Karnataka Women

Karnataka women have played an important part in the cultural and political history of the state. From Gangubai Hangal to Ashwini Nachappa, from Shakuntala Devi to Aishwarya Rai, women from Karnataka continue to make a mark in India's cultural scene. Modern women in Karnataka are self-assured and educated professionals who participate actively in every sphere of human activity.

However, a disparity of the condition among Karnataka women in the urban and the rural areas cannot be altogether denied. Incidents of gender discrimination has not been uncommon in Karnataka, especially in the rural areas and among the urban poor. The Karnataka State Women's Commission has recently formed a panel to initiate an in-depth study of the conditions of Karnataka's women. That would be followed by sure and planned steps to alleviate their plight.

Karnataka women in the recent times have been extremely proactive in their upliftment in society. The formation of self-help groups to elevate their positions among the urban poor have been particularly noteworthy. With the support of he Asian Development Bank (ADB), these Karnataka women are working to eradicate the evils of alcoholism, borrowing and joblessness of their male counterparts. These poor women in Karnataka have also been active to become economically self-sufficient. This is dove mainly through small scale entrepreneurship, skilled labor, etc.

The various urban centers of Karnataka now sees women in various professional spheres. The high literacy rate among the women of Karnataka has seen them emerge as very competent performers in the various industrial sectors and high-profile public spheres.