Education Status of Females in India
There are many in the older generation who believe that certain high-level positions and professions are just not meant for women. Even today it is said, “Teaching profession is the best and safest profession for women”. There was a time when educating women was looked upon as a disgrace. Women were treated badly, and the importance of women in society was underestimated. They were considered inferior to men. Even now, this concept has not changed as expected. However, the role and status of women in society have significantly changed during the last few decades.
The 21st century has brought, on its trail, a new hope for women. There came drastic changes in the roles, ambitions and attitudes of women. From a nonentity, they have been able to establish an identity for themselves in modern society in different areas such as politics, business, medicine, engineering, law, civil service, etc. And these impacts are a result of the fact that women are now educating themselves. Education is one of the most significant means for empowering women or girls in India.
Factors for Low Female Literacy in India
Various factors are responsible for the poor literacy rate of females in India. Some of these are gender inequality, girl children engaged in the domestic household work, social discrimination, lesser enrollment of girls in schools, a low retention rate of girls and a high dropout rate in primary school education. The dropout rate among girls in the early stages of schooling is very high. The reason behind this might be the high cost of study, low family income, girls getting involved in household work, marriage at an early age, etc. Apart from these reasons, a substantial percentage of girls quit because of the non-availability of educational institutions close to their homes. Also, the lack of regular and safe means of travel is one of the major reasons. The lack of proper toilets/means of sanitation and hygiene is also another important reason that keeps young girls away from school.
Measures Taken to Improve Female Education in India
India has adopted many different paths and strategies for increasing the female literacy rate. The overall situation and status of women also improved. The expansion of girls’/women’s education has been an integral part of educational policies and programs. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has taken a number of initiatives for the expansion and development of girls’ schools and higher education, ensuring gender equality in the sector. The Indian government has launched various programs and schemes to promote female education. Some of them are Beta Bach, Beta Pasha, Kasturba Gandhi Malika Vidyalaya, Saakshar Bharat, Manila Samantha.
Conclusion
Empowerment of girls and women is essential for achieving sustainable development. New strategies and initiatives must include various tools for the social empowerment of women such as access to education, health care, adequate nutrition and equal opportunity. Legal and institutional mechanisms should be developed to help women in need. Sociocultural practices that work as barriers to the empowerment of women and girls need to be removed at the earliest
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