Inspite of government commitments and focus on women’s development and empowerment, the present status of women continues to be quite dismal in terms of important human development parameters like health, nutrition, literacy, educational attainments, skill levels, occupational status etc. To empower women equal access to participation and decision making in social, political and economic life of the nation is a necessity of time. This book explores the different issues of women empowerment with reference to the present changes that are taking place in India. With a comprehensive coverage of relevant issues, concerns, policies, programmes and future challenges, the book may be said to be a theoretical as well as empirical exploration of whether women empowerment is a reality or myth, in the Indian context. The book also provides historical perspectives on the subject, besides informative analyses of the current status of women empowerment in India. Students and scholars of women studies, sociology, economics and development studies will find this edited volume highly useful.