Release of Publication “Women and Men in India 2023″

Release of Publication “Women and Men in India 2023″

Context:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 25th edition of its publication titled “Women and Men in India 2023.”

  • This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the socio-economic conditions of women and men in India, highlighting key trends and disparities across various domains such as population, education, health, economic participation, and decision-making.
  • The publication serves as an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and the public to understand gender dynamics in India and to inform the development of gender-sensitive policies.

Key Highlights of the Report:

  • Population Projections:
    • By 2036, India’s population is expected to reach 152.2 crore, with a slight increase in the female percentage from 48.5% in 2011 to 48.8% in 2036.
    • The sex ratio is projected to improve from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, indicating a positive trend toward gender equality.
    • The proportion of individuals under 15 years is expected to decrease due to declining fertility, while the population aged 60 years and above is anticipated to increase significantly.

  • Fertility Trends:
    • The Age Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR) in the age group of 20-24 and 25-29 years has declined from 135.4 and 166.0 in 2016 to 113.6 and 139.6 in 2020, respectively.
    • An increase in ASFR for women aged 35-39 years from 32.7 to 35.6 during the same period indicates that women are choosing to expand their families later in life.
    • Adolescent Fertility Rate was notably lower for literate women (11.0) compared to illiterate women (33.9) in 2020, emphasizing the importance of education in reducing early fertility.

  • Maternal and Infant Mortality:
    • India has achieved a significant milestone by reducing the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20, making it feasible to meet the SDG target of reducing MMR to 70 by 2030.
    • The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) for both males and females has decreased, with the gap between the sexes closing, as IMR for both was 28 per 1,000 live births in 2020.
    • The Under-5 Mortality Rate also declined from 43 in 2015 to 32 in 2020, with a reduced gap between boys and girls.