“ You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women” — Jawaharlal Nehru
“No nation, no society, no community can hold it’s head high and claim to be part of the civilized world if it condones the practice of discrimination against one half of it’s humanity represented by women.” - Manmohan Singh
GENDER SENSITIVE ISSUES AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PRESENTED BY, AYANTIKA BHOWMIK M.SC. NURSING ,1 ST Year TATA MEDICAL CENTER
By the end of the session, we will gain knowledge on gender-sensitive issues and women empowerment, with a positive attitude and demonstrate skills to address these issues in the course of their practice—because just as we overcome daily struggles in life, addressing gender inequality requires resilience, awareness, and action. Central Objective
Stress on the concept of gender. Critically analyze gender equality. Explore human psychology and sociology towards inequality. Discuss in detail gender sensitive issues. Appreciate empowerment and its principles. Outline the National policy for the empowerment of women. Identify women empowerment schemes. Specific Objectives
Gender: Concept Sociologically, the word gender refers to the sociocultural definition of man and woman, the way society distinguish men and women and assign them social roles.
Place of Women in the Indian Society A historical perspective: Goddess Mother Sister Wife
Gender Equality
Gender Equality Current Demographic profile in India Total Indian Population: 1.408 billion (2023) Males: 741.88 million Females: 696.19 million
Current Sex Ratio in India 940 females:1000 males in India Kerala: 1084 females:1000 males Kerala and Puducherry are the only 2 places in India where total female population is more than male population Haryana: 887 females:1000 males have the lowest sex ratio Punjab: 893 females:1000 males Tamil Nadu: 1002 females:1000 males (2021 estimates)
By a young girl, by a young woman or even an aged one, nothing must be done independently, even in her own house. - Manu 200 BC Gender origin in India
Ancient customs dictate a woman's dependence, In childhood, a female must be subject to her father, In youth to her husband; When her lord is dead, to her sons. A woman must never be independent; Women’s lives are shaped by customs which are centuries old. Gender Origin In India
Gender Origin In India “May you be the mother of a hundred sons”
Human Psychology and Sociology Sex roles Female : gentle, kind, sensitive and serve psychological and physical needs in the home M ale : Dominant, active, achieving, control money and power, busy outside home
Human Psychology and Sociology Bilogical differences: Female : can bear and suckle children. M ale : Generally larger, upper body strength is more than women.
Human Psychology and Sociology Psychological studies have revealed that females have more low self-esteem than males. This may be due to most cultures valuing male gender roles more highly.
Major areas affected by gender issues • Religion • Health • Education • Employment • Violence • Media • Marriage and family • Development and economics • Politics • Environment
Media Media’s role is to inform and educate the public. To enable people to understand and enable people to understand and reflect on the world
Gender Sensitive Issues Inequality in healthcare Inequality in access in education Inequality in employment Forbidden from driving Inequality in politics Inequality in nutrition Inequality in religion Inequality in right to travel Clothing requirements
Women receive less healthcare than men. Girl children are often neglected during illness. Adult women are less likely to seek timely medical help. Delay in treatment worsens health conditions. Access and Affordability of Healthcare Access and affordability are global concerns, worse in developing countries. Major health risks include maternal mortality, STDs (including HIV/AIDS), and malnutrition. Maternal death rates are 60–80% higher in developing countries than in developed ones. Contributing Factors Lack of trained birth attendants and emergency medical support. Anemia and endemic malnutrition. Higher maternal risk in very young, middle-aged, or multiparous women. Other Concerns Heavy workloads and exhausting responsibilities. Women often eat less so families can eat first. Overwork and undernutrition harm health, causing iron deficiency. Women tend to delay medical care until severely ill. Inequality in Healthcare
Gender-based nutritional disparities occur from infancy to adulthood. Gender is a key factor in child malnutrition, with higher death rates among girls under 5. Girls are breastfed less, weaned earlier, and fed after males with less nutritious food. Adult women consume about 1000 fewer calories daily than men. Consequences of Nutritional Deprivation Stunted growth and anemia. Higher risks during pregnancy. Increased maternal and infant mortality. More low birth-weight babies. Cultural Factors Women are expected to eat last and least, even when pregnant or lactating. Malnourished mothers give birth to malnourished children, perpetuating the cycle of deprivation Inequality in Nutrition
Gender sensitive Issues Globally Indian culture Asian culture Arab countries/ African culture Western culture/ European culture
Violence against women Sati Uxoricide Killing Bride Killing Infanticide Matricide Honor Killing Dowry death
Abstract This study used national indicator data from 2009 United Nations reports. Current analyses were limited to 97 nations for which girl child marriage data were available. Regression analyses adjusted for development and world region demonstrate that nations with higher rates of girl child marriage are significantly more likely to contend with higher rates of maternal and infant mortality and non utilization of maternal health services , but not HIV. Girl Child Marriage and Its Association With National Rates of HIV, Maternal Health, and Infant Mortality Across 97 Countries – Sage Journals. Anita Raj and Ulrike Boehmer et al, Volume 19, Issue 4
Violence against women Sexual assault and rape Child sexual initiation - Forced prostitution Sexual slavery – (Fetish slaves - Human trafficking - Violence against prostitutes) Rape (and pregnancy laws) Sexual assault (Campus sexual assault) Cybersex trafficking Mass sexual assault Sexual violence (rape by deception, corrective date, gang, genocidal, in war, marital prison, statutory) Virgin and widow cleansing myth.
