If and only if, women are strengthened we can think of well-developed family and through these families a well-built nation- Sumit Dhanraj
International Women's Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history; it is rooted in the centuries-old struggle of women to participate in society on an equal footing with men. In ancient Greece, Lysistrata they initiated a sexual strike against men in order to end war; during the French Revolution, Parisian women calling for "liberty, equality, fraternity" marched on Versailles to demand women's suffrage.
Nowadays, women on all continents, often divided by national boundaries and by ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic and political differences, both suffer and excel. In spite of all this, they come together to celebrate their day with a difference. They can look back to a tradition that represents at least nine decades of struggle for equality, justice, peace and development.
The idea of an International Women's Day first arose in the second half of the 19th century, which was a period of expansion and turbulence, booming population growth and radical ideologies. Rapid industralization and economic expansion also led to protests over working conditions. Already in 1857, on 8th March in New York City, women from clothing and textile factories had staged one such protest and established their first labour union in the same month two years later. Many such protests followed in the subsequent years. In 1908, around 15000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter hours, better pay, and voting rights. The first IWD was observed on 28th Feb 1909 in the United States following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. In 1910 the first international women's conference was held in Copenhagen.
The Constitution of India provides for equal rights and privileges for men and women and makes special provisions for women to help them improve their status in society. A number of social enactments have been put on the statute books for removing various constraints which hindered their progress. In spite of these measures, women have lagged behind men in different spheres, especially in education. The female literacy rate has consistently been lower in rural as well as urban sectors. In rural areas, where 77 per cent of the female population lives, women's literacy rate is only 17.96 per cent. The urban literacy rate for females is 47.82 per cent. There are many reasons for this, generally of sociological nature.
The health problem of women in society at large is another crucial area not given the required attention. Female infants and children are subject to neglect in respect of nutrition and health care. Maternal mortality continues to be very high. Areas concerning health and education, hygiene and sanitation, job and settlement are still key aspects to tackle with up-most priority. Lack of priority for women shows that they are still at other's mercy. Poor facilities and low health status reveal that over 120,000 mothers die due to child birth-related problems every year and around 300 per 1 lakh deliveries have become reason for maternal mortality rate.
Even though according to the 1981 Census, only 14 per cent of the total female population in the country falls in the category of "workers", women play an important role in agricultural production, animal husbandry and other related activities such as storage, marketing of produce, food processing etc. A declining trend has been observed in the employment of women labourers. Some of the new technologies have displaced women from many of the traditional activities. The incomes of the poor households are supplemented by women, although they have to face many problems due to family responsibilities, limited mobility and social restrictions. In industry, women continue to be employed mostly on unskilled jobs. The average earning of a regular salaried woman worker continues to be less than that of a man.
There are 39.7 million fewer women in India than there should be - girl child are killed before birth through sex selective abortions; son-preferences; small family planning; no access to health, resources, education; or die prematurely through violence and neglect. Police records for the country as a whole show that a woman is molested every 26 minutes. A rape occurs every 34 minutes. Every 42 minutes, an incident of sexual harassment takes place. A woman is kidnapped every 43 minutes and every 93 minutes, a woman is killed (World Population Monitoring, 2000).
In an unfair treatment this year towards women and children the gender-specific schemes form only 2.4% of the women and child development ministry's total budget. Gender empowerment still remaining the focus of all the sections of the society; the recent drop in the Union Budget from 9.2% in 2004-2005 to 3.2% in 2009-2020 to 2.4% is tragic. UPA II still calming itself unbiased, gender empowering force during its reign looks pale doing nothing significant and concrete at the grass root level. Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability (CBGA) reveals that child development schemes form 97.2% of the WCD ministry budget whereas the lion's share is pulled by the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) leaving only a measly 2.4% for women-centric schemes.
There are various schemes and policies these days for the upliftment of women dwelling in both rural and urban areas of our country. These days they have facilities of employment under various sectors like; (i) Agriculture and allied sectors, (ii) Rural development: The National Rural Employment Programme (NREP) and Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Scheme (RLEGP) would generate additional employment in rural areas, (iii) Land reforms, (iv) Industry: Attempts are made to identify and target the women beneficiaries under Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP) and Industrial Estates, (v) Village and small-scale industries, (vi) Khadi and village industries, (vii) Science and technology: Programme on "Science and Technology for Women" has further strengthened their identity, (viii) Social Welfare: The programmes for women under the Social Welfare sector are meant to supplement the services available to women under other developmental sectors. The voluntary organisations would be involved in delivering the 'Messages' on preventive and promotive health and social and nutritive care for women and children, (ix) Other measures: Efforts are made towards creation and promotion of equal employment opportunities for men and women. Special agencies are also set up for extending credit facilities for self- employment and home-based workers. Relaxation of age limit for women for entry into government services and public sector undertakings are also considered. Avenues for creation of part-time employment for women are explored, (x) Education: It is the right of every girl child and illiterate woman to go school for acquiring knowledge.
There has been, in general, a lack of awareness among the people about various legislations and programmes being implemented for the benefit of women. Although the socio-cultural situation, to a great extent, keeps women isolated, lately the radio, TV and other mass communication media have exposed them to information and knowledge.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee has approved the 108th Constitutional Amendment Bill in its original form with minor changes. But, still RJD, SP and BSP against its present form, ready to create uproar in the House will witness the power of women force.
India is witnessing right from the beginning, the great roles women's have played in shaping the families, societies, politics and our nation. Rani Lakshmi Bai freedom fighter, Indira Gandhi first women PM, Arundhati Roy writer-cum-activist, Medha Patkar, environmentalist, Sonia Gandhi motivational politician, Kalpana Chawla, astronaut, Sania Mirza vibrant tennis player, Naina Lal Kidwai - first lady of finance, Katrina Kaif, Bollywood queen and many others are working hand-in-hand for the development and progress of our country. From the simple housewife to high profile ladies all are waiting to receive the bonanza offer - the legislation. Feminist supporters are looking forward to get two-thirds majority for the Bill as required for a Constitution amendment. In the centenary year of International Women's Day March 8th 2010, will be remembered as a red letter day in the years to come if the Bill is passed.
If and only if, women are strengthened we can think of well-developed family and through these families a well-built nation. On this day, time is to set them free, bring them out from their inner shells and give 33 per cent reservation which is their right.
Sumit Dhanraj
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Sunday, August 01, 2010
