HUMAN ETHICS, VALUES AND GENDER EQUALITY

UNIT II
Introduction
Engineering deals with technology and innovations. Technology makes life easy and
convenient life and living is the whole aim of our society and the world spins for life. We have to
understand ourselves and others to perform and produce the best.
Ethics is the set of moral principles, multidimensional, extended as justice and
consciousness to any society and to individual. Understanding woman values and behavior,
realizing their congenial rights is inevitable in any sphere of life. The subject of human ethics in
Engineering catter well, the needs of basic concepts, their role in the profession with suitable
examples and case studies.

2.1Sex and Gender

Concepts and definitions
Sex
Sex refers to the biological and physiological differences between male and female. The
term sex is a physical differentiation between the biological male and the biological female.
The genital differences between male and female is the basic of such characterization. There
is a biological difference between the sexes and most people are born (expect for a few
ambiguous cases) as one sex or another.
Biological males learn to take on masculine roles. They are socialized to think and act in
masculine ways. Biological females learn to take on feminine ways.
Gender
Gender explain the differences between men and women in social terms as men , and as
what a man can do; as women, and as what a women can or cannot do. Therefore, gender is a

analytical category that is socially constructed to differentiate the biological difference between
men and women.
The term gender is also used to describe the differences in behavior between men and
women which are described as masculine and feminine.
The difference are socially constructed by the patriarchal system of society by which men
are described as superior to women. Therefore women become subordinate to men in the society.
Gender Equity
Gender equity is a process of being fair to both women and men. To ensure fairness, measures
must often be available to compensate for historical and social disadvantanges that prevent
women and men from otherwise operating on a level playing field. Equity can be understood as a
means, where equality is the end. Equity leads to equality.
Gender Equality
Gender equality means that women and men enjoy the same status within a society. It does not
mean that men and women are exactly the same, but rather their similarities and differences are
recognized.

2.2 Status of women in India

Introduction
From streets to parliament, women in India have been trying to restructure the balance
of power between the two gender. After independence, the constitution became the first
document that in spirit, brought men and women in the same footing. But it was in 1975 with the
release of a report titled status of women in India, that the feminist movement gained
momentum.
2.2.1 Medieval women

In medieval India, due to the invasion of foreign conquerors, the native culture was
affected and resulted in many social, economical and cultural changes. Across ages Indian
women have been treated as a commodity and the sole property of her father, brother or husband.
They were not given any choice or freedom of their own on obvious reason for the decline of

status of women was their false belief. They were brought up with a firm conviction that to be
very pious and to remain obedient to their parents or husband would alone be their purpose of
life and a mark of chaste women. Women lore lived admist vicious evils such as child marriage,
sati, jauhar, restriction on education, denial of property rights, gender abuse and many.
Social reformers

In recent centuries, due to the toil of many social reformers, revolutionists and racists marked
changes has taken place in the mindset of people about the status of women in India and their
betterment.
2.2.2 Urban Indian women
The status of women in present India, hesitant to use the word modern India, is at a stage of
paradox. At one hand she on the feat of success , and on the other hand she remains as a mute
witness of violence unleashed on her by the follow citizens, family members and lawlessness.
When a comparison is made, present day women have beautiful achievements than the women of
earlier centuries. But in reality those achievements are not enough and permanent, still they have
to sail a lot more of rough tides. World women have left the secured domain of their homes and
are now in the battlefield of life, fully armed with their talents, they had proven themselves. But,
in India they are yet to get their dues.
There are many sensitive problems which remain unsolved daily before an Indian women :

1. Malnutrition
One of the major causes of malnutrition among Indian women is gender inequality.
In many parts of India, especially in rural India, women are the ones who eat last and
least in the whole family. In many villages sometimes women do not eat sufficiently due
to poverty. This leads to nutritional deficiency, consequently women become anaemic,
suffers poor growth that leads to an unending cycle of ill health, begetting babies of mean
health or poor health.
2. Poor health
Malnutrition results in poor health of women. Women of India are uncared from birth
itself. Girl babies are not breastfed for long as it is for boy babies. When they are grown also

female members do not get adequate care and nutrition. Even for consulting a doctor they can do
so with the permission of their elders only.