Violence against women Disfigurement Laxmi Aggarwal 2025
Violence against women Forced sterilization Forced pregnancy Forced marriage Other Issues Dating Abuse Forced abortion Forced feeding Eve teasing Domestic violence
Violence against women Other Issues
Challenges Faced by Women in Nursing Workplace conditions Pay and recognition Career advancement Work-life balance Workplace safety and health Gender bias and discrimination Workplace violence Professional identity and autonomy
W omen Empowerment A woman with a voice is by definition, a strong woman - Melinda Gates.
Empowerment Term widely used in the context of women’s development to enable women to Realize their full identity and powers in all spheres of life Positive self image Greater access to knowledge and resources Greater autonomy Greater ability to overcome restrictions and constraints Self confidence and understanding of the importance of human values and rights
Levels of empowerment
Women’s empowerment framework by Longwe
UN Principles of Women Empowerment Education & training 3 Health, safety and freedom from violence 2 Treat all women and men fairly at work 1 High-level corporate Leadership for gender equality 4
UN Principles of Women Empowerment 5. Enterprise development, supply chain, & maintaining practices 6. Community leadership & engagement 7. Transparency, measurement & Report
National Policy for Women Empowerment The principles of Gender Equality is enshrined in the Indian Constitution in its Preamble – Fundamental Rights Fundamental Duties Directive Principles
National Policy for Women Empowerment National Commission for women: Act of Parliament in 1990 to safeguard the rights and legal entitlements of women 73 rd & 74 th Amendment (1993) to the Constitution provides seat reservations in local bodies of Panchayats & municipalities
Creating an environment: positive, economic and social policies Enjoyment of all human rights & fundamental freedom by women in all spheres Equal access to participation & decision making of women in social, political & economic life Equal access in healthcare, quality education, career, vocation, employment, equal remuneration etc. Goals & Objectives
Strengthening legal system aimed at elimination of all forms of discrimination against women Changing societal attitudes and community participation Mainstreaming a gender perspective in the development process Elimination of discrimination and all forms of violence against women and girl child Goals & Objectives
Decision making THIS IS A SAMPLE TEXT 01 02 03 04 05 Empowering Women in different Aspects Mainstreaming a gender Economic empowerment of women Economy Globalization
Women & Agriculture THIS IS A SAMPLE TEXT 06 07 08 09 10 Empowering Women in different Aspects Women & Industry Social Skill Health & Nutrition Gender sensitization
Women Empowerment Scheme Beti Pachao Beti Padhao Nai Roshni Scheme SERB-POWER Scheme National Commission For Women Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Vatsalya Maatri Amrit Kosh Indecent Representation of Women Act (IRW)1986 Women Safety Division in the Ministry of Home Affairs Violence Against Women RSTV: Tackling Crimes Against Women
Women Empowerment Scheme Women in Science, Research & Development Sexual Harassment At Work Place Commission on the Status of Women Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Sri Shakti Challenge Operation Meri Saheli Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan Scheme (SUMAN) Vatsalya Maatri Amrit Kosh
How Empowerment of Women Can Affect the Health of the Community 1. Improved Maternal & Child Health Empowered women have better access to healthcare services (antenatal, postnatal, immunization). They make informed choices about safe childbirth and child nutrition. This reduces maternal mortality, infant mortality, and childhood illnesses. 2. Better Family Nutrition & Food Security Women usually manage household food distribution. When empowered with knowledge and resources, they ensure balanced diets, preventing malnutrition and anemia in children and families.
How Empowerment of Women Can Affect the Health of the Community 3. Control Over Reproductive Health Women with decision-making power can choose family planning methods. This prevents unintended pregnancies, reduces unsafe abortions, and improves spacing between children, enhancing overall family health. 4. Reduction in Gender-Based Violence & Mental Health Issues Empowerment reduces domestic violence and abuse. Safer, respectful environments lower stress, depression, and trauma, strengthening family and community well-being.
