Participation of women in inclusive development pathways: A study of initiatives of Government of India

The issues of gender inequality have always remained a hindrance in the development path. It has been observed that even when a nation has achieved economic propensity social inequality has always been a concern. Women, in this area are the most vulnerable group. Socio-economic and political discrimination against women has always been the crux of the problem of deterrents from achieving inclusive growth. On the other hand, women have been the central of development initiatives of the nation. They are capable of contributing to the development process. In fact, a country’s prosperity depends much on the involvement of women in mainstream development programmes. Instead, many international organizations, and Government of India have observed that the issues related to women and, therefore their participation are mostly left out of the primary development goals, which result in a further delayed and disjoined process of change. As a result, international organisations have suggested measures to reduce gender discrimination and evolve a holistic approach to development. In this context Government of India has initiated proactive measures to incorporate the issues of women in its development agenda. For decades, such initiative has brought a positive change in the lives of the people and as a result, to the entire nation.