By Ranjani Raghunathan, Intern – Media & Communication Division

Women’s leadership in India, while still minimal from a macro level perspective, has been evident in various spheres. One such successful example of women taking charge and empowering themselves, is the SEWA movement.

The Self Employed Women’s Association, SEWA was born in 1972 in Gujarat, as a trade union of self employed women. It is essentially an organization of poor, self-employed women workers, those who make a living through labour or small businesses. These women don’t get any sort of welfare benefits which workers in the organized sector receive. More than 94% of the female labour force in India is in the unorganized sector, thus their contribution remains uncounted and invisible. Thus, SEWA’s main goals are full employment, and self-reliance. It organizes women workers for full employment, which essentially means employment where workers obtain work security, income security, food security and social security (at least health care, child care and shelter). Self-reliance refers to the fact that women should be autonomous and self-reliant, individually and collectively, both economically and in terms of their decision-making ability.

SEWA is a home-grown movement with women as the leaders. Through their own movement women become strong and visible. It is a movement where the tremendous economic and social contributions of women become recognized. SEWA has been supporting its members in capacity-building and in developing their own economic organisations.

SEWA can be termed as an excellent effort, and a shining model of women leadership at play. It is also a great model for providing women with the security associated with regular employment, as well as providing opportunities for women to be self reliant. Movements such as SEWA must be replicated and recreated, in various contexts and domains, so as to enable women to become leaders of tomorrow. Only when women assume leadership positions across various fields, will society move towards being gender-just, and be truly progressive.

By Ranjani Raghunathan, Intern – Media & Communication Division

On the 15th of April 2012, over 58% of residents turned up to vote for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi elections. The voter turnout was highest since 1997, showing that the people of the country have woken up to their right to elect their government.

The novelty in this year’s MCD polls was that 50% of the seats were reserved for women candidates, which increased to 51% when women from the Scheduled Castes were taken into account. That is, a total of 138 seats (out of 272 total seats) were reserved for women candidates. In addition to this representation, 5 unreserved seats also went to women candidates.

The figures are heartening, to say the least. At a time when women’s rights groups and other organizations promoting the welfare of women are putting pressure on the Lok Sabha to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill, the strong presence of women candidates in the Delhi elections provide further impetus to this argument. In a country which has traditionally kept its women in the background, the reservation of seats in the legislative assembly shows that efforts are being made to bring women into the forefront of politics, and put them in positions of power. The advantages of female leadership and the value added by women to society are finally being recognized at a policy level, and the reservation of seats in the MCD elections, and consequent results, which exhibit the choices of voters, show this.

At the national level, the presence of women is minimal. India ranks 24th out of 135 countries in regards to women’s political participation. There are only 59 female Members of Parliament out of 545 total members in the 15th Lok Sabha and 25 female MPs out of 242 total members in the Rajya Sabha (less than 11%). Let this year’s MCD elections be an important step towards increasing the participation of women in national politics.

By Ranjani Raghunathan, Intern – Media & Communication Division

On the 10th of April, 2012, CSR and IIMB launched our “India-Women in Leadership (i-WIL) course.” It is a 10-week certificate course aimed at preparing mid-career-level women to become powerful, visionary leaders in Indian politics. The participants of this course will engage with some of the country’s leading politicians, gender experts, civil society leaders and academics while enhancing their own network of women leaders.

By learning and practicing new knowledge, skills and strategies, i-WIL participants become knowledgeable and experienced in political theory and practice; leadership strategy and communication techniques; values of diversity, social justice, integrity, ethical analysis and accountability; organisational management, especially in understanding the needs, challenges and opportunities of dynamic organisations. They will also gain a strong network of likeminded women in politics, as well as other stakeholders and leaders, across India; self-awareness of personal leadership styles, strengths and skills; and the impact of these qualities on others; a personalized plan for continued leadership development; and certification in political leadership from the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. Classroom sessions, practical exercises and field visits are integrated into two-week periods. The first i-WIL course will commence on 4 June 2012, and is open to women based in India.

