Read the given passage carefully and answer the following questions.
The division of society into male, female and transgender is believed to be natural and biological. But, in reality, there are social constructs and roles assigned to individuals which are reinforced by social institutions. Consequently, these biological differences become the basis of social differentiation, discrimination and exclusion. The exclusion of over half of the population becomes a serious handicap to any developing and civilised society. It is a global challenge, which has been acknowledged by the UNDP when it mentioned that, "If development is not engendered it is endangered" (HDR UNDP 1995). Discrimination, in general, and gender discrimination, in particular, is a crime against humanity. All efforts need to be made to address the denial of opportunities for education, employment, political representation, low wages for similar types of work, disregard to their entitlement to live a dignified life, etc. A society which fails to acknowledge and take effective measures to remove such discriminations, cannot be treated as a civilised one. The Government of India has duly acknowledged the adverse impacts of these discriminations and launched a nationwide campaign called 'Beti Bachao – Beti Padhao'.
"If development is not engendered, it is endangered." The given line mentions the need for the following:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Inclusion
The passage states: “The exclusion of over half of the population becomes a serious handicap to any developing and civilised society. It is a global challenge, which has been acknowledged by the UNDP when it mentioned that, "If development is not engendered it is endangered" (HDR UNDP 1995).”
‘Engendered’ here means that gender is included in development. If women are left out, development is in danger. So the line calls for the inclusion of all genders.
Option (1) Exclusion — Incorrect. Exclusion is the problem the line warns against, not the need.
Option (2) Inclusion — Correct. Development is safe only when everyone takes part in it.
Option (3) Gender Discrimination — Incorrect. Gender discrimination is “a crime against humanity”. It is what the line wants to remove.
Option (4) Environmental Protection — Incorrect. Environmental protection is about nature. The line is about including women in development.