Book Description
India, with its rich mix of cultures, traditions, and history, is currently the world’s most populous nation and is home to over 1.4 billion people. Such vast demographic might easily be perceived as a daunting challenge, particularly in challenges like resource allocation, job creation, and infrastructural development. Yet, beneath the massive challenge is a treasure trove of opportunities. The gender dividend, achievable through targeted empowerment of women and girls, can contribute to sustainable development. Women, constituting almost half of the nation’s population, possess a myriad of skills, perspectives, and values. Empirical studies have consistently shown that societies which prioritise women’s education and health and promote their economic and political participation tend to be more prosperous and just. The journey to harness this demographic and gender dividend is fraught with complexities. Socio-cultural norms, economic disparities, and the historical context play pivotal roles in shaping the narrative. On 28 August 2023, ORF organised a closed-door roundtable titled Harnessing India’s Demographic and Gender Dividend, in partnership with the Economic Advisory Council to the PM and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to emphasise the imperative to bridge research and policy gaps. The global implications of India’s choices, especially at this juncture, cannot be overstated; as a nation, the decisions we make now will resonate within our borders and create ripple effects beyond.
