👩🦰👨🦱 Men and Women in India – A Complete Overview for GK & Exam Preparation
Post Date: October 22, 2025
By: JobVaale.com – Find all jobs at one place
🇮🇳 Introduction
“Men and Women in India” is an annual publication by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
It provides a comprehensive statistical profile of gender-based indicators across various sectors like education, health, employment, decision-making, and crime.
This report helps understand the social, economic, and demographic status of men and women in India and is frequently referred to in UPSC, SSC, and State PSC exams for GK and current affairs.
📊 Key Highlights – Men and Women in India 2025 Report
The 2025 edition shows steady progress in women’s participation in various fields but also highlights areas where gender disparity persists.
🧮 1. Population and Demographics
| Indicator | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Total Population (2025 est.) | 71.3 crore | 67.1 crore |
| Sex Ratio (Females per 1000 Males) | – | 1,007 |
| Sex Ratio at Birth (2024) | – | 933 |
| Life Expectancy at Birth | 69.5 years | 72.0 years |
🔹 Observation: Women’s life expectancy is higher, but the sex ratio at birth still shows preference for male children in some regions.
🧠 2. Literacy and Education
| Level | Male Literacy | Female Literacy |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Literacy Rate (2025 est.) | 84.4% | 71.8% |
| Gross Enrollment Ratio (Primary Level) | 102.5% | 101.3% |
| Gross Enrollment Ratio (Higher Education) | 27.3% | 27.9% |
📘 Fact: Female participation in higher education has now slightly surpassed that of males — a positive sign of gender parity in learning.
💼 3. Employment and Work Participation
| Indicator | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Participation Rate (Rural) | 53.2% | 27.8% |
| Workforce Participation Rate (Urban) | 52.6% | 19.4% |
| Female Share in Organized Sector Employment | – | 21.5% |
💡 Insight: While the gap remains, women’s employment in the organized and digital sectors is rising due to government initiatives like Startup India, Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, and Mahila Shakti Kendras.
🩺 4. Health and Nutrition
| Indicator | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Infant Mortality Rate (per 1000 live births) | 28 | 25 |
| Maternal Mortality Ratio (per 100,000 live births) | – | 97 |
| Institutional Deliveries | – | 94% |
| Women with Anemia (15–49 years) | – | 57.2% |
🩷 Key Point: India has achieved significant improvement in maternal health and institutional deliveries, but anemia among women continues to be a major concern.
👩💼 5. Women in Decision-Making and Politics
| Category | Percentage of Women |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha Members | 15% |
| Rajya Sabha Members | 14% |
| State Legislatures | 10% |
| Panchayati Raj Institutions | 46% |
🏛️ Highlight: Thanks to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, women hold nearly half the seats in local self-government, empowering grassroots democracy.
🏫 6. Women in Science, Technology, and Business
| Sector | Women Representation |
|---|---|
| Research & Development | 19% |
| IITs & Technical Education | 18% |
| Startup Founders | 22% |
| Women Entrepreneurs (MSME sector) | 20.5% |
💼 Programs like “Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)” and “Stand-Up India” have supported women in startups and small enterprises.
⚖️ 7. Crime and Safety
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Crimes against Women (per lakh population) | 66 |
| Most Common Crimes | Domestic Violence, Dowry Deaths, Cyber Harassment |
| States with Lowest Crime Rates | Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim |
🚨 Fact: Increased reporting and awareness through campaigns like “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and “One Stop Centres” have led to better support systems for women victims.
💰 8. Economic Empowerment and Financial Inclusion
| Indicator | Women (%) |
|---|---|
| Jan Dhan Account Holders | 56% |
| Self-Help Group Members | 70%+ |
| Access to Bank Loans (PM Mudra Yojana) | 68% of total beneficiaries |
🏦 Key Initiatives:
- Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana – encourages women entrepreneurs.
- Stand Up India – promotes women-led startups.
- Mahila E-Haat – digital platform for women entrepreneurs.
🌈 Government Schemes Empowering Women in India
| Scheme | Objective |
|---|---|
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | To promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. |
| PM Ujjwala Yojana | Provides free LPG connections to women below poverty line. |
| Mahila Shakti Kendra | Empowerment through skill development and employment. |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | Savings scheme for girl children. |
| Working Women Hostel Scheme | Ensures safe accommodation for working women. |
| One Stop Centre Scheme | Support services for women affected by violence. |
| Nari Shakti Puraskar | Award for outstanding contribution to women empowerment. |
📚 Exam-Focused Key Facts
- First Women President of India: Pratibha Patil
- First Women Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi
- First Women Chief Justice of High Court: Leila Seth
- First Women IPS Officer: Kiran Bedi
- Women Literacy (2025 est.): 71.8%
- Gender Gap in Labour Force: 25% approx.
- Women MPs in 18th Lok Sabha (2024): 78
🏁 Conclusion
The “Men and Women in India” report reflects India’s progress toward gender equality and highlights the remaining challenges.
Education, financial inclusion, and women’s participation in governance are driving social change — but continued focus is needed on health, safety, and equal opportunities.
With the right policies and awareness, India is moving closer to achieving the goal of “Empowered Women, Empowered Nation.”
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