Symbolic illustration of women's empowerment and sexual rights in India

Empowered But Not Free? Unpacking Women's Rights in India

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Jordan Keane in Culture & Society December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the complex relationship between women's empowerment, societal diversity, and the persistent challenges to sexual rights in India."


For decades, India has grappled with the critical issue of women's empowerment, particularly concerning violence reduction. Acknowledging women's sexual rights is paramount to addressing these challenges. While empowerment initiatives have gained traction, a concerning question arises: are these advancements truly translating into greater autonomy and freedom for women?

A recent study using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) sheds light on this complex dynamic. The research investigates whether diverse aspects of women's empowerment influence the prevalence of violence against women, including violations of their perceived sexual rights. The findings reveal a nuanced picture, highlighting both progress and persistent inequalities.

This article explores the study's key findings, examining the relationship between women's empowerment (economic independence, decision-making power), and the prevalence of spousal violence and perceived sexual rights. By unpacking these connections, we aim to understand the existing gaps and highlight the path toward holistic empowerment for women in India.

The Empowerment Paradox: Progress and Persistent Challenges

Symbolic illustration of women's empowerment and sexual rights in India

The study reveals a mixed bag of outcomes. While increased empowerment in various dimensions has led to a decline in spousal violence across most Indian states, exceptions exist. Meghalaya, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Karnataka have bucked this trend, highlighting the uneven progress of empowerment initiatives.

Furthermore, the research underscores a critical link between equity in women's empowerment and their perceived sexual rights. A concerning trend shows a decline in the percentage of women who feel empowered to exercise their sexual rights, dropping from 75% in NFHS-3 to 70% in NFHS-4. This suggests that empowerment in some areas isn't necessarily translating into greater agency over their bodies and sexual choices.

  • Economic Empowerment: Financial independence and control over assets offer women a degree of protection against violence. However, economic empowerment alone is insufficient.
  • Household Decision-Making: While women's participation in household decisions has increased, it doesn't always equate to individual autonomy in matters concerning their reproductive and sexual health.
  • Education: Education plays a crucial role in empowering women and restricting men from violating their sexuality. Women with higher education levels have greater decision-making power and are less likely to experience spousal violence.
These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of women's empowerment. Financial independence and rights in household decision-making are not enough. Women continue to lack negotiating power in individual decision-making, which concerns their reproductive and sexual rights. The recent upswing in women's empowerment has not led to a qualitative change in their lives, and they are still victims of violence, which affects their physical and mental health.

Toward Holistic Empowerment: A Path Forward

The study's findings call for a more holistic approach to women's empowerment. While economic and social initiatives are essential, they must be complemented by efforts to address deeply entrenched patriarchal norms and societal attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence and restrict women's sexual autonomy.

Increased awareness campaigns, legal reforms, and accessible support systems for survivors of violence are crucial. Additionally, engaging men and boys in promoting gender equality and challenging harmful masculinities is vital for creating lasting change.

Ultimately, true empowerment lies in ensuring women have the agency and freedom to make informed decisions about their lives, including their bodies and sexuality, free from violence and coercion. Only then can India truly achieve gender equality and unlock the full potential of its women.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4172/2167-0420.1000430, Alternate LINK

Title: A Nexus Between Diversity In Women'S Empowerment And Violation Of Their Sexual Rights In India: Evidence From National Family Health Surveys

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Journal of Women's Health Care

Publisher: OMICS Publishing Group

Authors: Shri Kant Singh, Deepanjali Vishwakarma, Santosh Kumar Shama, Gyan Chandra Kashyap

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

Why is economic empowerment important for women, and what are its limitations?

Women's economic empowerment, referring to financial independence and control over assets, is important because it provides a degree of protection against violence. However, the article emphasizes that economic empowerment alone is not sufficient for holistic empowerment. While it can reduce the likelihood of violence, it doesn't guarantee women's agency over their bodies and sexual choices.

2

How does household decision-making power affect women's autonomy?

Household decision-making power, which involves women's participation in household decisions, is crucial, but it doesn't always translate into individual autonomy concerning reproductive and sexual health. The study revealed that while women's involvement in household decisions has increased, it doesn't always lead to greater control over their bodies and sexual choices. This underscores the need for a broader approach to empowerment that addresses both economic and social dimensions.

3

What are women's sexual rights, and why is there a gap in achieving them?

The concept of sexual rights, as it relates to women, encompasses their ability to make informed decisions about their bodies and sexual choices without coercion or violence. The article highlights that despite advancements in some areas of women's empowerment, there's a concerning gap in realizing their sexual rights. The percentage of women who feel empowered to exercise these rights has declined, indicating that increased empowerment in other areas isn't necessarily translating into greater agency over their sexuality.

4

What role does education play in women's empowerment?

Education plays a crucial role in the holistic empowerment of women. Women with higher education levels have greater decision-making power and are less likely to experience spousal violence. By investing in education, society can equip women with the tools they need to protect themselves and assert their rights. Education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about changing societal norms that enable violence and restrict women's autonomy.

5

What is a 'holistic approach' to women's empowerment, and why is it necessary?

The study's findings suggest that a holistic approach to women's empowerment is needed. Economic independence, household decision-making power, and education are important, but they must be complemented by efforts to address patriarchal norms and societal attitudes. The goal is to create a society where women are not only empowered economically and socially, but also have complete autonomy over their bodies and sexual choices, leading to improved physical and mental health.

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