WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Women’s Studies:
Definition:
Women’s Studies is not simply a study of women; it also involves critical
reflection on the process of knowing and on the established understandings of
history, literature, society, the arts, and the sciences. According to Hunter
College Women’s Studies Collective, it is the study of women that places power
at the center of the process. It examines the world and the human beings in it
with question, analyses and theories built directly on women’s experiences.
Because not all women’s lived experiences are the same, women’s studies is
also about differences in caste, class, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual identity,
generation, religion, physical ability and other identity markers. While many
might characterise the field as concerned with victimhood, we disagree. We
believe the ultimate aim of women’s studies is to show women in a role of
agency: analysing the social construction of gender and power, challenging old
knowledge about women, creating novel knowledge about women and
becoming active in the transformation of society through the creation of
alternatives to the present construction of power and inequality in order to help
women and men to fulfill their human potential. Knowledge about ourselves
and our world has usually been divided, for the purpose of study, into different
disciplines and has largely been constructed from the point of view of men, not
women. Some field have a long past, as in the case of history or philosophy.
Various other fields, sociology and psychology, have developed only in the past
century. However long these areas of study have been in existence, each
involves a relatively distinctive approach to knowledge. Each also involves an
explicit set of observations concerning what is ‘true’ and rests on an implicit set
of assumptions and ethical views. These assumptions and observations provide
us with guideline for human action. Yet, if these assumptions and observations
reflect a predominantly masculine perspective on reality, the interpretation they
elicit may not be as true for women as for men. They often do not reflect
women’s experiences of reality and they are often poor guides for women. They
represent men’s studies without awareness of their limitations, in contrast with
the new field of men’s studies now developing which calls attention to issues of
gender and question traditional assumptions about women’s and men’s roles.
Women studies focuses on women’s experiences and points of view. It seeks to
provide observations and to develop concepts and theories realities and enable
women to better choose their goals. Women’s studies is both a complement and
correction to established disciplines and a relatively new academic field of its
own. It requires other fields to reexamine and revise the basic assumptions and
methods on which they rest. As a more recent discipline, women’s studies
crosses the boundaries between established fields, providing fresh views of their
subject matter and creating coherent novel way of seeing the world. Women’s
studies contributes to change of a cardinal kind as a result of its search for
knowledge’.

Women Studies:
Women studies takes an important space in the field of gender studies. In the
past few centuries, we have seen a rise in the freedom of women and feminism.
This has helped to reshape the identity of a woman in the society. Earlier, in a
close-knitted society of patriarchy, women rarely had rights and any
opportunities. As times changed, women took up to themselves to make sure
that they and others had the same opportunities that men enjoyed.

In India with the likes of JyotiBaiPhule who started the first school for girls in
Pune and Ismat Chughtai being charged for writing about women and their
private lives and in the west with Suffragettes movement, Gloria Steinem, Maya
Angelou and her famous poem like 'Still I Rise' and 'Phenomenal Woman',
Chimamanda Adiche, , there has been an expansion in terms of literature which
deals with women studies. Men Studies Men Studies is another area that is
inter-disciplinary and involves the study of men, masculinity and politics. Its
main focus is on masculinity and understanding the different aspects of the
same. Many researchers have argued that masculinity is a construction of
society. With the idea of proving oneself as a man, in the nineteenth century,
this idea ha seen to be picked up by a large part of the society. The
understanding is thus in terms of history, biology, psychology, culture and
politics.

Men Studies

Men Studies is another area that is inter-disciplinary and involves the study of
men, masculinity and politics. Its main focus is on masculinity and
understanding the different aspects of the same. Many researchers have argued
that masculinity is a construction of society. With the idea of proving oneself as
a man, in the nineteenth century, this idea ha seen to be picked up by a large
part of the society. The understanding is thus in terms of history, biology,
psychology, culture and politics.
Queer studies

Queer studies are academic discipline studying various aspects of the alternate
orientation and gender identities. The studies came up with emergence of people
with alternate gender identities in the public and acceptance of the same.

1.Women studies takes an important space in the field of gender studies. In the
past few

centuries we have seen a rise in the freedom of women and feminism. This has
helped to
reshape the identity of a woman in the society. Women's studies is the study of
women and gender in every field.

2. Women’s Studies is not simply a study of women; it also involves critical

reflection on

the process of knowing and on the established understandings of history,

literature, society,

the arts, and the sciences.

