Women find their foothold

When women get empowered with choice and opportunity, amazing things begin to happen. We have already seen the evidence of this in the microfinance sector.

There are an estimated 4.3 million self-groups, consisting of about 10 to 15 members each and most of these 45 million members are women. These groups have an average saving of Rs 22,000. Slowly but surely, the women in these groups, with their access to even small amounts of money, are gaining confidence, a proper voice in the family, and an opportunity to lift the family out of poverty.

In India, we have also seen the fascinating story of one million elected women panchayat leaders. I have met some of them, and although there are still numerous problems, there are clearly many strong grassroots leaders in the making. This can only have a beneficial impact on the society as a whole and gender issues in particular. We have a long way to go to ensure equal rights being realised for women, in spite of many progressive laws in the country. This is the big unfinished agenda for the nation. Political representation is certainly one way by which women can re-imagine the idea of the state and society itself, towards more justice and equity.

On International Women’s Day, let us hope fervently for the change!

Rohini Nilekani is the chairperson of Arghyam (www.arghyam.org) and chairperson of Pratham Books (www.prathambooks.org)