What's New :
GS Foundation Course 2026-27, Click Here
10th May 2024 (15 Topics)

Together, Step by Step

You must be logged in to get greater insights.

Context

The global fight for women's rights has once again taken center stage, showcasing the resilience and determination of women worldwide. Despite facing repression and regression, women's movements continue to gain momentum, fueled by courageous activists like Manahel al-Otaibi in Saudi Arabia.

Global Women's Movements and Challenges: 

  • Activism and Solidarity: Despite repression, women's movements worldwide are gaining momentum, exemplified by the activism of individuals like Manahel al-Otaibi in Saudi Arabia and the solidarity shown by Iranian and Afghan women. Movements such as #MeToo and protests against gender-based violence in Chile underscore the global nature of the struggle for women's rights.
  • Patriarchal Challenges: The narrative also addresses patriarchal obstacles, evident in instances like the rise of Harvey Weinstein and the political ascent of individuals like Brij Bhushan Singh in India, reflecting systemic challenges to women's empowerment and leadership.
  • Empowerment and Leadership: The concept of "women's empowerment" is critiqued as a token gesture, emphasizing the need for women to strategically navigate within existing systems, especially in workplaces where sexual harassment remains a pervasive issue. The lack of women in leadership positions and the persistent gender disparities underscore the need for structural changes to achieve genuine gender equality.

Gender Disparities and Structural Changes:  

  • Gender Disparities in Leadership: Reports from UN Women highlight significant gender disparities in decision-making roles, labor force participation, and legal rights globally, underscoring the systemic barriers faced by women.
  • Challenges Beyond Gender Divide: The narrative extends beyond gender disparities to address the broader battle of challenging normative behaviors and reversing societal norms, emphasizing the collective pushback needed from women to effect meaningful change.
  • Call for Structural Reforms: To address these challenges, there's a call for structural reforms, including punitive measures against perpetrators of sexual harassment and greater representation of women in leadership roles, to ensure genuine progress towards gender equality.

Mains Question: 

Discuss the challenges faced by women, and the need for structural reforms to achieve genuine gender equality.

X

Verifying, please be patient.

Enquire Now