In India, long-standing systems of social stratification continue to shape gender inequality gendered stratification refers to the unequal positioning of men and women within social, economic, and political institutions. These hierarchies are closely connected to caste, class, and regional disparities, and they are clearly reflected in the troubling phenomenon of disappearing women. Structural inequalities make certain groups of women especially those who are poor or socially marginalized more vulnerable to exploitation and neglect. The idea of “missing women,” first introduced by Amartya Sen (1992) to describe skewed sex ratios resulting from son preference, has taken on a broader meaning in contemporary India. Today, women and girls disappear due to trafficking, gender-based violence, conflict, unsafe migration, and systemic institutional failures and other reasons also. This study examines the key patterns behind women’s missing in India, focusing particularly on trafficking and gender based violence. Using secondary data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB, 2016) and national organizations, it identifies recurring trends, high-risk groups, and gaps in policy responses. It argues that missing women should not be seen merely as victims of isolated crimes but as individuals affected by deeper structural violence rooted in patriarchy, poverty, discrimination, and uneven development.
Prity Kumari (Tue,) studied this question.