EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH EDUCATION

Abstract

Abstract:- Empowering Women through Education: "Education is one of the most important means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to participate fully in the development process." (—ICPD Programme of Action, paragraph 4.2) Education is the key factor for women empowerment, prosperity, development and welfare. Discrimination of women from womb to tomb is well known. There is continued inequality and vulnerability of women in all sectors and women oppressed in all spheres of life, they need to be empowered in all walk of life. In order to fight against the socially constructed gender biases, women have to swim against the system that requires more strength. Such strength comes from the process of empowerment and empowerment will come from the education. Today women play the leading role in developing the society. Society cannot be created without the active contribution of women. In India women do not use their rights and neither are considered independent to take any decision. In order to provide equal status in the society women need to be empowered.Women’s empowerment in India is heavily dependent on many different variables that includes geographical location (urban/rural), educational status, social status (caste and class), and age. Policies on women’s empowerment exist at the national, state, and local (Panchayat) levels in many sectors, including health, education, economic opportunities, gender-based violence, and political participation. However, there are significant gaps between policy formation and actual implementation at the community level. Women can be empowered only when they are literate and educated.Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom for development. Of Indian women today, the female literacy levels according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census has been 65.46% where the male literacy rate has been over 80%. Being literate or having only primary education is not enough to enhance productivity or to obtain better-paying jobs but it is essential for women to pursue the higher education.Even beyond literacy there is much that education can do for women’s rights, dignity and security. Therefore, this research paper discusses the impact of literacy and education on empowerment of women as well as the suggestion to improve the changes that need to be considered for women empowerment and economic development. Keywords:- Women, empowerment, education, inequality.