GENDER INEQUALITY AGAINST WOMEN: MYTH OR REALITY

LAW

Man and woman play a paramount role in the formation and development of families in particular and the society in common. Indeed, the struggle for equality has been a major concerns of the women’s movement all over the world. Difference in physical form and sex implies no difference in status or reputation. Women are the companions to men, and not subordinate. The Indian society traditionally considered women as an oppressed section and they were neglected for centuries. Gender refers to the socio-economic representation of roles and behaviour assigned to women and men based on their sexual differences. As the child is born, families and society initiate the task of gendering. The birth of son is being celebrated while of a daughter is regarded as burden or pain. Boys are inspired to be tough and outgoing whereas girls are supposed to be homebound and shy. These differences were created by the society and was assumed as gender differences. It had adverse effect on the development goals of girls or women and consequently on the economic growth. It hampers the overall wellbeing of the society by obstructing participation of women in social, political and economic activities. Gender inequality is a cruel reality, a tool to destruct the positive development of the country. At present, women are rendering outstanding performance in various sphere of activities but still the miserable part is that majority of Indian women are facing the trouble of gender inequality and discrimination. This paper, on the basis of secondary data, examines the cause and types of gender inequality, and analyses the substandard position of India amongst various countries in global indices that indicate the ratio of gender inequality. The paper also emphasizes on the legal and constitutional safeguards against gender inequality and suggests measures to eradicate this social problem.

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