The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Advancing Women Empowerment in Aspirational Districts of Uttar Pradesh

Niloo Km; Lal Alpana

doi:10.53983/ijmds.v14n8.010

Authors

Km Niloo Research Scholar, Department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 226007
Dr. Alpana Lal Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 226007

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53983/ijmds.v14n8.010

Keywords:

Women Empowerment, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Aspirational Districts, Sustainable Development

Abstract

Women empowerment is no longer just a lofty ideal but an actionable, tangible, measurable outcome that plays a key role in the advancement of society. Kofi Annan states that ‘There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women’. In India, the nexus between gender equality and sustainable development has become increasingly recognized with significant steps being made through a comprehensive approach. This research paper briefly contextualized the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in driving women empowerment, with a focus on the Aspirational Districts of Uttar Pradesh. The study investigates how CSR initiatives in these districts are contributing to sustainable development, which emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women. The Aspirational Districts Program, initiated by NITI Aayog in 2018, aimed at transforming the most backward districts of India. The study is descriptive in nature and based on secondary data and all the data collected from national portal of Ministry of Corporate Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility. The study conducts a comparative analysis of CSR expenditures from 2018-2019 to 2022-2023, with a focus on gender-focused initiatives. This paper evaluates their effectiveness in fostering gender equality and empowering women in underserved areas.

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Author Biographies

Km Niloo, Research Scholar, Department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 226007

Km Niloo received her B.A and Master of Arts in Economics from University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. She has qualified UGC- NET. She is pursuing Doctorate in Economics from the Department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

Dr. Alpana Lal, Associate Professor, Department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, 226007

Dr. Alpana Lal received her degree of Master of Arts in Economics from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India in the year 2000 and obtained her Ph.D. Degree in Economics on the topic of ‘An Analytical Study of Fertility Pattern in Sant Ravidas Nagar (Bhadohi) District of Uttar Pradesh’ from V. B. S. Purvanchal University, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. She is currently working as Associate Professor in the department of Economics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. She is Also a member of the Board of Studies, Department of Economics and Faculty Board, Faculty of Arts, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.

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