1.3.1X Gender equality policies (Kerala, India)

Question 1

Background of Kerala, India

Answer 1

Large agricultural state in south-west India

It is the most densely populated area of India but with an even spread of population and no large cities

Has had remarkable success in improving health, literacy and education, as well as reducing its fertility rate

Has the highest female:male sex ratio in India, with 1084 females to 1000 males

Question 2

Strategies to reduce gender gap

Answer 2

Stable government

Long-standing and continuing social reform: diffusion of Indian traditions (male-dominant)

Girls are educated to the same standard as boys

Open access to university and colleges for women

More jobs opened for women in health and education industries

Question 3

Benefits of the gender equality policy

Answer 3

Literacy rate of women in Kerala is higher than the rest of India: high literacy rate means more chances of employment, hence, leading to higher socio-economic status of women

Inheritance of property rights by daughters has increased: means that property is equally likely to be given to daughter and son, allowing women to enjoy more status within households.

Question 4

Costs of the gender equality policy

Answer 4

Political and economic power in Kerala are still dominated by men

There is still room for improvements such as expanding the role of women as equal to men in society.