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Author: Smile Editorial Team

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Smile Health Women Empowerment

Addressing Nutritional Needs of Pregnant Women

Addressing Nutritional Needs of Pregnant Women
Addressing Nutritional Needs of Pregnant Women

Embarking on the journey towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG-2), the global commitment to combat malnutrition by 2030, demands a closer examination of the challenges hindering progress. With a specific focus on addressing the nutritional needs of adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women, SDG-2 seeks to break the shackles of undernourishment. However, half of the undernourished child population resides in low-middle-income countries, intensifying the complexity of achieving meaningful progress. Unraveling the layers contributing to malnutrition becomes a pivotal step in crafting effective solutions.

In alignment with the commitment of India to SDG-2, September witnesses nationwide celebrations of “POSHAN Maah,” an annual initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of nutrition. The nutritional policies of India, spanning both preventive and curative aspects, have made significant strides. Yet, the challenges persist, evident in the 8% increase in anemic children aged 6-59 months between NFHS-4 and 5. The focal point for progress lies in addressing the key drivers of malnutrition, particularly child wasting.

Child growth monitoring and wasting management primarily unfold at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) in India. These centers play a crucial role in the nutrition management system, covering early pregnancy registration, antenatal care (ANC), breastfeeding counseling, and child growth monitoring. Despite institutional efforts, reducing child wasting remains slow in specific regions, such as Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Bihar, where more than 25% of children are wasted (NFHS-5). Addressing intermediate factors, like poor maternal health and inadequate dietary diversity, becomes paramount in this complex web.

Addressing The Intergeneration Cycle of Malnutrition

While focusing on nutritious diets during early childhood is pivotal, neglecting the nutritional status of pregnant and lactating women can perpetuate the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. Poor nutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including low birth weight and early childhood wasting. The World Health Organization recommends consuming food from at least four food groups within 24 hours to ensure minimum dietary diversity, a criterion often unmet in India. NFHS-5 reveals alarming statistics, with 40% of women not consuming any fruit and 24% skipping milk or curd. Additionally, 19% of women have a BMI less than 18, while 8% fall under the severely thin category (BMI less than 17). Poor maternal nutrition persists in various social and geographical pockets, significantly contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes and early childhood wasting.

Child Wasting In India: The Way Forward

Breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition in India demands a multifaceted approach, with a primary focus on promoting dietary diversity among women, especially during pregnancy and lactation. Encouraging the consumption of a variety of fruits, vegetables, and milk products can provide essential vitamins, protein, and calcium. However, addressing low dietary diversity requires concerted efforts to tackle the economic drivers of malnutrition.

Cash transfer schemes, exemplified by Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), play a pivotal role in addressing economic drivers by directly transferring money to women’s bank accounts and connecting them with formal healthcare services early in pregnancy. Economic support, coupled with community empowerment through knowledge dissemination about diverse and nutritious foods, emerges as a holistic strategy.

Reviving the importance of locally available nutrient-rich foods, such as millets in regions like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, presents a cost-effective and sustainable solution. For effective community awareness, front-line workers equipped with actionable messaging can play a vital role. Training them on communicating the importance of diverse foods for healthy pregnancy empowers communities to make informed decisions about their dietary habits.

Household Nutritional Security

While knowledge about healthcare and a nutritious diet during pregnancy is crucial, its impact may be limited unless all family stakeholders actively participate. Ensuring household nutritional security necessitates targeted efforts to address intra-household gender norms perpetuating situations where “women are last to eat and least to eat.”

At the operational level, collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and families is imperative. Implementing effective strategies and interventions that prioritize the nutritional needs of pregnant women requires addressing underlying factors and fostering a supportive environment within and outside the household. India, by tackling these challenges head-on, can significantly enhance maternal nutrition, reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, and ultimately break the cycle of child wasting. As we navigate this journey, acknowledging the interconnectedness of factors influencing malnutrition is pivotal, ensuring collective efforts for lasting change.

Smile Foundation’s women empowerment programme, Swabhiman, focuses on taking care of the nutritional needs of pregnant women and becomes a guiding principle. By imparting knowledge about diverse and nutritious foods, the program ensures that pregnant women have the information needed to make healthy dietary choices. Additionally, Swabhiman addresses economic drivers by providing opportunities for financial independence through skill development, directly impacting the ability of women in general to access nutritious foods.

