Empowering Women @Work

WOMEN worldwide are an under-used and at times an under-valued asset.

- Minhaz Merchant

Some of the most successful countries globally have a high percentage of women in their workforce: Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands are examples.

India is a laggard. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), India ranks 139th in women’s participation in the labour force. Ironically, the WEF survey ranks India a high 15th on the parameter of political empowerment. That is due to two reasons. First, the 50 per cent reservation for women in several Panchayats and Zilla Parishads across the country. Second, less happily, the presence of dynasts in Indian politics – wives, daughters, nieces and sisters.

Nonetheless, the overall picture that emerges from the WEF survey is worrying. Women in India rank 112th in “educational attainment” and 141st in “health and survival”, pointing to India’s abysmal healthcare facilities, especially in villages, with women bearing the brunt of poor medical care.