Measures to improve the social and economic status of rural women
Women in Agriculture
Lesson 18 : Status Of Women In Rural Families
Measures to improve the social and economic status of rural women
Transforming the prevailing social discrimination against women must become the top priority, and must happen concurrently with increased direct action to rapidly improve the social and economic status of women.
As women receive greater education and training, they will earn more money. As women earn more money - as has been repeatedly shown - they spend it in the further education and health of their children, as opposed to men, who often spend it on drink, tobacco or other women.
As women rise in economic status, they will gain greater social standing in the household and the village, and will have greater voice.
As women gain influence and consciousness, they will make stronger claims to their entitlements - gaining further training, better access to credit and higher incomes - and command attention of police and courts when attacked.
As women's economic power grows, it will be easier to overcome the tradition of "son preference" and thus put an end to the evil of dowry.
As son preference declines and acceptance of violence declines, families will be more likely to educate their daughters, and age of marriage will rise. In this way, a synergy of progress can be achieved.