Women’s Equality Day is a reminder of the progress made in gender equality, but also highlights the challenges women still face in various areas of society. While it is not widely observed in the country, efforts are being made to raise awareness about the importance of gender equality and women’s rights.
Dr Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, a women and child rights activist and founder of the NGO Tharuni, has been working towards empowering girls and women since 2000. She has also served in various positions related to child welfare and protection. In an interview with The Hans India, she emphasized the need for women to improve their skills in order to advance in their careers. She also highlighted the importance of men supporting and encouraging women.
A survey conducted in 2020 found that 22% of men in India believed there was widespread discrimination against women, while 24% of women reported experiencing gender-based discrimination. Dr Achanta pointed out that despite constitutional guarantees of equal rights for women, they still face challenges in reaching higher positions. Although the government has allocated budgets and implemented programs for women’s betterment, there is a lack of evaluation to determine their effectiveness.
Dr Achanta mentioned that Self Help Groups (SHGs) have provided some assistance to women in the state of Telangana, but there is a need for further mentoring opportunities. She urged the government to design programs that empower women and provide them with better opportunities for learning and development.
While there are several government programs that aim to support women, it is crucial to ensure their proper implementation and positive impact. Challenges such as low awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and cultural barriers may hinder the full realization of these programs’ benefits. Ongoing evaluation, monitoring, and improvement are necessary to meet the needs of women and promote their empowerment and well-being.
Advancing women’s rights is an ongoing process that requires dedication and effort from all parties involved.
