Bridging the Divide: NEP 2020 as the Catalyst for Women’s Educational Empowerment and the Realization of SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
Author : Razia Azhar
ABSTRACT
The worldwide goal of gender equality, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), recognizes education as the foremost means for women’s empowerment. In India, despite considerable historical progress, women persist in encountering multifaceted obstacles, encompassing entrenched traditional roles, early marriage, and systemic marginalization in society and economy (Mir & P.K. 2024). This review paper critically analyzes the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a transformative regulatory framework designed to align national efforts with the 2030 Agenda (NEP 2020 & SDG Report 2025). Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study synthesizes primary sources—including the NEP 2020 policy document and the Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025—with secondary scholarly literature. The analysis indicates that despite NEP 2020’s strong measures, such as the Gender Inclusion Fund (GIF), aimed at Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs), there are still major challenges, such as significant gaps in implementation and a “learning crisis” in retaining girls in school at the higher secondary level.
Keywords: Women Empowerment, Gender Equality, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Gender Inclusive Fund (GIF), Educational Equity.
Cite this Article:
Razia Azhar,“ Bridging the Divide: NEP 2020 as the Catalyst for Women’s Educational Empowerment and the Realization of SDG 5 (Gender Equality)” Shiksha Samvad International Open Access Peer-Reviewed & Refereed Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, ISSN: 2584-0983 (Online), Volume 03, Issue 03, pp.178-187, March-2026. Journal URL: https://shikshasamvad.com/
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