Women Empowerment in Pune

The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The Constitution not only grants equality to women, but also empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women. Within the framework of a democratic polity, our laws, development policies, Plans and programs have aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres. From the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-78) onwards has been a marked shift in the approach to women’s issues from welfare to development. In recent years, the empowerment of women has been recognized as the central issue in determining the status of women. The National Commission for Women was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1990 to safeguard the rights and legal entitlements of women. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the Constitution of India have provided for reservation of seats in the local bodies of Panchayats and Municipalities for women, laying a strong foundation for their participation in decision making at the local levels.

These are all the provisions which the Constitution has assured for women empowerment. But can we say these goals have been achieved? NO, NOT AT ALL. From past, i would say that Indian women is still unprivileged in villages and in cities, still they have to face difficult problems. There are some NGOS who are trying to strengthen women not only mentally but physically also.

In pune, two city based social organization working for women empowerment very efficiently. They have received international recognition too. The United Nations Human Settlement Program UN-HABITAThas recognized the working model of Savitri Marketing institution for Ladies Empowerment (SMILE) headed by selecting it as the ‘best practices’ organization, while another organization Manasi, founded by Dipti Choudhari has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mauritius Government for a marketing centre and training their officials. The two organizations have been running with infrastructural help from the Pune Municipal Corporation. (Source : Pune Mirror)

Fortunately, Pune is some better and safer than other Indian towns, where the news papers are full of rape and domestic violence. As everywhere, pune is also getting affected of this evil these days. I think, this is the High time when the Government has to make sure for the execution of various women empowerment programs. ‘Bell Bajao’ mission program is a good step toward it.
Women's empowerment refers to the ability of women to transform economic and social development when empowered to fully participate in the decisions that affect their lives through leadership training, coaching, consulting, and the provision of enabling tools for women to lead within their communities, regions, and countries.

Ask yourself one question, one side we claim ourselves a superpower and on the other hand we have not even overcome with the problem of Gender inequality. Is it possible for India to become a superpower with this Male dominated society?? ?

In pune with these small achievement, we can say that women empowerment program is shaping up here but its needs our support, active support. This is our pune, our India.

ARISE AWAKE