16 May Self-employment of women
Self-employment of women
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Self employment of women”. The topic “Self-employment of women” has relevance in the Economy section for the UPSC CSE exam.
Relevance of the topic “ODF+ Village”
For Prelims:
What is the Self-employment of women?
For Mains:
GS 3: Economy
What is the significance of Self-employment for women?
What are the challenges faced by women in getting employment opportunities?
Way Forward
Why in the news?
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised the efforts towards self employment of women.
What is the Self-employment of women?
Self-employment of women refers to the situation where women work for themselves or operate their own businesses rather than being employed by someone else.
It involves women taking on the role of entrepreneurs, freelancers, or independent contractors, and being responsible for their own business decisions, income generation, and financial well-being.
What is the significance of Self-employment for women?
Te significance of women in labor market increases their contribution and alow ther empowerment. It also allows the expansion of the economy wen half of the workforce contribute in the economic processes.
- Economic Empowerment: Self-employment allows women to generate their own income and become financially independent.
- Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Self-employment offers women the flexibility to set their own working hours, which can be beneficial for those juggling multiple responsibilities such as caregiving, parenting, or pursuing further education.
- Career Advancement: Self-employment provides a platform for women to advance their careers on their own terms. They have the freedom to explore their passions, develop their skills, and pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
- Overcoming Gender Barriers: Women often face gender biases and barriers in the traditional job market, including limited opportunities for leadership positions and unequal treatment.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: Women’s self-employment has a positive impact on the broader economy. Women entrepreneurs create jobs, contribute to innovation, and stimulate economic growth.
- Empowerment and Confidence: Self-employment can boost women’s self-esteem, confidence, and sense of empowerment. By successfully running their own businesses, women gain a sense of accomplishment, autonomy, and control over their professional lives.
- Role Modeling and Inspiration: Women in self-employment serve as role models and sources of inspiration for other women and girls. Their success stories encourage others to pursue entrepreneurship, challenge societal norms, and believe in their own capabilities.
What are the challenges faced by women in getting employment opportunities? Women often face various challenges in accessing employment opportunities, including:
- Gender Bias and Discrimination: Women may encounter bias and discrimination in the hiring process, promotions, and career advancement. Stereotypes and societal expectations can lead to unequal treatment and limited opportunities for women in certain industries or leadership positions.
- Pay Gap and Wage Disparity: Gender pay gaps persist, with women earning less than men for performing the same work. Wage disparities can limit women’s financial independence and perpetuate economic inequality.
- Lack of Access to Education and Skills Training: Limited access to quality education and skills training can hinder women’s ability to acquire the necessary qualifications for employment opportunities. Gender-based barriers, such as early marriage or cultural norms, may restrict girls’ access to education.
- Work-Life Balance Challenges: Balancing work and family responsibilities, including caregiving and household tasks, can be a significant challenge for women. Limited availability of flexible work arrangements or supportive policies, such as parental leave or affordable childcare, can make it difficult for women to pursue employment opportunities.
- Occupational Segregation: Certain industries and professions are traditionally dominated by one gender, leading to occupational segregation. This can limit women’s options and restrict their access to higher-paying or leadership roles.
- Lack of Role Models and Mentorship: Limited visibility of women in leadership positions and a lack of mentors can make it harder for women to navigate career paths and access guidance or support.
- Bias in Entrepreneurial Funding: Women entrepreneurs often face challenges in accessing funding and investment opportunities for their businesses. Gender biases and stereotypes can influence investment decisions, leading to disparities in access to capital.
- Workplace Harassment and Hostile Environments: Women may encounter workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, which creates hostile environments and negatively impacts their well-being and career progression.
- Limited Representation in Decision-Making Roles: Women’s underrepresentation in decision-making roles and positions of power can result in policies and practices that do not adequately address women’s needs and perspectives.
What are the initiatives taken by the government to aid women in self-employment?
- Mudra Loan for Women
- Annapurna Scheme
- Stree Shakti Yojana
- Dena Shakti Scheme
- Bhartiya Mahila Bank Business Loan
- Mahila Udyam Nidhi Yojana
- Orient Mahila Vikas Yojana Scheme
Way Forward
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive efforts, including promoting gender equality, eliminating bias and discrimination, providing equal access to education and skills training, implementing supportive work policies, and fostering inclusive work environments. Organizations and societies must actively work towards creating equal opportunities for women to thrive in the workforce.
Source:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1924357
- What is the significance of Self-employment for women? What are the challenges faced by women in gaining employment opportunities?
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