Categories
Health

Nonprofits Help Make the Indian Healthcare Systems Robust

Nonprofits Help Make the Indian Healthcare Systems Robust
Nonprofits Help Make the Indian Healthcare Systems Robust

The healthcare challenges in India are diverse and deeply rooted. Accessibility remains a significant hurdle, especially in remote rural areas where healthcare facilities are sparse. Quality healthcare often eludes the economically disadvantaged, leading to a stark divide in health outcomes. Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, and the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases further compound the challenges.

The Indian government has undertaken various initiatives to address healthcare challenges. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat, with its two major components – Health and Wellness Centers for primary healthcare and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana for secondary and tertiary care, aim to provide financial protection and healthcare access to millions. While these initiatives are commendable, the sheer scale of the healthcare needs in India necessitates collaborative efforts from various stakeholders.

The private sector has also played a significant role in India’s healthcare landscape. The growth of private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers has expanded access to specialized medical services. However, the high costs associated with private healthcare make it unaffordable for a substantial section of the population. The challenge lies in striking a balance between quality and affordability.

Healthcare Initiatives by Nonprofits

Nonprofits, driven by a commitment to social welfare, have emerged as pivotal players in enhancing healthcare in India. These organizations operate on the ground, identifying specific needs, and tailoring interventions to address the gaps left by government and private initiatives. nonprofits often focus on marginalized communities, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the care they desperately need.

  1. Accessibility in Remote Areas: Nonprofits play a vital role in reaching remote areas where healthcare facilities are scarce. Mobile medical units, telemedicine, and community health workers employed by development organizations contribute significantly to bringing healthcare services to the doorstep of underserved communities.
  2. Primary Healthcare and Preventive Measures: By emphasizing primary healthcare and preventive measures, nonprofits contribute to reducing the burden of diseases. Initiatives that focus on maternal and child health, immunization drives, and awareness campaigns have a lasting impact on community well-being.
  3. Capacity Building: Nonprofits actively engage in capacity building by training local healthcare workers and creating awareness about health issues. This grassroots approach ensures that communities are equipped to handle health challenges independently.
  4. Specialized Care for Vulnerable Groups: Nonprofits often specialize in catering to specific vulnerable groups, such as children, women, and those affected by communicable diseases. Tailored healthcare programs address the unique needs of these groups, ensuring comprehensive care.
  5. Advocacy and Policy Influence: Many nonprofits engage in advocacy efforts to influence healthcare policies. By providing data-driven insights and highlighting gaps in the system, they contribute to shaping policies that prioritize the health needs of the population.

Health Cannot Wait initiative of Smile Foundation

Smile Foundation, through its health initiative, Health Cannot Wait has been instrumental in providing healthcare access to underserved communities. By operating mobile health vans, organizing health camps, and running community health programs, Smile Foundation has made significant strides in ensuring that healthcare reaches the grassroots.

By addressing accessibility, emphasizing preventive measures, and tailoring solutions to specific communities, Smile Foundation contributes significantly to elevating healthcare outcomes in India.

The collaborative efforts of government, private sector, and nonprofits are essential for building a resilient healthcare system that meets the diverse needs of the population. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare in India, it is clear that the role of nonprofits is not just supplemental but foundational in shaping a healthier and more equitable future for all.

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Women Empowerment Health

The Health of Women Contributing to the National Growth

Focusing on the First 1000 Days of Nutrition
A healthy looking mother and her infant out and about

In a world where advancements in healthcare continue to reshape our lives, a recent report by the McKinsey Health Institute, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), sheds light on a concerning reality – the persistent health gap experienced by women. The report underscores the critical need to address existing disparities that not only impact the well-being of women but also have significant implications for global economies.

Understanding the Health Gap

While women, on average, live longer than men, the report reveals a stark truth – women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health. Delving deeper into the data, the report suggests that the health gap can be closed, potentially resulting in an additional 7 days of healthy living per year for each woman globally. More notably, this closing of the health gap could contribute to a staggering boost of $1 trillion to the global GDP by the year 2040.

While 95% of the health burden affecting women stems from conditions that also impact men, it is essential to recognize that female-specific conditions, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH), and endometriosis, constitute approximately 5% of this burden.

