entrepreneurship is based on women Ojectives of the Study participation in equity and employment of a business • To study the past and present women entrepreneur enterprise” _ Ruhani j. alice in India • To analyze the data of women entrepreneurship History industrial level Before the 20th century, female operated small • To study and suggested update entrepreneurship businesses as a way of supplementing their income. In and their activities many cases, they were trying to avoid poverty or were replacing the income from the loss of a spouse. At that Definitions of Entrepreneur time, the ventures that these women undertook were not thought of as entrepreneurial. Many of them had to “A person who sets up a business or business taking an focus on their domestic responsibilities. The term financial risk in the hope of profit”. _ Oxford Dictionary entrepreneur is used to describe individuals who have

1. Associate professor, Department of management studies, Ramachandra College, Eluru. 2. Research Scholar, Department of management studies, Ramachandra College, Eluru.

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 304 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities ideas for products and/or services that they turn into a pushed them back into the working world, where they working business. In earlier times, this term was reserved were not well received. When the recession hit, many of for men. these women were the first to be without work. Once again, the entrepreneurial endeavors of women came to During the mid 18th century, it was popular for women the rescue as an effort of asserting themselves, and aiding to own certain businesses like brothels, alehouses, other women in being a part of the workforce. Mary Kay taverns, and retail shops. Most of these businesses were Ash and Ruth Fertel of Ruth's Chris Steak House were not perceived with good reputations; because, it was part of that movement. considered shameful for women to be in these positions. Society frowned upon women involved in such The 1980s and 1990s were a time of reaping the benefits businesses; because, they detracted from the women's from the hard work of women who worked tirelessly for supposed gentle and frail nature. During the 18th and their rightful place in the workforce as employees and 19th centuries, more women came out from under the entrepreneurs. Martha Stewart and Vera Bradley were oppression of society's limits, and began to emerge into among the twenty-first percent women who owned the public eye. Despite the disapproval of society, women businesses. The public was also becoming more such as Rebecca Lukens flourished. In 1825, Lukens receptive and encouraging to these female entrepreneurs, took her family business of Iron works, and turned it into acknowledging the valuable contribution they were a profit-generating steel business. making to the economy. The National Association of Women Business Owners helped to push Congress to In the 1900s, due to a more progressive way of thinking, pass the Women's Business Ownership Act in 1988, and the rise of feminism, female entrepreneurs began to which would end discrimination in lending and also strike be a widely accepted term. Although these female down laws that required married women to acquire their entrepreneurs serviced mostly female consumers, they husband's signature for all loans. In addition, the Act were making great strides. Women gained the right to also gave women-owned businesses a chance to vote in 1920, and two years later, Clara and Lillian compete for government contracts. Westropp started the institution of Women's Savings & Loan as a way of teaching women how to be smart with As the 1990s came in, the availability of computers and their money. As society progressed, female the increasing popularity of the internet gave a much entrepreneurs became more influential. With the boom needed boost to women in business. This technology of the textile industry and the development of the railroad allowed them to be more prevalent in the business world and telegraph system, women such as Madame C. J. and showcase their skills to their competitors. Even with Walker took advantage of the changing times. Walker the increased popularity of women in business, the was able to market her hair care products in a successful availability of technology and the support from different way, becoming the first African American female organizations, female entrepreneurs today are still millionaire. Carrie Crawford Smith was the owner of an struggling. The economic downturn of 2008 did not serve employment agency opened in 1918, and like Madame to help them in their quest. However, with the continual C. J. Walker, sought to provide help to many women by attention given to female entrepreneurs and the giving them opportunities to work. educational programs afforded to women who seek to start out with their own business ventures, there is much Home-based businesses helped to solve a good part of information and help available. Since 2000, there has the problem for those women who worried about being been an increase in small and big ventures by women, mothers. Lillian Vernon, while pregnant with her first child, including one of their biggest obstacles financing. started her own business dealing with catalogs by investing money from wedding gifts and started filling Entrepreneurship during pre independence and orders right at her kitchen table. Mary Crowley founded post independence Home Decorating and Interiors as a way of helping Pre-independence of women Entrepreneur women to work from home by throwing parties to sell the products right in the comfort of their own home. In In the pre-independence era of India the elaborated caste- an effort to avoid criticism and lost business from those based diversion of workers consisted of farmers and who did not support women in business, Bette Nesmith, artisans. These artisan industries flourished over the who developed the product "Mistake Out," a liquid that period because the Royal Patronage was available to painted over mistakes in typing, would sign her orders support them. On the whole, perfection in art and appeal B. Smith so no one would know she was a female. to the eye of the individual were the distinguishing qualities inherent in the Indian craftsmanship that brought From the 1960s to the late 1970s, another change came many everlasting laurels of name and fame to the about when divorce rates rose and many women were illustrious India in the past. To highlights, Lucknow forced back into the role of being the sole provider. This

