THE FAIRER SEX-MAKING IT STRONGER

The most marginalized constituency of human society is that of a
woman. It cuts across the boundaries of caste, creed, religion and region.
In advanced countries, women are enjoying better status but the
condition of women remains generally poor in the third world countries.
Indian society is no exception. Though Indian society is changing fast
yet women in rural and semi-urban areas remain marginalized. Women
did enjoy better status in Vedic ages. They were well looked after, they
could get education and even widow marriage was socially sanctioned.
But in mediaeval times, their condition became deterioted. The practices
of purdah system, dowry and sati degraded the status because of which
daughters are considered a burden. There are many reasons for their
poor status. Illiteracy is the most important of them. Lack of knowledge
awareness of self and society employment opportunities rob women
their freedom. No country can make progress if condition of women
remains deplorable. Thus the need of the hour is that women should be
empowered and their status both in family and society should be
improved. Women improvement has now become buzzword in India.
The last decade witnessed very active and multifaceted efforts in various
national and International forums for achieving principles of equality