In India, a closer look at the data reveals that the top four conditions contributing to the highest health burden for women affect both genders similarly. These include neonatal disorders, ischemic heart disease, diarrheal diseases, and lower respiratory infections. However, conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, dietary iron deficiency, and low back pain, also feature prominently.

Root Causes: Science, Care Delivery, Investment, and Data

The report identifies four primary global areas contributing to the health gap for women: science, care delivery, investment, and data.

Science: Historically, the study of human biology has defaulted to the male body, leading to a lack of understanding of sex-based biological differences. This has resulted in treatments being less effective for women than men. For instance, certain medical interventions, when sex-disaggregated, prove to be less effective for women, highlighting a systemic issue that needs urgent attention.

Care Delivery: Women face barriers, stigma, and bias in healthcare systems designed and run by men, leading to diagnostic delays and suboptimal treatment. Addressing this requires a shift in the healthcare paradigm towards more inclusive and patient-centric models.

Investment: There has been lower investment in women’s health conditions relative to their prevalence. This lack of investment perpetuates a cycle of limited scientific understanding and data to support new investments. In digital healthcare, FemTech companies, specifically designed to address women’s health needs, received only 3% of the total digital health funding, indicating a significant gap in financial support.

Data: Health burdens for women are systematically underestimated due to datasets that exclude or undervalue crucial conditions. Only about 50% of health interventions provide disaggregated data by sex, contributing to a significant undercounting of women’s health burden.

Closing the Gap: A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity

The report posits that addressing the gaps and shortcomings in women’s health could reduce the time women spend in poor health by almost two-thirds, offering 3.9 billion women the prospect of healthier lives. The potential impact includes adding 7 more days of healthy living for each woman annually, contributing at least $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040, and generating the equivalent impact of 137 million women accessing full-time positions by 2040.

To achieve health equity and foster economic growth, stakeholders must embrace a cooperative and comprehensive strategy:

  1. Invest in Women-Centric Research: Fill knowledge and data gaps related to women-specific conditions, ensuring a robust understanding of diseases affecting women differently.
  2. Systematic Data Collection: Collect and analyze sex-, ethnicity-, and gender-specific data to accurately represent women’s health burden and the impact of interventions.
  3. Enhance Access to Gender-Specific Care: Develop and implement strategies for improved access to gender-specific care, spanning prevention to diagnosis and treatment.
  4. Advocacy and Awareness: Raise awareness and support advocacy initiatives to bring attention to the women’s health gap, fostering a global conversation around this critical issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the report serves as a wake-up call, urging stakeholders to address the persistent health gap experienced by women. By investing in the health of women, we not only improve the quality of life for half of the global population but also unlock a trillion-dollar opportunity for economic growth. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions toward a future where women enjoy not just longer lives but healthier, more prosperous ones. The cost of inaction is not just a health deficit but an economic one that the world cannot afford.

Smile Foundation is dedicated to addressing this challenge through its relentless efforts. Under its women empowerment initiative, Swabhiman, Smile is actively raising awareness among women in both rural communities and urban slums about their health requirements and the essential medical care they should seek.

Conducting workshops and street plays, Smile Foundation is not only spreading awareness but also fostering behavioral changes regarding women’s health needs. The comprehensive initiative pays special attention to women, offering tailored assistance, particularly to pregnant women.

Recognizing that a healthy woman plays a pivotal role in ensuring a healthy family, we understand the broader impact of creating a healthier community through empowering women and fostering a culture of well-being.

Categories
Livelihood

Vocational Education Helps Decrease Unemployment in India

Vocational Education

The issue of unemployment has been a persistent challenge in India and almost all developing economies. Despite a decline in the overall unemployment rate in India from 6.1% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2022-23, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), it remains an area of concern. Particularly, the struggle for employment among young graduates has intensified over the years, prompting a closer examination of the factors contributing to this phenomenon.

The fluctuating numbers over the years paint a vivid picture of the employment scenario in our country. From a relatively high rate of 9% in the 1990s, the unemployment rate dipped to 7.66% in 2011-12, only to witness a significant surge to 17% in 2017-18, and subsequently recede to 13% in 2022-23 for those with graduate degrees with data taken from the National Sample Survey Office(NSSO) covering the period 1993-94 to the PLFS surveys of 2022-23. This erratic pattern calls for a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the workforce and the need for innovative solutions.

