Since independence, women enjoy full political and economic rights and equality before the law. The Constitution guarantees that there will be no discrimination on grounds of gender. This has provided the framework for women to play a more active part in national life. However, serious problems still remain. While there is no limit to the achievements of those women who can transcend social stereotypes to avail of the opportunities provided by Indian democracy, there is still a very large body of women in the rural areas which is unable to avail of these opportunities because of the persistence of social prejudice that a woman's role must be confined to one sanctioned by tradition.
Female illiteracy remail high, particularly in some of the more socially backward states.
Preference for male children remains strong. It is these problems which the Government is making a determined effort to overcome in the realisation that the country cannot progress unless its women take part fully in every field of national endeavour. A unique experiment has begun with the reservation of seats for women in the Panchayats and local bodies under the new law. For the first time thousands of women have been elected to these bodies at the grass roots level. Today, as we stand on the threshold of the 50h Anniversary of India's independence there is an exciting churning on the whole issue of ensuring women's participation in the political life of the country.