How Empowerment of Women Can Affect the Health of the Community 5. Economic Empowerment Leads to Health Investment Financial independence allows women to spend on healthcare, sanitation, and education. Families are more likely to seek medical treatment and afford nutritious food. 6. Increased Health Awareness & Education Educated and empowered women spread health knowledge (hygiene, vaccination, disease prevention) within families and communities. They become agents of change in promoting healthy lifestyles.
How Empowerment of Women Can Affect the Health of the Community 7. Breaking the Cycle of Poverty & Ill Health Empowerment leads to education and employment opportunities. This breaks intergenerational cycles of poverty, malnutrition, and poor health. 8. Stronger Community Participation Women’s involvement in local governance and health committees improves decision-making. Health programs become more inclusive and responsive to family needs
Role & Responsibilities of Nurses in Women Empowerment Health Education – Educating women about reproductive health, nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention to promote self-care. Advocacy – Advocating for women’s rights in healthcare, workplace safety, and equal opportunities. Counseling and Support – Providing psychological support to women facing domestic violence, gender discrimination, or health challenges. Leadership and Role Modeling – Inspiring women by taking leadership roles in healthcare, showing that women can excel in decision-making positions. Skill Development – Training women in health skills, self-help activities, and vocational opportunities to improve independence.
Role of & Responsibilities Nurses in Women Empowerment 4.Community Outreach – Organizing awareness programs on women’s rights, maternal health, family planning, and gender equality. 5.Policy Influence – Contributing to healthcare policies that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. 6.Empowering through Care – Supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, enabling them to make informed decisions. 7.Breaking Stereotypes – Challenging the view of nursing as a “female-only supportive role” by demonstrating professional autonomy and expertise. 8.Support in Crisis – Assisting women in emergencies (natural disasters, wars, abuse cases) to rebuild their confidence and resilience.
John Elliot Drinkwater Bethune (1801–1851) was an educator, mathematician and polyglot who is known for his contributions in promoting women's education in India. He was the founder of Calcutta Female School (now known as Bethune College) in Calcutta, which is considered the oldest women's college in Asia.
The first Indian female doctor of western medicine. Anandi Gopal Joshi, 1886
The first Indian nurse to come for training. Training was at first 2 years but became 3 years when the Bombay Presidency Nursing Association was established in 1909. Bai Kashibai Ganpat , 1891
Anne Besant 1917 First woman President of the Indian National Congress Party in 1917.
Sarojini Naidu 1925 First Indian woman to be president of the Indian National Congress in 1925 and to be appointed an Indian state governor in 1947.
All Asian Women Conference 1927
Prem Mathur 1951 The first Indian woman commercial pilot and started flying for Deccan Airways.
Asima Chatterjee 1944 She successfully developed the anti-epileptic drug, 'Ayush-56' from Marsilia minuta and the anti-malarial drug from Alstonia scholaris , Swrrtia chirata , Picrorphiza kurroa and Ceasalpinna crista.
Anna Chandy 1959
The first Asian woman to swim across the English Channel at nineteen years old. Arati Saha , 1959
Indira Gandhi 1966
Karnam Malleswari The first Indian woman to win a medal at the Olympics in 2000.
Dr. Kiran Bedi 1972 India’s First woman to join officer ranks in the Indian Police Service.
Bachendra Pal 1882 She is the first Indian woman to climb the summit of world's highest mountain, Mount Everest
Her Excellency, Pratibha Patil , 2007
Meira Kumar 2009
Kalpana Chawla She was the first Indian woman who had the opportunity of going to space twice in her lifetime. She and her 6 member crew died in the ill fated incident of STS – 107 in February 2003
The only woman to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times, the only female boxer to have won a medal in each one of the first seven World Championships, and the only boxer (male or female) to win eight World Championship medals. Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom
Her Excellency, Droupadi Murmu 15th and current President of India since 2025.
Women’s Participation in Peace Negotiations and the Durability of Peace ABSTRACT There is an emerging consensus that women’s participation in peace negotiations contributes to the quality and durability of peace after civil war. However, to date, this proposition has remained empirically untested. Moreover, how women’s participation may contribute to durable peace has not been systematically explored.
Women’s Participation in Peace Negotiations and the Durability of Peace Krause, Jana, Werner Krause, and Piia Bränfors . "Women’s participation in peace negotiations and the durability of peace." International interactions 44.6 (2018): 985-1016.
Women’s Participation in Peace Negotiations and the Durability of Peace We find that peace agreements signed by women show a significantly higher number of agreement provisions and a higher implementation rate of these provisions than those not signed by women; women’s direct inclusion with voice in negotiations improves both accord quality and provision implementation rates.
Women's empowerment requires a paradigm shift in the nation's mindset before it can be really understood. Men must also become aware of the trend towards equality and equity in the globe, not only women alone. For our own benefit, it is best that this is accepted sooner rather than later. Conclusion