International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Revisiting the State-centric Comparative Evaluation of Women’s Socio-Economic and Political Empowerment in India

Women's empowerment in India remains a critical yet complex dimension of the nation's democratic and economic development. This study examines the progress and challenges of women's empowerment through four key parameters: literacy, sex ratio, workforce participation, and political representation. Despite constitutional guarantees and policy initiatives, gender disparities persist across these indicators, reflecting deep-rooted socio-cultural and structural barriers. The literacy rate among women has improved significantly, yet regional and rural-urban disparities continue to limit educational access. The sex ratio, though gradually stabilising, reveals persistent son preference and gender-based discrimination. Workforce participation remains disproportionately low, constrained by societal norms, wage gaps, and inadequate support systems. Political participation shows incremental growth, particularly in local governance due to reservation policies, but national-level representation remains insufficient for meaningful influence. The study argues that women's empowerment is intrinsically linked to India's democratic ideals and the vision of an inclusive economy. While legal and policy frameworks have created opportunities, their implementation is often hindered by patriarchal norms and institutional resistance. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies that address education, health, economic opportunities, and political representation in an integrated manner. By analysing trends and challenges across these four parameters, this research contributes to broader discussions on gender equality, democratic governance, and inclusive development. The study concludes that sustainable empowerment requires not only policy interventions but also a transformative rethinking of gender roles in both public and private spheres.