Gender Equality and Transformation in India

Gender equality is central to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals. Gender equality, leading to increased work opportunities, enhanced capacities for livelihood developments, enhanced social protection and overall increasing voice may enable women to participate equally in productive employment, contributing to women’s development leading to economic growth of the nation. No nation can afford development without considering women who constitute about half of the stock of human resources. Gender equality and women empowerment are the key terms that defined and determined the direction of diverse discourses on women, nationally and globally. The Beijing conference was the most significant milestone in journey towards ensuring gender equality and enriching pragmatic insights into the issues concerning women empowerment. Women constitute about half of the population of country however, they face disparities, inequalities, exploitation and abuse which are adversely affecting their health, nutrition, educational attainment, skills, occupational status, etc. There are a number of gender specific barriers which prevent women from gaining access to their rightful share in the flow of public goods and services. These barriers have roots in prevailing socio-cultural value system, institutional set up and socie tal structure. Unless these barriers are removed and the felt needs of women are incorporated in the planning and development process, the fruits of economic growth are likely to bypass a large segment of human resources of the country. India being a democratic country cannot afford development without considering women as they are the prime mover of economy besides their significant contribution in the economy. The present volume comprises of 21 well written papers which highlight various facets and issues of gender equality , women empowerment and their role in social and economic transformation of India. It is expected that the volume will be of paramount importance in understanding the issues of gender equalitry and transformation in India .