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International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management

A Peer-Reviewed, Open-Access International Journal Supporting Multidisciplinary Research, Digital Publishing Standards, DOI Registration, and Academic Indexing.
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ISSN: 3108-1754 (Online)
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Volume 02, Issue 03

Published on: March 2026 2026

STATUS OF WOMEN IN INDIAN SOCIETY: A CRITICAL REVIEW IN THE CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL DISCOURSE OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Dr Santosh Kumar Rout

Department Of Political Science Utkal University BBSR Odisha
DOI:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.232

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Abstract

The status of women in India is a multifaceted narrative of constitutional idealism versus grounded patriarchal realities. This paper critically evaluates the trajectory of women's empowerment from its historical roots to the contemporary political landscape of 2026. Utilizing data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5 and preliminary NFHS-6), Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS 2024-25), and 18th Lok Sabha election outcomes, the study argues that while "descriptive representation" has seen symbolic victories,such as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam,2023, "substantive empowerment" remains hindered by structural barriers. The paper adopts an intersectional lens to analyze how caste, class, and the "digital divide" redefine gender roles in the 21st century.

Findings suggest a "participation paradox" where increased female voter turnout has not translated into proportional legislative presence or economic parity. Policy recommendations focus on moving beyond beneficiary-oriented welfare toward agency-led structural transformation.

Keywords: Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Political Discourse, Feminism, Patriarchy, Intersectionality, 18th Lok Sabha, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.

How to Cite this Paper

Rout, D. S. K. (2026). Status of Women in Indian Society: A Critical Review in the Contemporary Political Discourse of the 21st Century. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(03). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.232

Rout, Dr. "Status of Women in Indian Society: A Critical Review in the Contemporary Political Discourse of the 21st Century." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 03, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.232.

Rout, Dr. "Status of Women in Indian Society: A Critical Review in the Contemporary Political Discourse of the 21st Century." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 03 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i3.232.

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References


  1. Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). (2026). Women's Political Participation and Representation in India. New Delhi: ADR Reports.

  2. Government of India. (2025). Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report 2024-25. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

  3. International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS). (2021). National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 2019-21: India. Mumbai: IIPS.

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  5. Rani, E. S., & Kamalakar, G. (2025). Caste, Gender, and Political Representation: An Intersectional Study of Indian Democracy. International Journal of Social Impact. DOI:10.25215/2455/1002057

  6. Sharma, D. (2023). Alternative discourse for constituting the subjecthood of women in contemporary Indian political narratives. Frontiers in Political Science. DOI: 10.3389/fpos.2023.1045846

  7. Sharma, N., Sharma, A., & Jain, D. (2023). An Empirical Study on Status of Women Empowerment in India. Tehrukkala Jurnal Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology. DOI: 10.52783/tjjpt.v44.i2.146

  8. UN Women. (2026). Facts and Figures: Women’s Leadership and Political Participation. Global Report Series.

  9. Walia, R. (2025). Gendered pathways of power: Policy frameworks and patriarchal assumptions in 21st century India. Women's Studies International Forum. DOI: 10.1016/j.wsif.2025.103269

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  • •Peer Review Type: Double-Blind Peer Review
  • •Published on: Mar 30 2026
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