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VOL. 13, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Women’s empowerment and women’s mental health in India: Myth or reality
Authors
Rakesh Kumar Pal, Dr. Mona Srivastava
Abstract
Women’s empowerment and mental
health are increasingly recognized as interconnected dimensions of human
development. In India, ongoing socio-economic transitions have expanded
opportunities for women in education, employment, and public life. At the same
time, mental health concerns among women have received growing attention within
public health and policy frameworks. This paper examines the relationship
between women’s empowerment and women’s mental health in India and evaluates
whether this relationship represents an observable social reality or a
theoretical assumption. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and secondary
data, the study analyses how education, economic participation, social roles,
and decision-making autonomy influence women’s psychological well-being. The
findings suggest that empowerment is associated with improved mental health
outcomes through enhanced self-confidence, autonomy, and access to resources.
However, the relationship is shaped by contextual factors, including social
expectations, institutional support systems, and work-life balance. In some
cases, expanding roles and responsibilities may contribute to psychological
strain. The study concludes that the link between women’s empowerment and
mental health is real but multidimensional, requiring integrated policy
approaches that combine empowerment initiatives with accessible mental health
services.
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Pages:592-594
How to cite this article:
Rakesh Kumar Pal, Dr. Mona Srivastava "Women’s empowerment and women’s mental health in India: Myth or reality". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 13, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 592-594
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