Higher Education vs. Unemployment in India

Curiously, individuals with higher education have consistently grappled with higher unemployment rates than the rest of the population. The conventional belief that a higher degree automatically translates into better job prospects seems to be challenged by the reality of the job market. It raises pertinent questions about the efficacy of our current education system in equipping individuals with the skills demanded by a rapidly evolving job landscape.

One promising avenue that has gained traction in recent times is vocational education. Unlike traditional academic routes, vocational education focuses on practical skills and hands-on training tailored to meet the demands of specific industries. The aim is not just to impart knowledge but to equip individuals with the expertise required to excel in their chosen fields.

The current job market demands not only academic qualifications but also practical skills and adaptability. Vocational education addresses this gap by providing a direct pathway for individuals to acquire industry-relevant skills, making them more employable.

Meeting Industry Demands

One of the critical advantages of vocational education lies in its alignment with industry needs. Traditional education often struggles to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology and industry trends. Vocational education, on the other hand, can be more nimble, adjusting its curriculum to match the requirements of the current job market. This ensures that individuals are trained in areas where there is a genuine demand for skilled professionals.

Investing in vocational education not only enhances employability but also empowers the youth to explore unconventional yet high-demand sectors. By diversifying the skill set of the workforce, vocational education opens doors to a myriad of opportunities in fields such as technology, healthcare, and the service industry.

Shifting Perspectives on Vocational Education

Despite the evident benefits, there exists a lingering stigma around vocational education. It’s often perceived as a second-tier option, overshadowed by the allure of traditional degrees. Changing this perception is crucial for better employment rates in India in the upcoming years. Governments, educational institutions, and society at large need to recognize the value it brings in bridging the gap between education and employment.

In conclusion, the persistent challenge of unemployment, especially among young graduates, necessitates a reevaluation of our approach to education. Vocational education offers a pragmatic solution to the mismatch between academic qualifications and industry demands. By prioritizing skilling and upskilling through vocational education, we can not only decrease unemployment rates but also create a workforce that is agile, adaptable, and ready to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of the global job market. It’s time to embrace vocational education as a powerful tool for shaping a more resilient and empowered workforce.

Smile Foundation trains the youth from disadvantaged communities with the necessary skills for strong-demand sectors and tries to get them placed in organisations of value. The STeP (Smile Twin e-Learning Programme) initiative is being scaled up as the opening up of new businesses and the expansion of the already established ones need more human power to fuel their soaring ambitions. 

Categories
In The Spotlight

SIFFCY 2024: The 10th Edition of Biggest Celebration of Cinema for Children & Youth

SIFFCY 2024: The 10th Edition of Biggest Celebration of Cinema for Children & Youth
SIFFCY 2024: The 10th Edition of Biggest Celebration of Cinema for Children & Youth

“Good cinema isn’t just good to watch, but also necessary to be watched.”

 

Today, the power to change the world lies with the young for the future is theirs. But this power can only be realized when it manifests and cultivates itself in a meaningful way. Every single positive action can offset a chain reaction of acts of goodness and kindness and that’s where Smile International Film Festival For Children and Youth (SIFFCY) comes into picture. Our effort is to inspire school children to become these very points of positive actions in the society, and offset multiple chain reactions.

Children today are riddled with different challenges every single day. Ranging from bullying, to depression, to body image issues and even low self-esteem concerns, with a different era where digital influences are growing day by day, a different set of struggles have cropped up. These issues have become alarming, and need to be addressed in a fashion that these students would be able to understand, and learn from. Innovative ways needs to be developed to mould and transform the young minds.

In order to then productively address the problems Gen Z face, we worked on a unique initiative using the medium of the visual arts. The result of this brainstorming was the ideation of a film festival meant for children and youth. Now moving towards the tenth edition, Smile International Film Festival For Children and Youth (SIFFCY) brings together good and meaningful world cinema. SIFFCY not only allows us to sensitise the young minds, but also keeps the medium of sensitisation fun, creative, and unique. As we celebrate SIFFCY for the tenth consecutive year, we anticipate thousands of students from schools across India joining us in our endeavour, ready to be inspired, and to inspire.

