India's Demographic Transition and Its Impact on Women's Lives : Daily News Analysis

Date : 12/07/2023

Relevance – GS Paper 1 – Society – Women

Keywords – Life expectancy, sex-selective abortion, demographic shifts

Context

India's demographic journey has significantly influenced the lives of its citizens, particularly women. Over the years, India's population has grown from 340 million at Independence to 1.4 billion, driven by improved public health, receding starvation, and medical advancements. Notably, the increase in male life expectancy from 56 years in 1941 to 69 years today has brought about substantial changes in family dynamics and women's experiences.

Does India Need a Population Policy?

Change for Indian Women:

As families began having fewer children, the challenge of ensuring at least one son became more pronounced. With smaller families, the chance of not having a son increased from 6% to 25%. Deeply rooted social norms, combined with patrilocal kinship patterns and financial insecurity, have reinforced the preference for sons. This preference has led to practices such as sex-selective abortion and neglect of sick daughters, contributing to a decline in the number of girls per 100 boys under the age of five.

Government Scheme for Women Empowerment

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme (2015):

  • Objective: Prevent gender-biased sex selective elimination, ensure survival and protection of the girl child, and promote their education and participation.

One-Stop Centre Scheme (2015):

  • Objective: Provide support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces. Facilitate filing of First Information Reports (FIR/NCR) and offer psycho-social support and counseling.

Women Helpline Scheme (2016):

  • Objective: Establish a toll-free 24-hour telecom service for women affected by violence. Provide crisis and non-crisis intervention through referral to appropriate agencies and offer information about support services and government schemes available to affected women.

UJJAWALA (2016):

  • Objective: Prevent trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation. Rescue victims and provide them with immediate and long-term rehabilitation services, including shelter, food, medical treatment, counseling, legal aid, and vocational training.

Working Women Hostel (1972-73):

  • Objective: Promote safe and convenient accommodation for working women. Provide accommodation for children of working women up to a certain age.

SWADHAR Greh (2018):

  • Objective: Cater to the primary needs of women in distress by providing shelter, food, clothing, medical treatment, care, legal aid, and guidance.

Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP) (1986-87):

  • Objective: Provide skill development programs to enhance employability of women aged 16 and above.

Nari Shakti Puraskar (2016):

  • Objective: Recognize and strengthen the position of women in society. Acknowledge institutions working for women's progress and development.

Mahila Shakti Kendras (MSK) (2017):

  • Objective: Create an enabling environment for women by providing access to healthcare, quality education, guidance, employment opportunities, etc. at the block and district level.

NIRBHAYA (2012):

  • Objective: Ensure safety and security for women by providing timely intervention, strict privacy, confidentiality, and addressing various forms of violence against women.

Mahila E-Haat (2016):

  • Objective: Facilitate online entrepreneurship opportunities for women. Provide education and support for women to establish their ventures in online selling.

Mahila Police Volunteers (2016):

  • Objective: Serve as a public-police interface to combat crimes against women. Report incidents of violence such as domestic violence, child marriage, dowry harassment, and violence in public spaces.

The decline in fertility rates has also impacted women's lives in terms of motherhood and education. With a decrease in the number of children, active mothering has occupied a smaller portion of women's lives, allowing space for education and employment. However, early marriage and childbearing continue to be influential factors, despite increased educational opportunities for women. The average age at first birth remains below 22 years for those born in the 1980s, hindering women's labor force participation and access to skilled jobs.

Demographic shifts also affect women's lives as they age. With rising life expectancy, the proportion of the female population aged 65 and above has increased from 5% to 11% between 1950 and 2022. Women, who generally marry older men, are more likely to outlive their husbands. Consequently, a significant portion of elderly women, around 55%, become widowed, leading to dependence on their children, primarily sons. This perpetuates the vicious cycle of son preference and limited access to savings and property for widowed women.

Harnessing the Gender Dividend:

While changing patriarchal norms may take time, it is crucial to enhance women's access to employment and assets. By reducing reliance on sons, women can break the cycle of gendered disadvantage that spans from childhood to old age. However, unlike East Asian nations where demographic transformations have led to delayed marriage and childbearing, early marriage and childbearing remain central to the lives of Indian women. Therefore, efforts to improve women's labor force participation must be accompanied by access to safe and affordable childcare.

The Importance of Childcare Access:

Studies have shown the positive impact of childcare facilities on women's work participation. For instance, a World Bank evaluation in Madhya Pradesh demonstrated an increase in the employment rates of mothers when Anganwadis were expanded to include childcare services. Access to childcare is essential for women to establish secure connections to the labor market and gain work experience. Strategies to enhance childcare access could involve making staffing creches an acceptable form of work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) and utilizing the self-help group movement to set up neighborhood child-care centers in both urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, India's demographic transition has brought about significant changes in the lives of women. To fully harness the potential of this transition, it is essential to challenge patriarchal norms, enhance women's access to employment and assets, and ensure access to safe and affordable childcare. By doing so, India can break the cycle of gendered disadvantage and achieve the much-desired demographic dividend.

Probable Questions for UPSC Mains Exam

  1. In the context of India's demographic transition, discuss the challenges faced by women in terms of gender-biased practices and their impact on society. Suggest effective strategies to address these challenges and promote gender equality. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
  2. Analyze the role of government schemes and initiatives in empowering women and addressing the issues arising from India's demographic transition. Evaluate the effectiveness of these schemes in promoting women's rights, safety, education, and economic participation. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Source – The Hindu