Fulfillment of ‘New Woman’ in India is a Myth | 17 Jul 2024

A Woman with a Voice is by Definition a Strong Woman. But the Search to Find that Voice Can be Remarkably Difficult.

—Melinda Gates

The term ‘New Woman’ emerged in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, symbolizing a shift in women’s roles and identities in society. It represented women who were breaking away from traditional roles, gaining education, entering the workforce, and demanding equal rights. In India, the concept has taken on unique dimensions, influenced by cultural, social, and economic factors. While there have been significant strides towards gender equality, the fulfillment of the 'New Woman' ideal remains elusive, mired in persistent myths and realities that reveal a complex landscape of progress and regression.

The idea of the ‘New Woman’ in India can be traced back to the late colonial period when social reform movements aimed at improving women's status gained momentum. Reformers like Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar advocated for women's education, abolition of practices like Sati, and widow remarriage. The independence movement further catalyzed women's participation in public life, with figures like Sarojini Naidu and Kasturba Gandhi playing crucial roles. Post-independence, the Indian Constitution enshrined equality for all citizens, laying a foundation for women's rights.

Despite these advancements, traditional patriarchal norms continued to dominate the Indian society. The idea of the ‘New Woman’ clashed with deep-rooted cultural expectations, leading to a complex interplay between modernity and tradition.

Education is a critical determinant of women’s empowerment. In recent decades, India has made remarkable progress in improving female literacy rates. According to the National Statistical Office (NSO), the female literacy rate in India increased from 53.7% in 2001 to 70.3% in 2011. However, these statistics mask significant regional disparities and the quality of education. Rural areas, particularly in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, still lag behind, and girls often drop out of school due to poverty, early marriage, or household responsibilities.

Employment opportunities for women have also expanded, with more women entering diverse fields like engineering, medicine, and business. However, the overall female labor force participation rate remains low, hovering around 20.3% in 2019-2020, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). Cultural expectations, lack of safe working environments, and inadequate support systems like childcare facilities contribute to this disparity. Many women who work are employed in the informal sector, where they face exploitation, low wages, and job insecurity.

Political participation is another crucial aspect of the ‘New Woman’ ideal. India has seen women rise to prominent political positions, with figures like Indira Gandhi, the first female Prime Minister, and Pratibha Patil, the first female President, breaking significant barriers. Additionally, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments mandated one-third reservation for women in local government bodies, significantly increasing their political participation at the grassroots level.

However, representation at higher levels of government remains inadequate. Women hold only about 14% of the seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, as of 2020. Political parties often hesitate to field women candidates, and those who do run for office face significant challenges, including violence, discrimination, and lack of financial support. Moreover, the women who do attain political power are often from influential families, highlighting the role of dynastic politics in their rise.

Social and cultural norms continue to be major impediments to the fulfillment of the ‘New Woman’ ideal. Traditional gender roles and expectations still dictate many aspects of women's lives, from household duties to career choices. The pervasive influence of patriarchy means that women often have to navigate a delicate balance between personal ambitions and societal expectations.

Marriage and motherhood are still seen as primary roles for women, with societal pressure to conform to these roles being immense. The concept of honor and family reputation often dictates women's behavior, leading to restrictions on their mobility and choices. Practices like dowry, though illegal, persist in many parts of the country, leading to financial and emotional burdens on women and their families.

The media and popular culture also play a role in reinforcing traditional gender norms. While there are increasing representations of strong, independent women, these often coexist with stereotypical portrayals that reinforce outdated notions of femininity and women's roles in society.

Violence against women is a grave issue that undermines the progress towards the ‘New Woman’ ideal. India has seen a rise in reported cases of sexual harassment, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence. The 2012 Nirbhaya case brought national and international attention to the issue of women's safety, leading to legal reforms and increased activism. Despite these efforts, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that in 2022, there were 4,45,256 cases of crime against women.

Laws alone are insufficient to address this issue. Implementation is often lax, and societal attitudes towards victims of violence are frequently unsupportive. Victim-blaming and stigma can deter women from reporting crimes, while the legal process can be long and arduous, leading to low conviction rates. Creating a safer environment for women requires not only legal reforms but also cultural and societal change to challenge and change deep-seated attitudes towards gender and violence.

Economic independence is crucial for the empowerment of women and the realization of the ‘New Woman’ ideal. Women who earn their own income can achieve greater autonomy and decision-making power within their families and communities.

However, the gender pay gap is a persistent issue, with women earning significantly less than men for the same work. Women are also underrepresented in higher-paying, leadership positions, often facing a glass ceiling that limits their career advancement.

• In addition to formal employment, entrepreneurship is a growing avenue for women's economic empowerment. Initiatives like the Self-Help Group (SHG) movement and government schemes like Stand-Up India and the Mudra Yojana aim to support women entrepreneurs. However, access to credit, training, and markets remains limited, particularly for women in rural areas.

Health and well-being are fundamental to the fulfillment of the ‘New Woman’ ideal. Women's health in India has seen improvements, with reductions in maternal mortality rates and increased access to healthcare services. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where healthcare infrastructure is inadequate.

Reproductive health is a critical area of concern. Despite legal access to contraception and abortion, many women lack the necessary information and services to make informed choices about their reproductive health. Societal attitudes towards women's sexuality and reproductive rights often lead to stigma and discrimination.

Mental health is another important but often neglected aspect of women's well-being. The pressures of balancing multiple roles, dealing with discrimination, and experiencing violence take a toll on women's mental health. Access to mental health services is limited, and the stigma associated with mental illness further complicates the issue.

The experiences of women in India are not monolithic. Intersectionality, the idea that various forms of social stratification, such as race, class, and gender, intersect, plays a crucial role in shaping women's lives. Caste, religion, ethnicity, and socio-economic status all influence the extent to which women can achieve the ‘New Woman’ ideal.

Dalit women, for instance, face compounded discrimination due to their caste and gender, experiencing higher levels of violence and economic exploitation. Women from minority religious communities may also face specific challenges related to their identity. The experiences of urban and rural women differ significantly, with rural women often facing greater barriers to education, employment, and healthcare.

The fulfillment of the ‘New Woman’ ideal in India remains a complex and multifaceted issue. While significant progress has been made in areas like education, political participation, and legal rights, deep-seated social, cultural, and economic barriers continue to hinder true gender equality. The realization of the concept of the ‘New Woman’ requires sustained efforts across multiple dimensions, policy, societal attitudes, and individual empowerment.

Achieving this ideal involves addressing the structural inequalities that limit women's opportunities and autonomy. It requires a concerted effort to challenge and change patriarchal norms, improve access to education and healthcare, ensure safety and security, and promote economic independence. Only through a holistic and inclusive approach can the ‘New Woman’ truly thrive in India.

We cannot All Succeed When Half of Us are Held Back.

—Malala Yousafzai