Kevin Hempel’s Post

JustJobs Network’s Centre for Gender Analysis, in collaboration with the Fiscal Policy Institute, Government of Karnataka, launches the first in a series of three studies to understand the impact of the Shakti Scheme on women’s employment outcomes. Shakti Yojane – a ‘fare-free public transit for women’ policy – launched in July 2023 by the Government of Karnataka to provide women with fare-free rides in non-premium, state-run buses. This scheme is aimed to improve women’s participation in education and employment by making transportation more accessible for them. Today, we release the first in a series of three reports investigating the effectiveness of this policy on women’s labour force participation, access to better-quality jobs, and perceived change in agency due to higher mobility and financial savings. We invite you to view this report and join the conversation. https://lnkd.in/gGbZBu_K #gender #womenatwork #empowerment #income #Karnataka Uma Mahadevan-Dasgupta L K Atheeq Sabina Dewan Raghav Chakravarthy Prerna Seth Huê-Tâm Jamme Government of Karnataka WRI India International Development Research Centre (IDRC) IWWAGE -an initiative of LEAD at Krea University International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) Ministry of Women & Child Development Ministry of Labour and Employment, GOI Azim Premji University

There seems to be a siloed narrative around bridging the #gender gap in India's #labour force, particularly the oversimplified focus on increasing women's participation and getting them to get their diplomas as the primary means of empowerment. Such perspectives risk "#mansplaining" the issue by ignoring the deeper societal, cultural, and structural #barriers that continue to hinder true #genderequality. Dakshita Dass & I write in Deccan Herald on why #womenempowerment is far deeper… True empowerment requires dignified work, growth opportunities, and leadership roles. Education should focus on fostering leadership and critical thinking rather than simply equipping women with diplomas for specific job markets. The burden of unpaid labour on women is often ignored in labor force discussions. Policies addressing childcare, eldercare, and household responsibilities are essential. The traditional definition of "work" excludes the valuable unpaid contributions women make, which should be recognised and valued in discussions of gender equality. Empowerment is not just about job numbers; it encompasses agency, protection from violence, political representation, and the freedom to challenge societal norms. https://lnkd.in/dzpK5edu

As we celebrate womanhood on International Women’s Day we must also remember that women’s empowerment or gender equity is not just about increased female labour force participation. We must strive to empower women through improved livelihoods, autonomy, and equal opportunity. At JustJobs Network, our research has always delved into the gendered differential outcomes of policy instruments i.e. how a policy, a programme, a regulatory action or a budget allocation may be common for all but can still have different outcomes or impacts for different genders.    In a pioneering stride towards understanding how decisions are made, how budgets are allocated, and how policies, regulations, and schemes impact women's economic participation and outcomes, 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 launched the 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 (𝐂𝐆𝐀), in 2023. CGA’s goal is to bring about systemic change by creating an environment that empowers women economically.   A key partnership that the CGA has forged during its brief time of operation has been with the Fiscal Policy Institute, Government of Karnataka. As part of this MoU, CGA is conducting a baseline study to understand the initial impact of Karnataka’s Shakti scheme – which provides free bus rides to women – on women’s mobility and their access to employment opportunities and public spaces. This brief – 𝑀𝑜𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛’𝑠 𝐸𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑦𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠 – presents the methodology and initial findings of the baseline study conducted in September and October 2023. To access the brief, click on this link: https://lnkd.in/gYUf5cjd #CGA #gender #employment #mobility #internationalwomensday2024

In India, addressing the gender gap in labor force participation, especially in rural areas, is gaining momentum. While increasing women's employment is crucial, true empowerment transcends mere numbers. It involves fostering an environment where women can thrive socially and economically. This includes enhancing education, promoting skill development, and supporting women's rights. The focus must shift to creating sustainable opportunities that empower women, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #RuralDevelopment #LabourForceParticipation #India

Nissy S. and I write about the low women labour force participation rate in #Kerala #CPPRIndia

WOMEN IN INDIA .... RISING & SHINING There has been a significant upswing with respect to women's empowerment in India. More & more women are participating in the workforce, and have achieved high positions across the various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment. EMPOWERING WOMEN In recent years, there have been many positive developments in India’s efforts to empower women. The Government of India has implemented several programmes and policies aimed at improving women’s health, education, and providing economic opportunities. The Government of India has granted various legal rights to women, over the years, to promote, and support gender equality and protect their interests. These include: * RIGHT TO EQUALITY Article 14 of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to equality to all citizens, regardless of their gender. * RIGHT TO EDUCATION The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, makes it mandatory for all children, including girls, between the ages of 6 and 14 to receive education. * RIGHT TO WORK The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, ensures that men and women receive equal pay for the same work. * RIGHT AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, provides a framework for addressing complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace. * RIGHT TO PROPERTY The Hindu Succession Act, 1956, was amended in 2005 to give equal inheritance rights to daughters in Hindu families. * RIGHT TO MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, gives women the right to seek divorce on various grounds, including cruelty and adultery. * RIGHT TO HEALTH The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, provides women with paid maternity leave and other benefits during pregnancy and childbirth. * RIGHT AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, provides legal protection to women from physical, emotional, and verbal abuse by their spouses or relatives. While women in India have come a long way in terms of legal rights, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure full gender equality and protect them from discrimination and violence. SO LET'S JOIN HANDS AND WORK TOGETHER TO BREAK THE GENDER STEREOTYPES BY PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING WOMEN'S ’s HEALTH, EDUCATION, and ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT. HAPPY WOMEN'S DAY !!!