3. Maternal mortality :
In the whole world maternal mortality is highest in India only. Females remain
malnutritioned, get married early, become pregnant at a younger age becomes a victim
during pregnancy and delivery complications that leads to death.
4. Lack of education :
In India womens education never received its full share of attention. Girls are
expected to perform domestic duties first and education becomes secondary. Education is
important for boys only. In urban areas, though the scenario has changed a lot and women
are opting for higher education, still villages consider girls to be a curse and they do not
want to waste money and time on girls as they think that women should be wedded off as
soon as possible. Poor economic condition is another main reason for not sending girls to
schools. Lack of education is the root cause of many other problems associated with their
health, hygiene, preventive measures, self- confidence, awareness, communication, etc.,
5. Ill treatment
In India violence against women is a common evil not only in the villages but even in cities
women bear the burns and are subjected to both physical and mental violence. Every hour this
country succumbs a rape and every 03 minutes is forced to death due to dowry problem. Various
legal act are yet to yield a satisfactory result.

6. Work burden
Indian women work more than men of India and their work is hardly recognised . House hold
work or an agricultural work done by a women is not counted as a physical exertion at all. In
Andra Pradesh a study says that an average men perform 7-8 hours duty a day against 15 hour
work of women in general.

7. Lack of decesive power

In India large percentage of women are not given ample powers to decide. They are
unable to take independent decision even for their own self. They do not have any say on
any important issues. Also women wisdom and prudence is ignored.
8. Marriages
Elder family members fix the marriages in India. A marriage atmosphere in villages
are still very bad. Girls are brought off with a notion that a married girls has to always be

abided by the whims and fancies of her husband. The bridegroom and his parent imagine
that they do a great deal of obligation to the girls family and in return shamelessly
demand hefty dowry.
9. Dowry
Another monsterous issue is dowry system of India. Courts are flooded with cases
related to death. due to dowry harassment by husbands family. Now a days parent have
to push hefty amount as dowry. If a girl bring large amount of dowry she is given respect
and is treated well in her new home and if she does not bring she has to suffer
harassment. Due this deep rooted evil practice, many newly wed women of India have to
loose their lives.

10. Feticide
In many corners of India girl babies are considered to be a curse and spell of bad
omen. Girl baby birthed is looked upon as a burden. So, until recent times girl babies
were killed as soon as they were born. Even in this day too incident of feticide or female
infanticide to keep occurring.
Though there are problems in their lives in Indian women, they are ready to fight all the odds
and enjoy their life to the full. They keep striving to emerge victorious and socialize according to their
own Indian customs.

2.2.3 Judiciary supports

One of the biggest changes like ever before began with the judiciary, laws like the special
marriage act of 1954, the Hindu marriage act 1955, and the abolition of dowry act 1961 sought to
give women an equal space in society. Yet, the status of women in India is a sort of paradox. The
social status of women is a matter of great concern. Indian women has to travel a long way
towards equality. The problems affecting womens status in India are so vast and versatile.
Inspite of the progress made since independence issues like child marriage, high
mortality rate of women, massive literacy, dowry menace are still continuing.
Selected demographic characteristics
Issue

Concern

Mortality pattern

Infant mortality rate is higher among females in the rural areas of

India as a whole

Age at marriage

In more than 35% of the districts in India the female marriage

is below 15 years

Literacy and education

Women at work
Disparity

18.7% for females against 39.5% for males

Rural female literacy rate is 13.2% against 42.3% in
urban areas
Among females literates 40% have no education
level, 7.8% are matriculates and only 1.4% are
graduates
Even in biggest cities of India like Mumbai, only
8.4% are in the working force

With regards to helplessness only 930 females against 1000

males have independent means of living

2.3 Socio-cultural status of women

We find that reforms in law and educational policy do not always make the desired
impact. In respect of the status that is accorded to women by law and by constitution, we notice
that there is a gap between theoretical possibilities and their actual realization.

2.3.1 Images of women in religious traditions:

Hinduism

Women in vedic period enjoyed a high status.

