Status of Women in Higher Education in India: Analytical study of Haryana

This paper explores the status of women in higher education in India, with a specificfocus on Haryana, a state that exemplifies both progress and persisting genderdisparities. Using secondary data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE)2021–22, Census 2011, and scholarly literature, this study examines key indicators suchas the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) and Gender Parity Index (GPI) to evaluate trendsand challenges in women’s higher education. Nationally, the GER for women in highereducation has surpassed that of men, standing at 27.3 compared to 26.9 (AISHE, 2021–22). Haryana, with a GER of 29.3, reflects above-average enrolment levels but remainsinfluenced by patriarchal norms and socio-economic barriers. Similarly, the GPI, whichmeasures gender parity in higher education, demonstrates progress nationally and inHaryana, but masks underlying inequalities in access, subject choice, and institutionalpreference. The paper identifies the interplay between cultural norms, economicconstraints, and policy initiatives that shape women’s participation in higher education,offering a nuanced understanding of gendered educational outcomes. Throughqualitative analysis and an extensive literature review, this study contributes to thediscourse on gender equality in education, emphasizing the need for inclusive andcontext-specific strategies to achieve sustainable progress in women’s access to highereducation.