Empowerment of women in India

The extent of empowerment of women in a nation is largely determined by three factors, viz. economic, social and political identity. The Tenth Five Year Plan (2002-07) called for a three pronged strategy of social empowerment, economic empowerment and providing gender justice to create an enabling environment of positive, economic and social policies for women and eliminating all forms of discrimination against them and thus advance gender equality goals. The Government of India has initiated various schemes spread across a broader spectrum such as women's need for shelter, security, safety, legal aid, justice, information, maternal health, food, nutrition etc. as well as their need for economic sustenance through skill development, education, and access to credit and marketing. In order to address the phenomenon of domestic violence, which is widely prevalent but remains largely invisible in the public domain, the Protection from Domestic Violence Act, 2006 was enacted by the Parliament. The Act envisages that the Protection Officer would assist the victim of domestic violence to be secure from violence and help her to access shelter homes, health care and legal advice. For a holistic empowerment of the woman to happen - social, economic and political aspects impacting a woman's life must converge effectively. The multiple roles of women and the meagre ability to access resources and available assets are areas of concern. It is important to emphasise that women require adequate security and protection to be self-reliant.