Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on the 10th of December 1948 at Palais de Chaillot, Paris. It consists of 30 articles which have been elaborated in subsequent international treaties, regional human rights instruments, national constitutions and laws. Out of all the 30 articles, Article 26 is the key to the foundation of securing the most basic of human rights i.e. right to education. This article sets out the social, economic and cultural rights.
To compete in today’s world in terms of employment opportunities, social status, success, etc education plays a very vital role to groom ones personality and boost self confidence. Education is very important for both girls and boys as it helps in the development of human dignity, there shall be no discrimination in the provision of education. There shall be availability of teaching and learning resources irrespective of the cost, language or location of the town/ village. The state is obliged to make available free education for women, improve the facilities and make available resources required for a better learning.
Education and Employment are interrelated. The more educated a women is the better are the employment opportunities. In the early 1980’s to late 1990’s the female work participation in India was very low as compared to other developing countries. Whereas, during 2004-2005 there was an increase in female work participation in the country. However, during 2009-2010 a gradual decline was seen. This was despite the rapid economic growth and many other changes in society. The main reason for this is low paid work and other part time work offered to women. Women workers remain stuck in low value-added but arduous work in agriculture. Around two-thirds of women workers are still employed in agriculture as their principal economic activity, while the share for men workers has fallen to less than half. The reason for this is that men are more educated than women. Thus, education is very essential to enable women to seek for better employment opportunities.
Despite the above the women in India face domestic violence, dowry demands, sexual assault, sexual violence, etc. There are so many cases reported each day regarding such crimes against women also not to forget the fact that there could be so many more unreported cases too. The role of legislators here is to maintain rule of law and to provide social and economic justice by protecting the weaker sections of the society. There shall be an awareness of law. Every women should know her rights. Educating women on legal aspects would not only make them aware but also give them strength in struggling times.
Another image of women in India that has grown in the recent years is the one that we have aped from the west and which gradually is gaining momentum. This is the portrayal of the woman as a showpiece or an icon of glamour. Many T.V. ads, T.V. Serials and Cinemas portray women as the stereotypes to increase their demand/ sales. Women are on commercials and magazine advertisements dressed in skimpy clothing selling everything from tires to pizza. All this stereotyping has a great effect on society. Children are especially vulnerable to this, since their young minds are still developing and learning about the world around them. We can stop this in one way simply by stop buying magazines that feature the sexist and damaging ads. Parents can teach their children that men are not smarter or stronger than women. Parental control should be made on T.V. channels.
Thus, Female Education is key to reduce tension between states and develop good relations. Ignorance of human rights is the ignorance of basic development of a human being and right to education is the vital element to inform individuals and groups of their rights.