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 305 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 popularized for chintzes, Ahmedabad for dupttas and in nature; it’s just only recently that this word is being dhotis, Nagpur for silk-bordered cloths, Kashmir for used so often. Speaks about the challenges shawls, and Banaras for metal wares. Thus, from the entrepreneur have faced and the way to go ahead. The time immemorial till the earlier years of the eighteenth researchers noted the distinct phases in the history of century, India enjoyed the prestigious status of the queen entrepreneurship in India after the country's of the international trade with the help of its handicrafts. independence. Long years of domination had left severe The advent of East India Company implemented the scars on the Indian psychological evident in the system of exporting raw materials which were available entrepreneurial culture that was growing in the in India and importing the finished goods. Particularly, governmental set up. Around two hundred years of foreign the Parses recognized good connection with the burden had wiped out independent mindset among the Company and they were much unbiased by the work force with no decision making ability whatsoever. Company’s business operations. The Company In this background the thought leaders had to struggle established its first ship-building industry in Surat where to bring about an entrepreneurial attitude. Despite the from 1673 onwards the Parsis built vessels for the arrival of independence, the early decade of 1950-60s Company. The most important was shipwright Lowjee marked a slow progress from an agrarian economy to and Nushirvan, who migrated to Mumbai around 1935. an industrialized market. Industry was dominated by He belongs to a Wadia family which gave beginning to textile power looms in and around Bombay, Ahmadabad, many leading ship-builders of Mumbai. On the basis of Calcutta and Madras. The decade of 1960s saw the rapid these facts, it can be stated that the East India Company expansion in large scale government sponsored heavy made some contribution towards entrepreneurial growth industry being set up across the country. Undermining in India. But, whether the company did it deliberately for the role that an individual enterprise can play in a the growth of entrepreneurship in India or it was just a country's economic growth, the government went ahead concurrence that people came in contact with the building state owned enterprises dependent on Company and entered the manufacturing entrepreneurship. centralized planning. Based on the successful The actual emergence of manufacturing entrepreneurship experience of the former Soviet Union, Indian policy can be noticed in the second half of the eighteenth century. makers concluded that, particularly for a poor country, centralized planning was essential for the efficient In the first wave of manufacturing entrepreneurship, allocation of an economy's resources. Numerous small except Parsis, all others hailed from non-commercial scale industries (SSI) sprouted as ancillary units to cater communities. Namely, Jains and Vaishyas of to these large industries. In the 1970s, there was an Ahmedabad and Baroda, lagged behind in entrepreneurial intensive campaign to promote entrepreneurship among initiative throughout the nineteenth century can be the Indian business community. This was the first effort explained by two major factors. Firstly, the Improvement to promote entrepreneurship in a concentrated manner. of business climate in the countryside during this period In 1970, to increase foreign exchange earnings, resulted in an increase in the quantum of trade which Government of India designated exports as a priority assured quick returns on investments. This proved the sector for active government help and established, among commercial activity more lucrative during the period. other things, a duty drawback system, program of Secondly, it can also be attributed to their conservative assistance for market development, and hundred percent attitude to change from commercial entrepreneurship to export oriented units to help producers export. Finally, industrial entrepreneurship. The second wave of from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, India entrepreneurial growth in India began after the First World liberalized imports such that those not subject to War. For various reasons, the Indian Government agreed licensing as a proportion to total imports grew from five to ‘discriminating’ protection to certain industries, even per cent in 1980-1981 to about 30% in 1987-1988. The requiring that companies receiving its benefits should economic crisis of the early 1990s resulted in economic be registered in India with rupee capital and have a reforms and a deliberate move towards globalization and proportion of their directors as Indian. The advantages liberalization of the Indian Economy. This shift brought of these measures were mostly enjoyed by the Indians. in huge change in a SME unit's contribution to production The European failed to harness the protectionist policies and exports reflecting that the small scale industries to their interests. These measures helped in establishing have undergone substantial technical change in their and extending the manufacturing factories in India during production process. With the youth facing the hardship the second half of the nineteenth century. of finding the right job in the public sector, human Post-independence of women Entrepreneur resource availability increased for the private sector. The youth who were increasingly disenchanted with the Most of the researchers in their research studies made stagnation in government jobs, eagerly sought private statement that Indians have always been entrepreneurial