The power of cinema today is such that it can leave an everlasting impact on a mind, and given that students tend to get highly influenced by what they see, it becomes important to keep this visual content relevant and responsible. Even while there is a lot of good cinema out there, it often becomes tedious to have access to that content, which is why at SIFFCY, we are screening 100+ movies from around the globe, at no cost to the children, to motivate them-so that they have the ingredients to become our future leaders and more importantly, responsible citizens of our nation.

The 10th edition of SIFFCY (Smile International Film Festival for Children and Youth) is a week long festival, to be held at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi from 09-15th April, 2024. The festival will attract school going children, budding filmmakers, industry professionals, and audience members from around the world. More than 100 movies from around the world will be screened here, including feature films, short films, and documentaries. Some of the key highlights would be events such as Film Making Workshop, Cinematography Workshop, Storytelling Workshop, Photography Workshop, and much more. For more details, please visit us on siffcy.org

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Smile

World NGO Day 2024: Building a Sustainable Future through the Power of NGOs

World NGO Day 2024: Building a Sustainable Future through the Power of NGOs
World NGO Day 2024: Building a Sustainable Future through the Power of NGOs
World NGO Day, celebrated annually on February 27th, is a moment to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) worldwide.

In 2010, World NGO Day was introduced by the Baltic Sea NGO Forum, marking the inception of an annual global event that acknowledges the significant contributions of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide. This day serves as a platform for NGOs to advocate for policies conducive to their future initiatives. The proposal made by the Baltic Sea NGO Forum in 2010 gained approval in 2012, and initially, the observance of World NGO Day was confined to nations participating in the forum, including Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, and others.

The turning point occurred in 2014 when representatives from esteemed organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union joined the event, expanding its reach beyond the forum participants. Subsequently, World NGO Day transitioned into a truly global celebration, resonating with nations worldwide.

In 2024, the theme revolves around Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of NGOs in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This theme underscores the pivotal role that NGOs play in addressing global challenges and steering humanity towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

Understanding NGOs and Their Significance

NGOs, or Non-Governmental Organizations, are entities independent of governmental influence, often driven by a passion for social change, development, and humanitarian causes. Ranging from grassroots organizations to international giants, NGOs operate in diverse fields such as health, education, human rights, and environmental conservation.

  1. The Global Call for Sustainability: The theme for World NGO Day 2024 aligns with the global urgency to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a roadmap for creating a sustainable and inclusive world by 2030. NGOs play a pivotal role in translating these goals into action, bridging gaps, and fostering collaborations that drive positive change.
  2. NGOs as Catalysts for Change: NGOs act as catalysts for change by leveraging their unique position between governments, businesses, and local communities. Their flexibility and ability to innovate make them instrumental in implementing projects that promote sustainability, eradicate poverty, ensure access to education and healthcare, and address climate change.
  3. Local Impact, Global Reach: NGOs operate at the grassroots level, directly engaging with communities to understand their needs. Whether it’s a small organization working to provide clean water in a remote village or a large international NGO addressing global health crises, the impact of these organizations ripples across borders, demonstrating the interconnectedness of our world.

Building a Sustainable Future

Now, let’s delve into the ways NGOs contribute to building a sustainable future:

  1. Environmental Conservation: NGOs play a crucial role in environmental sustainability by championing causes such as climate action, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy adoption. Through awareness campaigns, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground initiatives, NGOs contribute significantly to mitigating the impact of climate change and preserving our planet for future generations.
  2. Empowering Communities: Sustainable development is inherently linked to empowering communities. NGOs work tirelessly to uplift marginalized populations, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. By empowering individuals, NGOs create a ripple effect, fostering self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of poverty.
  3. Advocacy and Policy Influence: NGOs act as advocates for change, pushing for policies that align with sustainable development principles. They engage with governments, international bodies, and businesses to influence decisions that have far-reaching consequences. The power of NGOs lies not only in their ability to implement change on the ground but also in their capacity to shape systemic transformations.
  4. Innovation and Technology for Good: NGOs often lead the way in adopting innovative solutions and leveraging technology to address global challenges. From harnessing digital tools for education to deploying advanced technologies in healthcare, NGOs are at the forefront of finding sustainable and scalable solutions to complex problems.
  5. Global Collaborations: Achieving the SDGs requires a collective effort. NGOs, with their collaborative nature, facilitate partnerships between governments, businesses, and communities. These partnerships amplify the impact of initiatives, ensuring a holistic and comprehensive approach to sustainable development.

