Bridging the divide

Talking about women empowerment, achieving gender equality could be accelerated to a great extent by increasing the female workforce participation rate in remote areas. While some states are already implementing measures, there is a need to reserve public sector jobs for women in remote areas even more, as well as incentivise the private sector to hire more women in regular jobs. Reserving paid apprenticeship training for women across the country in the private sector, which constitutes a major part of our economy, may also be considered.

Women’s economic empowerment is the most essential ingredient for achieving gender equality and autonomy. Women’s participation would enable them to have control over their lives, including their bodies, and give them an increased voice. Essentially, their meaningful participation is necessary. Taking this to remote, underdeveloped areas would empower women as a whole, including future generations. In fact, to a certain extent, it will also bridge the rural-urban divide. Moreover, since women are practically unable to engage in many hazardous or strenuous jobs, it becomes even more relevant to reserve other suitable jobs for them.

Interestingly, Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, states that no employer shall, while making recruitment for the same work or work of a similar nature, or in any condition of service subsequent to recruitment, such as promotions, training, or transfer, make any discrimination against women, except where the employment of women in such work is prohibited or restricted by law. However, as we all know, there is often a significant gap between the promulgation of laws and their awareness and implementation.

Referring to constitutional provisions, the Indian Constitution recognises the equality of men and women in all spheres of life, including work. Article 15 prohibits discrimination, inter alia, on the basis of sex; Article 16 states the principle of equality of opportunity in matters of public employment; Article 19(1)(g) refers to the right to practice any profession or carry on any occupation, trade, or business; and Article 39(a) states that the State shall direct its policy towards securing that men and women equally have the right to an adequate means of livelihood. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments of 1993 mandated the reservation of one-third of seats for women in Panchayats (village councils) and municipalities.

Several initiatives have been launched by the government, which are constructive steps. Schemes and support for women’s skill development, including reservations under the Skill India Mission, are indeed applaudable. Numerous scholarships, work-related schemes, and small and medium-scale business initiatives specifically targeting women to increase their economic power are commendable. Schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Women Entrepreneurship Platform, Standup India, Mahila Shakti Kendra, Lakhpati Didi, etc., have been introduced. Undoubtedly, over the years, with several landmark steps, there has been visible female upliftment owing to collective efforts.

Apart from these, reserving regular jobs for women and increasing their workforce participation in remote areas will overall uplift women at all levels. Needless to say, when a woman is uplifted, her entire family is uplifted, creating a vast societal impact. Certain state governments have implemented reservation policies for women in government jobs. However, this is required on a considerably larger scale, covering the remotest parts of the country. There have also been references to framing policies such as incentivising companies that employ a higher percentage of female workers. These need serious consideration.

The Women (Reservation in Workplace) Bill, 2021, also referred to incentivising the private sector to provide employment opportunities to women. Furthermore, just as the government sector has taken concrete steps towards skill development, private entities need to be roped in expansively for the skill development of women in remote areas. Essentially, in times ahead, not a single female—or even male—should remain illiterate or unskilled.

Women’s economic empowerment increases economic diversification and income equality to a large extent. It will provide them with overall access to social protections gained through employment, such as retiral dues, maternity protection, and safeguards from harassment and other criminal acts. Reservation in jobs in backward areas will also address issues related to early marriages and tumultuous marital and societal problems. Empowering women in remote areas will ultimately empower women across the nation, having an exemplary global impact.

The writer is a practising Advocate in Supreme Court and High Court of Delhi. Views expressed are personal