Globalisation: Impact on Indian Women
Positive Impacts
- Increased employment opportunities: Globalisation has opened doors for women in various sectors, particularly IT and IT-enabled services. This offers financial independence and a chance to build careers.
- Education and skill development: With a growing need for skilled professionals, there’s a greater emphasis on female education and skill development programs. This empowers women to participate in the workforce.
- Entrepreneurship: Globalisation has exposed women to new ideas and business models, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs. Microfinance initiatives further empower women to start small businesses.
- Greater awareness and activism: Exposure to international movements for women’s rights and gender equality can raise awareness and inspire activism within India. Social media can play a role in amplifying these voices.
Negative Impacts
- Unequal access to opportunities: The benefits of globalisation may not reach all women equally. Rural women and those from marginalized communities may still face limitations in education, skill development, and access to jobs.
- Exploitation in the workforce: Women employed in certain sectors, like garment manufacturing, may face unfair labour practices, low wages, and unsafe working conditions.
- The commodification of women: Globalisation can lead to the portrayal of women as objects in advertising and media, reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes.
- Increased workload: Women working outside the home may still be expected to fulfil traditional domestic roles, leading to a double burden.