Building Gender Equality
According to the census of India 2011, female literacy rates increased by 11.8 per cent during 2001–2011, compared to their male counterpart’s 6.9 per cent
- India has made a noticeable progress in women’s education
since its independence in 1947; the pace has accelerated over the last few
decades, thanks to the government’s concerted effort towards girls' education
via various schemes, policies and programmes. According to the census of India
2011, female literacy rates increased by 11.8 per cent during 2001–2011,
compared to their male counterpart’s 6.9 per cent. Girls have been outshining boys
in board examinations, be it CBSE or state boards, including Nagaland, for
several consecutive years, while reports suggest that boys are more likely to
drop out of school than girls in India. As per the central government’s public
policy think tank NITI Aayog's report, which was released last week, women’s
enrolment in higher education has increased significantly since 2016 but is
lower than that of their male counterparts during the 2011-2022. On a positive
note, several states, including Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Kerala,
Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh, saw a higher female enrolment. This trend
is encouraging as women’s education plays a vital role in economic and human
development, besides gender equality. However, gender disparity in the literacy
rate remains wide due to decades of subjugation and various challenges to
women's literacy, ranging from economic, social and cultural barriers. This gap
is even more noticeable between the rural and urban populations due to the
inequitable distribution of educational institutions across the regions and
states and within state. This needs to be addressed.
- Education is a powerful tool to change lives and combat
gender inequality, as it empowers individuals to fight for their rights, stand
for justice, achieve economic independence and break down stereotypes. It also
helps develop critical thinking, enhances creativity and gain knowledge to lead
a fulfilling life. However, the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2023
report said that girls opt to continue studies mainly to become better
homemakers and escape daily household chores, while for most boys, it’s a
matter of personal choice, negating the very purpose of education. Such an
outlook can impact the educational outcome. The increase in the literary rate
and enrolment in higher education should help break down traditional barriers
that limit opportunities based on gender. It should empower women to excel. To
sum up, this is what Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi said in her
opening keynote address to the NGO Forum on Women in 1995: “The education and
empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more
caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all.”