Conclusion

World NGO Day 2024 serves as a reminder of the transformative power that NGOs hold in shaping a sustainable future. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the dedication, innovation, and resilience of NGOs become beacons of hope. The theme underscores the collaborative journey toward a world where no one is left behind, and our planet thrives for generations to come. It is a call to action, urging individuals, governments, and businesses to recognize, support, and actively engage with NGOs in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable world.

Categories
Education

Education Helps Us Live Longer

Education Helps Us Live Longer: Role of Education
Education Helps Us Live Longer

Looking to add more years to your life? Surprisingly, research suggests that education might be the key. While we often associate longevity with habits like eating well, sufficient sleep, and stress reduction, a recent study in the Lancet Public Health emphasizes the profound impact of education on life expectancy.

Delving into data from numerous studies spanning 59 countries, researchers explored the correlation between education and mortality. The results were striking—each additional year of education was linked to a 2% reduction in mortality. To put it in perspective, completing high school and college, and accumulating about 18 years of schooling, translated to a remarkably 34% lower risk of premature death compared to those with less education.

The protective effect of education against early mortality was comparable to meeting the recommended daily intake of vegetables. Conversely, minimal schooling increased mortality rates akin to the impact of heavy alcohol consumption or a decade of smoking ten cigarettes a day, as highlighted by Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, a professor at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington School of Medicine and co-author of the study.

Contrary to expectations, the study discovered that the positive impact of each year of education did not diminish. In contrast to previous theories suggesting a plateau effect after a certain point, the researchers found that “education keeps on giving,” with every additional year contributing to a continued reduction in mortality risk.

The study, a comprehensive meta-analysis amalgamating data from 600 different studies, considered factors such as age, gender, and a country’s economic status. Surprisingly, the link between higher education and reduced mortality proved to be universal across these variables.

While the degree of benefit varied slightly by age, with younger individuals experiencing a more pronounced reduction in mortality, the study’s lead author, Dr. Gakidou, emphasized that the impact of education persisted across all age groups. The findings underscore the need for increased social investments in global education to combat persistent inequalities that contribute to premature deaths.

As co-author Mirza Balaj explains, “More education leads to better employment and higher income, better access to healthcare, and helps us take care of our own health. Highly educated people also tend to develop a larger set of social and psychological resources that contribute to their health and the length of their lives.” In essence, the research advocates for a global commitment to improving access to quality education, not just as an intellectual pursuit but as a fundamental contributor to a healthier and longer life.

India and Education

In a country with one of the highest populations globally, and boasting one of the largest youth demographics, the significance of education takes center stage for transformative change. The findings from the study highlighting the profound impact of education on life expectancy echo far beyond individual well-being, resonating with broader societal and economic implications.

India, with its diverse and dynamic population, stands at a crucial juncture where investing in education is not just a choice but a necessity. Education catalyzes social and economic development, creating a ripple effect that positively influences employment rates, healthcare access, and overall societal well-being. The revelation of the study that the benefits of education persist throughout the life of a person emphasizes the enduring impact that a well-educated population can have on the trajectory of the nation.

Furthermore, with a large youth population, India possesses a demographic advantage that can be harnessed through strategic educational investments. Providing quality education equips the youth with the tools to innovate, contribute to economic growth, and participate meaningfully in civic life. The result is a more resilient and empowered society that can navigate the challenges of the present and future.

Smile Foundation through its education initiative, Mission Education is making sure that children of low-income households all across India get a quality education so that education can open up possible futures for them, futures in which they are free of poverty and can live lives without constant worry for making three meals or even better, afford at least some of the luxuries that they dreamed of.

You can ensure that their education doesn’t stop, you can become an important part of changing their lives by making a thoughtful contribution here!

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Smile

How non-profits in India can benefit from technology?

How non-profits in India can benefit from technology?

NGOs in India— Transformation from Tech-Orientation to Tech-Savviness

NGOs in India, like every other growing sector, were at their most vulnerable during the peak years of the pandemic, but saw their most hearty and revamped comeback during 2021-22.

Amidst the overwhelming bounce back, many smart organizations, like ours are leveraging latest technologies to help better manage and optimize their organizations and automate several of their processes. These tech-oriented measures also improve their financial transparency, accountability and make them reach their audiences better. 

