Women in India
| General Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Maternal mortality (per 100,000) | 112 |
| Women in parliament | 14.5% |
| Women over 25 with secondary education | 41.8% [M: 53.6%] |
| Women in labour force | 27.2% [M: 78.8%] |
| Gender Inequality Index | |
| Value | 0.490 (2021) |
| Rank | 122nd out of 191 |
| Global Gender Gap Index | |
| Value | 0.629 (2022) |
| Rank | 135th out of 146 |
| Part of a series on |
| Women in society |
|---|
The status of women in India has been subject to many changes over the time of recorded India's history. Their position in society underwent significant changes during India's ancient period, particularly in the Indo-Aryan speaking regions, and their subordination continued to be reified well into India's early modern period.
During the British East India Company rule (1757–1857), and the British Raj (1858–1947), measures affecting women's status, including reforms initiated by Indian reformers and colonial authorities, were enacted, including Bengal Sati Regulation, 1829, Hindu Widows' Remarriage Act, 1856, Female Infanticide Prevention Act, 1870, and Age of Consent Act, 1891. The Indian constitution prohibits discrimination based on sex and empowers the government to undertake special measures for them. Women's rights under the Constitution of India mainly include equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination; additionally, India has various statutes governing the rights of women.
Several women have served in various senior official positions in the Indian government, including that of the President of India, the Prime Minister of India, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. However, many women in India continue to face significant difficulties. The rates of malnutrition are high among adolescent girls and pregnant and lactating women in India, with repercussions for children's health. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, is a serious concern in India.