Gender Inequality in India: Key Insights
Gender Inequality in India: Key Insights
1. Men Participating in Housework: Only about 18% of men in India regularly participate in
household chores, while 81% of women bear the brunt of housework. Indian women spend
352 minutes daily on housework, compared to men’s 52 minutes
2. Men Willing to Help with Housework: Though the percentage of men willing to engage in
housework is not definitively quantified, studies suggest societal expectations often deter
men from regularly contributing, even if they express willingness
3. Housewives in India: As per government data, a significant portion of women in India are
housewives, contributing unpaid labor that is often undervalued in economic assessments
1. Employment: Women’s labor force participation rate in India is around 19%, one of the
lowest globally
2. Harassment: Workplace harassment remains a significant issue, with 31% of women
reporting instances of sexual harassment, and many cases going unreported
3. Childcare: Women perform the majority of unpaid childcare, limiting their ability to engage
in formal employment or education
4. Racism and Caste-Based Discrimination: Intersectionality with caste often exacerbates
inequality for marginalized women, limiting access to education and job opportunities
1. Men Participating in Housework: Only about 18% of men in India regularly participate in
household chores, while 81% of women bear the brunt of housework. Indian women spend
352 minutes daily on housework, compared to men’s 52 minutes
2. Men Willing to Help with Housework: Though the percentage of men willing to engage in
housework is not definitively quantified, studies suggest societal expectations often deter
men from regularly contributing, even if they express willingness
3. Housewives in India: As per government data, a significant portion of women in India are
housewives, contributing unpaid labor that is often undervalued in economic assessments
1. Employment: Women’s labor force participation rate in India is around 19%, one of the
lowest globally
2. Harassment: Workplace harassment remains a significant issue, with 31% of women
reporting instances of sexual harassment, and many cases going unreported
3. Childcare: Women perform the majority of unpaid childcare, limiting their ability to engage
in formal employment or education
4. Racism and Caste-Based Discrimination: Intersectionality with caste often exacerbates
inequality for marginalized women, limiting access to education and job opportunities
1. Labor Force Participation: Only 19% of Indian women are part of the workforce compared
to 78% of men (ILO, 2024).
2. Gender Pay Gap: Women earn on average 20% less than men for equal work (Monster India
Report, 2023).
3. Leadership Roles: Women hold only 14% of boardroom positions in corporate India (Grant
Thornton, 2024).
4. Unpaid Work: Women spend 5 hours daily on unpaid household work, compared to 1.5
hours by men (NSSO, 2020).
Education
5. Literacy Rate: The female literacy rate is 70.3%, significantly lower than the male literacy
rate of 84.7% (Census 2021).
6. STEM Fields: Women account for only 14% of researchers in STEM in India (UNESCO, 2022).
7. Dropout Rate: Around 40% of girls drop out of secondary school due to marriage, domestic
work, or financial constraints (National Family Health Survey, NFHS-5, 2023).
8. Maternal Mortality Rate: India has a maternal mortality rate of 97 per 100,000 births,
disproportionately higher in rural areas (NFHS-5, 2023).
9. Access to Sanitation: 23% of Indian girls drop out of school upon reaching puberty due to a
lack of menstrual hygiene facilities (UNICEF, 2023).
10. Sexual Harassment: 31% of working women report sexual harassment at the workplace,
with many cases going unreported (ILO, 2023).
11. Childcare Burden: Women contribute to 76% of unpaid childcare work in India, significantly
limiting their economic opportunities (Oxfam India, 2023).
12. Early Marriage: About 23.3% of women are married before the age of 18 (NFHS-5, 2023).
13. Domestic Violence: 29% of Indian women aged 15-49 have experienced physical or sexual
violence by a partner (NFHS-5, 2023).
14. Representation in Politics: Women occupy only 15% of seats in the Indian Parliament (Inter-
Parliamentary Union, 2024).
15. Village Governance: Despite mandatory quotas, only 46% of panchayats have female heads,
often in name only (PRS Legislative Research, 2023).
Intersectional Discrimination
16. Caste and Gender: Dalit women face 62% higher rates of sexual violence compared to
women from higher castes (IndiaSpend, 2024).
17. Rural vs. Urban: Rural women earn 35% less than urban women for similar jobs (Oxfam
India, 2023).
18. Tribal Women: Only 10% of tribal women have access to higher education (Census 2021).
1. Workplace Fatalities: Men account for 95% of workplace deaths in hazardous industries
such as construction, mining, and manufacturing
Losses in Recession**: During economic downturns, men often bear a greater share of job
losses in sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure【39†source
workplace Hours**: Men work an average of 52-60 hours per week, often in physically
demanding roles
2. Mental Health: Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, contributing to a
suicide rate of 21.2 per 100,000—significantly higher than women (NCRB 2023).
3. Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy for men in India is 67.4 years, lower than
women at 70.3 years (Census 2021).
4. Health Risks: Men constitute 80% of tobacco users in India, leading to higher rates of
related diseases .
8. **Higher Educa dominate in fields like engineering, but experience significant pressure to
excel, resulting in stress and burnout【39†source】.
Legal System
12. **False Allegat’s rights groups estimate that 53% of cases filed under IPC Section 498A
(dowry harassment) are eventually found to be false or exaggerated (NCRB, 2023).
13. Gendered Laws: Legal frameworks, including domestic violence and sexual harassment laws,
rarely recognize men as potential victims .
Social Expectations
14. **Primary Breadwin face societal pressure to be the primary earners, even in dual-income
households .
15. Emotional Suppression: Cultural norms discourage pressing vulnerability, contributing to
mental health challenges .
Safety and Violence
16. Violent Crimes: Men constitute abo murder victims** in India, largely due to interpersonal
and societal violence【39†source】.
17. Homelessness: A majority of India’s homeless population is family disputes often result in
men being displaced .
Health Disparities
18. Occupational Diseases: Men account for over *orkers diagnosed with occupational diseases
such as silicosis and asbestosis【39†source】.
19. Road Accidents: Over 84% of road accident fatalities involve men to risky driving behaviors
and occupation-related travel【39†source】.
significant challenges, India has minimal institutional or societal focus on men’s rights
advocacy or support systems【39†source】 .
In India, the suicide rate for women is reported to be significantly lower than for men, with
an estimated 11.1 per 100,000 women compared to 14.7 per 100,000 men according to
NCRB and WHO estimates for 2019. However, women account for a disproportionately large
share of global female suicides—over one-third globally. Domestic violence, family
pressures, and societal expectations are key contributors, with 27% of reported suicides in
2021 being among women, and a significant number related to family or marital issues
These figures highlight the critical need for tailored mental health interventions and support
systems to address gender-specific challenges.
Women:
1. Gender Pay Gap: Women in India earn 20% less than their male counterparts for similar
work, with the gap widening in higher-paying industries
2. Workforce Participation: Despite education advancements, only 22% of Indian women
actively participate in the workforce
3. Sexual Harassment: A significant number of working women report experiencing
harassment in the workplace, with many cases going unreported due to fear of retaliation
4. Child Marriage: Over 30% of Indian girls are married before the age of 18, particularly in
rural areas
5. Education Access: While literacy rates for women are improving, rural areas still see a large
gender disparity, with female literacy rates around 72% compared to 84% for men.
6. Health Disparities: Women in rural India face limited access to healthcare, especially during
pregnancy, contributing to high maternal mortality rates
7. Representation in Politics: Women occupy only 14% of seats in India’s parliament, far below
the global average
Men:
1. Mental Health Stigma: Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues, resulting in
higher suicide rates, particularly among young men
2. Education Pressure: Traditional societal norms place immense pressure on men to perform
well academically, often at the expense of their mental health
3. Workplace Accidents: Male workers dominate high-risk professions, contributing to higher
Transgender:
1. Social Exclusion: Many transgender individuals face rejection from their families, leaving
them vulnerable to homelessness and poverty
2. Unemployment: Unemployment rates among transgender individuals are significantly
higher than the national average, with limited opportunities in the formal sector
3. Violence: Transgender individuals often face violence and harassment, both in public spaces
and within their homes
4. Healthcare Access: Discrimination in healthcare settings prevents many transgender
individuals from accessing basic medical services
Here are some of the reported cases and news stories related to gender inequality in India
across different categories:
Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) aims to achieve gender equality and empower all
women and girls by 2030. This global objective emphasizes the need to eliminate
discrimination and violence, ensuring equal participation in leadership roles and
opportunities. SDG 5 is essential for social, economic, and political progress, and it ties into
the broader agenda of improving human rights and development for all.
1. End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, including in areas
like employment, education, and healthcare.
2. Eliminate all forms of violence, including trafficking and sexual and other types of abuse.
3. Ensure participation of women and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of
decision-making.
4. Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, enabling women to
make informed choices about their health.
5. Adopt and strengthen sound policies that promote gender equality and empower women
and girls.
Education: While there has been progress, girls still face significant barriers to education in
many regions, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. Globally, women and girls are
still underrepresented in STEM fields, a critical area for sustainable development.
Health: Access to maternal healthcare has improved, but maternal mortality remains high in
some regions. SDG 5 targets improvements in reproductive health services, but access to
these services is still uneven.
Workplace Equality: The gender pay gap remains a significant issue globally, with women
earning considerably less than men for similar work. Efforts are ongoing to ensure women
have equal opportunities for leadership in both the public and private sectors.
