It is also increasingly recognised that development objectives such as accelerated economic growth, poverty alleviation, family well-being and employment creation cannot be achieved without the contribution and participation of women. The benefits of action on issues of women's equality and development are generally accepted in principle. However, in practice, initiatives have been limited and progress has been slow. The Fifth Plan aims at realising the constitutional goal of equality between all citizens - women and men. Thus a major thrust of the Fifth Plan will be integration of WID concerns and gender issues in the mainstream of development.
Various indicators reveal that the status of women is much lower than that of men.
Traditional socio-cultural practices limit their opportunities in education, skill development, employment and participation in the overall development process. Excessive mortality among women due to discrimination has resulted in a sex ratio in the population whereby there are 105 men for every 100 women. Nutritional status of women and girls is marked by sharp differences with that of men and boys. Health care for women is often restricted to their reproductive health. General health of women at all ages is often neglected.