According to the Economic Times the Indian economy could see as much as a 4.9% increase in economic growth if they had equal opportunity for women. It seems that even though the UN recently praised India for its democracy there are still low numbers of women in key economic areas, and that 63% of women don't have much say in household matters. Even though they are constitutionally equal it seems that many don't know their rights and even though there have been some women in political power, they are virtually nonexistent in the judicial area of India.
Other sources though seem to suggest that female contribution to the workforce is impressive, even accounting for 30% of the software industry (Indian population is about 50% women) but that Women are still behind men in education enrollment and success. They also don't have very many property or land rights. It is believed that women were once equal with men in ancient times but that Islamic influences deteriorated their rights and freedoms in the medieval ages. There were some demoralizing practices such as killing wives with their husbands, and in some areas covering women up and limiting their movement. Now the Indian president is a Women, so many great strides have been made and I think that it is a sign of a positive future for India as a rising first world nation.
Eventually, their rapid economic growth will tap out if they don't take advantage of ALL of their resources and intellect. The fact is, they will need some fundamental cultural revolutions for both men and women to recognize women's full rights. Although they may have them legally, they do not have them culturally. Something even the United States is struggling with, as women still make less wages than men for the same positions.
ReplyDeleteI think the biggest problem is that woman can have the same rights as men, but the culture is a big obstacle, and it is very difficult to overcome. Hopefully, know that they have a female president things might change.
ReplyDeleteI just heard news that an Indian guy has 53 wives. At beginning I don’t believe it, but it is still legal in some area in India. Women and men don’t have same right, and this situation is difficult to change because it is deep in their culture. Hope the Indian women can change that in the future.
ReplyDeleteYes I think it is important for India to modernize it's culture in order to be properly viewed as an economic power in the world, or at least its culture surrounding women.
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