Rural Indian Women Research Articles

Parents, permission, and possibility: Young women, college, and imagined futures in Gujarat, India

This article advances critical geographies of youth through examining the spatiality implicit in the imagined futures of young women in rural India. Geographers and other scholars of youth have begun to pay more attention to the interplay between young people’s past, present, and imagined futures. Within this emerging body of scholarship the role of the family and peer group in influencing young people’s orientations toward the future remain underexamined. Drawing on eleven months of ethnographic fieldwork, my research focuses on a first generation of college-going young women from socioeconomically marginalized backgrounds in India’s westernmost state of Gujarat. I draw on the “possible selves” theoretical construct in order to deploy a flexible conceptual framework that links imagined post-educational trajectories with motivation to act in the present. In tracing the physical movement of these young women as they navigate and complete college, my analysis highlights the ways in which particular kinds of spaces and spatial arrangements facilitate and limit intra- and inter-generational contact, and the extent to which this affects young women’s conceptions of the future. I conclude by considering the wider implications of my research for ongoing debates surrounding youth transitions, relational geographies of age, and education in the Global South.

Association of level of education and utilization of restorative dental care among rural women in India: Cross-sectional study.

The utilization of restorative dental care is very scarce in rural India. Association between level of education and health of a person has been well-documented in many countries and time periods with a range of potential factors shaping the connection between both. This cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate an association between the level of education (educational qualification) and utilization of restorative dental care among rural women associated with self-help groups. A semi-structured questionnaire was administrated to 660 rural women associated with self-help group by trained research assistants. The 604 completed questionnaires were received and reviewed. The education levels were divided into three groups: Group 1 - illiterates (17.2%), Group 2 - school educated (69.4%), and Group 3 - college educated (13.4%). Chi-square test was applied to evaluate the utilization of dental services by rural women, and logistic regression was applied to evaluate the influence of their educational qualifications on utilization. A total of 604 properly filled questionnaires out of 660 (91.51% response rate) were included in the analysis. Only 56.9% of the sampled rural women indicated that they have visited dentists earlier. The maximum number of individuals who have never visited the dentist belonged to illiterate group (55.7%), and the association was statistically significant (0.004) when compared with educated individuals. The results of this study concluded that the level of education has a significant influence on the utilization of dental care.

Intersectionality and the Changing Face of Ecofeminism

With its longstanding commitment to intersectional analysis, ecofeminism has always concerned itself with understanding the unique experiences of those who face discrimination, but it is only recently that ecofeminists have come to label their work as explicitly intersectional. This paper will examine the changing nature of ecofeminism and the importance of continuing to work within an intersectional framework. I will begin by reviewing the genealogy of intersectionality and ecofeminism, before exploring the current directions which intersectional ecofeminism is taking and the limitations which challenge intersectional theorisation. I will demonstrate the importance of an intersectional Indian ecofeminist approach, by exploring the complex circumstances surrounding the management of menstrual hygiene amongst young women in rural India: an issue which if approached non-intersectionally, would effectively silence their struggle.

Burden and Correlates of Falls among Rural Elders of South India: Mobility and Independent Living in Elders Study.

Aim Falls are an important contributor to loss of function, morbidity, and mortality in elders. Little is known about falls in Indian populations. The objective of this cross-sectional report was to identify the prevalence and correlates of falls in a cohort of 562 rural southern Indian men and women. Methods Risk factors included demographics, anthropometrics, self-reported health, medical history, physical function, vision, depression, and lifestyle. Odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. Results 71 (13%) subjects reported at least 1 fall in the past year. Prevalence was higher among women (17%) than men (8%), P = 0.003. Sex and age showed significant interaction (P = 0.04) whereby falls prevalence increased with age among women but decreased among men. Correlates of falls among men included a history of osteoarthritis (OA) (odds ratio (OR): 6.91; 95% CI: 1.4–33.1), depression (OR:9.6; 3.1–30.1), and greater height (OR per 1 standard deviation increase: 2.33; 1.1–5.1). Among women, poor physical performance (OR: 3.33; 1.13–9.86) and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR: 2.42; 1.01–5.80) were independently associated with falls. Implications Prevalence of falls in elderly South Indians was lower than published reports from western countries and likely reflects low exposure to fall risks. Patterns with age differed in men and women and may reflect sex differences in the accuracy of age recall. Presence of comorbidities specifically OA, CVD, and depression was independent correlate of falling.

