Vol. 9, Special Issue 11, Part N (2025)
Women, globalization, and development: Navigating the 21st-century state
Shubham Raj, Sasmita Dandasena and Mantosh Kumar
Globalization has profoundly influenced women's roles across economic, political, and social domains, offering both significant opportunities and persistent challenges. As nations integrate into the global economy, women have gained increased access to education, employment, and political participation. However, globalization has also intensified gender inequalities, particularly in wages, labor rights, and leadership opportunities. Women continue to face barriers such as wage gaps, lack of access to financial resources, and underrepresentation in decision-making roles. This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between globalization and women’s development, focusing on economic empowerment, political inclusion, and social transformation. Economic opportunities have expanded for women through increased workforce participation, entrepreneurship, and digital financial inclusion. Case studies such as Rwanda’s Gender-Inclusive Political Transformation illustrate how legal reforms and international advocacy can drive women's representation in governance. Rwanda currently holds one of the highest percentages of women in parliamentary positions, demonstrating the success of policy interventions in fostering political equality. Similarly, India’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), supported by initiatives like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), have been instrumental in promoting financial inclusion, enabling women to establish businesses and attain economic independence. Despite these advancements, systemic challenges remain, including restricted access to credit, societal norms limiting female participation, and inadequate legal protections. To ensure sustainable development, future strategies should focus on gender-sensitive economic policies, inclusive labor market reforms, and stronger legal frameworks that uphold women’s rights. By examining global trends and case studies, this paper advocates for multi-sectoral collaboration and policy interventions that support gender equality and empower women in an increasingly interconnected world.
Pages: 1103-1106 | 5 Views 2 Downloads

