“Yatra naryastu pujyante ramante tatra Devatah…” “Where women are honoured, there the gods rejoice.” — Manu Samhita

This ancient line is not just poetic — it’s prescriptive. It suggests that gender equality is not a modern agenda but a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ethos in Indian civilization. So how did we lose our way?

In this issue, I explore the journey of gender equality in India through the lens of mythology, history, modern struggles, and SDG 5 — the global call for empowering women and girls.

Ancient India: A Legacy of Equality Indian mythology and scripture reflect deep respect for gender balance: – Ardhanareeshvara, the half-man, half-woman form of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizes unity between masculine and feminine energy. – Gargi Vachaknavi, a philosopher from the Upanishadic era, debated sages at King Janaka’s court and was revered for her intellect. – In the Vedic period, girls underwent Yajnopavita and received formal education.

Even today, our rivers are named after goddesses. Earth is Bhumi Devi. Power is Shakti.

From Glory to Regression: What Happened? In the medieval and colonial periods, women’s status declined: – Child marriage, purdah, and lack of education became the norm. – The colonial legal system excluded women from most public roles. – Even as Indira Gandhi became the Prime Minister in the 1970s, grassroots empowerment lagged behind.

We moved away from the foundational principles our ancient traditions upheld.

Modern Struggles: Real Stories, Raw Truths Despite constitutional rights, gender inequality is still deeply rooted in modern India: – In 2015, a young bride, Rekha, took her life after relentless dowry harassment. Her husband and mother-in-law were sentenced to life in 2021. – Women face wage gaps, domestic violence, limited educational access, and institutional discrimination. – Dowry deaths, female foeticide, and gender-based violence continue to haunt headlines.

Gender equality is not a slogan. For many, it is a distant dream.

Hope in Action: Stories That Inspire Yet, amidst the chaos, there are beacons of change: – Chami Murmu, a Padma Shri awardee (2024), a tribal woman from Jharkhand, empowered women across 500 villages and planted over 30 lakh trees. – The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign has brought gender equality into public consciousness. – Advertisements like Havells’ “Hawa Badlegi” and Puma’s Harmanpreet Kaur campaign are shifting narratives.

The media is slowly becoming a tool for transformation — one message at a time.

Educating for Equality: Start Early, Stay aloud “Teach a boy to respect a girl. He will grow up to be a husband who respects his wife.”

Education holds the key: – Introduce gender sensitivity training in teacher preparation programs. – Include gender studies in school curricula. – Parents must stop saying “Don’t cry, you’re a boy” — and start saying “Respect begins with you.”

An educated mother improves not just her family but an entire generation — in nutrition, safety, and values.

Call to Action: Equality is Everyone’s Business We need: – Stronger laws that are enforced. – Safer institutions, from schools to workplaces. – Community engagement, especially with men and boys. – And most importantly — a change in mindset.

Gender equality isn’t a woman’s issue. It’s a human issue.

A Final Thought — and an Invitation In my book, The Ultimate To-Do List for Humanity, I explore how each SDG reflects ancient Indian values. SDG 5 is not just about closing gaps — it’s about honouring the wholeness that our culture once celebrated.

Let’s revisit our roots, redefine our present, and reimagine a more equal future.

The SDGs reflect not just global development goals but also timeless Indian values.
In my book The Ultimate To-Do List for Humanity, I explore these connections with stories, strategies, and case studies.

Read more from the book: – Kindle Edition (Amazon.com): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHV47PDP – Paperback (Amazon.in): https://www.amazon.in/dp/934839620X

More writings at https://pramila.org.in

academia has made a podcast of my research article check out the link. http://www.academia.edu/ai_podcast/welcome