3.women’s studies is also about differences in caste, class, race, ethnicity,

nationality, sexual identity, generation, religion, physical ability and other
identity markers.

4. We believe the ultimate aim of women’s studies

is to show women in a role of agency: analysing the social construction of

gender and power,

challenging old knowledge about women, creating novel knowledge about

women and

becoming active in the transformation of society

5. Women’s studies is both a

complement and correction to established disciplines and a relatively new

academic field of

its own.

6.Women’s studies is also called "gender studies," "women and gender

studies," or "feminist studies."

7. There were hundreds of women's studies courses offered at colleges and

universities in the United States in the late 1960s, and by 1970 formal women's
studies programs were launched, first at San Diego State University in
California and then at Cornell University in New York.

8.Women's Studies, also referred to as Gender Studies or Feminist Studies, is

the interdisciplinary study of how intersectionality of gender, race, age, class,
nationality, ethnicity, ability, sexuality, and other differences impact almost
every facet of the social, political, and cultural experience.

What are women’s human rights?

Women's rights are the fundamental human rights that were enshrined by the
United Nations for every human being on the planet nearly 70 years ago. These
rights include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to
be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn a fair and equal wage.

As the now-famous saying goes, “women’s rights are human rights.” That is to
say, women are entitled to all of these rights. Yet almost everywhere around the
world, women and girls are still denied them, often simply because of their
gender.

Winning rights for women is about more than giving opportunities to any
individual woman or girl; it is also about changing how countries and
communities work. It involves changing laws and policies, winning hearts and
minds, and investing in strong women’s organizations and movements.

Global Fund for Women exists to support the tireless and courageous efforts of
women’s groups who work every day to win rights for women and girls. These
groups are working to ensure women can own property, vote, run for office, get
paid fair wages, and live free from violence – including domestic violence,
sexual assault, and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation.
What rights do we stand for?

We want every woman and girl to realize the rights that are enshrined in
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also stand for other rights
that are vital for women’s equality. We stand for a woman’s right to decide if
and when she has children, and to have high-quality health care that means she
won’t die in pregnancy or during childbirth. We know female genital mutilation
is a violation of girls’ rights, and must be eliminated. And we stand for the right
of every woman to live equally and free from discrimination, no matter her
sexuality or identity.

We support two critical documents for women’s rights that have followed the
UN declaration. The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of
Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), an international bill of rights for
women, requires governments to end gender discrimination and affirms
women’s rights to health services, including family planning. The Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action, adopted in 1995 at the UN’s Fourth
World Conference in Beijing, was a rallying cry to embed gender equality and
women’s rights in every facet of life.

Women’s rights and the Global Goals

The UN Millennium Development Goals set specific targets to reduce poverty,

including targets for increased gender equality in education, work, and
representation. UN Women found that progress was uneven. Globally, more
women are now in school and work. Yet girls are still more likely than boys to
be out of school (particularly at the secondary level). And although the number
of women in elected office has risen, they are still only 21.8 percent of
parliamentarians. What’s more, women’s rights remain at risk in many areas not
addressed in the millennium goals – from violence against women to sexual and
reproductive rights. And women who are already marginalized because of their
race, caste, sexuality, income, or location see the fewest gains of all.

The new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) hold real promise to embed
advances in women’s rights, and include a specific goal (Goal 5) for gender
equality. Goal 5 is more broad-based than the last gender goal and includes
targets on ending gender-based violence, eliminating child marriage and female
genital mutilation, and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health. It also
includes equal access to education, expanding women's economic opportunities,
and reducing the burdens of unpaid care work on women and girls. Now it is up
to all of us to hold governments accountable for their commitments and make
sure the goals are met. Involving women – and funding the solutions of grass-
roots women’s groups – will be critical to success.

Global Fund for Women is working for a world where every woman and girl
can realize and enjoy her human rights.

Only when women and girls have full access to their rights – from equal pay
and land ownership rights to sexual rights, freedom from violence, access to
education, and maternal health rights – will true equality exist. Only when
women have taken leadership and peace-making roles and have an equal
political voice will economies and countries be transformed. And only then will
all women and girls have the self-determination they are entitled to.

