Start With Respect: Nurturing Nari Shakti
India hosts the highest female population in the world, at 691 million comprising almost 17.40 per cent of the world’s female population. This represents 691 million opportunities for women to contribute, participate and be co-opted in the Indian space. Accordingly, respecting women, their choices, and aspirations is not just a moral imperative but also the most effective strategy for nurturing Nari Shakti, the power of women.
In the Indian context, preserving the unique identity and ideals of Indian women is paramount, as their contributions form the bedrock of national progress and economic growth. Any attempt to categorise women into narrow-isms ends up diminishing their very existence while impacting their potential adversely, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and hindering progress. As a case in point, as per the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), only one in three women in India (33 per cent) have ever used the internet, compared to more than half (57 per cent) of men. Rural India faces an even more significant divide, with men twice as likely as women to have used the internet (49 per cent vs 25 per cent). Such limiting stereotypes of ‘boys over girls’ should be rejected and policies and regulations embraced which empower women to pursue their goals autonomously. By championing gender equality and creating an environment that fosters women’s empowerment, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society, where every woman can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the collective journey of nation-building.
Undeniably, women leaders across various fields and social hierarchies play a pivotal role in championing sustainable growth by prioritising long-term prosperity over short-term gains. Whether in corporate boardrooms, governmental offices, or grassroots community initiatives, women leaders bring a unique perspective different from the male dominated approach which is often characterised by empathy, collaboration, and foresight. Their emphasis on inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility ensures that growth is not only robust but also equitable and resilient. By fostering a holistic approach to development that considers environmental, social, and economic factors, women leaders potentially pave the way for sustainable growth that benefits both present and future generations. Consider the 10 lakh female health workers who tirelessly and diligently provide last-mile primary care in the Indian villages. The concept of Nari Shakti, denoting the power of women therefore assumes a pivotal role and encompasses a multifaceted influence spanning political, economic, social, and grassroots domains, fundamentally shaping our nation’s fabric.
Critically, within the sphere of electoral dynamics, women wield considerable sway, not merely as constituents but as agents of transformative change often governing poll promises and political agendas. Their active participation in the democratic process reflects a steadfast resolve to steer the course of the future, challenging entrenched patriarchal structures. Women have emerged as a potent force, transcending historical confines to assert their influence as a formidable vote bank. From a mere eight crores in the 1951 elections to a staggering 19 crores in 2009, female voter participation has soared, signalling a seismic shift in electoral dynamics. Noteworthy is the remarkable parity achieved in recent years, with women voters outnumbering men in the 2019 elections – an affirmation of their growing agency and aspirations for a brighter future. As we approach the upcoming elections, the substantial presence of women, including enthusiastic first-time voters, underscores their role as conscientious and engaged citizens. The burgeoning cohort of female voters has progressively reshaped political landscapes, compelling policymakers to accord greater attention to women’s issues, thus signaling a paradigm shift.
Economically, women constitute a formidable force, making substantial and silent contributions to India’s economic dynamism and progress. This despite their poor representation in the workforce. Whether in urban hubs or rural hinterlands, their entrepreneurial zeal drives innovation and sustains livelihoods. Empowering women economically augments household incomes while fostering household prosperity, thereby disrupting cycles of deprivation and disparity. Consider female farmers: nearly 80 per cent of rural women work in agriculture without holding land rights.
Women serve as stalwarts within families, imbuing future generations with values of empathy, tenacity, and inclusivity. Their unwavering commitment to familial welfare serves as the cornerstone of stable and harmonious societies. Moreover, the grassroots perspectives championed by women offer invaluable insights for sustainable development initiatives. Their intimate understanding of local ecosystems and community dynamics provides nuanced perspectives on issues ranging from healthcare to environmental stewardship.
