CASE STUDY - India

Question 1

background info

Answer 1

• 127/146 countries in 2023 global gender gap index

Question 2

what are the 3 gender inequality issues

Answer 2

child marriage
education
violence

Question 3

inequality issue - child marriage

Answer 3

• legal age is 18 but happens illegally
• 23%+ indian women aged 20-24 married before 18
• states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, have over 40% of women married before adulthood
• caused: poverty (reduces financial burden), dowry (younger brides require a lower dowry), social norms (young marriage ensures a girls safety and honour)
• consequences: disrupts education bc drop out of skl, health risks - early pregs cause MMR, less financially independent
• gov responses: The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) criminalizes child marriage but is poorly enforced.

Question 4

inequality issue - education

Answer 4

• Female literacy rate 70% - men’s is 84%
• only 50% of gitls living in rural areas finish 2ndary skl
• problems - fear of harassment, parents prioritise boys education over girls, families believe girls should focus on domestic things
• consequences - limits females ability to join work force, higher birth rates and poor maternal health
• gov responses:
  1. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): A nationwide initiative to ensure universal elementary education.
  2. Midday Meal Scheme: Provides free meals in schools to encourage girls’ attendance.

Question 5

inequality issue - violence

Answer 5

• crimes against women have increased by 15% in last decade
• forms of violence: 30% married women experience abuse, 33k rape cases annually reported - many unreported
• gov action:
  1. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013: Introduced stricter punishments for sexual crimes.
  2. One Stop Centres (OSCs): Provide medical, legal, and psychological support for victims.

Question 6

economic consequences of inequality

Answer 6

• loss of GDP - could be 27% higher if women participated equally in workforce
• widens the wealth gap - working women can afford healthcare

Question 7

social consequences of inequality

Answer 7

• huge discrimination
• women lack financial freedoms
• women are malnourished - 36% indian women anaemic bc poor diets
• high infant mortality rates - poor healthcare access, low maternal education

Question 8

changing norms and strategies to address gender inequality - gov policies and laws

Answer 8

1. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) - criminalises child marriage - weak tho
2. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005)
3. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): women’s assistance for setting up own businesses

Question 9

changing norms and strategies to address gender inequality - international and NGOs

Answer 9

1. UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) - encourages India’s government to make gender inclusive laws
2. CARE India - campaigns against child marriage and gender inequality
3. # MeToo movement in India: - raised awareness of workplace harassment.