Here is a quick preface of the rights:

 Right to maintenance
  Right to equal pay

 Right to dignity and decency

 Right against domestic violence

 Rights at workplace

 Right against dowry

 Right to free legal aid

 Right of private defense

1.Right to maintenance
Maintenance includes the basic necessities of life like food, shelter, clothes,
education, health care facilities etc. A married woman is entitled to get
maintenance from her husband even after her divorce till she doesn’t remarry.
Maintenance depends on the standard of living of the wife and circumstances
and income of the husband. Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure,
1973, puts an obligation on the husband to maintain her divorced wife except
when the wife lives in adultery or refuses to live with her husband without
reasonable cause or when both of them live separately by mutual consent.
Under the aforesaid section, any Indian woman irrespective of her caste and
religion can claim maintenance from her husband.

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 also facilities maintenance but to Hindu women
only. Whereas, the Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act, 1939 covers only
Muslim woman.

2.Right to equal pay

We now have gender neutral laws. A male and a female is entitled to the same
pay for the same work. The Equal Remuneration Act provides for the same. It
ensures payment of equal remuneration to both men and women workers for the
same work or work of a similar nature. In the context of recruitment and service
conditions, there will be no discrimination on the basis of gender.

3.Right to dignity and decency

Dignity and decency are women’s personal jewels. Anybody who tries to snatch
and disrobe her modesty is considered a sinner and law very well entails its
punishment. Every woman has the right to live in dignity, free of fear, coercion,
violence and discrimination. Law very well respects women’s dignity and
modesty. The criminal law provides for the punishments for offences committed
against women like Sexual Harassment (Sec. 354A), assault with intent to
disrobe her (Sec. 354B) or to outrage her modesty (Sec. 354), Voyeurism (Sec.
354C), Stalking (354D) etc.

In case the woman herself is accused of an offence and arrested, she is behaved
and dealt with decency. Her arrest and search should be made with strict regard
to decency by a woman police officer and her Medical examination should be
carried out by a woman medical officer or in supervision of a woman medical
officer. In rape cases, so far as practicable, a woman police officer should
register the FIR. Furthermore, she cannot be arrested after sunset and before
sunrise except for a special permission of the Magistrate by a woman police
officer.

4.Right against domestic violence

Every woman is entitled to the right against Domestic Violence with her by
virtue of the enactment of the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence
Act in 2005. Domestic Violence includes within its ambit not only Physical
abuse but also mental, sexual and economic abuse. So, if you are a daughter or a
wife or a live-in partner and is subjected to any of such abuses by your partner
or husband or his relatives or by person related to you by blood or adoption who
live or have lived with you in a shared household, then you are well covered
under the provisions of Domestic Violence Act and may seek different remedies
provided thereof. You may contact the women helpline no. “1091” and register
your complaint. They will inform police about your case. You may also
approach the women’s cell of your area which you can find with help of google.
They provide special services to such women and help them lodge their cases
before the Magistrate after drafting their complaints in a proper manner. You
may also approach the police to register your case.

Since the case of Domestic violence is cognizable in nature, police is bound to

register FIR and investigate thereto, but in case, it refuses to do so then you may
write a letter stating your case to Superintendent of police and post it, if SP feels
that the information discloses a cognizable offence, then he may either himself
investigate or direct his subordinate police officer to register the case and
investigate it. In case, SP also denies you, you may directly approach the
Magistrate having jurisdiction in your area, and move your application under
sec. 12 of DV Act with the help of a lawyer for seeking desired relief(s) against
Domestic Violence which include protection, custody and compensation orders.

The Indian Penal code also provides protection to such women who are
subjected to Domestic violence, under Sec 498A by punishing the husband or
his relatives with the imprisonment which may extend to 3 years and fine.

5.Rights at workplace

You have a right to have a ladies toilet where you work. At places, with more
than 30 female workers, providing facilities for care and feeding of children is
mandatory. Further, the Supreme Court and the Govt. had put in to ensure the
safety of women at workplaces. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in Vishakha v.
State of Rajasthan, had laid down exclusive guidelines for protection of women
from Sexual Harrasment at workplace, following which, the Govt. in 2013, has
enacted an exclusive legislation- The Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION and REDRESSAL) Act, 2013 for
that end. So if any person at your workplace, asks you for sexual favors, or
makes sexually colored remarks and whistles looking at you or sings obscene
songs looking at you, touches you inappropriately, or shows pornography, then
all that will constitute Sexual Harassment and you may complain to the Internal
complaints committee which is required to be constituted by the employer at
each office or branch with 10 or more employees. The District Officer is also
required to constitute a Local Complaints Committee at each district, and if
required at the block level. Apart from this, IPC also, penalizes Sexual
Harassment under 354A by providing an imprisonment of 1-3 years.

