Gender inequality is a pervasive issue plaguing societies worldwide, and India is no exception. Despite significant progress in various fields, including technology and economic growth, gender disparities persist, affecting millions of women and girls nationwide. This article explores the multifaceted aspects of gender inequality in India, highlighting key statistics to shed light on the prevailing challenges.

As of 2021, the female literacy rate in India is approximately 65.46%, significantly lower than the male literacy rate of 82.14%. According to UNESCO, India has one of the highest rates of out-of-school girls globally, with over 3 million girls not attending primary school. Some NGOs are trying to change the situation by giving importance to girls education. These include Salaam Balak Trust, Isha Education, and Give, India's largest online donation platform, with its Mission: Every Girl in School. But we still have a long way to go.

The gender pay gap remains a grave concern, with women in India earning, on average, 35% less than their male counterparts. Only about 23.6% of Indian women participate in the formal workforce, highlighting the stark underrepresentation of women in economic activities. These statistics are truly shocking. But gender equality in the workplace is a long-term initiative and it cannot be achieved without a stronger drive

by companies, both government and private, to employ more women. They should also be provided with the right opportunities to perform.

In India's Parliament, women hold only around 14% of the total seats. Out of 31 states and union territories, only 13 have female Chief Ministers, reflecting the significant gender gap in political leadership.

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue in India, with statistics revealing the harsh reality many women and girls face. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2019 there were approximately 401,413 reported crimes against women, including rape, domestic violence, and dowry-related deaths. Shockingly, this translates to one reported case of gender-based violence every 1.4 minutes. Rape cases alone accounted for 32,033 incidents in that year. Furthermore, the NCRB reported that crimes against women have increased, with a 7.3% increase in such cases from 2018 to 2019. These statistics underscore the urgency of addressing gender violence in India. Child marriage remains another concern, with the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) revealing that 3.2% of women aged 20-24 were married before 18. Early marriage not only infringes upon the rights of young girls but also places them at greater risk of experiencing domestic violence.

Additionally, the issue of female infanticide and gender-based sex-selective abortions continues to plague India, resulting in skewed sex ratios. According to the World Bank, India's sex ratio at birth in 2019 was 1.11 male(s) to female(s), indicating a significant gender imbalance. While these statistics highlight the gravity of gender-based violence in India, it is crucial to recognise that numerous organisations and activists are working tirelessly to address this issue. Concerted efforts, including legal reforms, awareness campaigns, and community engagement, are essential to combat gender violence and promote gender equality nationwide.

Access to quality healthcare remains unequal, with women often receiving inadequate medical attention. Though declining, maternal mortality rates in India are still high, with approximately 174 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

Gender inequality in India is a multifaceted issue rooted in deep-seated societal norms and prejudices. While there have been significant efforts to address these disparities, the statistics demonstrate that much work remains. Achieving gender equality requires collective action, including policy reforms, education, and societal attitude shifts. Empowering women and girls is not just a matter of human rights but also crucial for India's socio-economic development.