Colonial remnants in Afro-Asian system of education: Evidence from educational exclusion of rural women in Punjab

Education is recognized worldwide as fulcrum around which the development of nation revolves. Since independence, in Afro-Asian countries, the inherited colonial systems were expanded and modified to serve new economic and social needs identified by subsequent governments. This paper using the secondary data sources discusses the education system in Afro Asian Countries in colonial as well as post colonial period. The analysis reveals that colonial hegemony is visible in post colonial education system and its inherent remnants of policies of exclusion. Further, an empirical evidence of rural women in Indian Punjab is presented. Qualitative and quantitative information reveal that educational status of rural Indian women is abysmally low. The dismal status of education in rural women is witnessed with acute illiteracy, low level of education and high drop out among girl child. Major constraints for poor levels of education are; weak socio economic status, poverty in the family, parental illiteracy, distance of educational institution from village, social barriers, negative attitude of parents towards girls’ education, un-safety, cost of education, lack of employment opportunities and social issues like dowry etc. It is observed that after independence all Afro-Asian countries invested heavily in educational expansion and diversification, but the system has failed to provide equal opportunities to people.

A study on government healthcare promotional campaigns for women in rural coimbatore - emprical study

Health is very important thing in human’s life. The health of Indian women is inherently linked to their status in society. Indian rural women are living with lot of health issues. The government of India launched large number of Government healthcare schemes. These schemes are very useful to meet health problems in India especially in rural areas, but unfortunately all these schemes are not reached to rural areas. This study attempts to measure the level of awareness about government healthcare schemes among rural women and identifies the effective promotional medium. For this study, ten villages in Coimbatore district are selected and data was collected from 135 households through questionnaire. Based on the findings the recommendations are provided for the appropriate authorities for further improvement on the promotional campaigns and to make the health care schemes more effective.

CANCER CERVIX WITH SKIN METASTASIS - A CASE REPORT WITH REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Introduction: Carcinoma of the uterine cervix is seventh most common malignancy globally, however, it is the most common neoplasm among rural Indian women. Skin metastases is rare even in the late stages of the disease, the reported incidence ranges from 0.1 to 2%.Frequent sites of cutaneous metastasis are abdominal wall, vulva and anterior chest wall. Case History: Fifty four years female of carcinoma cervix FIGO stage IIIB was radically treated with concurrent chemoradiation. On follow up, after 10 months, she presented with multiple subcutaneous nodules in the right forearm and arm along with lung metastasis. Fine needle aspiration cytology from the nodular lesions was positive for squamous cell carcinoma. She was given chemotherapy but expired within eight months. Conclusion: Skin metastasis is considered as an ominous sign of widespread terminal disease with short survival.

The Value of Skills – Raising the Socioeconomic Status of Rural Women in India

Using primary survey data collected in two sub‐districts of Gujarat, India, on a unique programme that trains rural women with low human capital to repair village water handpumps, we examine the effect of skills training on their socioeconomic outcomes. We find that participating in the training programme significantly increases the probability of being employed outside household farms and women's contribution to household income in the lean season. Further, we find that programme participants spend more on female‐favoured consumption goods and have a greater say in household spending decisions, though only from the women's perspective and not husbands’ or adult sons’ perspective. Consequently, providing skills training, even for part‐time employment, can have positive effects on rural women's overall socioeconomic status.

Why Have Improved Cook-Stove Initiatives in India Failed?

Summary An estimated 2.7 billion people cook meals on biomass-fueled brick, stone, and clay stoves. Scarcity of wood and negative impacts on health and environment have motivated efforts to design and distribute “improved” cook-stoves in developing countries. In India, adoption is limited despite massive promotion over many decades. Existing research suggests that many rural women in India do not want improved stoves, and those who do face obstacles to adoption. We step back from the many good case studies to examine the broader story of improved cook-stoves (ICs) in India. We do so by bringing together technical research of applied science and narrative critique of social science. Rather than assuming a priori that traditional stoves require replacement, we ask why Indian cook-stoves been a magnet for so much attention, why adoptions rates have remained low, and what lessons might be learned from a broad, multi-disciplinary perspective. Our approach is critical and reflexive, given our own involvement in IC efforts, and puts gender at the center. Our “big picture” review shows that the Indian chulha, for all its problems, is a remarkably successful technology which also satisfies several important household needs. Hence, targeting this device for obsolescence has profound implications that cannot be reduced to energy consumption or environmental hazards. Rural women do not prioritize ICs, but addressing their priorities requires either capital-intensive investment or challenging powerful institutions. In contrast, IC interventions are relatively cheap, decentralized, mechanical and seemingly apolitical, hence their popularity in development programs. Our review of chulha research leads us to reject both the optimism of development planners who frame such problems as technical and the antagonistic pessimism of their critics. Searching for a middle ground requires stepping back from the dogma of efforts to improve biomass cook-stoves.

