“Empowering women is not only the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.” – Barack Obama
India is at a critical crossroads in its pursuit of inclusive economic growth, where the interplay between health, gender equality and economic policies is more important than ever. The recently tabled Economic Survey 2024 and Union Budget highlight pressing issues around women’s development and health in India.
Among the key findings is an alarming increase in female obesity in certain states, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to women’s health, empowerment and overall well-being. Digging deeper into these insights, it becomes clear that addressing gender disparities and empowering women is not just a societal imperative, but a critical economic imperative.
Health crisis: Obesity and its consequences
According to the Economic Survey, the percentage of obese women is higher than men in Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. In Delhi, the obesity rate among women is 41.3 percent compared to 38 percent for men. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, the obesity rate among women is 40.4 percent compared to 37 percent for men, and in Andhra, it is 36.3 percent among women compared to 31.1 percent for men. This data, reflected in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), paints a worrying picture of the health status of women in urban areas.
The study highlights that obesity is more prevalent in urban areas, with the obesity rate among urban men standing at 29.8% compared to 19.3% in rural areas. Unhealthy dietary habits, increased consumption of processed foods, lack of physical activity and limited access to diverse foods are major contributors to this health crisis. According to the World Obesity Federation, India’s adult obesity rate has more than tripled and it has the fastest rise in childhood obesity rates globally, after Vietnam and Namibia.
The situation calls for urgent preventive measures to promote healthier lifestyles. The study highlights that to harness the demographic dividend, it is crucial for Indians to adopt a balanced and varied diet. This is particularly important for women, who are the primary caregivers and play a pivotal role in nutritional choices for their families.
The Agricultural Paradox: Women in Agriculture
From Consumer to Producer – India is a predominantly agrarian economy employing over 50% of the population, yet women’s contribution in this sector is undervalued and unrecognized. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), 63% of agricultural workers are women. However, these women face systemic challenges, including limited access to resources, financial services and land ownership.
As Sumit Kaushik and Shirin Pajhnoo point out in their report, “Addressing Gender Inequality in Agriculture,” inheritance laws and land rights are often mired in legal complexities that often disadvantage women. While the Hindu Succession Act of 2005 attempted to address these issues, state laws regarding agricultural land inheritance remain confusing. This results in significant disparities in land ownership, with women holding only 13.9 percent of landholdings despite their significant involvement in agriculture.
Women’s economic empowerment in agriculture is further hindered by a lack of access to institutional credit, training and modern technology. The gender yield gap in agricultural productivity is estimated at 20-30 percent, primarily due to limited access to critical agricultural resources and the burden of unpaid care work. Strengthening women’s access to these resources is essential to improving their productivity and economic status.
Addressing socio-economic disparities
The economic and social disparities faced by women go beyond healthcare and agriculture. The Economic Survey and Budget 2024 outline several initiatives to address these issues and highlight the need for gender-sensitive policies. The Budget proposes support for hostels, childcare centres, skilling programmes and women’s self-help groups (SHGs) with the aim of increasing women’s workforce participation and promoting economic independence.
Female labor force participation is on the rise and is expected to reach 37 percent in 2022-23, driven mainly by women in rural areas. However, the majority of women remain employed in the informal sector, many in jobs with low wages and little job security. Closing this gap requires concerted efforts to provide women with market-relevant skills, access to credit, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Education and Technology Empowerment
Education is fundamental to women empowerment as we understand it. The pioneering 19th century advocate Savitribai Phule eloquently stated, “An uneducated woman is like a banyan tree without roots and leaves.” This powerful metaphor highlights the crucial role that education plays in providing women with the foundation and support they need to grow and contribute meaningfully to society. In this regard, Budget 2024 lays emphasis on expanding educational opportunities and skill-building programmes for women.
Despite having the highest percentage of female STEM graduates in the world, the proportion of female scientists in R&D remains low at 18.6%. To address this imbalance, we need to encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM fields and provide them with the necessary support and resources.
Strengthening technological capabilities is also a key area. For example, women in agriculture need access to the latest agricultural technologies and training to increase productivity and climate resilience. The Federal Budget focuses on efforts to promote agricultural technology ventures and public-private partnerships to bring women into these technological advancements.
Social and political empowerment
Women’s social and political empowerment is essential to achieving gender equality. Economic research points to the need for an inclusive care economy to address the burden of unpaid care work that falls disproportionately on women. Developing infrastructure such as childcare facilities and elderly care support can significantly increase female labor force participation.
Political empowerment involves increasing women’s participation in leadership roles. Women’s representation in Congress and state legislatures remains low, highlighting the need for policies that encourage women’s political participation. Leadership development programs and efforts to support women in political roles are important steps to achieving this goal.
Towards a gender-equal future
Women’s empowerment, therefore, requires a holistic approach that addresses both the economic and social dimensions, from health and agriculture to education and political participation. Investing in women’s health, education and economic opportunities is not just about gender equality, it is also about fostering a more prosperous and inclusive society. As India transitions towards women-led development, it is essential to ensure that women are equal partners in the country’s growth story. By implementing gender-sensitive policies and empowering women in all sectors, India can realise its full potential and achieve sustainable development for all.
Dr Fauzia Khan is a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and Manasvi James is a policy consultant. The views expressed in the article above are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of News18.
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