Society demands much from women but denies them basic respect: NCW

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has pointed to a troubling paradox in Indian society, where women are assigned numerous roles and responsibilities but denied the respect and recognition they deserve. The observation underscores persistent gender-based inequalities that continue to characterize social and domestic spheres across the country. According to the NCW's assessment, this expectation-respect gap creates an imbalanced burden where women are asked to excel as homemakers, professionals, caregivers, and community members simultaneously, yet society frequently fails to acknowledge their contributions or accord them equal dignity. The commission's remarks highlight how societal norms often place competing and often contradictory demands on women while simultaneously limiting their agency and autonomy. The NCW has consistently advocated for systemic changes to address such disparities, emphasizing that genuine progress requires not just recognizing women's capabilities but fundamentally transforming attitudes toward gender equality. The statement reflects broader concerns about women's empowerment in India, where despite legislative measures and policy interventions, deeply entrenched social attitudes continue to undermine women's social status and limit their opportunities for full participation in public and private life.