BREAKING BARRIERS: EDUCATION AS A CATALYST FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

Education is a powerful tool for promoting women's empowerment and achieving gender equality. This study explores the transformative role of education in empowering women in India, focusing on the historical, socio-cultural, economic, and systemic barriers that hinder their access to education. It emphasizes the positive impact of education on women’s socio-economic, political, and personal development. Despite progress made through initiatives like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, challenges such as patriarchal norms, early marriage, poverty, and unsafe learning environments persist. The study underscores the need for gender-sensitive curricula, vocational training, and greater use of technology to ensure inclusive education. It calls for stronger legal frameworks, policies promoting gender equality, and community engagement to overcome barriers. Ultimately, education is portrayed as a key driver of sustainable development and societal change, empowering women to challenge existing inequalities and contribute to national growth.