Question

What is the primary definition of women's empowerment?

• A. Women gaining financial independence and owning property.
• B. The process by which women become aware of gender based unequal power relationships and gain a greater voice against inequality.
• C. Women achieving equal representation in political offices and leadership roles.
• D. Women accessing higher education and skilled job training opportunities.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. The process by which women become aware of gender based unequal power relationships and gain a greater voice against inequality.

Understanding Women's Empowerment

Core Concept:

• Women's empowerment is fundamentally about enabling women to recognize and challenge unequal power structures, particularly those based on gender.

• It involves a shift in consciousness where women become aware of societal inequalities and their own rights.

Key Components:

• Awareness of Inequality: Understanding how gender biases affect opportunities, resources, and decision-making power in personal, social, economic, and political spheres.

• Gaining Voice: Developing the confidence and ability to express opinions, assert rights, and advocate for change.

• Challenging Power Relations: Actively questioning and seeking to dismantle patriarchal systems and discriminatory practices.

• Agency and Control: Empowered women gain greater control over their lives, choices, and futures.

Relevance in Development Economics & Kerala Model:

• The Kerala Model of Development has historically placed significant emphasis on human capital development, including strong indicators in female education and health.

• Empowerment is a crucial, often debated, aspect of this model; while Kerala shows progress in social indicators, achieving full economic and political empowerment for women remains an ongoing objective.

• Competitive exams often assess the understanding of empowerment as a process that moves beyond mere social development to include active participation and challenging existing power dynamics.