Priyanka Saurabh
The past decade has seen a transformational shift in the aspirations of young Indian women, reflecting their growing autonomy, education, and participation in the workforce. This development is significantly redefining India’s social landscape.
Girls now have equal educational attainment as boys in higher education and skills development, with over 50% of young women completing grade 12 and 26% obtaining a college degree. The National Sample Survey (2017-18) highlights the rising enrollment of women in higher education, with the female gross enrollment ratio reaching 27.3%. Young women are increasingly prioritizing professional ambitions, influenced by access to diverse career paths and digital skills platforms. Programs such as the Skill India Mission and STEM for Girls India have boosted the participation of young women in technical fields.
The average age of marriage has increased from 18.3 years in 2005 to 22 years in 2021, with more young women choosing partners based on compatibility. According to a report, 52% of women have a say in partner selection, up from 42% in 2012. Many young women are striving for economic independence, particularly through entrepreneurship, as the government is offering support for women-led startups. For example, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform by Niti Aayog has fostered a network of over 10,000 women entrepreneurs. Young women are more politically active, with increased participation in self-help groups and local governance. Self-help group membership among rural women has increased from 10% in 2012 to 18% in 2022. These aspirations are challenging traditional social structures and norms. As more women are pursuing careers, traditional gender expectations in households are changing. MNREGA provides equal pay for men and women, which influences rural household dynamics. With greater education and income, young women now have more influence in family financial and social decisions. Self-help groups have empowered rural women to collectively manage household finances. The shift towards later marriages and active participation in choosing a partner has challenged the traditional structure of arranged marriages. There is a report of a decline in child marriages and a preference for later marriages. Increasing independence has normalized women traveling alone for education or work, challenging social restrictions. 54% of women now feel comfortable traveling alone by bus or train, compared to 42% in 2012. Young women are becoming increasingly vocal about gender equality in professional settings, spurring legal and social reforms. The POSHA (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace) Act, 2013 has empowered women to effectively address workplace issues. Young women in self-help groups and gram sabhas are challenging traditional views on women’s role in governance. The Kerala Kudumbashree Mission promotes women-led governance, which has inspired similar models across states.
Indian women are full of energy, vision, vivaciousness, and commitment to face all challenges. In the words of India’s first Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, women for us are not only the light of the home but also the flame of this light. Since time immemorial, women have been the source of inspiration for humanity. From Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi to India’s first female teacher, Savitribai Phule, women have set great examples of change in society at large.
India has moved rapidly towards the Sustainable Development Goals to make the earth a paradise for humanity by 2030. Achieving gender equality and women empowerment is a key part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, special attention has been paid to ensuring women’s participation in important areas like management, environmental protection, and inclusive economic and social development.
The innate leadership qualities in women are assets to society. The famous American religious leader Brigham Young rightly said that when you educate a man, you educate a man. When you educate a woman, you educate a generation.
Through self-help groups (SHGs), women are not only empowering themselves but also contributing to the strength of our economy. With the continuous financial support of the government, their participation in the resolve of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is increasing day by day. In the last 6-7 years, the campaign of women self-help groups has gained momentum. Today there are 70 lakh self-help groups across the country. There is a need to understand the valor of women, which will take us to greater heights of glory. Let us help them move forward and flourish. ‘Amrit Kaal’ should be dedicated to them for the all-round empowerment of women.
The emerging aspirations of young Indian women are increasingly redefining India’s social fabric, fostering a society where gender equality and women’s agency have become the norm. Ensuring supportive policies can accelerate this change, paving the way for an inclusive and empowering future.