6.Right against dowry

Dowry system i.e. giving and taking of dowry by bride or bridegroom or by

their parents at, before or after the marriage is penalized by Dowry Prohibition
Act, 1961. The Act, defines “Dowry” as any property or valuable security given
or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly by one party to the other but
does not include dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim
Personal Law (Shariat) applies. If you give, take or abet giving or taking of
dowry, then you shall be punishable with a minimum imprisonment of 5 years
and minimum fine of Rs. 15,000.

“Say no to dowry, it breeds violence.”

7.Right to free legal aid

If you are an aggrieved woman, you are entitled to claim free legal services
from the legal services authorities recognized under the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987 irrespective of whether you can afford legal services on
your own. There are District, State, and National legal Services Authorities
constituted at District, State and National level respectively. Legal services
include assisting in the conduct of any case or other legal proceedings before
any Court or tribunal or authority and advising on legal matters.

8.Right of private defence/ self-defence

It is a defensive right. You can cause hurt, grievous hurt or even death in
protecting your body or another person’s body from the assailant. But you can
kill the assailant without attracting liability and punishment only in certain
circumstances like: When you feel that the assailant is about to cause your death
or grievous hurt or commit rape, kidnapping or abduction or if he intends to
lock you in a room or throws or attempts to throw acid at you, then you can kill
that person and law will protect you.

Conclusion of the Essay on Women Rights

To sum it up, only when women and girls get full access to their rights will they
be able to enjoy a life of freedom. It includes everything from equal pay to land
ownerships rights and more. Further, a country can only transform when its
women get an equal say in everything and are treated equally.

What are Women Empowerment Schemes?

The Indian government has taken significant steps to empower women, creating
opportunities for them to achieve economic independence and enhance their
quality of life.

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the various Women Empowerment
Schemes in India, which are a part of government initiatives for the care and
security of women in our society.

List of Women Empowerment Schemes in India - October 2023

Here is a list of operational schemes that aim to empower women in India:

1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

 The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme was launched on January 22, 2015,
by the Prime Minister of India in Haryana.

 The women empowerment scheme aims to ensure the survival,

protection, and education of girl children by addressing the declining sex
ratio, creating social awareness, and enhancing the efficiency of welfare
services developed for girls.

2. Working Women Hostel Scheme

 To promote safe accommodation and environment for working women

and provide daycare facilities for their children, the Government of India
has introduced the ‘Working Women Hostel Scheme’.
  Through this women empowerment scheme, the Government provides
grant-in-aid for the construction and new hostel buildings and the
extension of an existing building in rented premises.

3. One-Stop Centre Scheme

 The One Stop Centre Scheme is crucial to the Indian government's

women empowerment initiatives. This centrally sponsored scheme is
funded through the Nirbhaya fund and is designed to provide 100%
central assistance to state governments to protect women affected by
gender-based violence in public and private spaces.

 The scheme provides emergency medical, legal aid, and counseling

services, as well as non-emergency services, all under one roof to combat
all forms of violence against women.

 When a complaint is registered through SMS or internet, a text message

is sent to the appropriate district/area officials such as
DPO/PO/CDPO/DYSP/CMO/SHO/DM/SP/PO. If the victim registers the
complaint in person or someone else registers it on their behalf, the case
details are entered into a system and a unique ID is generated.

4. Women Helpline Scheme

 The Women Helpline Scheme is a government initiative that provides

24x7 emergency responses to women affected by violence in public or
private spaces through a single toll-free number (181).

 If a victim's call is disconnected or interrupted due to sickness or

disability while stating her issue, emergency services will immediately
locate and reach her by tracking her address.
5. Mahila Police Volunteers Scheme

 Mahila E-Haat is an online platform launched by the Ministry of Women

and Child Development to allow women entrepreneurs to showcase their
products to buyers using mobile and internet connections.

 The initiative supports the 'Make in India' program and includes a wide
range of products such as clothing, fashion accessories, home decor,
pottery, toys, and more.

6. Mahila Police Volunteers Scheme

 The Mahila Police Volunteers scheme was launched in all States and
Union Territories by the Ministry of Women and Child Development and
Home Affairs.

