CBSE · Class 10 · Social Science · Civics: Gender, Religion and CasteDiscuss how women face discrimination and oppression in Indian society. Explain the various dimensions of the sexual division of labour and the measures taken to achieve political representation for women.

Introduction to Gender Discrimination in India\nGender division is a form of hierarchical social division seen everywhere, but rarely recognized in the same way as caste or class. It tends to be understood as natural and unchangeable, based on biology rather than social expectations and stereotypes.

The Sexual Division of Labour

• Definition: The sexual division of labour is a system in which all work inside the home is either done by the women of the family, or organized by them through the domestic help they employ.
• Role Assignment: Boys and girls are brought up to believe that the main responsibility of women is housework and bringing up children. This is reflected in a simple fact: most women do some sort of paid work in addition to domestic labour, but their work is not valued and does not get recognition.
• Public and Private Sphere: Although women constitute half of the 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 elections. Gradually, gender division became a political issue as women's movements raised equality issues globally.

Women's Political Representation

• The Need for Representation: In India, the proportion of women in legislature has been very low. For example, the percentage of elected women members in the Lok Sabha has never reached even 15 percent of its total strength. Their share in the state assemblies is less than 5 percent. India is among the bottom group of nations in the world in this respect.
• Legal and Constitutional Measures: To solve this problem, the best way is to legally bind a fair proportion of seats to be elected by women. Panchayati Raj in India has done precisely this. One-third of seats in local government bodies (panchayats and municipalities) are now reserved for women.
• Demand for Reservation: Women's organizations and activists have been demanding a similar reservation of at least one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women. A bill to this effect has been tabled in Parliament multiple times, showing the ongoing struggle for true gender justice and political empowerment in a patriarchal society.