Manu says women must never be independent.
Tulsidas says that women and cattle are objects fit to be beaten.
Emphasize strongly a faithful and uncomplaining attitude by women to achieve moksha
Accords an inferior and dependent status to women

Islam

Men and women stand on equal footing

Shariat law places women in a disadvantages or an inferior position in many respects.

Women cannot be appointed as a Kazi

No ban on remarriage and divorce is allowed
Polygamy is permitted in Islam
Women education is largely restricted in practice

Christianity

Accords a second status to women

Christianity forbids polygamy, which has raised the status of women
Christian girls are way ahead of others in education and employment

Marriages
Many problems of major importance for women are linked with marriage.Various issues like
early marriage, marriage procedures, dowry, divorce, separation, widowhood, remarriage are
vitaly important in assessing womens status.
An indicator
Issues

India %

World %

Infant mortality rate, 1000 live

births

73

60

Maternal mortality rate,

100,000 live births

570

430

Female literacy

58

77.6

Female school enrollment

47

62

Earned income by females

26

58

Underweight children

53

30

Total fertility rate

3.2

2.9

Women in government

Low birth weight babies

33

17

The above statistics indicates strongly that Indian women has to tread a long way to catch up
their world fraternity.
2.3.2 Summary and suggestions:

 Majority of women are still very far from enjoying the rights and opportunities provided
by the constitution
The increasing incidence of practices like dowry indicates the unsatisfactory status of
Indian women
Majority women are unaware of the social laws that protect them
Deliberate and planned efforts are to be accelerated
Community organizations and the government jointly has to work for increasing the legal
awareness among women
According to Indian constitution, women are legal citizens of the country and have equal
rights with men (Indian Parliament). Because of lack of acceptance from the male dominant
society, Indian women suffer immensely.
2.4 Health
Women are responsible for bearing children, yet they are malnourished and in poor health.
The women of the household are required to prepare the meal for the men, who eat most of
the food. Only after the males are finished eating, can the females eat. Typically the leftover food
is meager, considering the families are poor and have little to begin with. This creates a major
problem with malnutrition, especially for pregnant or nursing women. Very few women seek
medical care while pregnant because it is thought of as a temporary condition. This is one main
reason why Indias maternal and infant mortality rates are so high. Starting from birth, girls do
not receive as much care and commitment from their parents and society as a boy would. For
example a new baby girl would only be breast fed for a short period of time, barely supplying her
with the nutrients she needs. This is so that the mother can get pregnant as soon as possible in
hopes of a son the next time.
2.5 Education
Even though the constitution guarantees free primary schooling to everyone up to 14 years
of age, very few females attend school. Only about 39 percent of all women in India actually
attend primary schools. There are several reasons why families choose not to educate their
daughters. One reason is that parents get nothing in return for educating their daughters. Another
reason is that all the females in a household have the responsibility of the housework. So even

though education does not financially burden the family, it costs them the time she spends at
school.
2.6 Employment
Even if a woman is educated, especially in the poorer regions, there is no hope for a job.
Most jobs women perform are agricultural or domestic which do not require a formal education.
Another reason girls are not educated is because families are required to supply a chaste daughter
to the family of her future husband. Because women are not educated and cannot hold a
prestigious job, they take on the most physically difficult and undesirable jobs.
Conclusion
A drastic shift in the mind set of people may bring effective change in the womens status.
2.7 What are HDI, GDI and GEM?
HDI, GDI and GEM are abbreviations of human development index, gender related
development index and gender empowerment measure respectively. There are statistical indice
which are read to measure the human development highlighting the status of women.

2.7.1 Human Development Index (HDI)

HDI : These indice are used as measure to understand Human Development in various
aspects as health, education and income. By analyzing these factors we can understand our
position in the world ranking. Accordingly our policy and strategy can be modified for
improvement. On occasions this indice will obviously point out the flaw in government policy
choices and the possible source of remedy.

An evaluating index created in 1990 jointly by an Indian and Pakistan economists.

It evaluate human development in the spheres of education, equality, life (health)

expectancy and income indices.

GDP- speaks about not economic progress only.
International data provides augument the needed current statistical details.
As off 2012-187 countries have been enrolled in HDI.
HDI emphazies that capabilities are the ultimate criteria for assessing the development of

a country and economic growth alone.

