Inclusion: A long Road Ahead
When one thinks of Indira Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, or Meena Kumari, there's a sense of pride. That is because they managed to succeed despite the restrictive social and cultural norms of that time. Women have dealt with inequality and have been at the receiving end of discrimination for centuries. That is why a woman achiever is always a reason to cheer.
Gender equality and ending discrimination against women is part of the 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development laid down by the United Nations. Yes, we are talking inclusion now more than ever. Individuals and organisations are ready to discuss equality -- at home, in the office for promotions and pay packages.
Over the years, the Indian psyche has also changed. We celebrate women, encourage them, we make way for them. The Devi is worshipped at home too. But this does not mean there are no challenges; last year's World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report saw India slip to rank 140 among 153 countries. Poor ranking across metrics such as economic participation and opportunity, education, and health are reasons for the overall low ranking.
Getting there
India still has pockets where a mindset change is required, which will come with education. As per recent data put out by the National Statistical Office (NSO), the literacy rate in India (2021) is approximately 77 per cent, with over 80 per cent for men and over 70 per cent for women. As these figures rise, we will see more support for women. Health and nutrition for women is another area of focus. The government's anganwadi system and initiatives such as Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti, Mission Vatsalya are helping here but more needs to be done.
When looking at support for women, an essential aspect we must address is mentorship. The corporate sector has embraced the concept in a big way, but we must go beyond it. Our focus should be on those pockets of India where women lack access to basic amenities. A mentorship programme on a national scale will be beneficial, where top leaders guide and support those who want to progress, personally or professionally. Support from the private sector, including educational institutions and top corporates, will help drive the initiative.
A report by UNESCO on gender equality and masculinity in India highlights the need for the engagement of men and boys in attaining gender equality. When men become stakeholders of gender equality, the change will be faster and longer-lasting.
In addition to all these factors, we must curb violence against women, as it remains a menace and a hurdle to all the progressive work done across other fronts. We need to work across all these areas together to make progress. A recent report by BofA Securities indicates that gender equality globally would increase the world GDP to $28 trillion by 2025. Of course, the need for gender equality is not to increase the GDP alone. It is essential for progress, and a peaceful, sustainable world.
A Reason To Cheer
Our annual feature on the Most Influential Women (MIW) is a celebration of some of the most inspiring women in recent years. This list of achievers was arrived upon through a rigorous editorial process. And, after a fair amount of debate and discussion.
We must admit that India@75 is progressive and inclusive. Today, you do not need to look far to find an inspirational woman in modern-day India. For instance, the new Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) chairperson, Madhabi Puri Buch, or Shivangi Singh, the Indian fighter pilot. These ladies and several others like them are achieving one milestone after another. Yes, the mindset is changing, and we are offering more support to our womenfolk and cheering them for being independent thinkers and doers. We certainly need to do more, and that change is happening even as you read this article – someone, somewhere is making way for another future power-woman.
As you go through our list of MIW 2022, you will find that they have a couple of things in common, a drive to succeed and the ability to keep going despite challenges.
Of course, we focused on their contribution to the economy and the industry, but giving back to society was a key factor for consideration.
Fact Box
Gender inequality has cost the world $70 trillion since 1990.
Gender equality can increase the world GDP up to USD 28 trillion by 2025.
Loss of human capital wealth due to gender inequality alone is USD 160.2 trillion.
Due to the effects of automation across industries, approximately 40 million to 160 million women may face a need to transition across occupations and skillsets by 2030 to remain employed.
Women make up 39 percent of global employment but accounted for 54 percent of overall job losses till May 2020 because of the economic fallout from Covid.
(BofA Securities Report, Mckinsey Global Institute report, and Mckinsey Report. )