Gender-Based Violence:
A major focus of SDG 5 is to eradicate gender-based violence (GBV). In many regions, GBV
remains a widespread issue, with incidents such as domestic violence, sexual harassment, and
trafficking being reported frequently. Initiatives to address GBV through legal reforms,
education, and support services are critical in achieving SDG 5.
While SDG 5 focuses primarily on gender equality for women, it also calls for addressing the
rights of transgender individuals. Transgender people, particularly trans women, face unique
forms of discrimination, including lack of legal recognition and widespread social exclusion.
Ensuring equality for transgender people aligns with the broader goals of SDG 5.
Sources:
The full achievement of SDG 5 is crucial not just for women and girls, but for the
advancement of all people, as it helps unlock greater economic, political, and social potential
worldwide.
Gender equality is not merely a buzzword; it's the foundation for building an inclusive, just,
and prosperous society. From men to women and non-binary individuals, the battle for
equality has been and continues to be a reality for many and affects each facet of this global
interdependence web. Exploring these hardships and contemplating how we can redress
gender equality issues by empowering all genders to bring about transformation and societal
evolution is a multi-dimensional odyssey.
As the adage goes, "Equality served well is success for humanity," and I wholeheartedly
concur. Research demonstrates that gender disparity adversely influences not only individuals
but also entire economies. The World Economic Forum posits that bridging the gender chasm
could contribute an astounding $12 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Nevertheless, the
advantages of parity extend beyond mere economic benefit; they foster flourishing
communities, enhanced educational outcomes, superior governance, and healthier, diverse
populations with a growth-oriented mindset and open-heartedness.
It is evident that the quest for gender equality benefits all—men, women, and non-binary
individuals alike—and is vital for societal harmony, personal growth, and global flourishing.
Feminism confronts an array of pressing issues that affect women's lives, such as the
pervasive gender wage disparity, and underrepresentation of women in myriad fields.
Furthermore, it challenges the deeply ingrained societal expectations and norms that dictate
“proper” comportment for women—often confining them to roles that stifle their ambitions
and freedom to express themselves fully.
However, contemporary feminism is not a monolith; it is inherently intersectional. This
means it acknowledges that women’s experiences are not shaped solely by gender but are
also influenced by a complex interplay of factors such as race, sexual orientation, economic
strata, and cultural milieu. This intersectional approach highlights the distinctive quandaries
confronted by individuals at the confluence of various identities, emphasizing that the
crusade for women’s rights must also advocate for the rights of marginalized groups within
the broader feminist framework.
The ultimate aim of feminism is not to impose dominion over men or to exclude anyone from
the discourse, but rather to cultivate an inclusive society where equitable opportunities are
accessible to all individuals, irrespective of their gender. By striving for gender equality,
feminism nurtures an environment where everyone can thrive, free from discrimination and
bias, thus enriching society as a whole and paving the way for genuine societal progress.
"I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different
from my own."
2. For example, Canada and Germany have pioneered non-binary gender options on
official documents, akin to Canada’s inclusion of a gender-neutral "X" designation on
passports and Germany's allowance for a third gender on birth certificates. These
measures validate non-binary identities and challenge traditional binary constraints.
Additionally, Argentina’s Gender Identity Law (2012) allows individuals to alter their
gender on official documents without surgical requirements, promoting autonomy.
Meanwhile, India’s 2018 Supreme Court ruling decriminalized consensual same-sex
relationships and upheld LGBTQ+ rights, marking a significant shift toward
inclusivity. Malta, with its 2015 Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex
Characteristics Act, sets a commendable standard by prohibiting discrimination based
on gender identity.
3. For example, in countries like Sweden, progressive parental leave policies allow
fathers to take an active role in child-rearing, encouraging a sharing of
responsibilities between parents. This approach not only promotes gender equality at
home but also helps to dismantle stereotypes that suggest caregiving is solely a
woman's duty.
In Australia, the introduction of initiatives aimed at men’s mental health has
gained traction, recognizing the stigma that often surrounds mental health issues
in men. Programs that encourage open discussions and provide accessible resources
are crucial in addressing mental well-being among men, particularly for those who
may feel marginalized by traditional notions of masculinity.
Moreover, in the United Kingdom, the Men and Boys Coalition advocates for
policies that specifically address issues affecting men, such as educational
disparities and high rates of male suicide. These efforts highlight the importance of
recognizing and addressing the unique challenges that men face. Additionally, legal
frameworks that promote workplace equality, such as policies against sexual
harassment and discrimination, help create safer environments where men can thrive
without fear of stigma or retribution for advocating for their rights.
As society evolves, so too must our legal frameworks. Continuous advocacy and legislative
evolution are essential to ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and respect,
paving the way toward true gender equality.