Educated Women Usher in Positive Social Change to Growing Nations
Written by Kayla Laughton
Girls are strong, girls are powerful, and girls deserve access to education. In India, the lack of educated girls is due in part to the country's cultural norms. Yet, it is well established that educated women usher in positive social change and many other benefits to growing nations (Catalyst, 2020).
Indian women occupy a secondary position within a hierarchical society, so, unsurprisingly, the female literacy rate is more than 10% below the male literacy rate. Over 80% of India’s male population is literate, while less than 70% of India’s female population is literate (Bhat, 2015). In the state of Rajasthan, only 43% of women are literate. This disparity perpetuates the unequal treatment of women within India’s society. Only 20% of women in India participate in the workforce (Catalyst, 2020). This is especially true in India's rural communities, where women are leaving the labor force in higher numbers than their urban counterparts (Catalyst, 2020). Lack of education leads to poor economic security; this often results in women being less likely to escape abusive relationships and unable to support themselves and their children on their own.
Economically, if only 10% more of India's female population entered into the workforce, India would see a GDP increase of over $700 billion by 2025 (Catalyst, 2020). This increase could build better infrastructure and stimulate India's economy. Studies have found that educated women are more likely to encourage their children to get an education (Bhat, 2015). With 25% of India’s population being under 15, educated mothers encouraging their children to go to school could potentially boost India’s economy and decrease the wage gap (Statista, 2020). Additionally, infant mortality rates and maternal deaths decrease with a more highly educated female population (Bhat, 2015). In India, pregnancy-related complications are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19 (UNICEF).
Sambhali U.S. is actively supporting Sambhali Trust’s efforts to educate women and girls in Rajasthan, India. Education programs in Hindi, English, and math ensure that women and girls have access to a foundational curriculum Sambhali Trust provides medical and legal information along with a variety of workshops on issues ranging from the environment to business development. Ensuring girls access to education involves more than just providing classes; it requires ensuring their wellbeing, providing a safe space, a community, and providing other needed resources found at Sambhali Trust’s boarding homes and empowerment centers.
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Cited Sources:
Bhat, Rouf Ahmad. "Role of Education in the Empowerment of Women in India.” Journal of Education and Practice. 2015. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1081705.pdf
Catalyst, Quick Take: Women in the Workforce – India (October 28, 2020). https://www.catalyst.org/research/women-in-the-workforce-india/#:~:text=Despite%20this%20growth%2C%20less%20than,to%2076.0%25%20of%20men).&text=Women%20account%20for%20only%2019.9,total%20labor%20force%20in%20India
India: Age Distribution from 2009 to 2019, Statista, October 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/271315/age-distribution-in-india/
Maternal Health – UNICEF’s Concerted Action to Increase Access to Quality Maternal Health Services, UNICEF. https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/maternal-health#:~:text=Total%20estimated%20annual%20maternal%20deaths,and%2019%20years%20of%20age.