Empowerment of Women: An Urgency

Abstract

The fight against inequality and commodification of women in society has been the cornerstone of discussions on feminism. Since women have multiple identities based on gender, looks, caste, class, ethnicity and age, at any given point of time they could be oppressed by any one or various other factors. In fact, women have been pushed to lag behind men on all vital aspects of life whether it is the choice of education, or employment opportunities, health and nutrition, sexuality or even crucial decisions about their family. A corrective to this situation would be ensuring for them a right to education and gainful employment and also empowering them through selfhelp groups besides providing them enough opportunities of participation at all levels of governance. These rights would not only increase their self image and self-confidence but also provide for greater autonomy within the household along with the question of survival with men on an equal footing.