By Dr. Sampa Kundu

Social capital refers to the networks, professional partnerships, and social structures that facilitate cooperation and mutual support for each other in business and other fields of economy.

Therefore, it can play a crucial role in enhancing women’s participation in society, economy, and politics. By fostering connections within communities, professional circles, and political spaces, social capital can help women overcome systemic barriers, increase economic participation, and improve access to leadership opportunities.

While India and Taiwan have made progress in women’s education and political representation, social capital can further bridge gender disparities by creating supportive environments for skill development, mentorship, and career advancement.

However, the nature of social capital in these two countries differs significantly due to variations in socio-political structures, cultural norms, and policy frameworks.In Taiwan, the democratization process, economic development, and gender-inclusive policies have facilitated the growth of social capital among women.

Women’s participation in grassroots movements and political activism has historically contributed to institutional reforms that promote gender equality in Taiwan. For instance, women’s engagement in Taiwan’s Democracy Movement during the 1970s and 1980s led to more political representation in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan.

The presence of women-centric organizations, professional associations, and mentorship networks has further strengthened social capital by providing platforms for career advancement and leadership development.

Taiwanese women have also benefited from digital networks that connect them to global job markets, knowledge-sharing platforms, and entrepreneurial opportunities. The Taiwanese government has actively supported initiatives enhancing social capital, such as leadership training programs, women’s business forums, and policies encouraging gender diversity in corporate and political spheres.

Social capital in India has been essential at the grassroots level, especially in rural areas where women often face socio-economic challenges. Self-help groups (SHGs) are a significant source of social capital that have empowered millions of Indian women by providing access to microfinance, skill development, and collective bargaining power.

Through the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), SHGs have enabled women to start small businesses, enhance their financial literacy, and participate in local governance. These networks not only offer financial security but also foster social solidarity, empowering women to take on leadership roles within their communities.

However, unlike Taiwan, where social capital has contributed to high levels of female political representation and workforce participation, Indian women face unique challenges. Cultural barriers, safety concerns, and limited access to professional networks hinder their progress.

One of the primary challenges in India is the pay gap in labor force participation based on gender, which remains relatively lower than in Taiwan. While many Indian women pursue higher education, only a small percentage transition into formal employment.

Social capital can play a transformative role in bridging this gap by providing mentorship, career guidance, and networking opportunities.

Professional women’s associations, such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Ladies Organization and the Confederation of Indian Industry’s (CII) Indian Women’s Network, have begun to foster social capital among urban women by offering leadership training, mentorship, and advocacy for workplace inclusivity.

However, these initiatives are often limited to urban and middle-class women, leaving rural and working-class women struggling to access similar resources. 

Additionally, the digital divide intensifies disparities in social capital between women in India and those in Taiwan. In Taiwan, women have utilized digital platforms to build professional networks, engage in online learning, and access remote work opportunities. The country’s high internet penetration and strong ICT infrastructure have enabled women to participate in the digital economy and enhance their social capital.

In contrast, many women in India—particularly in rural areas—lack access to digital resources, limiting their ability to benefit from online education, professional networking, and remote job opportunities.

Government and private-sector initiatives aimed at increasing digital literacy among women can help bridge this gap and enhance their social capital. Programs such as the Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) and the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) have sought to improve digital inclusion for Indian women, but more targeted policies are needed to ensure a widespread impact.

In conclusion, it can be argued that while the challenges faced by Indian women in achieving greater political representation and workforce participation are significant, there are promising opportunities for progress through social capital and targeted initiatives.

By fostering mentorship, networking, and digital literacy, we can empower women across urban and rural landscapes to transcend cultural and socio-economic barriers. The role of professional associations and self-help groups has been vital in providing support and resources, but a more inclusive approach is needed to ensure that all women, regardless of their background, can benefit from these opportunities.

With concerted efforts from government, private sectors, and communities, we can work towards a more equitable environment that allows women in India to fully realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.  India and Taiwan can collaborate on this aspect of social progression and female participation in economy, society and politics through enhanced use of social capital.  

Dr Sampa Kundu is a Consultant at the ASEAN-India Centre, RIS, New Delhi & a Visiting Fellow at the Asian Confluence, Shillong. She can be contacted at Sampa.sun@gmail.com

Views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication, The Indo-Pacific Politics.