The press conference began with an introduction of i-WIL, and a presentation by Prof. Gowda, from the Centre for Public Policy at IIMB, and Dr. Ranjana Kumari, on the intricacies and logistics of the course. This was followed by the launch of the i-WIL website, and a question and answer session, wherein members of the media raised pertinent queries regarding the course- concerning the target audience, future prospects for course participants, and others.

Further details about the i-WIL can be obtained on the website: womenleadership.in

Also find below the link of the online coverages:

• The Economic Times
• Times of India
• Hindustan Times
• The Indian Express
• Deecan Herald
• The Asian Age
• The Pioneer
• India Today
• NDTV

By Kate Unsworth – Intern, Development Division

World Health Day is an annual commemoration of the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO). This year, Centre for Social Research and Fortis La Femme hospital celebrated World Health Day by organising a comprehensive health camp for 1000 women and girls at the CSR Crisis Intervention Centre in the Sangam Vihar community of New Delhi. In addition to providing healthcare to an underserved population, this event incorporated the theme of Ageing and Health. Health experts educated the community about how individuals’ healthcare needs change as they age, and explained how older people can continue to be active and productive if they are healthy and have the support of their family and community.

This health camp positively impacted women’s lives by directly addressing their unique health concerns. Several gynaecologists, endocrinologists, dieticians, orthopaedists, and other medical specialists:

• Provided confidential, free, and easily accessible medical consultations for women and girls;
• Recommended treatments for gynaecological issues and concerns;
• Provided quality medications and dietary supplements to those in need;
• Indentified the most pressing medical concerns faced by women and girls in the community, in order to target these needs in future initiatives.

The health camp was a great success, and we look forward to organising similar events in the future.

By Ranjani Raghunathan, Intern – Media & Communication Division

On Tuesday, March 20, 2012, CSR launched the second phase of its previous program Meri Shakti,Meri Beti (My Daughter, My Strength). The program aims to address the challenge through multiple interventions which include carrying sensitization with families and engaging with other stakeholders to correct the existing sex ratio imbalance in the capital.

To mark the launch, CSR organized a ‘Kanya Janm Mahotsav’ in the Aanganwadi Center, next to the Kishangarh Choupal. The aim of this event was to raise awareness regarding female foeticide, as well as to explain the project and its goals to the community members. At this event, fifty mothers with girl children up to 1 year of age were felicitated, and celebrated, for giving birth to a girl child.

The MSMB project is supported by the German Embassy and the chief guest for this event was the German Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Cord Meier–Koldt. The event started with a poem recitation by two girls of the Choupal, which was about female foeticide, thus setting the tone of the entire event. This was followed by a brief description of CSR, the work undertaken and the long association with the community, done by Dr. Milly Chatterjee, Head of the Development Division. Then, Dr. Manasi Mishra, Head of the Research Division, spoke about the MSMB project, and its relevance. Following this, the German delegates were felicitated, and Dr. Ranjana Kumari, the Director of CSR, said a few lines on the importance of the girl child, and how this MSMB project needs community support for its success. She then called upon the German Ambassador to address the people gathered, who expressed his pleasure at being associated with such a project, and the important role of women in societies across the world.

Following the speeches, the felicitation ceremony began. The fifty pre-selected mothers of girl children were called, and the German Ambassador put a tika on their forehead, garlanded them, and handed over a gift to the child. Once the felicitation ceremony ended, the ladies of the community gathered to dance and sing, and created an atmosphere of celebration.

The Kanya Janm Mahotsav was an initiative to make the community members realize that the birth of a girl child, is as much a cause of celebration and joy, as the birth of a boy. It aimed to create awareness amongst the people about female foeticide, and how wrong it is. The event was also an attempt to convey to the community members, that the success of the MSMB program relies on people like them, and every single person present, can make a significant contribution to end the evil of female foeticide.

By Ranjani Raghunathan, Intern – Media & Communication Division

How do you define ‘beautiful’? And how is it different from ‘very beautiful’? What about ‘fair’ and ‘very fair’? And what exactly constitutes ‘respectable’?

