Start with Respect: Nurturing Nari Shakti

Economically, women constitute a formidable force, making substantial and silent contributions to India's economic dynamism and progress. Yet, their representation in the workforce is poor as is their presence in leadership roles

- Dakshita Das & Srinath Sridharan

INDIA HOSTS THE HIGHEST FEMALE population in the world, at 691 million comprising almost 17.40 percent of the world's female population. This represents 691 million opportunities for women to contribute, participate and be coopted in the Indian space. Accordingly, respecting women, their choices, and aspirations is not just a moral imperative but also the most effective strategy for nurturing Nari Shakti, the power of women.

In the Indian context, preserving the unique identity and ideals of Indian women is paramount, as their contributions form the bedrock of national progress and economic growth. Any attempt to categorise women into narrow-isms ends up diminishing their very existence while impacting their potential adversely, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and hindering progress. As a case in point, as per the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), only one in three women in India (33 percent) have ever used the internet, compared to more than half (57 percent) of men.

Rural India faces an even more significant divide, with men twice as likely as women to have used the internet (49 percent vs 25 percent). Such limiting stereotypes of 'boys over girls' should be rejected and policies and regulations embraced which empower women to pursue their goals autonomously. By championing gender equality and creating an environment that fosters women's empowerment, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society, where every woman can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the collective journey of nation-building.