THE ROLE OF EDUCATION TOWARDS WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA.

Abstract

Today women play the leading role in developing the society. Societycannot be created without the active contribution of women. In Indiawomen do not use their rights and neither are considered independentto take any decision. In order to provide equal status in the society women need to be empowered.Women‘s empowerment in India is heavily dependent on many different variables that includesgeographical location (urban/rural), educational status, social status (caste and class), and age. Policies on women‘s empowerment exist at the national, state, and local (Panchayat) levels in many sectors,including health, education, economic opportunities, gender-basedviolence, and political participation. However, there are significantgaps between policy formation and actual implementation at thecommunity level. Women can be empowered only when they areliterate and educated .Education is the key to unlock the golden door offreedom for development. Of Indian women today, the female literacylevels according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census has been 65.46%where the male literacy rate has been over 80%. Being literate orhaving only primary education is not enough to enhance productivity orto obtain better-paying jobs but it is essential for women to pursue thehigher education.Even beyond literacy there is much that education can do for women‘s rights, dignity and sec urity. Therefore this researchpaper discusses the impact of literacy and education on empowermentof women as well as the suggestion to improve the changes that need tobe considered for women empowerment and economic development.