"Despite rising levels of education, gender awareness and stringent pro-women laws, there is still a perception that women are second-class citizens". Comment.

Women are regarded as second-grade citizens and defined in comparison to their male-counterparts only. They are subjugated to male. Violence and women discrimination is rampant everywhere and in both public and private space.

Patriarchal notions want to control women's freedom, choice, sexuality, economic freedom etc.

In India, with laws like RTE and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, there has been great rise in female education. Emphasis on toilets in school, stringent provisions in abuse in school and 'Beti-Bachao Beti Padhao' have led to women to their rights. Yet the sexist bias continue. It is highlighted by the fact that, where in all spheres, government has moved to rights-based approach, but in matters of women-policy, still welfare-based approach is followed.

Women face discrimination in both urban and rural areas. 50% women are child married. Female foeticide is rampant. Women labour force participation rate is at all time low, objectification of women is on rise through cinema, literature.

Even with women working, the household work is still considered their prime responsibility. Children are socialized for this value-bias from young age.

The reasons for such treatment are-

i) Non-implementation of laws like inheritance law exists, yet almost no woman gets share in property.

ii) Low rate of conviction in cases of molestation, rapes; violence is rampant

iii) Dowry continues

iv) Lack of education, employment opportunities

v) Severe malnutrition due to neglect of girl child by family members. It was found that almost 80% of girls are anaemic and malnourished. It leads to hampered later life.

vi) Pink-collar jobs : Women are restricted to such jobs as patriarchal society cant see them rising as 'equals'.

vii) Economic dependence of women on men as women are considered 'social pride' of family, so kept confined in four walls.

viii) Domestic violence, marital rape.

Marriage is a legalized form of prostitution in India as woman consent doesn't matter. Women are socialized by parents to keep silent to save family honour.

These factors combined together lead to degradation of women as equal citizens. Equal representation in all services, legislatures can be a way out. Overhaul of education system is required as a child's mind is formed in school. It must be made gender-neutral.

However, laws can never be panacea as we have seen. What is required is social mobilization as the problem is very deep-rooted one.