Women’s Empowerment: A Comparison of Major Indian States

Abstract

Gender inequality persists globally, but in India it presents unique complexities due deeply rooted entrenched patriarchal structure intersects with rapid economic development. This study compares women’s empowerment across major Indian states using NFHS-5 (2019-21) data.  It focuses on employment, decision making, and financial autonomy to highlight gender disparities. The Study highlights the uneven realization of women’s economic and social agency. States like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat exhibit higher level female workforce participation, largely in non-agricultural sectors, correlating with greater cash earnings and increased decision-making power. In contrast, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lag, with women primarily in low paid informal agricultural works and facing limited financial and social autonomy. Although financial inclusion initiative have increased women access to banking services and microcredit schemes, it does not inherently guarantee empowerment, as patriarchal norms and educational barriers often hinder true agency.  Women’s decision making   autonomy remains uneven across states, Punjab and Haryana show higher rates of women’s participation in critical household decisions, states such as Madhya Pradesh reflect significant exclusion. These findings advocate the need for state specific strategies to bridge gender, thereby advancing toward SDG 5’s commitment to gender equality.