Redefining Women’s Empowerment: Beyond Economic Metrics

Today, the concept of women’s empowerment often revolves around economic contributions measured by GDP, per capita income, and other uniform metrics. However, these measures fail to capture the invaluable contributions women make within households.

Economic empowerment allows women to control and benefit from resources, assets, and income, thereby enhancing their well-being and ability to manage risks. When women participate equally in the workforce, economies grow. For instance, closing the gender gap in workforce participation could add $28 trillion to the global GDP. In India, increasing female labour force participation by just 10% could boost the GDP by $770 billion.

However, while economic contributions are vital, this should not be the sole measure of women’s empowerment. This narrow definition overlooks the diverse roles women play in society, particularly within households and communities. Women’s unpaid care work, for example, is invaluable yet often unrecognised in economic metrics.

Historically, women in India have enjoyed periods of significant empowerment. During the Vedic period, women were educated, participated in philosophical debates, and had the freedom to choose their husbands through practices like swayamvara. One of the most significant debates, between Adi Shankaracharya and Mandana Misra, which changed the course of Indian history was judged by a woman named Ubhaya Bharati.

Even beyond that, the role of women in the Gṛhastha ashrama, or householder stage, is crucial in maintaining the balance and functioning of society. Women have always been the nurturers, supporting the other three ashramas (stages of life)—Brahmacharya (students), Vanaprastha (retired persons), and Sannyasa (ascetics), through their dedication and care.

Throughout Indian history, women also contributed through their administrative skills, they have played fundamental roles in shaping the future of our nation. Ahilyabai Holkar, the visionary queen of the Holkar dynasty, transformed her kingdom of Indore into a prosperous and culturally rich region through her effective governance and patronage of architecture and social welfare projects. The importance of her contribution can be gauged from the single fact that it was Ahilyabai who took up the task of rebuilding the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest shrines of the Hindu faith.

Even today, in many tribal societies in India, women enjoy a level of autonomy that is distinct and unique. For instance, the Bhil tribe practices a unique form of marriage known as Bhagoria, where women have the freedom to choose their partners. This practice showcases the respect granted to women in these communities and how they can challenge conventional gender norms. “Will it qualify as women empowerment?”

The best know instances of women’s contribution to the Indian economy is not very new. The story of Lijjat Papad stands as a demonstration of women’s collective entrepreneurship. Founded in 1959 by seven Gujarati women, including Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, Lijjat Papad grew from a small home-based business into a multi-million-dollar cooperative, empowering thousands of women across India. Similarly, the Amul cooperative movement saw significant contributions from women dairy farmers, transforming India’s dairy industry and making Amul a household name.

Women continue to break barriers and lead successful businesses across various industries. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, the founder of Biocon, has made significant contributions to the biotechnology sector. Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, revolutionized the beauty and wellness industry with her e-commerce platform. These women, along with many others, have not only built successful businesses but have also inspired a new generation of female entrepreneurs.

All these examples highlight that Indian society has its own way of understanding and enabling women empowerment not reduced to economic output alone. The diverse nature of women’s roles cannot be measured on a linear scale.

Redefining and repositioning the concept of womanhood in society is crucial as we navigate the complexities of modern life. As the world today grapples with the problems of mental and emotional health, it is even more important not to look solely at  economic wellbeing.

The traditional roles and contributions of women have often been overlooked, especially in the context of economic growth and development. Recognizing the diverse roles women play across different regions and communities in India allows us to appreciate their unique strengths and contributions. By revisiting and celebrating the rich heritage of feminine energy, we must construct a more inclusive and empowering environment.

In the modern quest for economic output, women are often pressured to adopt masculine traits to compete in a uniform framework of achievement. But in India, every culture has its unique way of presenting womanhood and its strength, and this can be a guiding light for the world.

With the great vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to make India a developed nation, it is imperative to ensure that India acknowledges and celebrates its indigenous ways of understanding feminine empowerment.