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 306 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities sector jobs which assured them independence, growth of course vary in different levels around the world. For and even stability in their career. example, in Pakistan, female entrepreneurs account for only 1% of this gender's population, while in Zambia 40% Soon by the early 2000, it was common to see young of women are engaged in this activity. The highest number professionals preferring to become entrepreneurs and of females involved in entrepreneurial activities can be the least preferred career path was a stable government seen in Sub-Saharan Africa, with 27% of the female sector job. With the dawn of the new service oriented population. Latin America/Caribbean economies show economy, young professionals will increasingly work in comparatively high percentages as well (15%). The lower the private sector and later choose to start a business numbers are seen in the MENA/Mid-Asia region with of their own. With technology helping a SME in all entrepreneurial activities registering at 4%. Developed possible ways, increasingly we will find professionals Europe and Asia, as well as Israel, also show low rates venturing into new business opportunities utilizing easily of 5%. accessible financial help International Implications Demographics A recent international study found that women from low Studies have shown that successful female to middle income countries (such as Russia and the entrepreneurs start their businesses as a second or third Philippines) are more likely to enter early stage profession. Because of their previous careers, female entrepreneurship when compared to those of higher entrepreneurs enter the business world later on in life, income countries (such as Belgium, Sweden, and around 40–60 years old According to the Global Australia). A significant factor that may play a role in Entrepreneurship Monitor report, “women are nearly one- this disparity can be attributed to the fact that women third more likely to start businesses out of necessity from low income countries often seek an additional than men.” Because women are overtaking their male means of income to support themselves and their peers in the level of education obtained, having higher families. Overall, 40 to 50 percent of all small businesses education degrees is one of the significant are owned by women in developing countries. characteristics that many successful female Alternatively, this may also be due to the fact that, in entrepreneurs have in common. The average self- western business practices, it is not seen as beneficial employment rate for women under 25 years old in OECD to exhibit perceived feminine traits. While eastern countries is 7.2%. businesses tend to follow methods based around mutual The number of self-employed women has steadily respect and understanding, western business' increased over the past three decades, putting them at expectations are for business leaders to be more an approximate thirty-three percent increase. Many ruthless, headstrong, and less sensitive or respectful. female-owned businesses continue to be home-based "In the grab for power, women use whatever means operations. These types of businesses usually have available to them, whereas a man would take a club to limited revenue with about eighty percent of them making his opponents head, a woman is more likely use other less than $50,000 in 2002. This group made up for about less forceful and more subversive measures. Let's just six percent of total women-owned businesses. Children own it, we have different weapons in our arsenal." Female of these female entrepreneurs are expected to boost entrepreneurs make up for approximately 1/3 of all that number as they contribute to the growing amount entrepreneurs globally. According to one study, in 2012 of female entrepreneurs. Most women-owned there was an approximate 126 million women that were businesses are in wholesale, retail trade, and either starting or already running new businesses in manufacturing. Female entrepreneurs have also made a various economies all over the world. As far as those name for themselves in professional, scientific, and who were already established, there was an approximate technical services, as well as in healthcare and social 98 million. Not only are these women running or starting assistance. In the majority of OECD countries, female their own businesses but they are also employing others, entrepreneurs are more likely to work in the services so that they are participating in the growth of their industry than their male counterparts. respective economies. In 1972, women-owned businesses accounted for 4.6 A study in India entitled "Barriers of Women percent of all U.S. businesses—that was about 1.5 Entrepreneurs: A Study in Bangalore Urban District", has million self-employed women. That number increased concluded that despite all these constraints, successful to 2.1 million in 1979 and 3.5 million in 1984. In 1997, female entrepreneurs do exist. Female entrepreneurs there were about 5.4 million women-owned businesses have evidently more to ‘acquire’ than their male and in 2007, that number increased to 7.8 million. The counterparts. But, the socio-cultural environment in participation of females in entrepreneurial activities does which women are born and raised hinders them. Social

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 307 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 customs, caste restrictions, culture restraints, and norms A woman's entrepreneurship can make a particularly leave women lagging behind men. strong contribution to the economic well-being of the family and communities, poverty reduction and women's Present challenges empowerment, thus contributing to the Millennium Even though female entrepreneurship and the formation Development Goals (MDGs). Female entrepreneurs in of female-owned business networks are steadily rising, the four southern states and Maharashtra account for there are a number of challenges and obstacles that over 50% of all women-led small-scale industrial units female entrepreneurs face. One major challenge that in India many female entrepreneurs face is the effect that the traditional gender-roles society may still have on women. Obstacles To Growing Firm Entrepreneurship is still considered as a male-dominated A specific problem of female entrepreneurs seems to be field, and it may be difficult to surpass these conventional their inability to achieve growth, especially sales growth. views. Other than dealing with the dominant stereotype, Another issue is finance and, as stated previously, the female entrepreneurs are facing several obstacles related entrepreneurial process is somewhat dependent on initial to their businesses. conditions. Basically, firms with more resources at start- up have a higher probability to grow than firms with fewer Obstacles Specific To Starting New Firms resources. Resources include the following: societal External finance and sex discrimination. position, human resources, and financial resources. This In general, women have lower personal financial assets initial endowment in the firm is of great importance for than men. This means that for a given opportunity and firm survival and especially for firm growth. equally capable individual, women must secure additional A study by the Kauffman Foundation of 570 high-tech resources compared to men in order to exploit the firms started in 2004 showed that women-owned firms opportunity; because, they control less capital. The were more likely to be organized as sole proprietorships, question of whether women have a harder time getting both during their startup year and in the years to follow. finance than men for the same business opportunity has Female entrepreneurs were also much more likely to developed into its own sub-field. One possible issue in start their firms out of their homes and were less likely rising outside capital is that 96% of senior venture to have employees. This fact may serve as an indication capitalists are men and may not be as understanding of that women either anticipated having smaller firms or female-centric businesses. However, the situation seems were operating under resource constraints that did not to be improving. A study by Babson College showed allow them to launch firms requiring more assets, that in 1999, fewer than 5% of venture capital investments employees, or financial resources. This study also found went to companies with a woman on the executive team. that women only raised 70% of the amount that men In 2011, it was 9% and in 2013 it had jumped to 18%. raised to start their firms, which ultimately impacted their A specific solution for solving women's difficulties for ability to introduce new products and services or expand obtaining financing has been micro-financing. their business in terms of employees or geographic Microfinance is a financial institution that has become locations. exceptionally popular, especially in developing Other problems that are facing female entrepreneurs are economies. Female entrepreneurs have also been how they are handling their decision-making models and especially successful in getting funded through crowd stressful situations. Women compared with men are funding platforms like Kick starter. more susceptible to be influenced by their feelings than men when they have to make decisions. Also women Obstacles To Managing A Small Firm have more likelihood of stress than men in difficult Studies on female entrepreneurs show that women have situations, without this mean that women are "weak sex". to cope with stereotypical attitudes towards them on a daily basis. Business relations from customers to Encouragement suppliers and banks constantly remind the entrepreneur In 1993, "Take Our Daughters to Work Day" was that she is different, sometimes in a positive way such popularized to support career exploration for girls, and as by praising her for being a successful entrepreneur later expanded to Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work even though she is a woman. The workload associated Day. Hillary Clinton stated that "Investing in who men is with being a small business manager is also not easily not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to combined with taking care of children and a family. do." Research shows that there are many support groups Female entrepreneurship has been recognized as an for women in business, for female entrepreneurs, and important source of economic growth. for women looking for business advice. Women in different areas are willing to show the support that in