Data Speaks 

A recent Yale University study (Yale Insights) revealed that nonprofit leaders and staff want to adopt technology; that’s the good news. The bad news is, few integrate technology into their organizational strategy.

Identification and Implementation of Tech-deficient areas in the NGO

The first step is to identify which functional areas to spot and prioritize. The next would be to deploy suitable tech solutions in the focus areas which may include— making use of already stored data, project management efficiency, accountability, workforce synergy, decision making process, impact assessment or other areas that need an overhaul. 

Cloud Technology cutting costs and making interactions seamless 

Cloud computing solutions are able to save every organization valuable time and costs with their super efficient processes. A technology that can be used anywhere with an internet connection allows people to connect with stakeholders all over the world in real-time. This effectively makes an organization’s operations flexible and reduces the cash spent on papers and prints.

Besides simplifying internal operations like accounting and HR functions, they limit the requirement for a complex IT infrastructure so that the non-profits can utilize more time and energy towards fulfilling their actualised causes. Automation of software also means no purchase of new software— a great cost-saving measure.

Automation of Data Centralisation using CRMs 

CRMs, or donor databases, are some of the most favorable tools for storing, interpreting and utilizing your donor data. 

Saving a significant amount of the employees’ time by eliminating manual data entries, CRMs allow you to access all your data in one place. This data when analyzed closely can create a complete picture to gain usable insights on donors’ contributing patterns, which should inform your overall fundraising strategy. Additionally, many of the CRMs also provide customized communications and marketing features for nonprofits to reach donors directly.

What’s more— CRMs can also be used to manage your employees, volunteers and other internal stakeholders using data from various employee management tools.

Pandemic-induced Challenges solved by Technology

Technology helped all kinds of nonprofits in India transition their various programs to remote access and their in-person events to virtual live-streams. The quick onboarding of software allowed smooth functioning of WFH and hybrid work structures leading to higher employee satisfaction, increased talent acquisition and retention, and more flexible collaborations across departments and geographical locations. 

Leveraging Social Media to its Full Potential

Social Media, like it should, is reaping benefits for NGOs in India in the last few years due to an increase in mobile and online donations. Social media platforms are increasingly helping nonprofits reach their target audiences who are more willing to give. The key to social media success is a mix of various strategies—

  • A consistent social media presence through regular posts, quick replies on comments, and an active engagement that demonstrates confidence and vigor of a nonprofit organization
  • Our donors— government organizations, individual and corporate partners get quick and transparent access to the data and stories behind the various interventions made by the NGOs
  • Social Media forces everyone to reimagine and realign their efforts towards creative inclusivity.
  • Tracking engagement metrics consistently helps identify the performing and non-performing areas to realign the social media strategy

Maximizing the efficiency of the various social media platforms would mean gathering information about the donors’ preferred engagement channels. Replacing general mass announcements with personalized, targeted content can result in a higher ROI.

Directly linking your donation links on social media platforms is essential for making channels available for current and potential donors who like to have access to everything through their smartphones. 

All these efforts need a fast, secure and reliable technology integration in place to fully reap the benefits of the tech-world advancements. 

The Focus of Technology On Human-Centered Design

Solving donor problems embodies what the individual or corporation values are based on. Why would they want to contribute towards your NGOs cause would mean identification and understanding of ethics, principles and beliefs. UX/UI (User Experience and User Interface) Integration is key to understanding the pain points of the donors and what makes them click on related links to become an active participant of the NGO. 

Tech Nonprofit 

“Tech nonprofit” is an emerging term that refers to a tech startup that is building software or web applications using a nonprofit model for social impact. Efforts are being made by start-ups to provide services completely dedicated to the unique needs of the NGOs. 

This shows that the market is actively looking for opportunities that the NGOs need great help with and is willing to hugely invest many of its important resources towards them. 

Technology Integration into NGOs shaping our today and tomorrow 

Nonprofits in India constantly compete for funds and talented staff to achieve felt impact and establish a reputation that makes their social work recognisable. Integration of relevant technology markedly helps in NGO Governance by streamlining the vital processes and being accessible at all times.

