Administration for Empowerment and Welfare of Women

Administration for the empowerment and welfare of women implies a difference in approach and perspective as compared to the traditional system of administration, which was of a regulatory nature, it calls for administrative measures that cater to both the material and non-material need of women. Women are not a homogeneous category and hence the empowerment and welfare needs and priorities of different groups of women will be different. it is, therefore, imperative to integrate in the system, the values, which inculcate respect for women, their roles, responsibilities and recognize their contribution in society. It can broadly be seen as a process that enables women to colle4ctively have access to and control over institutions that affects their lives. The present volume makes an attempt to correlate, analyse and provide an understanding and perspective to the diversity of thought on measures for the empowerment and welfare of women in India. Section I " facts of Women Empowerment" reflects on the general condition of women and how they have been a neglected part of the society. Section II "An Overview of Women development" analyses the various policies and programmes undertaken to integrate women in the process of development. Section III "Status of Women: Some perceptions" reflect upon the relative position of Indian women vis-a-vis men. Section IV "Media perspective on Women development and Empowerment" draws attention to the role of media in perpetuating the prevalent inequalities in society. Section V "Insight into Education for Women Empowerment" highlights the need for training opportunities in light of the existing demands and for the removal of educational inequalities. All articles in this anthology explore the subject differently and expose a unique viewpoint that has rendered an enhanced understanding of the subject. It has also brought to light the fact that women not only need to occupy and partner more spaces in the political, social, economic and other decision-making arenas, but that these spaces should be more meaningful.