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 308 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities some cases, they never had. They offer encouragement, 8. Educated advice, and support to moms who seek to provide for 9. Intelligent their families through their own visions for business. Her Corner, is a group located in Washington, D.C. This Remedies To Solve The Problems group seeks to bring women business owners together 1. Finance cells to collaborate with each other for the betterment of their 2. Marketing cooperative businesses. There are government backed programs 3. Supply of raw materials available to female entrepreneurs and information can be found on their website at SBA Online and their Face 4. Education and awareness book group SBA government. Female-only taxi 5. training facility companies in India, the UAE, and Brazil support working women. One example of successful female Growth Of Women Entrepreneur entrepreneurship in rural villages of Bangladesh is the • As per (cs) only 1,85,900 women entrepreneur (in Info lady Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ISEP). handloom, agriculture and agro based) Norway celebrates Female Entrepreneur of the Year. • 1995-96 only 2,95,680 women entrepreneur Reasons for launching firms • During the 8th five year plan appreciable increase Many studies show that women start their own • In another 5 year plan the no. of women entrepreneur businesses for a variety of reasons. These reasons increase up to 5,00,000 include the following: having an idea for a business plan, • They are engaged in marketing, communication, IT having passion for solving a specifically related career sector, banking sector etc, problem, wanting to be more in control of their careers, Types Of Women Enterpreneurs maintaining a more balanced life, having a flexible work schedule, and taking a personal vision and turning it 1. AFFLUENT ENTERPRENEURS: These are into a lucrative business. Along with the intense desire daughters, daughter- in – law and wives of rich to see their vision carried out, these women also have a business families who have financial and other great ability to multi-task and never feared the risks resource backing to take any business risks. Many involved in being self-employed. Women are still facing of them start enterprise in interior decoration, beauty many issues in the workforce, and being their own boss parlor, restaurants, book publishing, magazines, film certainly is more appealing to some of the everyday distribution and the like. The family support in many issues they face outside of entrepreneurship. Gender ways help them to take care of their responsibilities roles are still very much a part of their lives, but for some with lesser efforts and strains. More over their female entrepreneurs, they feel more in control when sustenance is not entirely dependent upon their new working for themselves. enterprise. 2. PULL FACTOR: In this category the town and city Feminism based women take up some assignments or A feminist entrepreneur is an individual who applies enterprise as a take challenge. They take it up as feminist values and approaches through an adventure to do something new and be entrepreneurship, with the goal of improving the quality economically independent. Generally they take up of life and wellbeing of girls and women. Many are doing small and medium type industries where risk factors so by creating ‘for women, by women’ enterprises.’ are too small. This category consists of educated Feminist entrepreneurs are motivated to enter women with or without work experience. They are commercial markets by desire to create wealth and social likely to the financial assistance from banks and change, based on the ethics of cooperation, equality, other sources. Women start electronic industries, and mutual respect. service centers, restaurants, schools, beauty Qualities of Women Entrepreneurs parlours, food catering centers, event management, 1. Accept challenges film production and grocery shop etc;. 2. Ambitious 3. PUSH FACTORS: This category of women takes 3. Hard work up some business activity to overcome financial difficulties. The family situation forces them to 4. Patience develop existing family business or start something 5. Motivator new to improve the economic lot of the family. This 6. Adventurous category is small and normally widows and single 7. Conscious women are in the category.

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4. RURAL ENTREPRENEURS: Women in rural sector direct employees. They have persistence even in try to start something suiting to their resources and adverse circumstance. They manage time effectively. knowledge. In this category we find dairy products, They are employee driven. pickles, fruit juices, papads and jaggery making. They would like to work in areas where minimum Imporatance Of Women Entreprenurs usage of telephone, transport and monetary Here are the six advantages that female entrepreneurs transaction involved. They ensure that their enterprise have: is of minimum risk and need least organization skill. 1. Multi-Task Oriented: Women are known for juggling 5. SELF EMPLOYED ENTREPRENEURS: There are many tasks at the same time and still producing women from poor and very poor category of society excellent results. Women can talk on the phone, and rely on their own efforts for sustenance. Majority open and read her email and schedule what else of them are from villages and towns. The examples she needs to finish for the rest of the day all at the are vegetables and fruit vendors, brooms making, same time. Men have more trouble with this wax candle making, providing tea-coffee to offices, multitasking thing; therefore sometimes they miss ironing of clothes, knitting work, tailoring firm etc. many opportunities. These are tiny and small enterprises which find 2. Connecting More Easily With People: Women convenient to manage love to have a support group at work and at their Role Of Women Entrepreneurs personal lives. As a result women entrepreneur finds it easier to ask for help in our business. Actually, Similarly to men entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs they focus a lot on activities that can find the have to perform all the functions involved in setting up appropriate resources to help us out. Men in an enterprise such as idea generation and scanning, contrast, sometimes wait too long before asking for determination of objectives, project preparation, product help and this can often costs them business. analysis, determination of forms of business organization, combination of factors of production, etc; 3. High Patience Level: Women inherently seem to have more patience. In today’s business Fedrick harbinson has listed out the following five environment, patience is key. This is an extremely functions of a women entrepreneur important attribute for entrepreneurs to have. Too 1. Exploration of the prospects of starting a new often visionary entrepreneurs are tried to start their business enterprise. business and after a few months gave up. They 2. Undertaking of risks and the handling of economic became impatient with the process. Women know uncertainties involved in business naturally that one must wait in order to receive positive 3. Introduction of innovations or imitation of innovations. outcomes. 4. Coordination, administration and control. 4. Branding and Marketing Themselves: Women 5. Supervision and leadership. are natural marketers. They are so passionate and enthusiastic about what they choose to do that they The major entrepreneurial functions can be broadly just do not stop talking about it. They don’t forget to classified under three categories: emphasis the benefits of their services to their 1. RISK TAKING: Women entrepreneurs assume risks potential customers. They understand how to associated with the new venture. Such risks can be accentuate the positive. financial, psychological and social. There is no 5. Intuitive: women in general can size up another guarantee of success. They take calculated risks. person much faster than her male counterpart. In They seek information. today’s ultra-fast paced business environment, one 2. INNOVATION: Women entrepreneurs convert needs the ability to quickly identify the allies and inventions into innovations. They innovate to meet the enemies. changing demands in the market. They establish 6. Create and use Their Network: Women are real research and development facilities to aid innovation. pros at using their contacts. They also tend to create They initiate new innovations. new contracts and friendships that get the company 3. MANAGEMENT: Women entrepreneurs get directly where it wants to go. This feature of women’s involved in the management of the new venture. They personality certainly plays a vital role in the business put in hard work and efforts. They plan, coordinate success. and control. They provide leadership to motivate and

