NSO Survey: 92% Indian Women and only 27% men take part in unpaid domestic work

The National Statistical Office conducted a survey between January 2019 and December 2019. According to the survey, 92% of Indian Women and only 27% of men participate in employment related activities.

Key Findings of the Survey

• Only 22% of Indian women participated in employment related activities. On the other hand, 71% of men participated in employment related activities.
• In rural area the employment related activities were as follows
  • Male: 69.7%
  • Female: 22.5%
• In Urban Area, the Employment related activities were as follows
  • Male: 73%
  • Female: 19.9%
• In rural areas, the unpaid domestic works were as follows
  • Male: 29.2%
  • Female: 93.2%
• In Urban areas, the unpaid domestic works were as follows
  • Male: 22.5%
  • Female: 88.8%

States

The Percentage that participated in unpaid domestic activities were the highest in Assam, Goa and Arunachal Pradesh. In the Southern, western and central states more women went to work as compared to other states. However, Goa outlines where more men participated in household works. In northern and eastern states, majority women participated in household works.

Gender Gap in India

India ranked 112^th out of 153 countries in Global Gender Gap Index, 2020. The Gender Gap Index is published by the World Economic Forum. The index said that Indian women were not getting same access to health as that of men. On the other hand, the Gender Inequality Index is released by United Nations Development Programme.

Legal and Constitutional Safeguards

• Article 15 of the Constitution provides prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sex
• The Sati Prevention Act, 1987 makes the inhuman custom of Sati punishable
• The Special Marriage Act, 1954 gives rightful status to married couples
• Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act stopped female infanticide
• Section 304 B was added to Indian Penal Code to make bride burning and dowry offences punishable.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2020