Gender and Governance: A Critical Content Analysis of Women’s Inclusion in India’s Twelfth Five-Year Plan

Gender inequality remains a significant concern in the contemporary global context, with international communities emphasising the need to address this issue comprehensively. India is not exempt from this global perspective. Effective resolution of women’s issues necessitates their comprehensive inclusion in the development planning process. Women's socio-economic advancement is crucial for national progress, contributing to inclusive economic growth, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. The Five-Year Plans (FYP) of India have been instrumental in the nation’s development, underscoring the essential role of women across various sectors to elevate their societal status. Employing qualitative content analysis, this research studies the representation and inclusion ofwomen within the 12th FYP ofIndia, in light of the Gender Inequality Index (GII) provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).