Addressing Gender Discrimination

Syllabus: Indian Society: Issues related to women

Source: PIB

Context: Vice-President highlighted the need to change the male mindset and address subtle gender discrimination.

Key points highlighted by VC:

1. Need for male mindset change for gender justice.
2. Subtle gender discrimination is dangerous.
3. Women’s reservation in Parliament is historic.
4. Shift from “women-development” to “women-led development”.
5. Highlighted initiatives like Beti Padhao and Mudra for empowerment.
6. Encouraged women to break the “glass ceiling.”
7. Education is key to achieving gender equalit

What is Subtle gender discrimination?

Subtle gender discrimination refers to indirect, often unnoticed, and less obvious forms of bias against gender, typically women. Unlike overt discrimination, it is harder to detect and may appear as normal behaviour or attitudes but reinforces inequality.

Example: A workplace may have equal hiring policies for men and women, but women are often overlooked for leadership roles because they are perceived as “less assertive” or “too emotional,” even though no explicit statements are made against them. This type of discrimination isn’t openly hostile but still undermines equality.

Other examples of “Subtle Gender Discrimination”:

1. Compliments that Reinforce Stereotyping: Positive remarks that reinforce traditional gender roles, like praising a woman for being nurturing, can undermine her professional abilities.
2. Microaggressions: Small comments that reinforce gender stereotypes, such as suggesting women are less dedicated to their careers due to family obligations.
3. Work-Life Balance Assumptions: Societal expectations around caregiving can lead to assumptions that women need more flexibility or aren’t as career-focused as men.
4. Interrupting Women More Often: Women are more likely to be interrupted or talked over in meetings compared to their male counterparts.
5. Tokenism: Including a woman in a team or project just to check a diversity box without valuing her input or expertise.
6. Dress Code Expectations: Imposing stricter or different dress codes on women that focus on appearance rather than professionalism.
7. Attributing Success to Luck: When a woman achieves something significant, her success may be attributed to luck rather than skill or effort.

India’s Rank on Gender Development:

In the UNDP Human Development Report 2023-24, India ranks 108th out of 193 countries on the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022 with a score of 0.437. The GII measures gender inequality in reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market participation, with values ranging from 0 (equality) to 1 (extreme inequality). India’s improved rank from 122nd in 2021 reflects ongoing progress in gender equality over the past decade.

Steps Taken to Curb Gender Discrimination:

1. Equal Remuneration Act (1976): Aims to reduce wage gaps.
2. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Educates against gender bias and improves welfare services.
3. PMEGP: Supports women in starting their own businesses.
4. Mission Shakti: Provides safety, security, and empowerment for women.

Addressing Subtle Gender Discrimination:

1. Blind Evaluation: Conceal physical attributes in job applications.
2. Inclusive Culture: Foster a workplace that values all input, regardless of gender.
3. Unconscious Bias Assessment: Use surveys, language analysis, and pay gap evaluations.
4. Male Mindset Change: Implement wider gender sensitization efforts.

About the National Commission for Women (NCW):

It is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990 in India. Its mandate is to safeguard and promote the rights and interests of women, address gender-based discrimination, and ensure their empowerment.

Role and challenges faced by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in India:

Conclusion

To enhance the effectiveness of the National Commission for Women (NCW), it is recommended to grant the chairperson the status of Union Cabinet Minister and members the status of Minister of State. The commission should have the power to select its own members, and funds should be allocated in both the Union and State Budgets to support its functioning. Implementing these recommendations would empower the NCW and strengthen its ability to protect and promote women’s rights.

Insta Links:

• SC Decision on Gender Discrimination

Mains Links:

“Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss. ( UPSC 2019) 

Discuss the positive and negative effects of globalization on women in India. (UPSC 2015)

 Male membership needs to be encouraged in order to make women’s organization free from gender bias. Comment. (UPSC 2013)

 Distinguish between ‘care economy’ and ‘monetized economy’. How can the care economy be brought into a monetized economy through women empowerment? (UPSC 2023)

Prelims Link: