Empowerment of women through gainful employment is a constituent—as well as instrument—of development in any country. No country can be deemed developed if half of its population is severely disadvantaged in terms of basic needs, livelihood options, access to knowledge and political voice. A natural corollary of ensuring gender equality is the elimination of gender discrimination.

Women’s lack of economic empowerment not only impedes growth and poverty reduction, but also has a host of other negative impacts including less favourable education and health outcomes for children. Thus, it is extremely important to ensure that women are economically, socially and politically empowered.

1. Women in Indian Society
Grishma Manikrao Khobragade

2. Gender Disparities in India
Kartick Das and Gopal Sharma

3. Education and Women Empowerment
Sera Roy

4. Self-help Groups (SHGs) and Women
Hema Bannerjee

5. Development and Women Empowerment
Jyotsna Saha

6. Women Empowerment through Self-help Groups (SHGs)
D. Sivakumar

7. Micro Finance and Women Empowerment
Jomon Mathew

8. A Legal Perspective of Women Empowerment
Arundhati Bhattacharyya

9. Women Status and Role in India
Juthika Das and Anubhab Sarmah

10. Women’s Work Participation
Sashimatsung

11. Women in Print Advertisements
Amrita Basu Roy Chowdhury

Glossary of Terms Related to Women Empowerment

Index

Kartick Das is presently Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, Mathabhanga College, Coochbehar District, West Bengal. He did his M.A. from Banaras Hindu University, and obtained M.Phil. degree from University of North Bengal, West Bengal. He has published 2 books, 6 papers and 20 articles in different national and international journals. He has successfully completed one research project sponsored by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi. His areas of research interest include tribal studies, inclusive development, mutual funds and finance.

    Gopal Sharma is presently Assistant Professor of Political Science, Sitalkuchi College, Coochbehar District, West Bengal. He obtained his Ph.D. degree from the University of North Bengal, West Bengal. He has participated and presented papers at various national seminars/conferences besides contributing research articles to academic journals of repute. His areas of interest include women empowerment and human rights.