At the News18 Network’s She Shakti event, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud stressed the importance of gender equality and empowerment, urging society to look beyond traditional male-centric norms. Addressing a range of issues related to women’s rights and participation in governance, the CJI said that equality, safety, and dignity should not be viewed as isolated concerns but as essential elements of a just society.
CJI Chandrachud emphasized that while India has no shortage of legal provisions to protect women, laws alone are not enough to achieve real justice. He called for a change in societal mindsets, stating, “The mindsets must move from making concessions for women to recognizing their entitlement to lead lives based on freedom and equality.” He added that well-intentioned protective laws must not infringe upon women’s liberties or choices.
The CJI also highlighted the need for equal participation of women in governance and leadership, linking it directly to better development outcomes. “When we either create or fail to address barriers in the path of women, we are jeopardizing our quest for a better society,” he said, calling indifference to gender inequality unacceptable.
He pointed to the growing presence of women in the judiciary, citing statistics from various states that reflect an increasing intake of women Civil Judges. For instance, in Rajasthan in 2023, 58% of new judges were women, while in Kerala, the figure was as high as 72%.
However, Justice Chandrachud noted that despite the progress, women’s participation in the workforce remains hindered by entrenched gender roles, particularly the burden of domestic and caregiving responsibilities. He explained that many women face a “double burden” as they balance professional work with household duties, which limits their economic participation.
The CJI called for a broader understanding of gender equality, which includes addressing the unique challenges faced by traditionally excluded groups, such as persons with disabilities, transgender, and queer individuals. He stressed that societal expectations often pigeonhole women and other marginalized groups into stereotypical roles, leading to high attrition rates and professional stagnation, especially at the entry and mid-levels of the workforce.
Sources By Agencies