By analyzing HDI the validity of GNI can also be verified.

Comparing HDI and GNI government policies can be prioritized.

The United Nation Human Development Report 2013 was released on 14 March
2013, according to which out of 18 countries India has poor Human Development
Index(HDI).
Apart from Afghanistan that got a rank of 147 in comparison to 134 of India, all
the countries in the region of South Asia were ranked higher on HDI. China was also
ranked very high on HDI.

2.7.2 Gender-related Development Index (GDI)

The Human Development Report 1995 introduced two new measures of human
development that highlight the status of women. The first, Gender-related Development
Index (GDI), measures achievement in the same basic capabilities as the HDI does, but
takes note of inequality in achievement between women and men. The methodology used
imposes a penalty for inequality, such that the GDI falls when the achievement levels of
both women and men in a country go down or when the disparity between their
achievements increases. The greater the gender disparity in basic capabilities, the lower a
country's GDI compared with its HDI. The GDI is simply the HDI discounted, or
adjusted downwards, for gender inequality.
Women dont seem to be doing too badly in India, when we consider just South
Asia. Indias Gender-related Development Index (GDI) rank is 96 out of 177 countries.
But, as always, the ranking hides more than it reveals about gender equality.
Pakistan leads the way with 20.4%, highest percentage of women in Parliament.
In Sri Lanka, the figure is 4.9% and in India 9.2%. Bangladesh too, is better off with
14.8% of seats in Parliament held by women.
If female life expectancy in India is 65.3, Bangladesh is not too far behind at 64.2
years. Sri Lanka is way ahead with a female life expectancy of 17.3 and its adult female
literacy rate is almost double the Indian figure of 47.8%.
Indias only comfort is that it has better literacy rates than Pakistan and Nepal. In
gross school enrolment of women too, Indias percentage is just 58, same as Bangladesh.
On most counts, including the GDI ranking China (rank 64) is far ahead of all the
countries in South Asia.

2.7.3 Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM)

Gender Empowerment Measure (GEM), is a measure of agency. It evaluates progress

in advancing women's standing in political and economic forums. It examines the extent to
which women and men are able to actively participate in economic and political life and take part
in decision-making. While the GDI focuses on expansion of capabilities, the GEM is concerned
with the use of those capabilities to take advantage of the opportunities of life.
The GEM on the other hand measures political participation and decision making power,
economic participation and command over resources. Its calculation mirrors that of the GDI as a
practical implication of the use of the estimated earned income used to measure economic
participation a poor country cannot achieve a high value for the GEM and vice versa for rich
countries.
The estimated earned income of women in India, $1,471 per capita in Purchasing Power
Parity (PPP) terms, and as per GEM might be high in the region, but again Sri Lankan women
earn almost twice as much and Chinese women three times the amount.
Yet again, Bangladesh is close behind India with its women earning $1,170, while in
Pakistan and Nepal, they earn less than $1,000 per capita.
Interestingly, when it comes to the proportion of females involved in economic activity,
Sri Lanka and India are almost equally badly off- Indias rate is 34% and Sri Lankas is 35%.
The 2008 Human Development Indices a statistical update presents a number of potential
methodological innovations in order to better capture gender inequalities. To this end, the update
looked at disparities between men and women. For example, it finds that despite the huge
advances in womens rights and in key areas like education, gender inequalities are still existing.
The methodology used to construct the GDI and GEM could be used to assess inequalities
not only between men and women, but also between other groups such as rich and poor, young
and old, etc.
2.8.1 Contribution

of Thanthai Periyar to women empowerment

Thanthai Periyar (1879-1973), a unique rationist devoted his life in arousing his people to
realize their birthrights, liberty, equality and fraternity with a keen emphasis on empowering

