Women from the earliest ages have been denied their basic rights. Their position in society has always remained secondary to men. Society and its various norms and conditions have always despised and discriminated against women. Though in India women have always been glorified as mother, wife, and daughter, in reality, they have been denied the most basic right, which is to even decide about their own lives. With the change of time, the situation is changing, and the introduction of Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5, - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, has raised some hope for a better future for women and girls. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but also a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable world. There has been progress over the last decades; women and girls are now entering a newer phase of development where they have the right and freedom to choose their own course of life. Their participation in socio-economic spheres has also been increasing gradually and paving the way for a better tomorrow.
SRHR are essential for women’s empowerment and freedom of choice in terms of their sexual and reproductive health. SRHR grants women the right to make informed decisions about their bodies, sexual health and reproduction. This includes the right to access comprehensive and quality healthcare services, the right to seek advice and information without fear of discrimination, and the right to make decisions about sexual and reproductive health without interference. SRHR also includes the right to access contraception and family planning services, safe and legal abortion services, and the right to access sexual and reproductive health services without fear of being denied due to age, gender, or marital status.
SRHR can also help reduce gender-based violence and discrimination, and promote gender equity. SRHR can also help reduce poverty and improve the health and well-being of women and girls. By granting women the right to make their own decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, they are empowered to make informed choices and take control of their lives. SRHR also helps to ensure that women are provided with access to the care they need, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and post-care services. In addition, SRHR can help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.
Judging from the benefits of SRH rights, it can be considered an important tool for bringing freedom and justice to women by breaking the age old traditions of slavery, discrimination, violence, and negligence. In the words of famous thinker, philosopher, and spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda, "There is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved. It is not possible for a bird to fly on one wing". The development of women plays a very crucial role in the development of a nation. Giving them equal opportunity like their male counterparts will be beneficial for the families to prosper, society to develop, and the nation to progress. In one generation, the whole world will benefit from the development of half of its population.
Dr. Sumitra Mohanty,
Coordinator, Research, Documentation and
Communication Dept., PECUC
No comments:
Post a Comment