RE-ACHIEVING THE ‘WORK IN PROGRESS’ FOR INDIAN WOMEN

Abstract

Women Empowerment was arduously made a trend in India through improved plan of actions in various sectors like women’s financial independence; healthy maternal life; delegated domestic work; and liberation from abuse. This progress in 2020 was encountered by COVID-19 pandemic whose incessant spread necessitated women to lock themselves at home to be safe. Leaving only twenty percent women in paid economy, pandemic seized their employment and income, thus making them financially dependent. A demanding realm for women was created all the time by people at home resulting in unlimited unpaid domestic chores and no time for ‘rest and self.’ Disrupted medical services soared Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) by 35.4 percent besides unsafe abortions, less hospital deliveries and high-risk pregnancies. The spread also provided perpetrators a chance to abuse women which got portrayed through 47.2 percent hiked domestic violence, sexual harassment, abduction and cyber-crimes. These marring circumstances denied women of their rights to healthy life and dignity. Measures like work from home, strict legal actions for abuse, providing employment, and shared domestic chores must be practiced in post-pandemic times to re-achieve the milestones of women accreditation and help women accomplish overall well-being.