No these are not arbitrary words which we’re throwing around. These words appear with alarming regularity in the matrimonial section of newspapers across the country. Across castes, socio-economic strata and religions, one thing which binds families from all over the country is the hunt for a picture-perfect bride. So ads invariably mention the desire for a ‘very beautiful’, ‘slim’, ‘very fair’ girl from a ‘respectable’ and ‘cultured’ family. Not to mention the bride being ‘homely’, ‘well educated’, and ‘professionally qualified’. Seems like a tall order?

The concept of arranged marriages has at its root, the existence of compatibility between the married couple, and their families. This is the reason why arranged marriages still happen within the same or similar socio-religious communities. So how has the focus now shifted from a similar socio-cultural background and compatibility between partners and their families, to attributes which have reduced the bride to a ‘high quality’ commodity, who needs to be shown off?

Indian society’s age old obsession with fair-skinned brides is well known, and continues to prevail in the modern age. But while earlier the focus was on a beautiful bride, with ‘homely’ characteristics, now, with rising education levels, the desire for a well educated, professional bride is also increasing. So now, the ‘ideal’ bride has to be good looking (as per society’s standards), having ‘homely’ qualities, along with being highly qualified. In a seemingly contradictory situation, many ads also state the need for an educated bride, who is willing to be a homemaker. This in itself reeks of a society, which, instead of according its girls and women with respect, is reducing them to a product, meant to be bragged about. Instead of age old notions being challenged, the demands placed by society are just escalating, causing irrelevant traditions and practices to continue to prevail.

One reason which can be put forward to explain the contradictions in matrimonial advertisements is that even now, our country by and large, doesn’t encourage interactions between members of the opposite sex at a social level. This lack of social interactions, results in people of marriageable age having little information and knowledge about the opposite sex, leaving them with unrealistic expectations regarding their future life partner. Combined with the social stigma attached to a ‘love marriage’, as opposed to the more acceptable ‘arranged marriage’, this convolutes the entire outlook towards finding the right life partner, and converts it into a process, akin to purchasing a product.

It would be a mistake to consider these matrimonial advertisements as an exception- they reflect the mind set of Indian society at large. It would do us good to take note of these matrimonial advertisements in a serious light and really examine how to correct these social flaws that are just rising exponentially.

By Ranjani Raghunathan, Intern – Media & Communication Division

Picture courtesy ' The Hindu '

On the 20th of March, CSR, along with the German Embassy, celebrates ‘Kanya Janm Mahotsav’, where 50 mothers of young girl children will be fecilitated, along with the launch of the Meri Shakti Meri Beti Phase-II project in the South-west districts of Delhi namely Delhi Cantonment (Vasant Kunj & Mahipalpur), Najafgarh ( Dabri & Dwaraka) and Vasant Vihar (Vasant Vihar & R.K. Puram).

Much has been written and debated about India’s skewed gender ratio. While the sex ratio has increased over the past twenty years (927 females to 1,000 males in 1991, 933 in 2001 and 940 in 2011), the rise is still minimal, and India still remains, by and large, a society which prefers male children over female ones. Female foeticide as a phenomenon, is a harsh reality, which persists across class and caste barriers. In fact, richer states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, etc. have lower sex ratio. The capital of India, Delhi, and its surrounding areas (the National Capital Territory) are subject to much scrutiny as this is where all government schemes regarding sex ratio and female foeticide are formulated and implemented first.

The following table is a compilation of Census data, and provides a snapshot of the sex ratio figures from 1991 to 2011. In addition to the overall sex ratio, the following table also provides figures for the 0-6 age bracket, which will enable further understanding of the present situation.

