Literacy and gender inequality policies in Kerala, India

Question 1

What is the context of Kerala in terms of its geography and population?

Answer 1

Agricultural state in south-west India, most densely populated area of India, even spread of population, no big cities

Question 2

How does Kerala’s per capita income compare to the rest of India?

Answer 2

Much lower per capita income than the rest of India

Question 3

What has Kerala achieved in terms of health, literacy, education, and birth rate?

Answer 3

Remarkable success in improving health, literacy, education, and in reducing birth rate

Question 4

What are the reasons for Kerala’s success in these areas?

Answer 4

Stability of government, continuing social reform, status of women in society

Question 5

What is the standard of education for girls in Kerala?

Answer 5

Same standard of education for girls, tradition of female employment

Question 6

What opportunities are available for women in Kerala regarding higher education?

Answer 6

Open access to universities where many women study to become doctors and nurses

Question 7

Since when have jobs been open to women in health and education in Kerala?

Answer 7

Since the early 20th century

Question 8

What cultural practices in Kerala support women’s status?

Answer 8

No tradition of dowries and obstacles to remarriage

Question 9

What is the female to male ratio in Kerala?

Answer 9

1,084:1,000

Question 10

How does Kerala’s female to male ratio compare to the national average?

Answer 10

Higher than India’s ratio of 940:1,000

Question 11

What was the increase in literacy rate in Kerala from 1991 to 2011?

Answer 11

90% (1991) → 94% (2011)

Question 12

What was the increase in female literacy rate in Kerala from 1991 to 2011?

Answer 12

86% → 92%

Question 13

What is the infant mortality rate in Kerala?

Answer 13

13/1000

Question 14

What is the national average infant mortality rate in India?

Answer 14

80/1000

Question 15

What are the life expectancy figures for females and males in Kerala?

Answer 15

74 for females, 70 for males

Question 16

What is Kerala’s total fertility rate (TFR)?

Answer 16

1.9

Question 17

What economic issue do marginalized women face in Kerala despite high literacy levels?

Answer 17

Lack control over resources

Question 18

In what sectors are women in Kerala highly concentrated?

Answer 18

Farming, cottage industries, domestic services, informal economies

Question 19

What percentage of primary school teachers in Kerala are women?

Answer 19

71%

Question 20

What percentage of university teachers in Kerala are women?

Answer 20

36%

Question 21

What is the unemployment rate for educated women in Kerala?

Answer 21

71%

Question 22

What is the unemployment rate for educated men in Kerala?

Answer 22

18%

Question 23

What limitations do women face in decision-making despite social development in Kerala?

Answer 23

Limited decision-making, male-dominated legal system

Question 24

What types of violence are common against women in Kerala?

Answer 24

Common violence and sexual harassment, often related to husband’s alcohol consumption

Question 25

What are reasons for remaining gap?

Answer 25

Looking after household, collecting water and fuelwood, looking after elderly relatives.

Question 26

What are future steps to gain access to economic resources?

Answer 26

Participation in labor market, acquiring share of the family property, establishing a business or taking part in the informal economy.

Question 27

What role do self-help groups (SHGs) play?

Answer 27

Empower women for poor households.

Question 28

What financial systems can assist in economic empowerment?

Answer 28

Microfinance systems.

Question 29

What additional support services are important for income generation?

Answer 29

Welfare and support services, training, and advice for income generation.