India - Women's Rights Flashcards
Why is India significant in today’s economy?
It is one of the world’s fastest growing economies
What was India’s GDP per capita in 2014? How much had this increased since 2008?
US$1165, a 75% increase from 2008
Where is India ranked on the WEF Global Gender Pay Gap Index?
114th out of 142 countries
Where is India ranked on the UN’s Gender Inequality Index?
135th out of 187 countries
Outline the significance of violence against women in gender inequality issues in India.
UNICEF found 52% of women believe domestic abuse is justifiable and is tolerated by society and state, increased dowery killings, patriarchal practices, increased rape and violence against women outside of the home
How does modern slavery relate to women’s rights?
2014 - est 14.3 million people enslaved most of which are women/girls
Give three examples of what women and girls can be subjected to if they are enslaved.
Sexual exploitation, early forced marriage, forced labour
How does property demonstrate issues with women’s rights in India?
Women have very few rights of ownership of land and property, inheritance practices are patriarchal
What is the impact of employment opportunity on women?
Lack of access to jobs forces women into domestic sphere: looking after children, chores, subsistence farming; are economically dependent on male family members
How does pregnancy and motherhood impact a woman’s career in India?
Most employers deny paid maternity leave, many do not return to work after giving birth
Approximately how many women return to their job after giving birth in Delhi?
25%, including those who can afford childcare
How is gender inequality perpetuated in the Indian government?
Lack of representation at national, provincial and local scale
What proportion of the Low Sabha and Rajya Sabha is comprised of women?
Low Sabha - 11%
Rajya Sabha - 10.6%
What proportion of girls attend primary school?
70%
Is the uptake of secondary education similar to the uptake of primary education for girls? Why is this?
No - significantly fewer girls attend secondary school due to opposition from families and communities, and poverty
How many dowery killings were committed in 2012 in India?
8,200
Where are dowery killings most prevalent?
Uttar Pradesh and Orissa
Where are dowery killings least prevalent?
In south and south-east regions eg Kerala
What are honour killings?
Murders committed by family members if women refuse arranged marriages or if they fail to conform to societal expectations
What was the infant mortality rate in 2014?
43.2 per 1000 live births
What can contribute to the infant mortality rate in India?
Increased risk of domestic abuse, lack of education impacting nutrition, lack of access to healthcare
What are two examples of medical intervention in perpetuating the patriarchal society?
Coercion into sterilisation schemes and sex-selective abortions
Name three methods of changing norms regarding gender inequality.
Strengthening rule of law, treaties and NGOs
Name two international human rights treaties.
The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
What is meant by UDHR?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Give a named example of a UN Treaty Body that the Indian government has signed up to.
the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
What was the legislation that was introduced to protect children against early marriage? Which year was this introduced?
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
What was the legislation that was introduced to protect women from dowery killings? Which year was this introduced?
The Dowery Prohibition Act, 2008
What was the legislation that was introduced to protect women in the home? Which year was this introduced?
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
What was the legislation that was introduced to protect women in the workplace? Which year was this introduced?
The Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act and Rules, 2013
How is the Indian government attempting to combat trafficking issues?
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs launched anti-trafficking portal focusing on specific training, more accurate reporting and victim support schemes
What is one of the projects being initiated by NGOs?
‘Safe Cities’ project with UN Women and Indian gov, based in Delhi