 It is a centrally sponsored scheme that aims to establish a connection

between police authorities and local communities to ensure police
outreach on crime cases.

7. STEP (Support to Training and Employment Program for

Women)

 One of the most effective women empowerment schemes in India is the

Support to Training and Employment Program for Women (STEP).

 Its goal is to provide women with training in skill development and

ensure employment opportunities. This government-sponsored scheme
offers grants to institutions and organizations to conduct training
programs.
8. SWADHAR Greh

 The SWADHAR Greh scheme is a government initiative to empower

women in India by providing them with shelter, food, clothing, and
social, economic, and health security.

 It also offers legal assistance to women and helps them in readjusting to

society.

9. Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK)

 One of the well-known women empowerment schemes in India is the

Mahila Shakti Kendra. It is designed to offer comprehensive support
services to women to help them develop skills, find job opportunities, and
improve their digital literacy.

 The scheme operates at various levels, such as national, state, and district
levels, and the government aims to establish 920 Mahila Shakti Kendras
in the 115 most underdeveloped districts.

10. Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme

 The National Creche Scheme is a women empowerment initiative

introduced by the government for the children of working mothers.

 It provides daycare facilities to improve the health and nutrition status of

children, promotes their physical, social, and holistic development, and
educates parents on enhancing childcare methods and techniques.

What Is The Helpline Number For Women's Safety In

India?
1090 is The National Helpline Number For Women's Safety in India.
This helpline number in India provides 24/7 assistance to women in need of
help and support. The helpline is aimed at providing women with a safe and
secure platform to report incidents of harassment, violence, or abuse. The 1090
helpline is operated by the government and staffed by trained professionals who
are equipped to handle a range of emergency situations.

*It is free to call from anywhere in India and is available in multiple languages
to ensure that women from all regions and backgrounds can access the services
provided.*

Most Important Helpline Numbers For Women In India

 1090: This is a 24/7 women's helpline number that provides support to

women in need of help and assistance.
 181: This is the national toll-free number for women in distress. It
provides support to women who are victims of violence, abuse, or
harassment.
 112: This is the emergency number that can be used to seek immediate
help in any kind of emergency situation, including those faced by women.
 100: This is the general police helpline number that can be used to report
incidents of violence, abuse, or harassment against women.
 1098: This is the national helpline number for children in India. It
provides support to children who are victims of abuse, neglect, or
exploitation.

The NGOs are working in various regions of the nation under the leadership of
an exceptional and committed group of individuals. Some organizations have
made women's empowerment one of their top priorities. These top NGOs
support victims of many types of crime and empower women socially and
economically.
What are Self Help Groups?
Self Help Groups (SHGs) are small groups of poor people. The members of an
SHG face similar problems. They help each other, to solve their problems.
SHGs promote small savings among their members. The savings are kept with
the bank. This is the common fund in the name of the SHG. The SHG gives
small loans to its members from its common fund.
SHG is an informal group and registration under any Societies Act, State
cooperative Act or a partnership firm is not mandatory vide Circular RPCD.No.
Plan BC.13/PL -09.22/90- 91 dated July 24th, 1991.
Who helps to form SHGs?

A reasonably educated and helpful local person has to initially help the poor
people to form groups. He or She tells them about the benefits of thrift and the
advantages of forming groups. This person is called an ‘animator’ or
‘facilitator’. Usually, the animator is a person who is already known to the
community.
Any of the following persons can be a successful animator:

 Retired school teacher or a retired government servant, who is well

known locally.
 A health worker/a field officer/staff of a development agency or
department of the State Government.
 Field officer or a staff member of a commercial bank/regional rural bank
or a field staff from the local co-operative bank or society
 A field level functionary of an NGO.
 An unemployed educated local person, having an inclination to help
others.
 A member/participant in the Vikas Volunteer Vahini (VVV) Programme
of NABARD.
Woman animators can play more effective role in organising women SHGs. The
animator cannot organise the groups all alone. He or she will need guidance,
training, reading material, etc. Usually, one of the following agencies help:

 A voluntary agency or Non Governmental Organization (NGO).

 The development department of the State Government.
 The local branch of a bank.

What does the animator do?

