Gender Equality in India | Progress, Challenges & Why It Matters for the Future

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

✅ Progress & Shifting Attitudes

• Global Ranking: India has closed 64.4% of its overall gender gap, though it still ranks 131st out of 148 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index 2025.
• Public Perception:
  • 69% of Indian respondents believe women in leadership roles improve outcomes.
  • 63% identify as feminists, significantly exceeding the global average of 38%.
• Financial Inclusion: Women now hold 39.2% of all bank accounts, indicating improved access to formal financial services.

⚠️ Persistent Challenges

• Low Female Labour Force Participation (FLFPR): The rate remains low at 41.7% (2023–24).
• Informal & Unequal Work: Women are overrepresented in informal, insecure jobs and continue to face an average wage gap.
• Education Gaps: While overall literacy is 80.9%, disparities persist across gender and region.
• Political Representation: Women hold only a small share of seats in Parliament and senior leadership roles, indicating limited political representation.

🔍 Impact & Significance

• Economic Growth: Achieving equal participation is projected to significantly boost India’s GDP.
• National Mandate: Gender equality is a fundamental requirement for fairness, inclusive growth, and meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

📌 Useful for: Group Discussions (GD), Lecturettes, and Personal Interviews (PI).