Sexual offences against women is restricting India’s economy to grow at its full potential, a recent study reports.
The World Bank estimated around 20 million women had to leave their jobs during 2004-2012 for security concerns either for themselves or for their children.
A Bloomberg report quotes McKinsey Global Institute stating that India could increase its GDP by $770 billion (Rs. 51.50 lakh crore) by 2025 if it employs more women to work and ensures gender equality. Bloomberg in its report interviews several women who have either quit job because of lack of safety for their child or spend huge part of their salary for safety.
Only 27 per cent of Indian women are employed, which is lowest among the emerging nations and G-20 countries, better only than Saudi Arabia, according to the website IndiaSpend.
Data released by the government shows huge increase in crime against women – it rose by 83 per cent between 2007 and 2016, with 39 crimes taking place per hour.
(Cover picture representational)