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WOMEN EMPLOYMENT IN INFORMAL SECTOR IN INDIA

M.Kutumbarao1

Abstract Women Employment in informal sector comprises one half to three-quarters of non-agricultural employment in developing countries. Informal employment is comprised of both self-employment in informal enterprises (i.e. small and/or unregistered) and wage employment in informal jobs i.e., without secure contracts, worker benefits, or social protection. Informal activities are typically characterized by ease of entry, reliance on indigenous resources, family ownership of enterprises, small scale of operations of labour intensive and adaptive technology, skills acquired outside formal schooling system, and unregulated and competitive markets. It is strongly recommended that mere framing of policies and Acts may not serve the purpose. Work has to be done at the grass root level with proper feedback system in place to ensure that policies of equal treatment for equal work are actually giving results. We must remember that by ignoring these women workers we are ignoring important contributors to national income of the country. National Commission on Enterprises in Unorganized Sector is established by the Government of India to frame rules and regulations to safeguard the interests of workers. The outcome is yet to be seen.

Introduction consists of regular workers and casual labour, self Women Employment in informal sector comprises one employed and those working for others, illiterate to semi- half to three-quarters of non-agricultural employment in educated, in all age groups (including below and above developing countries. Informal employment is comprised the normal working age bracket)1. of both self-employment in informal enterprises (i.e. small This combination of differentiated and distinct characters and/or unregistered) and wage employment in informal is more pronounced when we talk of informal sector in jobs i.e., without secure contracts, worker benefits, or the urban areas; of a country like India. Given the social protection. The concept of informal sector was disadvantaged position of women in the labor market in first introduced by Hart with the distinction between wage most parts of the developing world, the result of long- and self employment as the essential difference between standing societal norms which discourage the social and the formal and informal sectors. Later, ILO broadened economic integration and advancement of women, the the scope of the informal sector. Informal activities are majority of female workers are engaged in the informal typically characterized by ease of entry, reliance on sector. This is especially true for sub-Saharan Africa and indigenous resources, family ownership of enterprises, South Asia. It is also evident that female workers rely small scale of operations of labour intensive and adaptive more on the informal sector than men. The shares of technology, skills acquired outside formal schooling female non-agricultural employment in the informal sector system, and unregulated and competitive markets. are generally (and often substantially) higher than those The Resolution concerning Statistics of Employment in for male workers. But women's participation in terms of the Informal Sector, adopted by the Fifteenth International their share of informal sector employment is more mixed. Conference of Labour Statisticians in 1993, defined the Recent evidence shows extremely low shares an informal sector as follows: The informal sector is regarded estimate by the World Bank shows that 90% of the as a group of household enterprises or unincorporated women working in the informal sector are not included enterprises owned by households that includes: in the official statistics and their work is undocumented and considered as disguised wage work, unskilled, low • Informal own-account enterprises, which may employ paying and do not provide benefits to the workers. contributing family workers and employees on an occasional basis; and In India, almost 94% of total women workers are engaged in informal sector, of which about 20% work in the urban • Enterprises of informal employers, which employ one centres. Majority of women workers in informal sector or more employees on a continuous basis. come from those sections of the society which need The informal sector is a multi-situation syndrome. It is income at any cost. Nearly 50 per cent of these women characterized by non uniformity in the nature, workers are sole supporters of their families. Another characteristics and conditions of jobs. The informal sector