women against all their suppressions. Perhaps none else is that much deeply concerned about
womens liberation.
The unmatched, revolutionary contribution of Thanthai Periyar is paramout and focussed on
the issues like:
1. Child Marriage
There was no other leader other than Periyar who reacted against this evil practice of
child marriage. In all his meetings Periyar condemned child marriages and stressed the need of
educating all girl children.
2. Women Education
Periyar stated that all girl children should be taught active and energetic exercises like
running, high jump, wrestling so that they aquire strength and courage of men. He popularly used
to emphasize that what gives beauty to a woman is not her hair style, dress but only education.
3. Marriage Reforms
Periyar thought that the Aryan wedding methods were barbarous. He claimed that women
find pleasure in slavish marriages because they have been brought up their parents without
education, independence and self respect and also because they have been made to believe that
marriage means subordination to males. He advised and suggested strongly self respect
marriages.
4. Against Dowry
Periyar called it as a serious disease that was spreading fast among Tamilians. Periyar
called the dowry custom as an evil and an exploitative practice.
5. Self-respect Marriage
Periyar stated that self respect marriage is based on rationalism and rationalism is again
based on the individuals courage. Only due to Periyars efforts, self respect marriages were
legalized in 1967.
6. Birth Control Rights
Periyar being a born revolutionary thinker he said that contraception is necessary for
women to gain freedom. He stated clearly that others advocate birth-control with a view of

preserving the health of women and conserving family property; but we advocate it for the
unimpeachable liberation of women.
7. Contraception
Periyar recommended that, women should stop delivering children act together because
conception stands in the way of women enjoying personal freedom. Further one be getting
number of children prevents men also being free and independent.
8. Women Independence
Throughout his life Thanthai Periyar fought rigourously for the women independence. He
said women are born free but bound by chains in the name of customs. He stated that nobody
takes notice of the great hardship suffered by one section women. It is unfair and wicked on the
part of male population to continue to denigrate and enslave female population. He had been
insisting women education as the sure measure for women independence.
9. Property Rights to Women
On Feb,4,1946, the central legislature passed, an act giving legal right to women. In
husbands property, like men, women also should have the right to own property and enjoy its
benefits.
10. Equality in Employment
The women must be educated and be prepared for employment. When they begin to earn
they first become independent and self confident. They feel secured and can take care of their
family to their full satisfaction. Nowadays, women are provided with equal opportunities in
employment equality in both the public and private sectors.
11. Jewel Mania
Periyar felt deeply that women have no aim or ideal that possessing a car , jewels,
expensive cloth and getting enjoyed in recreation and gossiping alone is the meaning of life. Also
he worried that jewel mania has struck out women like a leech. Women should first begin to
think rationally in the lines that wearing jewel is not the real beauty. Periyar had been warning
continuously that India is the worst hit country by this storm of jewel mania.

12. Freedom from Bondage

In India marriage principles enslave women. As far as marriage is concerned women are
subjected to unnaturally harsh treatment. Marriage has nothing to do with divinity. Every women
should receive education which will enable them to be free from cowardice and false beliefs.
..and many more
It is interesting and meaningful to note that Russia means rights of women Mr.
Kuruschov, the then premier of Soviet Union had said that, that the dignity of every women in
his country was measured by her work and not by reputation of her husband. Thanthai Periyar
always appreciated and upheld the way Russia looked at its womens rights.
But for the awareness sounded by Thanthai Periyar the constitution of women fock in
Tamilnadu and Kerala as of this day would be far in ruins than what we experience now. One can
imagine the prudential concern of Thanthai Periyar when he wrote in Viduthalai dated
28.12.1953 the jewel mania has not afflicted any country in the world except Tamilnadu.
Following the example of some of the rich women even a middle class women develop a craze
for jewellery. Has anything good resulted from this? no doubt that present scenario.
During the early part of the twentieth centuary, when the womens rights had been kept in
the dark, Periyar boldly affirmed that the women rights is the top priority issue well above the
countrys independence and sociatic reforms next.
About marriage reforms Periyar commended as with marriages comes the expenses. in
our country and particularity in Hindu society. A marriage function causes lot of difficulties and
waste to all people concerned and insisted to perform self respect marriages. Periyar believed
that an agreement between partner to live together will constitute a better marriage than a love
marriage.
Thanthai Periyar added on that if slavery has to be erazed in society the male arrogance
and wickedness which lead to the enslavement of women must be abolished first. Only when this
is achieved the tender sprouts of freedom and equality will register their growth.

