Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Advanced Research in Social Sciences
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Imperative for Launching Empowerment Initiatives For Sustainable Progress Among Scheduled Caste Women in India: Feminist Perspective 2024
Dr. Priya Sauni
ABSTRACT:
In 2024, pervasive socio-economic disparities persistently afflict women belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) in India, compelling an immediate need for proactive empowerment measures. This study employs a feminist perspective to address these disparities deeply embedded in India’s complex societal tapestry. The research delves into pivotal dimensions affecting SC women, encompassing socio-economic challenges, barriers to education, limited employment prospects, and healthcare discrepancies. By highlighting the intersectionality of gender and caste, it acknowledges the compounded discrimination faced by SC women, perpetuating their marginalized status. Dr. Ambedkar’s advocacy underscores the imperative of policies and actions challenging ingrained norms and systemic biases to promote empowerment and agency. Feminism, serving as a catalyst for gender equality, offers a robust framework to scrutinize and rectify structural inequities affecting SC women. Despite promising initiatives such as educational reservations and affirmative action, significant obstacles endure, including restricted access to quality education, low workforce participation, and inadequate healthcare facilities, demanding heightened attention and decisive action. The research advocates for a comprehensive strategy, incorporating grassroots empowerment, improved resource accessibility, and heightened awareness campaigns. Active participation of SC women in empowerment initiatives empowers them to actively shape their own trajectories. The imperative to promote leadership and decision-making roles for SC women across all levels is crucial in dismantling entrenched power dynamics that perpetuate discriminatory practices. The study underscores the necessity for a broader societal commitment to confront the unique challenges faced by SC women, acknowledging their agency, and endorsing policies that prioritize gender equity. Through a feminist lens, it endeavors to propel India’s sustainable development agenda, with a specific emphasis on ensuring that progress reaches and positively impacts the most marginalized. This approach aims to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable society for SC women in 2024 and beyond.
keywords: Disparities, Discriminatory, Empowerment, Feminism, India, Scheduled Caste (Sc) Women