1. Lecturer in Economics,The Hindu College,Machilipatnam,AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 311 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 startling fact is that out of all women workers a mere security” of rural households would critically depend on 7.5% are availing the membership of authentic registered the effective implementation of the scheme. The present trade unions. Yet another fact to cause concern is that blogpost analyses the impact of direct fiscal transfers women have to work, unpaid, even outside home, for for employment in creation of job with a particular focus some 5-8 hours to help their other family members. This on gender differential impacts of employment guarantee fact has to be considered alongside the fact that an programmes across states in India. average woman has to work at home for some 7- 8 hours doing household chores including upbringing the Integrating gender in direct employment transfer children. Most of the women workers lack proper design training2. First, at the policy formulation stage itself, the Act was gender focused. The Act mandates that one-third of the They have very few options to avail as far as gainful jobs job guarantee programme’s beneficiaries should be are concerned. The quiet contributors to the effortless women. Two, it envisages a distance criteria that the movement of the social carriage, the women workers work has to be within the stipulated 5 kms from the engaged in informal sector are poor, perhaps poorest residence of the job seeker, with preference to women amongst poor, uneducated and weak. and the aged. Three, it prescribes equal wages for men Globally, a direct employment transfer - a job guarantee and women in public works programmes. Four, it programme - is an “employer of last resort” fiscal policy, envisages a “labour entitlement” of 100 days to the which envisions the government bearing a guarantee to members of the household (not confined to one person provide paid work opportunities of predictable duration in the ‘household’). This gives more scope for women to at a predetermined wage for public works. Though many participate in the programme. Five, a gender-aware such job guarantee initiatives have been introduced over financial inclusion practice was emphasized in its the years across the world, the popular and largest in operational guidelines, which recommended the local scale are the US New Deal programmes ex-post to 1929 government to facilitate opening individual bank accounts Great Depression, the Jefes programme in Argentina and for men and women instead of joint bank accounts for the Expanded Public Works Programme in South Africa, the wage payments. Six, it prescribed provisioning of other than the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural care economy infrastructure at the worksites such as Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in India. These child care to enhance the work force participation of programmes are targeted at labour-intensive work in the women. Has this gender aware direct employment field of environmental interventions and also in providing transfer policy design translated into better female labour public benefits in asset-creating public works. force participation across States in India?4.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of India Gender differential effects of employment transfers was enacted by the Indian Parliament on September 5, across States 2005. This Act guarantees 100 days of employment per MGNREGA is based on the principle of self-selection, year for individual households willing to do manual and it is a step towards legal enforcement of the right to unskilled labor at the statutory minimum wage. It was work, as an aspect of the fundamental right to live with later renamed as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural dignity. This programme aims to redress the seasonal, Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on 2nd cyclical and structural unemployment in the country by February, 20063. providing the low-skilled poor a work entitlement thereby The MGNREGA scheme is fully funded by the Union ensuring that when all else fails, the government acts government of India in the form of a directed specific as “employer of last resort”. If we consider state-wise purpose transfer to the states. It is a demand driven data on women’s participation rate provided in the scheme. As specified in the Act, for the purpose of MGNREGA portal for the year 2016, the female labour funding and the implementation of MGNREGA, the participation rate in job guarantee programme was more Centre’s obligation would be to make payments of wages than 60 per cent only in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and for unskilled manual workers under the scheme, upto Rajasthan. In many States, the female labour three-fourths of the material costs of the scheme participation rate could not even cross the minimum including wages to skilled and semi-skilled workers and threshold of 33 per cent as mandated in the Act. a certain percentage of the total cost of the schemes Moreover, there is no one to one correspondence between determined by the Centre. The state government shall women’s participation in MGNREGA and the person have to make payments of the cost of unemployment days of employment per household data in the allowance. Apart from the mandatory provision of MGNREGA portal for the same year. The percentage of resources required for the implementation of the households completing 100 days of employment is less MGNREGA, its success in enhancing the “livelihood

