Even after sixty-seven years of Indian independence, women are still one of the most powerless and marginalized sections of Indian society. The Census shows that the sex ratio for India is 933, which is the lowest in the world. The percentage of female literacy is 54.16 against male literacy of 75.85 percent. In India, women’s representation in Parliament and in the State Assemblies has never beyond 8 and 10 percent respectively. Most of the working women remain outside the organised sector. The Indian Government has passed various legislations to safeguard Constitutional rights to women. These legislative measures include the Hindu Marriage Act (1955), The Hindu Succession Act (1956), Dowry Prohibition Act (1961), Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act (1971), Equal Remuneration Act (1976), Child Marriage Restraint Act (1976), Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act. DNR and its partners are putting every effort into the women’s empowerment for socio-economic development through various projects and programs.
“You make the world come alive. You make the world colorful. You are the inspiration behind all that happens. You are the pillar of strength to many around you, the centrifugal force of your own little world, called family. I love being a woman and celebrate being one every day, hope you all do too!! And to all those who battle their various circumstances, the hurdles, the sacrifices and the compromises they make, wish them all inner strength! Happy Women’s Day 2020!”.
Every year we celebrate women’s day with an issue of major concerns. As like last year we focused on Menstrual hygiene and health – a call for dignity, rights, and empowerment. Village meetings conducted in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Delhi, and MP and discussed stigma, taboos and barriers. Three major barriers came out in various meetings- lack of awareness, affordability and availability. We also discuss the issue of disposal of the sanitary used pad. We have decided to set-up a project cycle to address the above issues. Where the manufacturing and distribution of sanitary napkin will be done by community women. Awareness camps will be organized by these women only. We will take the support of local health workers and professionals for the same.
