2021, Vol. 3, Issue 1, Part A

author(s)
Dr. Rohit Kumar Rai

abstract
Understanding the relationship of women and men with the environment is essential for policy making for sustainable economic development and sustainable use of natural resources. In the current global economic scenario, the issue before India is not only of rapid economic growth but also of inclusive and sustainable economic development. India is the most populous country in the world where women are not only helpful in economic development as human resources but also helpful in environment-friendly economic development due to their connection with nature and ecosystem. Today, the work of women is not limited to household chores only. At present, the participation of women in all types of economic and commercial activities along with agriculture is increasing rapidly. On the one Side, women are emerging as the carriers of sustainable agriculture in the agricultural sector, on the other Side, women are engaged in many such economic activities which are essential for environmental protection in the present circumstances. Emphasizing women empowerment, emphasis is also being laid on economic participation of women in government schemes/programs. Due to the spread of education and awareness, participation of women in all types of economic activities is sure to increase in future. To take advantage of demographic dividend in future, it is necessary that more and more women should be connected to the mainstream of economic development. This will not only help in increasing the national income but will also make environment friendly economic development possible. In this research paper, on the one hand the issues and challenges related to the future sustainable economic development of India have been discussed, on the other hand an attempt has been made to look at the contribution of women in sustainable economic development from a socio-economic perspective.