The animator talks to people in the village or at their homes. He or she explains
the benefits of thrift and group formation. No promise of bank loan is given to
anyone. He or she helps the group members to hold one or two initial meetings.
The group finds a group leader, for holding meetings, keeping books, etc. The
animator guides and encourages the leader and the group members.
Functioning of SHGs

Size of the SHG

 The ideal size of an SHG is 10 to 20 members. (Advantage: In a bigger

group, members cannot actively participate. Also, legally it is required
that an informal group should not be more than 20 people.).
 The group need not be registered.

Membership

 From one family, only one person can become a member of an SHG.
(More families can join SHGs this way.)
 The group normally consists of either only men or of only women. Mixed
groups are generally not preferred. Women’s groups are generally found
to perform better. (They are better in savings and they usually ensure
proper use of loans.)
  Members should have the same social and financial background.
(Advantage: This makes it easier for the members to interact freely with
each other. If members are both from rich as well as poor class, the poor
may hardly get an opportunity to express themselves.)
 Some Common factors for Membership in an SHG
o Women/men from very poor households.
o Those who depend on moneylenders even for daily necessities.
o Those with a per capita income not exceeding Rs. 250 per month.
o Those having dry land holding not exceeding 2.5 acres.
o Common living conditions for the Group Members eg. Living in
kutcha houses, Having no access to safe drinking water, Presence
of illiterate adults in the family etc

Meetings

 The group should meet regularly. Ideally, the meetings should be weekly
or at least monthly. (Advantage: They become closer, if they meet
regularly. This helps them to understand each other’s difficulties better.)
 Compulsory attendance: Full attendance in all the group meetings will
make it easy for the SHG to stabilise and start working to the satisfaction
of all.
 Membership register, minutes register etc., are to be kept up to date by
the group by making the entries regularly. (Advantage: This helps you to
know about the SHG easily. It also helps to build trust among the SHG
members.)

Keeping of Accounts by the SHG

 Simple and clear books for all transactions to be maintained.

  If no member is able to maintain the books, the SHG may take outside
help. (It has been seen that a boy or a girl from the village with some
educational qualification does this job enthusiastically. After some
months, the group can even consider giving him or her a small reward for
this job.). Animator can also help.
 All registers and account books should be written during the course of the
meeting. (Advantage: This creates confidence in the minds of members
who are unable to read and write.)
 Books to be kept by an SHG
o Minutes Book: The proceedings of meetings, the rules of the
group, names of the members etc. are recorded in this book.
o Savings and Loan Register: Shows the savings of members
separately and of the group as a whole. Details of individual loans,
repayments, interest collected, balance, etc. are entered here.
o Weekly /Fortnightly/Monthly Register: Summary of receipts and
payments, updated in every meeting.
o Members’ Passbooks: Individual members’ pass books in which
individual’s savings and loan balance outstanding is regularly
entered. (Advantage: this encourages regular savings.)

Major Functions of an SHG

 Savings and Thrift:

o All SHG members regularly save a small amount. The amount may
be small, but savings have to be a regular and continuous habit
with all the members.
o “Savings first — Credit later” should be the motto of every SHG
member.
o SHG members take a step towards self-dependence when they start
small savings. They learn financial discipline through savings and
 internal lending. (Advantage: This is useful when they use bank
loans.)
 Internal lending:
o The SHG should use the savings amount for giving loans to
members.
o The purpose, amount, rate of interest, schedule of repayment etc.,
are to be decided by the group itself.
o Proper accounts to be kept by the SHG.
 Discussing problems: In every meeting, the SHG should be encouraged
to discuss and try to find solutions to the problems faced by the members
of the group. Individually, the poor people are weak and lack resources to
solve their problems. When the group tries to help its members, it
becomes easier for them to face the difficulties and come up with
solutions.
 Taking bank loan: The SHG takes loan from the bank and gives it as loan
to its members.

WID, WAD, GAD APPROACHES.

WID: Women in Development

The WID approach was introduced primarily by “American liberal feminists”

and focuses on egalitarianism, especially in terms of economic participation and
access (Rathgeber, 1990, p.490). This economic focus led WID activists to
address the disparity of employment opportunities between men and women in
the majority world. The WID model did not question modernization, and placed
the onus of development and growth on women’s economic capacity (T. Ulicki,
personal communication, January 15).
What is most striking about the WID model is that it does not deal with the
disparities and power relations between men and women. In my opinion, the
roots of inequality are the most critical thing to address when discussing women
and poverty. However, the WID model is known as being the “non-
confrontational approach” as it does not confront these issues (Rathgeber, 1990,
p.491).