Women in Indian society navigate a complex landscape shaped by tradition, modernity, and ongoing social transformations. While India has made significant strides towards gender equality, various challenges persist, highlighting both progress and areas needing attention. Education: Over recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in female literacy rates, yet disparities persist, particularly in rural areas. Access to quality education remains a crucial factor in empowering women and narrowing gender gaps in employment and leadership roles. Economic Participation: Women's participation in the workforce has increased, yet they continue to face barriers such as wage gaps, limited access to formal employment, and occupational segregation. Initiatives promoting entrepreneurship and vocational training aim to enhance economic opportunities for women. Health and Reproductive Rights: Health outcomes for women have improved, yet challenges like maternal mortality rates and access to healthcare persist, especially in marginalized communities. Efforts to promote reproductive health and rights are critical for women's overall well-being. Legal Reforms: Legal reforms have sought to protect women from violence and discrimination, with legislation addressing issues like dowry harassment, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Implementation and awareness remain crucial for effective enforcement of these laws. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional gender roles and societal expectations continue to influence women's lives, impacting their autonomy, decision-making power, and freedom of movement. Changing mindsets through education and awareness campaigns is essential for challenging harmful practices and promoting gender equality. Political Representation: Women's political participation has seen significant strides with reservation of seats in local governance bodies. Increasing representation in decision-making processes is crucial for addressing women's issues and advancing gender-sensitive policies. Despite these challenges, Indian women have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and commitment to driving social change. Grassroots movements, advocacy initiatives, and increasing societal awareness contribute to advancing women's rights and gender equality in India. Moving forward, continued efforts are essential to address systemic barriers, promote inclusive development, and empower women to fulfill their potential as equal and active participants in society. #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #India #SocialChange #WomenRights

Women in India face numerous challenges across various sectors including the workplace, education, healthcare, and political representation. This article provides a quick overview of this issue. #women #workpalce #india #education #womeninworkplace #healthcare #politics #analytics #women #gender #equality #genderequality #inequality #oppression https://lnkd.in/dFSvW5dz

Let's face it, we've all dreamt of having a personal assistant who folds laundry while we conquer the world (or at least our inboxes). But for many Indian women, that's their reality - except it's unpaid and often goes unnoticed. Then the so called 70-HR work week Men, go out preaching about career priorisation and career building while they are mastering the art of the remote control at home!! This invisible workload isn't just a time drain, it's a massive contribution to the economy. We're talking 10-60% of the GDP globally! Imagine where we'd be without these unpaid wonder women? The New Indian Express  International Institute for Population Sciences Tata Institute of Social Sciences #GenderEquality #UnpaidWork #EconomicEmpowerment #WorkLifeBalance #GenderDisparities #DataInsights P.S. Let's advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and work-life balance for everyone.

Women Empowerment: Pathways to Equality and Opportunity On 25th September 2024, a group discussion was held on the theme of "Women Empowerment: Pathways to Equality and Opportunity." The discussion focused on creating a more inclusive society for women across Tamil Nadu and India, especially those from marginalized or lower socio-economic backgrounds. The participants shared insights on how women can access opportunities for growth and achieve equality. 1. Bridging the Education Gap: Education is the foundation of empowerment. The discussion emphasized the need for policies and programs to promote education among girls in rural and urban areas, with special attention to marginalized communities. Several suggestions were raised, such as: Increasing awareness of government schemes that support female education. Encouraging digital literacy among women to help them tap into global opportunities. 2. Employment and Economic Independence: Participants highlighted the importance of economic independence for women to achieve true empowerment. This included improving access to job opportunities, especially in sectors where women are underrepresented. Recommendations included: Vocational training programs to skill women for various industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Supporting women entrepreneurs with access to credit and resources. Promoting women’s participation in the gig economy and freelance opportunities, particularly through digital platforms. 3. Health and Well-being: The discussion also covered the need to improve healthcare access for women, especially those in remote areas. Topics included: Ensuring access to maternal healthcare, including prenatal and postnatal.Mental health support for women facing domestic violence, workplace harassment, or social pressures. 4. Political Representation and Leadership: The group discussed the importance of having more women in decision-making roles, from the local panchayat level to national politics. It was noted that Tamil Nadu has made significant strides in women’s representation, but there is room for improvement at the national level. Key ideas included: Quotas or reservations for women in local and national elections.Mentoring programs to help women gain leadership skills.Increasing awareness of women’s rights to help them take a stand against systemic barriers. 5. Overcoming Cultural Barriers: Cultural perceptions often hold women back from accessing opportunities. Participants shared experiences of how societal expectations limit women’s potential. To address this, the group proposed:Promoting gender-sensitive education in schools and communities.Leveraging media and popular culture to challenge stereotypes and promote women as equal contributors to society. #snsinstitutions #desginthinking #snsdesignthinker