Sun Feb 08 14:34:35 UTC 2026: ### Headline: India Grapples with Persistent Gender Bias Despite Legal and Social Progress

The Story:

A recent article in February 8, 2026 edition of The Hindu highlights the continued prevalence of gender-based violence and discrimination in India, despite advancements in laws, education, and government campaigns. The article opens with the tragic story of a man in Maharashtra who killed his six-year-old daughter to circumvent the state’s two-child rule, a barrier to his wife’s political aspirations. The piece also discusses historical instances of female foeticide and infanticide, linking these practices to societal biases and economic pressures. While acknowledging progress in improving the sex ratio at birth, the article emphasizes the persistence of a mindset that devalues women, leading to violence driven by ambition, wounded pride, and fragile notions of masculinity.

The article further explores the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, who report being taken less seriously than their male counterparts. It also cites statistics regarding women’s disproportionate burden of unpaid labor, which limits their contribution to India’s GDP to only 18%. It contrasts these struggles with examples of female success, such as Chef Jyoti Ravi Chaubey’s perseverance in a male-dominated street food market, demonstrating the ongoing battle for gender equality in various spheres of Indian society.

Key Points:

  • A man in Nanded, Maharashtra, killed his six-year-old daughter to bypass the two-child rule preventing his wife from contesting panchayat elections.
  • Historical accounts of female foeticide and infanticide reveal deeply rooted biases against daughters.
  • Despite laws and campaigns, the mindset that enables violence against women persists, driven by ambition and fragile ideas of masculinity.
  • Women entrepreneurs in India face challenges in being taken seriously.
  • Women’s disproportionate burden of unpaid labor limits their contribution to India’s GDP.

Key Takeaways:

  • Legal frameworks and government initiatives alone are insufficient to address deeply ingrained societal biases against women in India.
  • The persistence of these biases manifests in various forms of violence and discrimination, impacting women’s lives across social, economic, and political spheres.
  • Addressing the root causes of gender inequality requires a multi-faceted approach, including challenging harmful cultural norms, promoting economic empowerment, and ensuring equal opportunities for women.
  • Progress has been made, but the article shows these issues continue to persist.
  • The article serves as a sobering reminder of the need for continued vigilance and concerted efforts to dismantle patriarchal structures and promote gender equality in India.

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