SAKHI Stands For :

S: सशक्तिकरण (Sashaktikaran) – Empowerment of women to achieve equality and independence.

A: आत्मनिर्भरता (Atmanirbharta) – Promoting self-reliance through skill development and training.

K: कौशल विकास (Kaushal Vikas) – Providing vocational training and educational opportunities.

H: हाइजीन (Hygiene) – Ensuring menstrual hygiene management and health education.

I: इनोवेशन (Innovation) – Encouraging innovative solutions for women’s issues and upliftment.

Importance of Menstrual Hygiene and Women Empowerment in India

Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of health and well-being for women and girls, yet it remains a significant challenge in India.

1. Lack of Awareness and Education: Many women and girls in India are unaware of the basic concepts of menstrual hygiene due to cultural taboos and lack of education. According to a study by UNICEF, only 48% of girls in India are aware of menstruation before their first period.

2. Inadequate Access to Sanitary Products: A large percentage of the female population lacks access to affordable and hygienic sanitary products. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2015-16 reported that only 57.6% of Indian women use sanitary napkins, with the rest relying on unhygienic alternatives like old rags, ashes, and husk sand.

3. Health Risks: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to serious health issues, including reproductive and urinary tract infections. The World Bank highlights that lack of proper menstrual hygiene can increase susceptibility to infections by 70%.

4. School Dropout Rates: Menstrual hygiene management significantly impacts the education of girls. UNESCO estimates that around 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to lack of proper menstrual hygiene facilities, further perpetuating gender inequality.

Women Empowerment and Employment

Empowering women and integrating them into the workforce is essential for the socio-economic development of India.

1. Economic Growth: Women’s participation in the workforce can significantly boost the country’s GDP. The McKinsey Global Institute reports that India could increase its GDP by $770 billion by 2025 simply by providing equal opportunities for women.

2. Poverty Reduction: Employment empowers women to support their families and contribute to household income, lifting entire families out of poverty. The World Bank indicates that for every 10% increase in female labor force participation, there’s a significant reduction in poverty levels.

3. Education and Skills Development: Educating and training women have far-reaching benefits. According to UNESCO, educated women are more likely to educate their children, leading to a cycle of sustained education and economic development.

4. Social Benefits: Women in the workforce contribute to diverse perspectives and inclusive decision-making. This diversity is linked to more innovative and effective solutions in both private and public sectors.

5. Health and Well-being: Empowered women tend to have better health outcomes for themselves and their families. The International Labour Organization (ILO) notes that women with economic power are better able to afford healthcare and make informed health decisions.

Facts Check

– Gender Pay Gap: According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2021 by the World Economic Forum, India’s gender gap in economic participation and opportunity stands at 32.6%.

– Female Labor Force Participation: As per World Bank data, the female labor force participation rate in India was only 20.3% in 2019, one of the lowest in the world.

– Education Disparity: The literacy rate for women in India is 70.3%, compared to 84.7% for men, highlighting the need for focused educational initiatives (Census 2011).

Conclusion

Addressing menstrual hygiene and empowering women through education, skill development, and employment opportunities are crucial for the overall development of India. By ensuring that women can manage their menstrual health with dignity and have access to opportunities that allow them to contribute to the economy, India can move towards a more equitable and prosperous future. Empowered women are key to breaking the cycle of poverty and driving sustainable development for the nation.