Release of Publication “Women and Men in India 2023″
Context:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 25th edition of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2023.”
- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic conditions of women and men in India, highlighting key trends and disparities across various domains such as population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making.
- The publication serves as an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and the public to understand gender dynamics in India and to inform the development of gender-sensitive policies.
Key Highlights of the Report:
- Population Projections:
- By 2036, India’s population is expected to reach 152.2 crore, with a slight increase in the female percentage from 48.5% in 2011 to 48.8% in 2036.
- The sex ratio is projected to improve from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, indicating a positive trend toward gender equality.
- The proportion of individuals under 15 years is expected to decrease due to declining fertility, while the population aged 60 years and above is anticipated to increase significantly.
- Fertility Trends:
- The Age Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR) in the age group of 20-24 and 25-29 years has declined from 135.4 and 166.0 in 2016 to 113.6 and 139.6 in 2020, respectively.
- An increase in ASFR for women aged 35-39 years from 32.7 to 35.6 during the same period indicates that women are choosing to expand their families later in life.
- Adolescent Fertility Rate was notably lower for literate women (11.0) compared to illiterate women (33.9) in 2020, emphasizing the importance of education in reducing early fertility.
- Maternal and Infant Mortality:
- India has achieved a significant milestone by reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20, making it feasible to meet the SDG target of reducing MMR to 70 by 2030.
- The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for both males and females has decreased, with the gap between the sexes closing, as IMR for both was 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020.
- The Under-5 Mortality Rate also declined from 43 in 2015 to 32 in 2020, with a reduced gap between boys and girls.
- Labour Force Participation:
- The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for individuals aged 15 years and above has been increasing for both males and females since 2017-18.
- Male LFPR increased from 75.8% to 78.5%, while female LFPR saw a significant rise from 23.3% to 37% between 2017-18 and 2022-23.
- Political Participation:
- Women’s electoral participation has seen a significant rise, with their turnout increasing from less than 60% before the 15th National Election (1999) to 67.2% in the 2019 elections.
- For the first time in history, the voter turnout percentage for women was marginally higher than that for men, indicating increasing political awareness and literacy among women.
- Women in Start-ups:
- Since January 2016, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has recognized 1,17,254 start-ups, with 47.6% being women-led.
- This highlights the growing influence of women entrepreneurs in India’s start-up ecosystem, with 55,816 start-ups led by women.
Significance:
- The “Women and Men in India 2023” report is a crucial tool for understanding the progress and challenges in achieving gender equality in India. It provides valuable insights into demographic changes, socio-economic trends, and the impact of policies aimed at improving the status of women and men.
- The data and analysis presented in this publication are essential for developing informed and inclusive policies that promote gender equity and ensure sustainable development.
- As India continues to work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this report serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and advocates working to bridge the gender gap in various sectors.Source: PIB
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