Women In Development (WID):

Women in development (WID) is a approach to development that focuses on the

role of women in economic and social development. It emphasizes the need to
address gender inequality and to promote the participation of women in all
aspects of development.

The WID approach was developed in the 1970s in response to concerns that
traditional development efforts were not adequately addressing the needs and
contributions of women. The WID approach acknowledges that women often
face specific challenges and discrimination that hinder their ability to fully
participate in the development and benefit from it. These challenges include
lack of access to education, economic opportunities, and decision-making
power, as well as higher levels of poverty and vulnerability.

The WID approach calls for the inclusion of women in development planning
and decision-making, as well as for the design of policies and programs that
address the specific needs and rights of women. It also emphasizes the
importance of building women’s capacity and empowering them to participate
in development.
It has evolved over time and has influenced the development of other
approaches, such as the gender and development (GAD) approach, which
emphasizes the need to examine and transform gender relationships and power
imbalances in development.

The main principles and goals of the Women in Development (WID) approach
are:

1. Gender equality: The WID approach recognizes that gender equality is an

essential component of sustainable development and seeks to address the
systemic inequalities that disadvantage women and girls.
2. Empowerment of women: The WID approach seeks to empower women
by promoting their active participation in all aspects of development,
including decision-making processes, and by addressing the social,
economic, and political barriers that limit their agency.
3. Recognition of women’s rights: The WID approach advocates for the
recognition and protection of women’s rights, including their reproductive
rights, their rights to education and employment, and their rights to
participate in public life.
4. Integration of a gender perspective: The WID approach emphasizes the
importance of integrating a gender perspective into all development policies
and programs, in order to ensure that the needs and priorities of both
women and men are taken into account.
5. Capacity-building for women: The WID approach seeks to build the
capacity of women through education, training, and other forms of support,
in order to enable them to fully participate in development processes and to
realize their full potential.
The successes and challenges of the WID approach

There have been many successes and challenges associated with the Women
in Development (WID) approach. Some of the successes include:

1. Increased awareness of gender inequality: The WID approach has

contributed to an increased awareness of the importance of gender equality
in development, and has helped to bring issues such as women’s
empowerment and reproductive rights to the forefront of the development
agenda.
2. Improved access to education and employment: The WID approach has
led to greater access to education and employment for women in many
countries, which has in turn contributed to increased economic
opportunities and independence for women.
3. Greater participation in decision-making: The WID approach has helped
to increase the participation of women in decision-making at all levels,
including in local communities, national governments, and international
organizations.
4. Enhanced livelihoods: The WID approach has contributed to the
enhancement of livelihoods for women in many parts of the world, through
initiatives such as microfinance programs and entrepreneurship support.

Some of the challenges associated with the WID approach include:

1. Resistance to change: There has been resistance to the WID approach in
some quarters, particularly from those who view it as a threat to traditional
gender roles and power dynamics.
2. Limited resources: The WID approach has often been underfunded, which
has limited its ability to achieve its goals and to scale up successful
initiatives.
 3. Lack of gender-disaggregated data: There has often been a lack of
accurate and comprehensive data on the situation of women and girls,
which has made it difficult to measure the impact of the WID approach and
to identify areas in need of improvement.
4. Limited institutional support: There has often been a lack of institutional
support for the WID approach, both within governments and international
organizations, which has made it difficult to mainstream a gender
perspective into development policies and programs.

WAD: Women and Development

The WAD approach is not as frequently discussed, however it was an important

bridge between WID and GAD. WAD is a “neo-Marxist feminist approach” and
it grew out of the “limitations of modernization theory” that was foundational in
the WID approach (Rathgeber, 1990, p.492). The WAD approach comes from
the perspective that equality will be essential to improving women’s positions,
but still frames change in terms of providing women access to the productive
sector (p.493). WAD, while perhaps more critical than WID, also fails to dig
deeper into the systemic problems associated with the relationship between men
and women (p.493).

GAD: Gender and Development

The GAD approach, which was developed in the 1980s, stepped away from both
WID and WAD and was founded in socialist-feminist ideology (Rathgeber,
1990, p.493). The GAD approach holds that the oppression of women stems
largely from a neoliberal focus on improving women’s reproductive and
productive capacities (p.494). According to Rathgeber, the focus of GAD has
been to examine “why women systematically have been assigned to inferior
and/or secondary roles” and also to confront questions of power and agency
(p.494). The GAD approach is exceptionally difficult for non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) to implement, as it seeks to confront the root causes of
gender inequality, rather than implement short-term augmentations to the
existing system.

