Abstract

This article analyses the ubiquitous phenomenon of gender-based discrimination in India, focusing on the structural, historical, and socio-cultural processes that continue to reinforce gender inequality throughout India. Despite the constitutional provisions and various legislative reforms designed to safeguard and empower marginalized genders, deeply ingrained societal norms tend to defeat such legal frameworks in practice. This analysis goes above the systemic exclusions that women experience, also involving transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people who are still massively excluded in public and private areas of life. Historically, the paper lays out the changing status of gender minorities and women from ancient India's Vedic times to colonial regimes to modern day India, showing how patriarchal interpretations of culture and religion have led to longstanding inequalities. It showcases inequalities in mortality, education, work, property rights, and family dynamics, emphasizing the workings of intersectionality to focus on these difficulties. Further, the paper also goes into detail regarding major legal provisions such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, the Dowry Prohibition Act, and major judgments pertaining to transgender rights and examines their effectiveness and shortcomings. It contends that legal change, although important, is not enough without simultaneous changes in public awareness and societal values. Finally, the paper demands a multi-dimensional intervention involving legal enforcement, integrated education, and policy changes. By viewing gender discrimination as a social construction and not as a natural order, India can progress toward realizing true equality. The paper encourages an understanding, study-based, and action-oriented response to break the systemic impediments and create a society where everyone, be it male or female, can participate and flourish fully.

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