Q. “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu?

Model Answer: 

Interventions to Change Patriarchal Social Attitudes in Post-Independent India

Despite women’s remarkable achievements in post-Independent India, the prevailing social attitude remains largely patriarchal. While education and empowerment schemes are crucial, additional interventions are necessary to transform this deeply ingrained mindset:

Legal and Policy Reforms:

• Strengthen existing laws and ensure their effective implementation, e.g., stricter enforcement of anti-dowry laws.
• Introduce gender-sensitive policymaking across all sectors, such as gender budgeting in economic policies.
• Enact new legislation to address emerging issues like workplace harassment and cyber crimes against women.

Media and Cultural Interventions:

• Promote positive and diverse representation of women in media, moving beyond stereotypical portrayals.
• Encourage gender-sensitive content in entertainment and advertising industries.
• Support and showcase women-centric narratives in literature, cinema, and art (e.g., women-led film productions).

Institutional Changes:

• Increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies, including parliaments and corporate boards.
• Implement mandatory gender sensitization training for law enforcement, judiciary, and public officials.
• Establish gender equality cells in educational institutions and workplaces to address discrimination.

Economic Measures:

• Promote women’s participation in the workforce through incentives for companies hiring women.
• Ensure equal pay and opportunities across all sectors (e.g., equal pay audits).
• Support women entrepreneurs through targeted financial schemes and mentorship programs.

Social and Community-based Interventions:

• Engage men and boys in gender equality initiatives, fostering allyship and shared responsibility.
• Support grassroots movements and community-led programs addressing gender issues.
• Organize awareness campaigns targeting harmful social practices (e.g., campaigns against child marriage).

Technological Interventions:

• Leverage technology to enhance women’s safety, such as SOS apps and smart surveillance.
• Promote digital literacy among women to bridge the gender digital divide.
• Use social media platforms to amplify women’s voices and experiences.

Conclusion: A multi-faceted approach combining policy, social, and cultural interventions is essential to dismantle patriarchal attitudes and foster genuine gender equality in India.