Teaching psychology at the Indian institute of Technology, Mumbai, Dr Rehana Ghadially has delved deep into the urban psyche and edited a book Urban Women in Contemporary India, recently published by Sage Publications. An expert on gender issues, she spoke to Shruba Mukherjee of Deccan Herald on empowerment of urban women in modern India and also finds out why 33 per cent reservation is still eluding the fair sex. Excerpts:

How would you define empowerment and what are its attributes? Does being modern necessarily mean empowerment?

Empowerment and power are deeply interlinked concepts. Like power empowerment is a multi-dimensional concept. Unfortunately, it has assumed a narrow definition in India with emphasis on economic empowerment which exemplifies access and control over material resources. But there is also political (decision-making), legal (laws that are aimed at protecting individual rights), social (respect from others, social acceptance, sense of belonging and status) and psychological empowerment. The last one has been largely ignored in the Indian context.

Psychological empowerment is a set of cognitions (thoughts and other higher mental processes such as will, judgment), bio-positive values and beliefs we carry that help us transform the circumstances under which we live for the better. I do not think that being modern necessarily empowers women. Modernity has been linked with Western style education and education does open possibilities and opportunities, which can lead to empowerment.

Education and economic independence are considered necessary for empowerment of women. But some empowered women imbibe a patriarchal outlook. For example neglecting their daughter, yearning for a son. What is your take on this?

I agree. Education and economic independence are necessary but not sufficient for empowerment. The power of tradition, social norms and values can quickly tip the balance. Education is still the key to individual and social change. Unfortunately, in India the purpose of education has become quite limited. Liberal education is a passport to a highly qualified groom, to limited personal income and to improved social status. The purpose of education is to transform the very way we look at things including cherished traditions.

We need a re-think on what contributes to individual and group empowerment. A strong personal belief that you have the “right to say”, particularly in matters affecting you and respect from others regarding this fundamental right.

Do you think women’s groups have done enough for women’s movement in India?
Yes, given the enormity of the problems facing Indian women, women activists and groups have done an excellent job of addressing crucial issues and making some much needed gains, for example law reform. Where they have failed is in energising many more women and giving it a mass appeal.

The women’s movement has also failed in mobilising women from minority groups assisting them in strategising and organising issues relevant to them. Today we know little about problems of say Jain, Sikh women and how they are being addressed. There is an occasional focus on problems of Muslim women but they too are politicised.

What are the reasons in your opinion for political parties not agreeing to the 33 per cent reservation for women?
Politics and political participation remains the final bastion of power-sharing and hence most difficult and challenging to master. Besides, the middle class Indian mindset is structured against the notion of quotas (thanks to quotas for SC/STs). Women activists and women’s groups resources are spread across many issues besides political participation. Intense lobbying and pursuing may be necessary to get the political parties to move on this matter.

Men’s (mis)perception of women’s leadership qualities and skills is another reason for sensitivity to quotas. There is also the unfounded fear that quotas may be demanded in other areas of life and by other groups as well. The thought of sharing power (read resources) can be very problematic for men in these political parties.

Do you think women MPs and MLAs have done enough for this cause?
Yes, given the socio-political culture of their respective political parties and given the male dominated and controlled structure of politics, women MPs and MLAs have done what is possible.
Besides, they will push their party agenda rather than their personal inclinations.