MANSI BHAMBRI /Dehradun
Experts have expressed dissatisfaction over the limited opportunities provided for women to excel in Uttarakhand since the State’s creation. While various programmes are being held to mark the silver jubilee of the State’s foundation this year, women experts here opine that despite the major role played by women in the Statehood movement and the State’s socioeconomics, they have not had access to the opportunities they deserve, particularly in employment, education and health.
The former chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Usha Negi said that no significant accomplishments have been made for women empowerment since the State’s formation. She stated that the State’s women played a vital role in its creation and fought for objectives like increased job opportunities for youth. They aimed for improvements in education, employment and health. However, after 25 years, these goals remain largely unfulfilled. While authorities claim to provide 33 per cent reservation for women, it appears to exist only on paper. Women are notably absent from the Vidhan Sabha and health services in rural areas have not improved. Women often have to travel long distances in search of hospitals for deliveries, she said. Negi emphasised that as 25 years have passed, overlooking the majority of women is unacceptable, and urged the authorities to ensure women are represented in the Vidhan Sabha and decision-making. She called for improvements in health and education services for women in mountainous regions and suggested the establishment of a monitoring committee that includes women.
Uttarakhand Mahila Manch convenor Kamla Pant said that while women played an important role in the formation of the State, they have not seen any significant achievements in the past 25 years. She highlighted women’s demands for safety, education and employment generation to reduce migration when they struggled for State formation. Pant opined that while issues like love Jihad have increased, adversely affecting women, the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) does not adequately protect women’s rights. She lamented the lack of employment opportunities for youth in mountainous areas, which directly impacts women as their children leave home for jobs.
Journalist Meera Rawat said, “I am partially satisfied with the developments for women in the State after 25 years of its formation. In some areas, especially in the plains, there have been developments, including some women-related schemes aimed at employment. However, the health sector remains a significant concern. Health services have not improved in rural areas, as women must travel long distances for delivery, often encountering delays in accessing doctors. Many women have tragically lost their lives due to these circumstances. It is essential for the authorities to focus on creating employment opportunities across the State, including in villages and to improve health services, recognising the crucial role women have played in the State’s formation.”