2.8.2 Contribution of Phule to women empowerment

Women constitute half of the humanity. Besides bearing and rearing of future citizens. They play
sufficient role in every walk of life. Yet they suffer from the secondary status and their pivotal

participation in the development process is and their effective participation, the development of the
country cannot be ensured marginalized. Without the betterment of womens socio-economic con
effectively.
Constitution of India confers women with equal social, economic and political rights and
opportunities with men. During pre independence decades many racist and social reformers felt and
fought for the empowerment of women in different walks of life. Mahatma Phule was one such great
reformer who devoted his life for empowering women with education.
Jyothi Rao Phule strongly felt that it was Brahmins who systematically developed and injected
stories to prevent women from seeking education. Born on April 11, 1827 in Pune. Mahatma phule was
real philanthropist. He strongly believed that women of India will see the limelight one and only when
they are educated. Education alone will make them socially and economically uplifted.

Women empowerment by Mahatma Phule:

Jyothi Rao and his friend resolved to ring the bell of Education To women in Maharashtra.
He opened his first school in 3rd July 1851, which became honoured as the first girl school in

India.
The second and third schools were opened in September 1851 and March 1853 respectively.
A judge named Brown who inspected the first school declared that educating women will

strengthen the family happiness and utility of the family.

In appreciation of Phules initiatives in womens education the Education Department felicitated

him with honour.

The uproar to educate women began to spread to other regions of the country.
During 1859 Bombay literary society set up eight girls schools in and around Bombay.
Jyothi Rao condemned the degrading beliefs about women in the Vedas and Upanshads.
Jyothi Rao threw open challenges on manusmriti and declared them as a spell on every human

being.
With the great vision and work of Phule women became conscious of what is right and what is
wrong in the light of science.

Conclusion
Due to the efforts of Mahatma Phule, education of girls is emphasized and assured to all of us.
Further, orthodox and meaningless customs such as child marriage were controlled. Widows remarriage
was accepted and Hindu law amended to protect the interests of women.

2.8.3 Contribution of Ambedkar to women empowerment

Dr. Ambedkar brought women, the mulnivasi women in particular into the struggle. In
December 1927 during the Mahad Tank struggle, on the first day (of the second leg) when the
procession was taken out, women marched in the procession along with men. Second day, Dr.
Ambedkar exclusively addressed women. He told them to participate in the struggle against the
tyranny of caste system. He emphasized to them that men alone cannot fight this menace. The
main theme of his speech was Importance of participation of women in the struggle of
depressed. He also wanted to prepare the women for a cultural change. He told them to change
their style of dressing, to do away with unwanted ornaments, which they used to wear all the
time and told them to send their girls to school, keep cleanliness etc. His speech was so effective
that women dropped the unwanted ornaments in that meeting itself. Next day the women could
be seen with their style of dressing changed completely. Thus Dr. Ambedkar brought about a
revolutionary change in the attitude of mulnivasi women. Dr. Ambedkar was an ardent supporter
of family planning. He emphasized the need of family planning way back in 1938.
Dr. Ambedkar had also been encouraging women to organise themselves. One such
historic womens conference was held on 20 July 1942 at Nagpur. Some 25,000 mulnivasi
women participated in the conference
Through the constitution of India, as the chairman of the constitution drafting committee,
Dr. Ambedkar was instrumental in granting equal status to all the citizens irrespective of sex,
religion etc. Thus the women, contrary to their low status as per Hindu law books, were for the
first time got equal status lawfully.
The next landmark, pioneering work, which Dr. Ambedkar did was the Hindu Code
Bill. He introduced this bill in the parliament on the promise from Jawaharlal Nehru that the bill
will be passed as it is. He basically prepared this bill to empower women by way of giving
property rights and giving rights in many other matters like marriage, adoption, divorce etc.
The property rights section was immediately passed. This itself was a landmark in
empowering women. The entire credit for this goes to Dr. Ambedkar. The other sections of the
Hindu Code Bill were passed in the form of following acts:

Hindu Marriage Act 1955

Hindu Succession Act 1956

Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act 1956

Adoption and Maintenance Act 1956

The equal status was again restored to women legally after Indian independence; particularly
securing the property rights to women were exclusively through Dr. Ambedkars efforts.