Gender division tends to be understood as natural and unchangeable. It is not based on biology but on social expectations and stereotypes. The result of this division of labour is that though women constitute half of humanity, their role in public life, especially politics, is minimal in most societies. Earlier, only men were allowed to participate in public affairs, vote and contest for public offices. Gradually the gender issue was raised in politics. It demanded to enhance the political and legal status of women and improve their educational and career opportunities. The movements which were raised by women to get equality in personal and family life are called Feminist movements.

The political expression of gender division and political mobilisation helped to improve women’s role in public life. As India is a male-dominated, patriarchal society, women face disadvantage, discrimination and oppression in various ways:

The literacy rate among women is only 54 per cent compared with 76 per cent among men.

On average, an Indian woman works one hour more than an average man every day and yet much of her work is not paid

The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 provides that equal wages should be paid for equal work.

In India, sex-selective abortion led to a decline in the child sex ratio (number of girls children per thousand boys).

Urban areas have become particularly unsafe for women.

What is gender division based on?