An interesting shift that happened between WID/WAD and GAD was the
change in language from dealing with ‘women’ in the context of development, to
‘gender’. Nighat Said Khan, founder of the Women’s Action Forum, argues that
this shift to a focus on gender rather than women became “counter-productive”
because the discussion shifted from “women, to women and men and, finally,
back to men” (as cited in Baden & Goetz, 1997, p.6).

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE WOMEN IN

SOCIETY.
Women entrepreneurs are the next-age catalyst in shaping the Indian
commercial space. They are highly talented, multitaskers, have a keen sense of
business, and are hard-working. Yet, their numbers are low. According to a
report published by the Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls
in the Economy (IWWAGE), only seven out of 100 entrepreneurs in India are
women. And this is not because of a lack of wanting.

Truth be told, women entrepreneurs in India face multiple challenges in starting

and managing a business. These challenges discourage them from operating
their business, which either doesn't start or wraps up soon after starting. Here's a
look at eight of the most common challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in
India -

1. Responsibility towards their homes

Even after being career-oriented, women have a responsibility towards their

homes. They constantly have to manage their work-life balance, which becomes
challenging when they own their business. Women find it challenging to devote
too much time to managing their business when their home and family demand
their attention too.

2. Tough competition

The commercial space is still a male-dominated sector even though many

women are trying to break the glass ceiling. Women entrepreneurs, thus, face a
stiff challenge from their male counterparts, who are ready to pounce upon any
female weakness which might hamper the business.

3. Gender bias

Even though society has evolved and men and women are called equal, a gender
bias still exists. Despite the calls for women empowerment and female
leadership, it is difficult for women to prove their mettle and get recognized for
their efforts. Gender inequality, pay gap, and bias are common blockades that
prevent women entrepreneurs from reaching the heights they deserve.

4. Risk-averse nature
Women, by nature, have an aversion to taking risks and experimentation. These
two aspects are essential in starting and running a business. Snap decisions,
experimental strategies, innovative changes, etc., are required to make the
business stand out from the competition. Not many women tend to master these
arts as they involve risk and uncertainty, traits that women tend to shirk away.

5. Mobility issues

No business can grow or flourish by staying in one place. There are newer
markets to explore, stakeholders to meet in different regions and other work-
related issues for which traveling becomes essential. This is a hindrance for
many women entrepreneurs with their families to answer to.

Moreover, even when women travel, they have to ensure that their families are
taken care of in their absence, a challenge that deters many entrepreneurs from
traveling in the first place.

6. Limited qualifications

Women's education is not given the impetus that it deserves. As such, many
women entrepreneurs have low educational qualifications, hindering business
management. Expert managerial knowledge, technical know-how, financial
acumen, etc., are needed to establish and manage a business. Women often tend
to lack educational expertise and depend on professionals who might prove to
be expensive for a budding business.

7. Limited networking access

Businesses grow by networking, and when it comes to women entrepreneurs,
they face blockages in gaining this networking access. Their male counterparts
often ignore their involvement or don't let women get involved in their
networks. Businesswomen tend to miss out on lucrative networking deals and
struggle to succeed in their ventures.

8. Lack of funding

Funding is essential to start a business and also to operate it smoothly. This is

where women entrepreneurs face challenges, as business funding is not readily
available. It is because women might not own sufficient assets in their name that
can be pledged to get a loan. Moreover, lenders often underwrite female loan
applications with stricter norms making loan sanctions difficult.

While these women entrepreneurs' challenges are accurate, the women of today
are slowly developing the fortitude to succeed in the male-dominated business
world. More and more businesses are now getting women-centric, allowing
women to pursue their dreams without many challenges. Moreover, lenders
have also opened up to the idea of granting business loans to women
entrepreneurs. Many lenders offer preferential interest rates and better deals on
business loans for women entrepreneurs. Reloans offers such lucrative loan
opportunities for women borrowers allowing the entrepreneur in them to rise
and shine. The world is gradually changing, and the next generation might see a
spurt of women entrepreneurs who battle all odds to become successful business
people.