Share of higher education enrollment in India FY 2002-2015 by gender
Challenges to women’s empowerment
The root cause for the decline in the number of educated women in India was attributed to gender inequality lying at the core of social norms and the education system. Discrimination was one of the factors contributing to India being one of the most dangerous countries for women in the world as of 2018. Inadequate healthcare, especially in terms of family planning, was another issue that posed a setback to women’s empowerment.
Women’s safety in India
Sexual assault was the highest reported crime against women in the country. While Delhi has earned itself the title of the “rape capital of India”, states such as Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh reported a record number of rape victims in the recent years. Cyberspace has also become a site for increasing cases of sexual harassment and exploitation of both female adults and minors. What seems necessary to make the nation a safe and secure place for all genders is an overhaul of both the social mindset and the education system.