Tuesday, 08 March 2022 | Purnima Bisht | Dehradun
Though bias, stereotypes and discrimination against women still exist in society, things have improved significantly for women across Uttarakhand. However, a lot still needs to be done to bring a considerable difference in the lives of women in many rural areas of the state who are the backbone of the economy of such areas. This was opined by four successful women belonging to different fields and backgrounds in the state while talking to The Pioneer on the occasion of International Women’s Day.Talking about the conditions of women in rural areas, the district magistrate of Almora, Vandana said that various government schemes have immensely helped several rural women to get proper education and grow financially but going from better to the best will take some more time here than in the urban areas. She said, “There are many women who have started approaching the administration to talk about their issues but most of them are accompanied by a male member of their family. There is also a large section of rural women who remain quite busy in their daily life as they do everything from taking care of household chores to contributing to agricultural activities besides looking after their family. It is not like they do not want to know about the relevant schemes or interact with the administration, they are left with hardly any time to get involved in any other activity. We understand it and ensure to interact with them through our multipurpose camps to raise awareness among women on various subjects.” She said, “I am also aware that conditions of women in many remote areas are bad and initiatives should be taken to tackle their issues. However, the development of women in rural areas cannot be compared to women in urban areas as both have distinct issues and must be tackled accordingly.”The state spokesperson of Congress, Garima Dasauni opined that though the world celebrates women’s day today, it is unfortunate how some rural women still have to face a lack of basic health facilities and even proper menstruation hygiene is a luxury to many. She said, “The government should not impose the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other taxes on sanitary napkins as it is a must-have product for every woman. It is a need of every woman and their minimal cost or free distribution among women in rural areas regularly can improve the situation for many.” However, Dasauni also talked about how representation of women has increased in rural areas across the state throughout the years like at the Gram Pradhan level and it should be considered as an important achievement too. “The conditions of women are improving across the state and I am optimistic that the government will take necessary initiatives to tackle more persistent issues of women,” she added.
The chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Dr Geeta Khanna said that educating today’s girl child is a way to ensure the state has stronger women tomorrow.She said that highlighting small wins of a girl child from rural areas rather than just bringing up heinous crimes against them can help parents to mentally prepare to let their child out in the world to get a proper education or involved in other learning activities. She said, “A parent in a rural area is quite protective towards the daughter and negative news against a girl child affects their mentality to limit the involvement of their daughters in different activities be it education or sports. They consider it a way of protecting their daughters. However, the celebration of a girl child’s achievements and her increased visibility in the society inspire parents to let their daughters study too.” She also said that boys and girls should be treated equally since their childhood rather than mentioning girls are better than boys or vice versa, for a better world for tomorrow’s women. Both genders will grow together and treat each other with respect rather than considering each other as a rival, added Khanna. Dehradun-based psychotherapist Aditi Arora also opined that women, especially housewives, have started focussing on their health, career and education which was not that common before the Covid-19 disease hit the state. Mental health is still a taboo among many but the wave of self-care has started, said Arora. However, she also added that the situation in the remote areas is not so good and the authorities concerned have plenty to do to provide at least a basic hygienic lifestyle to a woman there.
These women said that the occasion of International Women’s Day will mean something to rural women the day when their choices are also empowered.
