How pathetic can government attempts seem at times that the want to empower 50% of society by offering them some carrots that they most likely wound not want offered in the first place!  If lower taxation for women already was not enough, now WCD minister wants even lower tax rates for them! http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/pre-budget/Tirath-may-seek-lower-tax-rates-for-women/articleshow/5596696.cms NEW DELHI: Recognising that financial independence is the only way to effective gender empowerment, the government has started thinking beyond the age-old fiscal incentive of a higher threshold for taxable income for women. It is now considering demands from women' rights groups for a differential tax rate for women. This boldness in gender budgeting was enunciated to TOI by women … [Read more...] about Women empowerment really — by lowering taxation?