Prime Minister Modi’s repeated commitment to the upliftment of key segments of society, including women, underscores the government’s approach to fostering holistic development and the recently unveiled interim Union budget resonates with these societal evolutions, strategically positioning women as pivotal economic agents through enhanced labour force participation – a pivotal step in India’s journey towards inclusive growth. This is perhaps a happy culmination of the recent past in which the government has spearheaded widespread initiatives to empower women and enhance their economic inclusion. Programmes such as opening of Jandhan accounts and StandUp India have laid the groundwork for fostering financial resilience among women. Investment schemes like the Mahila Samman Patra and the Sukanya Scheme address specific gender-based needs, furthering financial inclusivity. Additionally, direct provision of essential amenities, including cooking gas, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services, underscores the government’s commitment to uplifting women’s lives at the grassroots level.
However, despite commendable strides, challenges persist, particularly in female labour force participation, as underscored by World Bank data. Focused efforts to bridge this gap are needed, considering the immense economic potential at stake. The International Monetary Fund’s assertion that gender equality could substantially boost India’s GDP underscores the imperative of harnessing Nari Shakti for achieving developmental objectives. Indeed, women therefore need to be recognised as the cornerstone of India’s economic edifice, driving growth, innovation, and resilience. Recognising and nurturing Nari Shakti is not just a matter of equity; it is a strategic urgency for unlocking India’s full economic potential.
To address this weakness, the government’s efforts encompass financial support, equal employment opportunities, and skill development programmes tailored specifically for women. By providing financial incentives and support, the government is creating an enabling environment for women to pursue career aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Additionally, initiatives aimed at ensuring equal employment opportunities by employers help break down barriers and create a level playing field for women in the workforce. Furthermore, skilling and upskilling courses offered by higher education institutions equip women with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in diverse professional environments. However, true progress requires the active participation of the private sector, which must go beyond mere compliance with regulations and act as a force multiplier in promoting gender balance. By embracing diversity and inclusion as core values and implementing proactive measures to support women in the workforce, the private sector can significantly contribute to creating a more equitable and dynamic professional landscape in India.
Encouraging more women to mentor other women is crucial for fostering professional growth and leadership development across all spheres of society. While it may be concerning to acknowledge the lack of support among women for their peers as a general observation, it’s imperative that we address this issue openly and proactively. As a society, we must cultivate a culture of encouragement and support, recognising the transformative power of mentorship in empowering women to excel in their endeavours and take on leadership roles. While some may perceive this as affirmative action, it’s a necessary step until we achieve a critical mass of women’s participation across economic sectors and organisational hierarchies. Merely showcasing a few women leaders does not do justice to the principles of gender equality.
Embracing women entrepreneurs as mainstream contributors within the Indian SME and MSME sectors additionally has the potential to catalyse significant economic growth and enhance India’s GDP in unprecedented ways. By empowering women to establish and lead businesses, we tap into new perspectives, skills, and networks that enrich the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Moreover, fostering an environment of inclusivity and support for women entrepreneurs not only enhances economic diversity but also fosters resilience and sustainability within the SME and MSME sectors. As women entrepreneurs thrive, they create employment opportunities, drive innovation, and stimulate local economies, ultimately propelling India towards accelerated growth and prosperity.
The necessity for increased women leadership cannot be overstated if we seek to ensure the stability of socioeconomic growth in India and beyond. Despite strides in recognising the importance of gender diversity, disparities persist, even within large Indian conglomerates where the proportion of women leaders at mid to senior executive levels remains disproportionately low. True corporate governance and board stewardship necessitate meaningful representation, where boards boast at least fifty per cent women directors, not merely tokenism with one lady director on every board. It’s time to move beyond the superficial gestures of inclusion and embrace genuine empowerment, recognising that true progress requires the active participation and leadership of women at all levels of society and across all sectors of the economy.
In essence, Nari Shakti embodies not merely the empowerment of women but the empowerment of society at large. It constitutes a force for progress, equity, and ethical governance, propelling India towards a future where every individual, irrespective of gender, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the collective enterprise of nation-building.
Dakshita Das is a policy expert & former civil servant
Srinath Sridharan is a policy researcher & corporate advisor
