EDUCATION: THE MOST POTENT TOOL OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Abstract

This chapter tends to discuss the crucial role of education as an essential tool for women's empowerment. Empowerment of women is the process of creating a social environment where an individual woman can take her own decisions and make choices of her own. It analyses the many-sided effectsof education on individual and society. Education not only provides knowledge; but also promotes independence, increases economic opportunities, and encourages social impartiality. The paper highlights how access to education can narrow down the barriers that hamper women's involvement in socio-economic activities. It discourses the relation between education with health, political participation, and community development, explaining how educated women can contribute more in their families and communities. The chapter discusses the challenges women face in attaining education, like social biases, economic limitations, and insufficient infrastructure. Ultimately, the chapter states the several governmental initiatives for accomplishing gender equality by providing education to women and promoting sustainable growth of the individual woman, family and society finally accelerating the development of India.