As the table shows, the sex ratios have improved considerably in the past twenty years. The Delhi NCT state average has gone up from 827 in 1991, to 866 in 2011. Although still a considerably low number than the national average, the increase is no doubt a positive sign. However, the sex ratios for the age group 0-6 years, are varied. The Delhi NCT state average for this age group has actually gone down from 868 in 2001, to 866 in 2011. Except for West Delhi, North West Delhi, North East Delhi and South-west Delhi, the sex ratios for the age group 0-6 years has actually reduced from 2001 to 2011. This is shocking, as while on one hand, literacy rates in the Delhi NCT are going up (from 81.67% in 2001 to 86.34% in 2011) and poverty rates are coming down, social norms are still dictating the society, and causing the deaths of numerous girl children in the mother’s womb. Female foeticide doesn’t just skew the sex ratio, but also causes a host of health problems for women, thus it is imperative that steps should be taken to prevent it.

Across the country, many steps are taken to increase awareness regarding the ill effects of female foeticide. Mrs. Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi, has lamented at the Delhi’s dismal sex ratio, and has mentioned the development of a ‘multi-pronged’ strategy to rectifiy this. In Maharashtra, the state government has appointed film actors Ajay Devgan and Kajol as brand ambassadors of its campaign to save the girl child. Numerous advertisements by various state ministries have been aired on television and radio, appealing to a mass audience to welcome the birth of daughters. Many documentaries and films have been produced on the phenomenon of female foeticide, the most prominent of them being ‘Matrubhoomi’, a critically acclaimed and award winning movie by Manish Jha.

While at the outset, it seems as if these measures are yielding no positive results for Delhi NCT, it needs to be understood that stronger actions need to be taken in order to have a balanced sex ratio in India, and in Delhi particularly. Rectifying the skewed sex ratio is an important step in India’s progress, and it is high time the citizens realize this.

By Sophie Hardefeldt, Intern – Gender Training Institute.

The National Crime Records Bureau reported in 1998 that the growth rate of crimes against women in India would be higher than the population growth by 2010. As the 2011 census reveals, India’s population growth for 2001-2011 decreased to 1.64 per cent per annum, while according to the National Crime Records Bureau rape is the fastest growing crime in India.

In cities such as Delhi, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of all crimes committed against women in India, women continue to suffer from sexual harassment, rape and domestic violence. A United Nations survey found in 2010 that nearly 85 per cent of women in the capital felt unsafe and at risk of being sexually harassed.

Increased urbanisation, access to sexual content via the internet and television and the growing clash between urban and rural values are all responsible for the increase in crimes against women. However, inappropriate policing has also contributed to the growth in crime throughout the country. Current statistics show that only 1 in every 69 women who are sexually assaulted file an FIR and many still complain that police refuse to file an FIR or do not take their complaint seriously.

Women’s lack of confidence in the police has led to thousands of violence against women cases going un-reported and the perpetrators of gender based violence not being held accountable for their actions. The lack of sensitivity and gender knowledge within the police force, coupled with corruption and gender bias has further aggravated the problem.

Increasing the number of women police officers throughout the country will lead to more women feeling comfortable to report sexual assault and gender-based violence to the police and will decrease the prevalence of crimes against women from the grassroots level to the policy making level.

Women in the Indian Police
In a country of 1.2 billion people, having a strong police authority is crucial to keeping crime at bay. There are approximately 178 police officers per 100,000 people in India, which currently ranks 47th in the world for having the most police per capita. With the United Nations norm of 220 per 100,000, India is nearly 600,000 police officers short.

There is also a major gender gap in the police force. As of 2009, women made up only 2.8% of the nations police force. Therefore, the total women police for a 10,000 population is only 0.31. At the State/Upper Territory’s level, the maximum woman police force of 9,105 was working in Maharashtra, followed by 7,728 in Tamil Nadu and 3,580 in Delhi.

Of the 56,667 women police officers, 81% are constables and only 4,168 women are head constables. However, the lowest representation of women is in the highest police posts, Director General of Police, which is headed by only 7 women nationwide.

While many states have a reservation policy for women police, hardly any have a strategy for “recruitment, training, work distribution and promotions, or postings and welfare.” A survey of 1,000 women officers across 20 states, conducted by Uttaranchal Police, found that 64% of women joined the police on merit while 36% have been recruited on compassionate grounds. 25% of women police officers have not received even the most basic, mandatory training and 58% had only been given one basic training.

However, there has been some improvement and the number of high-ranking women police officers has more than doubled in the past decade. Furthermore, in 1992 Tamil Nadu introduced the first All Women Police Stations (AWPS). There are now over 188 AWPS in Tamil Nadu and 342 across the country. Each station has 15 women police officers. These stations have led to increases in the reporting of crimes against women.

Women Friendly Policing
One of the first major steps taken towards preventing crimes against women in India was the establishment of the Crimes Against Women Cell (CAWC) in 1986.

These cells, which were first established in Delhi and eventually spread to other states, provide additional manpower, infrastructure and responsibilities in order to focus on preventing crimes against women. One of the added features of the CAWC is providing counselling to the victim in domestic issues. The growth of CAWC’s around India have allowed for increased the presence of police.

The CAWC also act upon cases of sexual harassment, molestation and rape. These cells serve as places of legal support as well as non-police services where women can gain access to NGO’s and free legal advice which aims to help protect women from further abuse.

One of the most significant services created by the CAWC is the 24-hour helpline that assists callers in distress. The helpline number diverts the call to the nearest PCR Van that can assist women in need of help. These help lines have become increasingly popular and have helped prevent crimes and increase police presence.

In 2001, the National Policy on the Empowerment of Women was drafted and called for strong action to be taken by state level and national level police forces. The policy provides “enforcement of relevant legal provisions and speedy redressal of grievances with special focus on violence and gender related atrocities and measures to prevent and punish sexual harassment at work place.” It also calls for the prevention, investigation, detection and prosecution of crimes against women to be reviewed regularly at the Central, State and District levels and an increase in women’s cells, women police stations and mahila courts.

Despite these initiatives violence against women continues to increase. Between 2009 and 2010 alone there was 4.8 per cent rise in crimes against women across India.

There are several reasons for the failure of these approaches to reduce gender-based violence. Majority of the CAW cells designated for women are run by male police officers. One of the biggest criticisms of these cells is the counseling provided to the victims of violence. Many police officers are influenced by patriarchal stereotypes and values leading to the inappropriate handling of violence against women cases and women feeling victimised and blamed for being abused or assaulted. In many cases women do not feel comfortable approaching male police officers for fear of further harassment.

In addition, these initiatives are still unable to reach out to women who are not aware of their rights. Although there are Crisis Intervention Centres and Lawyer Collectives that aim to inform women of their right to seek legal help, only 1% of women ever report incidences of abuse.

Future Police Reform
Increasing the number of women police officers is central to achieving an increase in the reporting of crimes against women and a reduction in gender-based violence across the country. Studies have shown that women police officers often possess better communication skills than their male counterparts and often respond more effectively to incidents of violence against women. They also suggest that women take crimes against other women more seriously than men, and therefore work harder towards ensuring the safety of the complainant.

The benefit of having more women officers is evident in Tamil Nadu. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, since the inception of the AWPS, the conviction rate in Tamil Nadu has risen to 62%, one of the highest in the country. In addition, there’s been a 23% increase in the reporting of crimes against women. Increasing the woman police force will also lead to make police officers becoming more gender sensitive. In Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, where there is a rise in women personnel, police forces are becoming more women friendly.

Gender-sensitive policies and processes must also be developed and implemented to ensure that all officers respond appropriately to cases of violence against women. Current practices continue to be undermined by patriarchy and discrimination against women. Gender-sensitisation training is required throughout the police force to breakdown these structures of gender discrimination, to develop a women-friendly culture within police frameworks, and to educate police on women’s rights, laws protecting women from violence and abuse and appropriate processes for responding to cases of sexual assault and violence against women.

Increasing the number of women police officers, developing women friendly policies and processes, and ensuring all officers receive gender sensitisation training will result in a more open, aware, and women friendly police force which is able to respond to crimes against women in a more effective and gender sensitive manner.