Vol V Special Issue -1 February 2018 Page 312 International Multidisciplinary Research Conference on Women in 21st Century:Challenges and Opportunities than 20 per cent in all the states except Tripura where it were strikingly high in Madhya Pradesh (68 per cent), is around 50 per cent. Further, the states which had J&K (55 per cent), Odisha (40 per cent) and Gujarat (38 higher person days per household had also higher per cent). percentage of households completing 100 days of The recent NSSO (68th round) round on “employments employment. These data only revealed that the scheme and unemployment” has also incorporated codes on care is working below its potential. economy activities and asked questions related to What are the reasons for such a low turnout of women willingness to go for regular employment under for work under MGNREGA in most states? We have MGNREGA by women. The analysis revealed the obtained unit record data from The National Sample willingness of women to work in spite of their current Survey 68th round on “Employment and Unemployment domestic duties and this percentage is the highest for for the period of July 2011-June 2012 – the latest the category ‘women who sought but did not get work’ employment data available - to get useful insights to (43.5 per cent) followed by the women who have worked this question. The data shows that at all-India level 71% (42.4 per cent). This finding only implies the significance of males are registered with MGNREGA job card and it of care economy infrastructure to ease their work burden is only 50% for females. The lower registration of women and strengthen women’s participation in the wage for MGNREGA job card indicates that significant share economy6. of women is excluded from the non-farm employment This inference gets further strengthened when the NSSO (since MGNREGA provides non-farm employment in rural rounds further explored about the “nature of work areas) in the first step itself. The data also reveals that acceptable to women” – whether regular or causal. The the female registration is as low as below 30 per cent in estimates revealed that relatively large proportion of States including Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Odisha, Bihar, women who have worked demand regular ‘part time’ work Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir5. (67.6 per cent) compared to regular ‘full time’ (26.7 per It should also be noted that holding MGNREGA job card cent). As the prominent reason for preference for ‘part per se does not guarantee work under the scheme. The time’ regular work was their “time poverty” due to care individual might be having the card but might not seek economy activities, it has public policy implications in for work under the scheme. Further, the individual might terms of providing social care infrastructure investment. have sought the work under the scheme, but could not To explore the full potential of women’s labour force have got the work. The data reveals that only 51 percent participation and to bring them to market economy as of those who have registered in MGNREGA have actually ‘regular’ rather than ‘casual’ workers, we need public received the job guaranteed under the MGNREGA as infrastructure investment in the care economy. This per the 68th rounds of National Sample Survey. The would in turn strengthen the intra-household bargaining state specific differentials showed that Madhya Pradesh, power of women which would have direct impact on Maharashtra, J&K and Bihar had shown dismal education and health entitlements of her children. performance in terms of female employment in MGNREGA. Conclusion The women workers do not have a choice to work, or not The percentage of MGNREGA job card holders who have to work, due to dire need of income. The limited ‘sought work, but did not get’ is an indication of exclusion opportunities available to women are mostly low paid, after registration in the scheme. Such exclusion might low status jobs in the informal sector; jobs which do not be due to the flaws in implementation, not in the design have any possibilities of betterment, advancement of of the scheme. At all India level, while 17 per cent of efficiency or training, to enable them to enter better jobs women registered under MGNREGA job card sought but at a later stage. In the overall state of unemployment did not get work, the same for males was 20 per cent. It and lack of opportunities, women hold a secondary place implies that exclusion of females is relatively less at to men in the race of employment. this stage as compared to their male counterpart. For females, Maharashtra performed the worst on this front It is strongly recommended that mere framing of policies followed by Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat and Punjab. On and Acts may not serve the purpose. Work has to be the other hand, the states such as Goa, Manipur, Kerala, done at the grass root level with proper feedback system Meghalaya and Nagaland performed well on this front. in place to ensure that policies of equal treatment for equal work are actually giving results. We must Ironically, at all India level, 33 per cent of women who remember that by ignoring these women workers we have the job card, have not sought for work’ whereas it are ignoring important contributors to national income is 29 per cent for males. The State-wise analysis showed of the country. National Commission on Enterprises in that the women ‘with job card who did not seek work’ Unorganized Sector is established by the Government

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 313 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 of India to frame rules and regulations to safeguard the References: interests of workers. The outcome is yet to be seen. • Blunch Niels-Hugo, Canagarajah Sudharshan and MGNREGA has proved to be a very effective programme Raju Dhushyanth, “The Informal Sector Revisited: A to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for most Synthesis Across Space and Time”, Social vulnerable people of rural population and creating durable Protection Unit, Human Development Network, The assets in rural India. Since the programme is one of the World Bank,2001. largest public programmes in the world for providing job • Women And Men In The Informal Economy: A security at a very large scale, Government of India Statistical Picture, Employment Sector, International allocates huge resources for efficient implementation of Labour Organization, Geneva, 2002 the programme. In addition to this, the success of the • Dwivedi, Rishi Muni, 2005. “Poverty and Development programme also depends upon the efficient machinery Programmes in India,1947 to 2007.” New Century to utilise the fund at the optimal level and efficiently Publications (New Delhi) implement at the ground level. • Esteves, Tashina, K. V. Rao, Bhaskar Sinha, S. S. The gender differentials of MGNREGA are varied across Roy, Bhaskar Rao, Shashidhar Kumar Jha, Ajay States. However, the National Sample Survey estimates Bhan Singh et. al, 2013 "Agricultural and Livelihood revealed that the female labour force participation rates Vulnerability Reduction through the MGNREGA." (LFPR) of MGNREGA is 697 per 1000 women, which is Economic & Political Weekly 48(52):95. more than double of LFPR of non-MGNREGA card • 2013, “MGNREGS Report to the People” MoRD. holders. The estimates also revealed that • Manual for MIS for MGNREGS” MoRD. Unemployment Rates among the non-MGNREGA card holders is ten times higher than that of MGNREGA card holders.

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EMPOWERING WOMEN, DEVELOPING SOCIETY

Priti Arya1

Abstract Education is a key part of strategies to improve individuals’ well-being and societies’ economic and social development. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),* access to education has improved dramatically over the past few decades, and there have been a number of encouraging trends in girls’ and women’s education . Primary school enrollment is high or universal in most MENA countries, and gender gaps in secondary school enrollment have already disappeared in several countries. Women in MENA countries are also more likely to enroll in universities than they were in the past. Keywords: Empowerment, women, Development goals , Female Education Rural, self help groups, primary education

