Transforming Unequal Gender Relations in India and Beyond - An Intersectional Perspective on Challenges and Opportunities

This book offers a unique intersectional perspective on gender equality, SDG5. It presents an intersection of gender with caste, class, region, ethnic and sexual identities, and other structural drivers of inequalities in various development sectors. It presents case studies and empirical findings from development practice and policymaking and highlights the challenges to implementing SDG5 in practice. It discusses policies to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls, and women in decision-making and leadership positions. The chapters reinstate that gender equality is possible only if unequal gender norms are transformed to recognize women and girls as independent economic entities and not merely homemakers providing unpaid care. It also analyzes to deconstruct the idea of monolithic masculinity to recognize gender diversity and men's role in providing care. The book shows how much has been achieved, yet how far is also left to go. It is an essential reference point for researchers, policymakers, students, and scholars across gender studies, women's studies, and sociology.

Saroj Pachauri, M.D., Ph.D., D.P.H., is a public health physician with extensive research on sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV/AIDS, gender, poverty, and youth, was a regional director for South and East Asia, Population Council, has published 5 books, contributed chapters to 20 books, published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals, was awarded Grants Gold Medal for securing first position in DPH, and was bestowed the prestigious title of Distinguished Scholar by the Population Council.

Ravi Verma, Ph.D., is Regional Director, International Center for Research on Women. Dr. Verma taught for over two decades at a premier demographic institution, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, prior to joining International Center for Research on Women as a regional director, has published extensively on the intersectional nature of gender in reputed and high impact journals, served as a member, High-level Committee on the Status of Women, during 2013-16 and currently serves as a commissioner on the Lancet Commission on 'Gender and Global Health'.