Growing Up in Rural Assam, India: The Experiences of Young Women

This paper offers a picture of the life of young women in rural India, specifically in the state of Assam. It is drawn from a doctoral work that is in progress. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world, yet nearly 69% of its population live in rural areas (Census of India, 2011). Numerous castes, creeds and religions co-exist in society with differing practices and opinions. Although conflicts of interest and incidents of violence occur from time to time, the ‘multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-dimensional’ Indian society still manages to hold itself together against all odds. Assam is a state with a predominantly rural makeup. The doctoral work drawn from for the purposes of this paper was conducted using a sample of 60 adolescent girls in school settings in Assam. The macro-philosophy of the research was to understand the impact of cash transfer in the form of scholarships on their overall wellbeing. The demographic profile of the state introduces the reader to the construct of the Assamese society. The three life sketches of young women narrated exemplify their dreams for a good life amidst challenges, both substantial and emotional. They show immense potential for a fulfilled life. There is need for support and guidance at different levels to enhance their capabilities. Importance of affective scaffolding at a personal level and affirmative action at governmental level is essential.

Discovering Their Needs: Southern Rural Women of East India.

This qualitative, descriptive, phenomenological study explored how southern, rural women in India (N = 14) view health, how they learned about health, and what health education they desired. Health education classes were offered, based on participants' responses. Recommendations are offered for a best practice model that could potentially enhance the efforts of non-Indian nurses desiring to assist impoverished women and families in India.

Impact of Climate Change on Women in Rural India

This article analyses the disproportionate impact of climate change on women residing in rural parts of India. Using secondary data sources and other literature, it argues how women are at higher risk socially, economically and on account of health. However, despite this vulnerability, women are important change makers and are leading the fight against climate change at the grassroot level. It highlights the work done by two such women groups based in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. It also briefly comments on the future plan of action to create a gender-sensitive approach to mitigating climate change.

Gender-Based Violence in Rural Uttar Pradesh, India: Prevalence and Association With Reproductive Health Behaviors.

This study explores the prevalence of different forms of domestic violence and their impact on women's reproductive health behavior in rural Uttar Pradesh (UP), India. Data were collected as a part of a large household survey carried out in 2009-2010. A multistage stratified systematic sampling design was used. A total of 4,223 married women aged 15 to 49 years and 2,274 husbands of these women were interviewed. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. More than one third of married women in rural UP had experienced one or more forms of violence, such as verbal abuse, physical manhandling, and sexual abuse by their spouse. Nearly 47% of the women had experienced some form of violence during their last pregnancy. Significant associations were found between violence and incorrect reproductive health behaviors, pregnancy complications, poor birth preparedness, poor likelihood of institutional delivery, limited postnatal care, and limited spousal communication for family planning. After controlling for socio-economic variables in multivariate analysis, only pregnancy complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.40, 1.85]) and lack of delivery preparedness (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = [0.68, 0.93]) were found to be significantly associated with violence. Husband's attitude and reporting of violence by their wives in different situations were not significantly associated. This study provides evidence of the association of violence on the reproductive health behavior of married women in rural India. The results argue for frontline health workers to identify and counsel pregnant women experiencing violence during antenatal check-up to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

The development and evaluation of a speciality handknitting yarn using appropriate technology for the empowerment of women in rural India

