Status of Women in India: An Overview

The economic independence is regarded to be the prime basis for enhancing the status and position of women at home as well in society. Government is playing a significant role in improving sex ratio by implementing several laws. But, due to socio-cultural and economic reasons, problem still persist. This paper reviews status of women in rural and urban India based on secondary census data. Lack of adequate resources prevents women from poorer households using health services. Poor sanitation, unhygienic surroundings and difficulty in procuring safe drinking water are some additional factors that affect the general health of women. The representation of women at the grassroots level has improved significantly. But at the higher rung it is dismal. As the literacy rate is improving in rural settings but when it is compared with urban area it is still lacking behind.