KDB editorial

Women Empowerment: Issues and Challenges

Swamiji rightly told- “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly only with one wing.’’ But still, the condition of women is in doldrums. Since inception, gender inequality is an integral part of each and every society. Biju (2006) in his study, shows that social differentiation & inequality are universal phenomenon. Today gender has become a common problem all over the world. However the form & extent of gender problem varies from society to society, the gender issue in both these societies is found in different levels.

Dear readers,

You are perhaps aware of the term ‘Women Empowerment’. The term is newly included in gender studies. UNITED NATIONS POPULATION INFORMATION NETWORK (POPIN) defines women empowerment as equality in opportunity, equality between gender, ethnic group, social classes, age, strengthening the life chances, collective participation in all sphere of life - cultural, economic, and political, development process, decision making process etc.

Role of women in developing countries in general and in India in particular has undergone remarkable changes with concurrent several socio-politico and economic aspects in last few decades. On the other hand, remarkable number of women are still suffering.  In this context, KDB concentrates on the major issues and challenges of Women Empowerment. The present issue of KDB is also a modest endeavour to highlight the vision of Swamiji on Women Empowerment.

KDB just crossed the hurdle of one year. A big thanks to the readers and well-wishers for their overwhelming response. 

Photo: Taken by Atanu Deb, During a SHG meeting at Paruldaha, West Bengal