Women’s education in India: Progress & Challenges

Savitribai Phule pioneered women’s education in India, founding the first girls’ school in Pune in 1848.
Her reforms laid the foundation for women’s empowerment and India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Savitribai Phule was born on January 3, 1831 in Naigaon, Maharashtra, into the Mali community. India’s first woman teacher and a social reformer, she was married at the age of 10 to Jyotirao Phule who educated her at home and later enrolled her in a teacher training institution in Pune.

Savitribai Phule’s Contributions to Society

Pioneering Women’s Education: In 1848, Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule established India’s first girls’ school in Pune, promoting education for girls, Shudras, and Dalits despite strong societal opposition.
Social Welfare Efforts: Provided shelter and protection to widows and rape victims through the ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha’; Advocated for inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and the abolition of practices like child marriage, sati, and dowry.
Breaking Caste Barriers: Promoted social equality through Satyashodhak Samaj, rejecting caste and religious barriers.
Defied Societal Norms: Led her husband’s funeral procession and performed the last rites, challenging traditional gender roles.
Relief Work During Crises: Actively contributed to relief efforts during the 1896 famine and the 1897 Bubonic plague, tragically contracting the plague while aiding others.
Literary Contributions: Authored several important works, including her first poetry collection, Kavya Phule, Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (1892), and Matushri Savitribai Phulenchi Bhashane va Gaani.

Educating Girls: The Need

Economic Impact: India could add $700 billion to its GDP from higher female participation. [McKinsey]
Income Gains: Each additional schooling year increases girls’ lifetime earnings by 10–20%. [UNECO}
Health Benefit: Educated women reduce infant mortality and promote better family nutrition.
Democratic Deepening: Women’s education enhances democracy and promotes SDGs 4 & SDG 5.
Role Models: Women teachers in rural schools raise girls’ enrolment, retention, and aspirations.

Progress So Far

Bridging Gaps: Female literacy increased from 8.86% in 1951 to 70.3% in 2021.
Expanding Access: Girls’ secondary enrolment rose from 75.5% (2014–15) to 78% (2023–24) [UDISE+].
Gender Parity: Women now make up 54.2% of teachers, with 61% of recruits since 2014 being female.
Advancing Equity: Female university enrolment rose 26% in 2023–24, men grew only 3.6%.
Retention: Achieved 98.9% at Foundational and 92.4% at Preparatory levels [UDISE+ 2024–25].

Persistent Barriers to Women’s Education

Early Marriage: Child marriage continues to be a major reason for secondary school dropouts.
Safety Concerns: Harassment risks during travel discourage girls from pursuing higher schooling.
Economic Barriers: Poverty and household labour often limit girls’ regular school attendance.
Digital Divide: Rural girls face limited access to the internet and digital learning devices.
Social Norms: Rural Scheduled Tribe girls have the lowest literacy rates due to patriarchal norms.

Pathways to Viksit Bharat 2047

Adolescent Retention: Expand scholarships, hostels, & menstrual hygiene programs for adolescent girls.
Digital Inclusion: Provide affordable devices and internet access to rural girls through PPP models.
Safety Assurance: Improve transport, surveillance, and grievance redressal to address mobility concerns.
Teacher Training: Improve gender-sensitive teaching and leadership for women educators.
Community Mobilisation: Adopt Rajasthan’s Educate Girls–Team Balika model to boost girls’ enrollment.

Known as the “Mother of Modern Education in India,” Savitribai Phule remains a guiding light for future generations, with her pioneering efforts shaping current progress in women’s education and social equity. As she famously urged, “Awake, arise and educate!”, her legacy continues to inspire empowerment nationwide.

Reference: Daily Pioneer | PMFIAS: Government schemes for female education

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 331

Approach

Introduction: Write a brief introduction about Savitribai Phule.
Body: Analyse the Savitribai Phule contribution to social reform and women’s empowerment.
Conclusion: In conclusion, emphasis on the legacy and inspiration of Savitribai Phule.