Purpose The purpose of this paper is about understanding an existing situation in a South Indian village and developing a strategy to produce and market speciality hand knitting yarn, involving the unpaid labour (women) in the handloom industry. An observation method (field study) is used to identify an appropriate method for the design and development of speciality yarns. Design/methodology/approach Participatory action research is a recursive process that identifies methods leading to the choice of appropriate technology (AT) for the production of speciality yarn. A field study observation method was carried out to identify an AT that is acceptable for the community considering their socio-cultural background of the society. Once the technology (AT) was identified to design the speciality yarn, the research then tests the quality and marketability of the yarn. Findings The method used for product design and quality testing can be adapted by researchers and designers to develop craft items that can build a platform to start a small-scale business. The research describes a model/framework that could be used/investigated by other bodies in the future. Research limitations/implications The limitation of AT and the approach taken for research cannot be clearly identified without testing the production method with the women in the village. Originality/value This research confirms that along with identifying a sustainable method of production for speciality yarn, it is very essential to ensure the quality of the product that can compete with other market-available hand knitting yarns.

Higher levels of education mitigate the relationship between perceived stress and common mental disorders among women in rural India: results of a cross-sectional study

Higher levels of education mitigate the relationship between perceived stress and common mental disorders among women in rural India: results of a cross-sectional study

Comparision of Post-Menopausal Symptoms in Rural and Urban Women

Introduction: Our study includes the comparision of post menopausal symptoms in rural and urban Indian women. Methods: Random sample of 400 females aged between 45-70 years in post menopausal period were taken as participants for the study. The rural sample was taken from different villages of Guntur district. The urban sample was taken from Guntur city in Andhra Pradesh. To measure the severity of post menopausal symptoms, MRS (Menopausal Rating Scale) is taken as the Health Related Quality of Life scale (HRQoL). MRS includes a structural questioner containing eleven post menopausal symptoms which are divided into three sub scales (somatic, psychological and urogenital). Results: Severity of Psychological and Urogenital symptoms are well pronounced in rural Indian women compared to urban. However Somatic symptoms are severe in both groups. Compared to rural the overall severity of menopausal symptoms is low in urban. Conclusion: Improvement of rural health programmes in India are mandatory at this point of time to improve the health quality of rural Indian women. My study suggests lifestyle adjustments of both groups( rural and urban) and stress the importance of creating awareness about the severity of post menopausal symptoms by primary health care staff to the innocent rural women who cares little about their health. Indian government should implement better well being programmes.

Empowerment of Women in Rural India through SHGs — A Step towards Financial Inclusion

Empowerment of Women in Rural India through SHGs — A Step towards Financial Inclusion

Self-Help Group and Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women in Rural India

Background/Objective: The study focused on confirming the financial and social empowerment status of women belonging to various self-help groups in the country. Self-Help Group (SHG) is a village-based financial intermediary committee usually composed of 10–20 local women or men. In India, many SHGs are linked to banks for the delivery of micro-credit. Since literature review confirmed the positive attitudes per se of the self help group women, the financial facilities for sending their children to school and access to the day-to-day living amenities. It can be concluded that SHG have been successful in achieving both social & financial empowerment goals. Analysis: The secondary data analysis is made and it also confirms the steady growth on the membership level as number of self help groups in the country. Findings: Findings on social organizations have been presented. The key reasons for the success of SHGs are its link with the poor people, its innovative practices, its capacity to enable people’s participation in development and trust building at different levels between stakeholders. SHGs also help in the financial status of the households. They have developed self-confidence and independence among rural women, which in turn increased the livelihood of the rural people.

Association of common mental disorder symptoms with health and healthcare factors among women in rural western India: results of a cross-sectional survey

ObjectivesInformation about common mental disorders (CMD) is needed to guide policy and clinical interventions in low-income and middle-income countries. This study's purpose was to characterise the association of CMD symptoms...

Constraints and training needs experienced by the rural women functioning in dairy farming practices

The dairying has been considered as a potential means of alleviating large scale unemployment, especially in rural areas. In order to increase the efficiency of Indian rural women, training in dairy farming practices is very necessary. It is the function of helping other to acquire and apply knowledge, skill abilities and attitude which to do not possess, but which are needed. The study was conducted five societies from randomly selected five blocks of Bikaner district of Rajasthan with 120 respondents were selected randomly with the help of probability proportion technique. Findings of the study shows that the location of Artificial insemination centres at distance places, feed and fodder requirement of crossbred cow is more than deshi cow, excessive burden of work and responsibility, rearing of crossbred cow is very costly and easy selling of milk to the vendors as compared to society were observed as very serious constraints and the training is essential for rural women to overcome the constraints in performing their major role in dairy farming practices.