Akshey Kumar
(Researcher and Digital Creator)
Anation cannot progress if half of its population remains underutilized. Women constitute nearly 48% of India's population, and their participation in social, economic and political life is essential for the country's sustainable development. From managing households to contributing in science, governance, business and agriculture, women play a critical role in shaping the foundation of a strong and progressive nation. Therefore, empowering women and ensuring their equal participation in every sector is not merely a matter of social justice but a necessary condition for national development.
One of the most important areas where women contribute to nation building is the economy. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the female labour force participation rate in India has increased significantly in recent years, rising from about 23.3% in 2017-18 to over 41% in 2023-24. This indicates that more women are entering the workforce and actively contributing to economic productivity.
However, studies suggest that women currently contribute only around 17-18% to India's GDP, which shows that a large economic potential still remains untapped. Women also play a vital role in agriculture and rural development. In rural India, millions of women work in farming, livestock management and food production. Agriculture employs nearly 45% of India's workforce, and women form a substantial part of this labour force. Their contribution ensures food security, rural stability and sustainable agricultural growth. In recent years, women have also emerged as successful entrepreneurs and innovators. Government initiatives such as Startup India and Stand-Up India have encouraged female entrepreneurship across the country. As a result, thousands of women-led startups are now contributing to economic growth, job creation and innovation. This growing presence of women in business is gradually transforming the economic landscape of India.
Despite these contributions, women remain underrepresented in leadership and political decision-making. In the 2024 Lok Sabha, only about 14% of Members of Parliament are women, which reflects the need for greater representation in governance. Increasing women's participation in politics can lead to more inclusive and balanced policies, especially in areas like healthcare, education and social welfare.
We are living in the 21st century. The world has become modern, technology is advancing rapidly, and India is progressing in many fields. We proudly say that our country is developing and moving forward. However, despite all this progress, there are still many places where the safety of women remains a serious concern.
Even today, I have seen many situations where girls hesitate to step outside alone, especially at night. Fear still exists in their daily lives. As a boy, I want to share a personal experience that made me think deeply about this issue.
One night, I was walking alone around 1 a.m. in a place that felt almost deserted and silent. The surroundings were uncomfortable, and I could see several people wandering around who seemed intoxicated. Honestly, I was scared too. Anyone would feel afraid in such an environment. However, despite my fear, no one approached me or tried to harm me.
Later, a thought suddenly crossed my mind. Perhaps nothing happened because I was a boy.
Then I imagined the same situation differently. What if, instead of me, a girl had been walking through that same lonely place at 1 a.m.? What would she have felt at that moment? The fear, the uncertainty, the constant worry about her safety. Would she have felt safe enough to walk freely? Or would every step have been filled with anxiety and vulnerability?
At that moment, I realized something important. My safety in that situation might not have come from courage or strength it might simply have come from the fact that I am a man.
This realization made me understand the everyday fear that many women silently carry with them. True progress as a society will only happen when a woman can walk alone at night with the same sense of safety and freedom that men often take for granted.
Conclusion:
The progress of a nation should not only be measured by technology, infrastructure or economic growth, but also by how safe and respected women feel in society. Data already shows that women are contributing significantly to nation building-whether through the rising female labour force participation rate of over 41% (PLFS 2023-24) or their growing role in entrepreneurship, agriculture and education. Yet, safety and equality still remain major concerns. True development will be achieved only when women can move freely without fear and participate equally in every sphere of life. A nation becomes truly strong when its women feel safe, empowered and respected |
