Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Associate Professor of East Asian and Oceania Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 PhD Student of Indian Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Gender inequality is an important concern in the contemporary global context. International communities strongly emphasize addressing this issue, and India is not excluded from this universal perspective. To effectively address women’s issues, comprehensive inclusion of women in the development planning process is essential. Women’s socio-economic development is paramount for national progress and contributes to inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. The Five-Year Plans of India (FYPs) have historically served as foundational frameworks for the nation’s development, with successive plans increasingly emphasizing gender-responsive policies. The 12th FYP (2012–2017) represents a significant turning point by explicitly prioritizing gender mainstreaming, embedding it into key sectors like education, health, and the labor market to promote inclusive growth. Employing qualitative content analysis, this research studies the inclusion of women within the 12th FYP, in light of the Gender Inequality Index (GII) provided by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The GII evaluates gender across three dimensions—reproductive health, empowerment, and labor market. By analyzing policy language, budgetary allocations, and outcomes in the 12th FYP, this study identifies gaps and progress in India’s gender-inclusive planning. The findings highlight the plan’s role in advancing gender equality while revealing areas requiring stronger institutional commitment.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)