Globalization affects different groups of women in different places in different ways. On the one hand it may create new opportunities for women to be forerunners in economic and social progress on the other it may take away job opportunities by providing cheaper avenues in the form of assembly line production or outsourcing.

With the advent of global communication networks and cross-cultural exchange there seems to be a change in the status of women albeit not to a very large extent. Globalization has indeed promoted ideas and norms of equality for women that have brought about awareness and acted as a catalyst in their struggle for equitable rights and opportunities. However, Globalization may exacerbate gender inequality in a patriarchal society, especially in the developing world. In the economic realm it may lead to further marginalization of women in the informal labor sector or impoverishment through loss of traditional sources of income.According to a United Nations Development Fund for Women’s report, over the past two decades the process of globalization has contributed to widening inequality within and among countries

 Positive of Globalization on women

• Opened up broader communication lines and brought more companies as well as different worldwide organizations into India- this provides more opportunities for women who are becoming a larger part of the workforce
• With new jobs for women, there are opportunities for higher pay, which raises selfconfidence and brings about independence
• It has increased rate of urbanization. Women in urban areas have become more independent and self-sufficient.
• The lower middle class is experiencing a shift in the way family relations worked. Traditionally women stayed at home taking care of domestic needs and children. Now most of the women are setting out of their private spaces to earn a living. For example: SelfEmployed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India is a union of women laborers willing to work hard and seize any work opportunities they might get
• Feminist movement has spread to India due to globalization, making women more vocal about their ideas.
• Globalization has led increase in education of women, it has led to an improvement in health care facilities, leading to reduction of MMR and IMR
• Different non-profit organizations have been brought to India from around the globe. These organizations have given women the skills they need to advance, such as literacy and vocational skills.
• It has led to an increase in independence of women especially in urban areas. This has been manifested through inter-caste marriages, single mothers, live-in relationships
• The women in rural settings have been influenced by globalization through media and through numerous intervention programs like non-profit organizations, increasing selfconfidence of women and motivating them to fight for their rights

Negative Aspects of Globalization on women

• Though employment opportunities for women are increasing, they are mostly crowded in low paying jobs, have less social security.
• Women are suffering two fold. As women in developing countries move into the work force, their domestic responsibilities are not alleviated. Women work two full time jobs.
• Exploitation of women in work place has emerged as a new issue
• Globalization has occurred with the persistence of patriarchal mindset of Indians, this has led to problems for women like commodification of women, use of social media to harass women, increase in violence against women
• As consumers, women are increasingly facing a consumer culture which reduces them to commodities and as producers, women are exposed to work exploitation and occupational hazards
• Additionally, prostitution, abuse and dowry related suicides are on the increase despite globalization

 Globalization has therefore both adverse and benign impact on women.