Section Article

Inclusive Growth and the Issue of Social Exclusion: A Resource for Empowering Women
Author(s): Abhay Singh

Abstract
Inclusive growth has emerged as a central objective in modern development discourse especially in societies where historical inequities gender disparities and socio-economic divides restrict the equitable distribution of opportunities. Within this framework women’s empowerment is both a prerequisite and an outcome of sustainable development. This research paper examines the intricate relationship between inclusive growth social exclusion and women’s empowerment arguing that inclusive growth can only be achieved when structural forms of exclusion—economic social political cultural and institutional—are systematically dismantled. The study highlights how women despite forming nearly half of the population continue to face barriers related to education employment asset ownership decision-making mobility and representation. Using a multi-dimensional analytical approach the paper explores how inclusive growth policies such as financial inclusion initiatives gender-responsive labour markets equitable access to education digital empowerment programmes social protection systems and decentralised governance create pathways for overcoming exclusion. It also investigates how persistent patriarchy socio-cultural norms caste-based barriers regional inequalities and institutional biases inhibit women’s participation in development processes. The findings suggest that inclusive growth is most effective when women are positioned not merely as beneficiaries but as active agents of transformation capable of influencing economic structures reshaping social relations and contributing to national development.