Gender Equality in India: Progress, Policies and Persistent Barriers under SDG5

This paper evaluates India’s efforts in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality under the Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG-5). It critically analyses key government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mahila E-Haat, PM Ujjwala Yojana, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. The study finds that while India has made commendable progress in enhancing the socio-economic status of women across various sectors, persistent challenges continue to hinder the complete realization of SDG-5 targets. The paper offers insights into the effectiveness of current government programs, highlights existing gaps, and suggests actionable recommendations for stakeholders to enhance gender-focused policy outcomes.