Two billion Women Lack Social Protection: UN Women

Syllabus: GS1/Society

Context

• The World Survey on the Role of Women in Development report released by UN Women highlighting the widening gender gap in social protection.

About

• The report reveals that an alarming two billion women and girls are without access to any form of social protection. This is putting at risk progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5).
• Gendered poverty: Women aged 25 to 34 are 25 percent more likely than men in the same age group to live in extreme poverty. 
• Conflict and climate change continue to exacerbate this inequality, with women in fragile environments being 7.7 times more likely to live in extreme poverty compared to those in stable regions.
• Maternity protection: Globally, over 63 percent of women still give birth without access to maternity benefits, with the figure reaching 94 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa.

Indian Scenario 

• Health and Nutrition: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals that 23.3% of women (15-49 years) are undernourished, and 57% of women are anemic.
  • The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India was 97 per 100,000 live births in 2023, down from 130 in 2014. 
• Gendered Poverty: According to Oxfam, 63% of women in India face unpaid caregiving responsibilities, which limits their economic participation.
• Labor Force Participation: In India, only around 37% of women aged 15 years and above participate in the workforce (compared to about 73% of men).
• Gender Gap in Education: As per NFHS-5, 70.3% of females are literate, compared to 84.7% of males. 

Reasons of Vulnerability of Women

• Cultural Expectations and patriarchal norms restrict women’s opportunities to participate in formal employment and hinders their access to economic independence.
• Educational Disparities: Cultural practices like early marriage, gender-based violence in schools, and lack of sanitation facilities disproportionately affect girls’ attendance and retention rates in education.
• Informal Sector Employment: A large percentage of women are employed in informal sectors, which are characterized by low wages, irregular hours, and lack of job security. 

Government Initiatives 

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched to address the declining child sex ratio and promote education and survival of the girl child.
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): A maternity benefit scheme providing financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers to ensure safe delivery and proper nutrition.
• Ujjwala Scheme: Provides free LPG connections to women from below poverty line (BPL) households to reduce health issues caused by smoke from traditional chulhas.
• Poshan Abhiyaan: This mission aims to improve nutrition outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• Digital Literacy Programme for Women: It is part of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and empowers women to access e-governance services and financial platforms, helping them participate in the digital economy.
• One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi Centres), aims to facilitate women affected by violence with a range of integrated services under one roof such as Police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and legal counseling, psycho-social counseling, temporary shelter, etc.

Way Ahead

• The poor condition of women is a product of deeply rooted patriarchal norms, discriminatory practices, economic inequalities, and lack of targeted policies that address the specific needs of women. 
• Addressing these systemic issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving access to education, healthcare, and legal protections, while promoting gender-responsive social protection policies.
• Gender budgeting is a critical tool for advancing gender equality, promoting women’s empowerment, and achieving inclusive and sustainable development in India. 

Source: DTE