In India, women's empowerment is generally showcased through their participation in social, economic, and political activities. This article aims to explore women's empowerment from a different perspective, emphasizing cultural empowerment. Empowerment is a mental state that depends not only on certain intrinsic skills and educational, social, economic, and political circumstances but also on the cultured values, or 'sanskars,' ingrained in us. This article further explains that while women have achieved partial empowerment socially, economically, and politically, cultural empowerment can be a guiding force for their holistic empowerment. Additionally, the National Education Policy 2020's inclusive development goals for Indian society are highlighted.
The term 'empowerment' has become quite popular in recent times. It refers to a process of change, essentially meaning the decentralization of power and authority. The primary objective is to ensure the participation of marginalized groups in decision-making processes. Empowerment aims at enhancing the economic, political, social, educational, and spiritual strength of individuals and communities. It is a process that broadens the capacities of individuals and groups, enabling them to create choices and transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.
Empowerment reflects the expansion of people's abilities to make better life choices. An empowered individual has the freedom to choose and act, leading their life towards empowerment. These choices and actions affect their life, signifying self-determined change. It addresses both the demand and supply aspects of development, where the focus is on helping the weak by making them mentally, socially, and economically capable. Empowerment has become a subject concerning the overall development of individuals, through which development opportunities are increased, developmental outcomes are expanded, and people's quality of life is improved.
Educating a woman means educating an entire family. It is essential for society to have healthy, educated, and sensible women, which is only possible through education. Additionally, education is vital for nation-building. It is through education that the holistic development of individuals can be achieved. Education plays a crucial role in developing a just and equitable society. Moreover, education is considered an essential tool for promoting economic, social, and political development in a nation.
Education is the primary and fundamental medium for women's empowerment. It is believed that through education, women can make their presence felt in social, economic, and political fields. Education develops skills, competence, and capacity in women. An educated woman not only benefits herself but also the future generations. Through education, women can make all significant and minor decisions in their lives. The minimum educational level of women directly affects their lives, which is reflected in their lower skill, competence, and capacity and their lesser participation in social, economic, and political fields. The capability of women impacts the social, economic, and political status of individuals, families, society, and the nation.
According to the 2011 Census, the overall literacy rate in the country is 74%, with male literacy at 82.14% and female literacy at 65.46%. In contrast, the overall literacy rate in the 1991 Census was 52.21%, with 64.13% male literacy and 39.29% female literacy. Therefore, from 1991 to 2011, the female literacy rate increased by 26.17%. However, there is still a gap of 16.68% in literacy rates between men and women.
Various educational efforts have been made by the central government to increase the literacy rate and empower women. The 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme was launched across the country in 2015. This policy aims to increase the gender ratio and improve enrollment rates of girls in schools, along with implementing the Right to Education Act. Several initiatives have been taken under the 'Samagra Shiksha' scheme to promote girls' education in school education.
The 'Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme' was launched in 1989 under the goals of the National Education Policy, 1986, to improve women's education and empower them. Initially, this scheme was implemented in alignment with the National Programme for Education of Girls at Elementary Level and the Mahila Samakhya Programme. Later, it was merged as a separate component under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in 2001.
Women's position in society is significant and essential. However, even today, women strive to match their steps with men in society. This study concludes that as women's inclination towards education has increased, meaning they have become educated, they have also become stronger in social, economic, and political fields. However, their empowerment has only been partial.
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