Introduction including Egypt, Jordan, and Tunisia, concluded that a Many people especially girls are still excluded from country’s long-. term economic growth increases by 3.7 education, and many more are enrolled in school but percent for every year the adult population’s learning too little to prepare them for job markets. In Education’s Effects on Reproductive Choices and some countries, access to the secondary and higher Employment education that helps create a skilled and knowledgeable Education helps women take advantage of opportunities labor force continues to be limited; even where access that could benefit them and their families, preparing is not a problem, the quality of the education provided is women for the labor force and helping them understand often low. The most worrying aspect of the crisis in their legal and reproductive rights. education is education’s inability to provide the requirements for the development of women. Fertility An overview of education’s benefits to women, families, Education is the single most important determinant of economies, and societies and highlights the ongoing both age at marriage and age at first birth in countries, concerns about education in countries. It also looks at since women in the region tend to give birth soon after education’s links with fertility and employment, two marriage. Among married Egyptian women ages 25 to important elements in women’s empowerment. 29, for instance, those with no education had married at age 18, on average, and had their first child by age 20; Education: A Social Right those with a secondary or higher education married at Education’s importance has been emphasized by a an average age of 23 and had their first child by age 12 number of international conventions, including on of 25. Turkey’s 1998 DHS showed that 22 percent of girls Human Rights and the Programme of Action of the 1994 15 to 19 years old who had no education or who had not International Conference on Population and Development. completed primary school were already mothers or pregnant, compared with only 2 percent of girls who had The Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing completed secondary or higher education. in 1995, recognized that women’s literacy is key to Educated women generally want smaller families and empowering women’s participation in decision making make better use of reproductive health and family planning in society and to improving families’ well-being.3 In addition, the United Nations has articulated the Millennium Employment Development Goals (MDGs), which include goals for As women’s educational attainment in countries has improved education, gender equality, and women’s increased, more women have moved into the job market. empowerment. The MDGs emphasize education’s But women’s participation in the labor force is still low: essential role in building democratic societies and Only 20 percent of women ages 15 and older creating a foundation for sustained economic growth. The highest levels of native female labor force participation Education contributes directly to the growth of national in countries are found in Lebanon, Morocco, Turkey, income by improving the productive capacities of the and Yemen, where women constitute more than 25 labor force. A recent study of 19 developing countries, percent of the labor force. But those rates are lower than

1. Lecturer in Department of Commerce,Keshav Memorial Institute of Commerce & Sciences,Osmania University, Government of Telangana, Hyderabad,AP.

Ch.S.D.St.Theresa's College for Women, Eluru and Primax Foundation, Bangalore. Page 315 Kaav International Journal of Arts, Humanities & Social Science ISSN: 2348 - 4969 rates found outside the region. In France, for example, Quality of Education women make up 45 percent of the labor force; in It is not enough to make education more widely available; Indonesia, which is home to the world’s largest Muslim the quality of the education also needs to be improved. population, women make up 38 percent of the labor force. Arguing that the poor quality of education in countries The lowest rates of labor force participation are seen has led to a significant mismatch between the labor among women native to the countries of the Gulf Cooperation market’s needs and graduates’ skills. The report also Council, a group of six conservative monarchies; reported warns that education systems may split into two tiers, national rates are inflated by the large number of foreign with high-quality private education available only to the female laborers in those countries. wealthy minority and low-quality public education the Women who live in countries with a large agricultural sole option for most citizens. Such a trend would turn education sector, such as Egypt, Iran, Syria, and Yemen, tend to into a “means of perpetuating social stratification and work mainly in that sector, although some countries poverty” rather than a means of increasing social equality. have been more successful in getting women into nonagricultural occupations. Conclusion Illiteracy Efforts to improve female education in countries need to go beyond rhetoric and should involve policies and Illiteracy rates are often higher than those o countries programs with measurable results. Governments can with comparable start by making the national development or lower per capita incomes (see Figure 4). There are Effort to ensure that education is more accessible to over 75 million illiterate adults in the region, more than low-income families and rural populations, with special half of whom live in Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco. Around attention to the quality of the education provided and 13 million young adults are illiterate; fully one-third of the need for girls to complete school. them live in Egypt, which has both a high illiteracy rate and a large population. As in other parts of the world, To ensure that education is more accessible to low- illiteracy rates in the region are higher among rural than income families and rural populations, with special among urban populations attention to the quality of the education provided and Although all governments require that all children receive the need for girls to complete school. at least five years of schooling and all provide free Richer countries both inside and outside the region are education at least through high school, the rapid growth encouraged to help resource-poor countries improve their of school-age populations in the region is posing a educational systems and collect data on their progress. challenge for many governments. Between 1986 and Improving access to and the quality of education is the 1996, for example, the number of Iranians between ages most rewarding investment a country can make. 5 and 19 grew by 20 percent, or nearly 4 million, straining Investing in female education will accelerate the region’s the capacity of the country’s schools. In Egypt, despite economic and social development by enhancing human the government’s success in reducing the adult illiteracy capital, slowing population growth, and alleviating poverty. rate from 60 percent in 1980 to 50 percent in 1995, the increase in the population’s size meant that the number References of illiterate Egyptians grew from 16 million to 19 million. • The Economics of Women and Work in the Middle A similar trend has been visible in Morocco. East and North Africa, (Amsterdam, Netherlands: Gender Gaps • Health Survey (DHS) 2000 (Calverton, MD: Ministry of Health and Population Women in countries are twice as likely to be illiterate as men are and make up two-thirds of the region’s • National Population Council, and ORC Macro illiterate adults. The gender gaps in education vary • Demographic and Health Survey 1998 Final Report greatly across countries in the region but are generally • United Nations, The World’s Women 2000: Trends wider in countries where overall literacy and school and Statistics enrollment are lower. • Institute for Women’s Studies in the World, Gender gaps in literacy and school enrollment generally • persist regardless of rural or urban location. Gender gaps “Female Labor Force in Lebanon, in school enrollment are especially wide in Egypt, Iraq, • UNESCO, UNESCO Statistical Yearbook 1999 Turkey, and Yemen. Closing gender gaps in education • May Rihani and Cynthia Prather, Strategies for would benefit countries’ economies. One study estimated Female that the region’s average annual growth in per capita gross • World Bank, Engendering Development: Through national product would have been nearly a full percentage Gender Equality in Rights, Resources, and Voice point higher between 1960 and 1992 if gender gap in (Washington, DC: World Bank, 2001): 90-91. education had shrunk as quickly as East Asia’s did.

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