Nari Shakti: The Vision for Women’s Empowerment

In India, women have historically enjoyed a culturally and mythologically elevated status. Despite this, the modern era has seen women facing discrimination in households and workplaces, as well as political indifference and neglect. However, recent research on women voters using historical data has shown a significant decrease in the gender gap in voter turnout since 2010. Women’s voter turnout now often exceeds male voter turnout, even in traditionally less developed regions where the status of women has been significantly lower. As a result, women voters can no longer be marginalized or neglected, demanding respect and attention. This has led to a silent revolution in Indian politics, compelling political leaders to design policies that address issues important to women. One area where Indian women face significant challenges is employment. According to World Bank data, the female labour force participation rate has declined from 32% in 2005 to 19% in 2022. However, it is important to note that this only accounts for marketable employment opportunities and does not consider unpaid domestic services, such as household services like taking care of children and the elderly. Research-based on data from time use surveys in India in 2018-19 reveals that women in the age group of 25 to 59 years spend approximately seven hours daily in unpaid domestic services. If we were to put a price on this, India’s GDP would be significantly higher, and a truer picture of women’s economic contribution would emerge. In contrast, working or non-working men in the same age group spend less than 45 minutes on unpaid domestic or caregiving services.

Prime Minister Modi recently articulated a bold vision that “Nari Shakti,” or women’s power, would play a vital role in India’s socio-economic developmental journey in the coming 25 years. Women’s economic empowerment remains at the heart of India’s G20 agenda, encapsulated in Prime Minister Modi’s remark at the G20 Summit in Bali that “global development is not possible without women’s participation.” Empowering women is not just a choice, but a necessity, as it is about improving outcomes, and investing in healthier communities and stronger economies. The Indian Constitution explicitly recognizes the value of gender equality, and the government has always been committed to advancing it across all fields and spheres of authority. In order to reduce gender inequality, financing for gender equality is essential, and gender budgeting is proper management in this effort. The increased participation of women voters in Indian politics has brought about a silent revolution in the country, compelling political leaders to design policies that address issues important to women. The declining female labour force participation rate, however, remains a significant challenge, and it is important to recognize the contribution of women’s unpaid domestic services to the economy. Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Nari Shakti playing a vital role in India’s socio-economic developmental journey in the coming 25 years is a positive step in the right direction. Empowering women is not just a choice, but a necessity and gender equality must be promoted in all sectors and levels of governance. Financing for gender equality through gender budgeting is essential to mitigating gender inequalities and achieving a stronger and more prosperous India.