Q6. Women’s social capital complements in advancing empowerment and gender equity. Explain.
Possible Introductions
Definition-based:
Social capital refers to the networks, norms, and trust that enable collective action. Women’s social capital — through self-help groups, cooperatives, kinship, and community networks — is a vital driver of empowerment and gender justice.
Fact-based:
In India, over 8 million women are organised under Self-Help Groups (NRLM, 2023), demonstrating how collective social capital strengthens women’s agency and bargaining power.
Philosophical:
As B.R. Ambedkar said, “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” Social capital creates the enabling environment for this progress.
Main Body
1. How Women’s Social Capital Advances Empowerment
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- Collective Voice: SHGs, Mahila Mandals, and cooperatives amplify women’s voices in local governance. Example: Kudumbashree in Kerala influences panchayat decisions.
- Economic Empowerment: Networks facilitate microfinance, entrepreneurship, and market linkages. Example: NRLM-linked SHGs providing credit access in rural India.
- Knowledge Sharing: Women’s networks spread awareness about health, education, nutrition, and rights.
- Political Participation: Women’s collectives encourage candidature in panchayats/urban local bodies.
- Crisis Support: Social solidarity provides resilience during migration, domestic violence, or natural disasters.
2. How Women’s Social Capital Promotes Gender Equity
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- Breaking Patriarchal Norms: Collective assertion challenges gender stereotypes and discriminatory practices (e.g., campaigns against child marriage, dowry).
- Access to Public Services: Networks demand accountability in PDS, MGNREGA, health services.
- Legal Awareness: Collectives spread knowledge of rights under laws like Domestic Violence Act, Maternity Benefit Act.
- Intersectional Equity: Social capital of women from marginalised groups (Dalit, tribal) enables articulation of specific grievances.
- Cultural Shifts: Peer support normalises women’s mobility, education, and financial independence.
3. Indian Experience (Examples)
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- SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association): Unionising informal women workers for rights & security.
- Kudumbashree (Kerala): Poverty eradication + gender justice through SHG federations.
- Mahila Samakhya Program: Education-based empowerment in rural areas.
- Digital Sakhi Program (Madhya Pradesh): Women-led digital literacy initiatives.
Sweet Spot – Flowchart (Text Form)
Women’s Social Capital → Collective Action → Economic Strength + Social Awareness + Political Voice → Empowerment → Gender Equity
Possible Conclusions
Balanced:
Women’s social capital acts as an invisible force multiplier for empowerment and equity, complementing formal laws and policies.
Policy-linked:
Programs like NRLM, Kudumbashree, SEWA show that strengthening women’s collective networks is as vital as individual capacity-building.
Philosophical:
Social capital transforms women from passive beneficiaries to active agents of change, aligning with Amartya Sen’s capability approach.
Forward-looking:
In India@2047, investing in women’s social capital is key for achieving SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and ensuring inclusive development.
