Vol. 2, Issue 4, Part F (2016)

Abstract
The Indian culture and tradition is considered to be the oldest in the world. In our culture women are worshipped. India is a democratic country but still we face the problem of sex determination which starts from birth and continues till death. Women are an important and an integral part of the society. We just cannot function without her. She is a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend, a sister, a grandmother. Women are deprived of their rights, education etc. They are supposed to be confined in the four walls of the house. Female infanticide, rape, sexual harassment, lack of education, household responsibilities, child marriages, malnutrition, human trafficking, marital rape, unemployment are some major issues concerning women in our country. Women have always been considered inferior to men. Ours is a male dominated society, even in the present scenario parents are happy when a male child is born. Women are considered as a medium to look after and take care and keep everyone happy. She can neither be independent nor can she voice her opinions. Throughout her life she is dependent on a male person. As said by Manu “Women are supposed to be in the custody of their father when they are children, they must be in the custody of their husband when married and under the custody of her son in her old age or as widows. She should not be allowed to assert herself independently.” But in the present this scenario is changing. Many government agencies and NGOs have taken up the cause of women empowerment. Empowering women is the need of the hour as it causes a major hurdle in the progress and development of the country. Their powers have to be understood and channelized in the country’s progress. Not only women but also men should realize their responsibilities and share them. Both are equally important. Women need to change their mindset and voice their issues. They should identify their potential and no longer think of themselves as weak but become psychologically, mentally and physically strong. We have examples of Durga, Rani Laxmibai, Jijabai, Indira Gandhi, Kiran Bedi, Kalpana Chawla and many more to look upon.The problem lies deep rooted in the minds of people but positive changes are seen.