General Studies (Paper - 1) : Model Question & Answers

Question: “Discriminating against women keeps countries poorer.” – Critically analyze the above statement.

Answer: Women constitute half the world. If 50% of this world's population faces varying level of disabilities in legal and social frameworks which prevent or retard women's economic contribution and development in different countries, the level of output will quite naturally stay sub-optimally below the potential.

This assessment has now also been backed by empirical research data reported by World Bank according to which only 18 countries across the world provide women economic opportunities, at par with men. World Bank found out that there are certain countries where women can’t apply for passport in same way as men, in some countries they are denied jobs which their husbands don’t approve off (Jordan and Iran), in some there are no laws against sexual harassment at work place and laws against domestic violence.

With respect to India following, economic aspects get hampered because of gender inequality and lack of women empowerment.
(1) Gender inequality leads to low growth of population with lesser people being added to working age and hence economic growth getting hampered.
(2) Lack of participation in labour force by women is amounting to income losses of 10% in Europe and 20% in South Asia.
(3) Even IMF estimates that lack of gender equality is causing 27% loss of GDP and 4% loss of farm output in India.

Considering this India has taken many steps in this direction. The Inheritance law, the reservation for women in various jobs in government sector, instruction of including women members in the boards of PSUs. Other initiatives like Mahila Udyam Scheme, Mahila Vikas Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Kishori Shakti Yojna, Laadli, Sabla and many more schemes are there to ensure that women contribute to nation’s growth at large.