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Improving the Landscape for Women in India

 A lot has been said and written about India’s education system and how it has produced innumerable thought leaders, including a number of top executives in today’s leading organizations. Although it might seem like the education landscape is the same for all citizens of the country, ground reality is quite different. Until recently, many girls didn't even finish basic schooling, and even today, countless are deprived of this basic right. While many initiatives have been taken by the government and NGOs working for education and women’s rights, quality education continues to be a distant dream for countless girls and women in India, especially in marginalised communities. Although significant ground has been covered, a lot more needs to be done. In this article, we have laid out 5 steps to improve the education landscape for women.

A Strong Foundation for Early Development

Early childhood disadvantages are difficult to reverse, but with the right ECD (Early Childhood Development) programs, such disadvantages can be avoided, which will have significant positive effects. In general, a person needs technical, cognitive, and behavioral skills to be successful in life. These skills can be developed through planned ECD programs. Among other things, successful early development emphasizes basic cognitive abilities, nutrition, and stimulation.

Accessibility to Basic Education

According to data from the World Bank, just about 34% of girls in the poorest 20% of households in 24 low-income countries finish primary education, which is an alarming situation. Interventions that lower the opportunity cost of girls attending school, such as conditional cash transfers, can help improve the scenario. If we want to improve the state of women’s education in India, we need to build stronger educational systems with clear learning standards, excellent teachers, sufficient resources, and an environment that emphasizes accountability. 

Job-relevant Skill Training

While education has its inherent value, job-skills are also as important. That’s why, besides ensuring easy accessibility to education, imparting job-relevant skills that today’s organizations need can go a long way in empowering girls and women in the country. Ironically, World Bank data shows that in the majority of developing countries, the rate of young women participating in the labor force is significantly lower than young men. Moreover, according to the International Income Distribution Database, nearly 40% of young women worldwide are either unemployed or "idle" (neither undergoing education, nor any work). Imparting job-relevant skills, therefore, can go a long way in empowering Indian girls and women.

Investment in Knowledge and Creativity

Creating an environment that encourages investment in creativity and knowledge calls for specific abilities, financial backup, and efficient management systems that support innovation. Once more, girls are often deprived of these enablers as many families are usually focused solely on the education of male children. Besides getting fewer opportunities, countless girls in India also receive little to no attention, as a result of which many of their innate talents go unnoticed. It is, therefore, important that an environment is created, which encourages investment in knowledge and creativity. 

Wrap Up

Women empowerment is essential for the progress of any country, and India is no exception. If we, as a people, truly want to see the day when our country is called “developed”, we need to realize that the mission cannot be accomplished without empowering the girls and women in the country and ensuring they get the environment and opportunities they deserve. The key here is to spread awareness and get rid of the prejudices that still prevail in India. This is where the role of NGOs in India is indispensable. It’s time that we contribute to this cause by choosing to work with any NGO working for education and women empowerment. 

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