Women-empowerment Policies Need Schematics, Not Schemes
The glass ceiling that looms still over the Indian woman is a reality, persisting across various dimensions of society – from domestic to professional. Furthermore, even as we celebrate the growth of corporate giants, it is disheartening to observe the continued underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. This is significant as when women are in such positions, they prove to be inspirational role models for others and yet, corporate representation’s measure of progress is judged by the counting of women directors on corporate boards instead of assessing the presence of women in top executive positions . This unfortunate trend repeats itself in industry associations, where the inclusion of women remains superficial and miniscule. Be it their composition or women speakers at their events, they tend towards running ‘women-also’ shows. And this continues in the approach towards women empowerment at various levels of the public policy making and policy execution.
The critical importance of public policies in any developmental activity cannot be understated. While there have been numerous women-focused policies at the national level, the implementation of these is at the state level with complementing efforts at the sub-national level in the formulation of state-specific initiatives. Just how many such schemes are being conceived that go beyond the social sector and health addressing instead the economic and enabling sectors is a moot point. For instance, training women for the gig economy is a low hanging fruit that can easily empower them to gain livelihoods thereby contribute to the GDP and yet, how many States are developing such policies and enabling mainstreaming of women in the workforce.
Issues such as inadequate funding, lack of effective implementation of gender inclusion schemes, and a failure to address the root causes of gender inequality have hindered progress in this direction. Additionally, cultural and societal norms can be deeply ingrained, making it challenging to bring about meaningful change and it cannot be overstated that essentially men are developing the initiatives to bring about this transformation.
In a nation that has celebrated 75 years of independence, it is not at all perplexing that the discourse on women's empowerment still holds such prominence. The essence of nature inherently recognises equality among all its creations, yet the stark disparities in our society paint a contrasting picture. To bridge these cultural divides and inequities, we must embark on a collective journey. Initiatives at the grassroots level, focusing on education, awareness, and sensitisation, can play a pivotal role of redefining societal norms and beliefs. It is imperative to instil a sense of gender equality and respect for women in our homes, schools, and communities. Education, not just academically, is a potent tool for transformation.
Encouraging women to participate in leadership roles and decision-making processes at the community level can also be a crucial step towards fostering cultural change. Therefore, a grassroots approach with a micro-level focus is essential. Policies should be tailored to local needs and requirements since what works in one region may not be applicable elsewhere.
The traditional approach to policy making has typically involved the announcement of standalone schemes aimed at women's empowerment, often driven by a genuine political commitment to the cause. However, despite good intentions, these individual schemes frequently operate in isolation, lacking coordination and synergy. As a result, they tend to be inefficient in addressing the underlying structural issues that hinder women's progress. While these isolated schemes may meet their specific milestones, they often fall short of contributing significantly to the overarching goal of women's empowerment. This highlights the necessity for a different approach, one that focuses on Policy Schematics, where policies are interconnected and part of a more comprehensive framework to foster meaningful and sustainable empowerment for women.
A micro level focus advocating policies focusing on local needs and local requirements fast track change. Reimagining public policy is essential, moving away from isolated schemes towards a structured, holistic paradigm. Grassroots-based policies tailored to local needs, with a focus on education, financial independence, and asset ownership, can break down barriers and create a more inclusive and equitable society. Women's empowerment, whether it pertains to enhanced credit access, social justice, literacy, or dignity, should be integrated into the fabric of public policy.
Policy schematics offer a novel approach to shaping public policies, transcending the limitations of traditional policy-making. Unlike isolated schemes with specific budgetary allocations, policy schematics provide a comprehensive framework for addressing complex societal issues. They involve visual representations and structured plans that encompass multiple facets of a problem, making it easier to identify interconnections and dependencies. By implementing milestone-based accountability and transparent measurements, policy schematics empower stakeholders to track progress effectively and adapt policies as needed.
Since these efforts are central to women's empowerment, aligning these milestones with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can provide a powerful framework for progress and accountability. It's time for India to embrace Schematics, not just schemes, in our public policies to break through the glass ceiling and foster real change for women.
Dakshita Das - Policy expert & former civil servant
&
Dr. Srinath Sridharan - Policy Researcher & Corporate advisor
X : @ssmumbai
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