Technology for change backs up NGOs in India sturdily by enabling their multi-pronged efforts and enhancing transparency in the non-profit sector. Partners expect nonprofits to communicate in a transparent manner and digitally demonstrate their effectiveness— so taking advantage of the digital tools at their disposal would be the most logical step in building trust and establishing relationships. 

Becoming a tech-powered nonprofit is the only way to remain relevant in a landscape that increasingly wants data-driven results.

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Smile

Why is Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Needed in India?

Why is universal health coverage needed in India?

Healthcare is one of the aspects in India that is still underdeveloped even after 75+ years of freedom. Despite the fact that more than 65 percent of Indians live in rural regions, very few medical professionals are located there. Additionally, the execution of the Government-Financed Health Insurance Schemes (GFHIS) face recurring challenges. How does the concept of Universal Health Coverage fit into this context?

What is Universal Health Coverage?

Everyone will have access to medical care they require without facing monetary difficulties thanks to universal health coverage. A UN resolution was formulated in 2012 encouraging countries to work toward granting everyone access to inexpensive, high-quality healthcare services.

With the goal of providing all people with Universal Health Coverage (UHC), India has set an ambitious goal. The nation’s leaders believe that everyone deserves access to reasonably priced healthcare.

The Planning Commission of India established a high-level expert group on UHC in October 2010 with the goal of creating a framework for offering all Indians conveniently accessible and cheap healthcare.

There is a major rural-urban imbalance, with accessibility in rural regions being much lower than in cosmopolitan ones. Urban public and private hospitals have adopted technology at a rapid rate, yet these systems are dissimilar and employ various technological systems.

Due to a lack of interoperability, patients’ health data get stuck in silos and cannot be shared with other platforms and organisations.

Benefits 

The urgent requirement is to introduce a secure, digital system to keep electronic health records (EHRs) in accordance with pre-established standards in order to guarantee high-quality data.

The availability of patients’ medical information when and when it is required would be guaranteed by this digitised, standardised platform. In the end, this would combine all of a patient’s health-related data to promote better medical choices and better-coordinated treatment.

In addition to ensuring service equality, universal health care prevents medical professionals from specifically targeting and serving wealthy patients. The result is a healthier workforce and greater life expectancy since everyone receives the same quality of treatment.

A person may live longer and in better health and there may be less social disparity if they are provided with universal health care from birth.

Challenges

In order to address the issue of health and wellbeing, the government has taken a multifaceted approach, focusing on primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare as well as preventive and health promotion. It is encouraging to observe a change that has aided in the well-rounded formulation of policies pertaining to health. Planning and implementing a new policy is not without its problems.

For execution, policies and infrastructural facilities must work together. Making sure that the Indian countryside does not suffer from a shortage of physicians is the actual difficulty. Not only are doctors in low supply, but also beds, medical supplies, and nurses. In India, the doctor-population ratio is 1: 834 and we can do arrive at a better number in the coming years. It would be a good idea to encourage medical professionals to practise in rural regions, and using technology to support preventative measures can support ongoing reformative initiatives.

Smile Foundation’s Initiatives

Smile Foundation is working on a dual strategy in the present to actively promote and provide free healthcare services: first, delivering high-quality healthcare services to the doorsteps of the underserved in rural communities and urbans slums of India; and second, increasing health-related awareness seeking behaviour among them. Consider making a small, thoughtful donation here to make quality healthcare possible for those with very limited finances marked towards healthcare.

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Insights Women Empowerment

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

The Importance of Financial Literacy for Women

What is financial literacy?

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively use financial skills, such as personal financial management, budgeting, and investing. In the world of investments and creating wealth through multi-channels, merely possessing money is not enough to make it sustainable. Financial literacy for women is thus very important to keep track of finances.

Financial literacy is the foundation of your relationship with money, and it is a lifelong journey of learning. The earlier you start, the better off you will be because education and its application are the keys to success when it comes to money. 

Both women and men should acquire financial knowledge to participate in money-related issues of their families effectively. But it has been observed that women in India have limited financial knowledge. This could be on account of women traditionally being ‘home-makers’ and not being concerned with where the finances are coming from and where they should go. However, with the changing economic scenario and the higher participation of women in the workforce, financial literacy for women should be given topmost priority.

Women and financial literacy

Financial literacy for women is an important aspect of their independence, financial and otherwise. Being financially illiterate can lead to a number of problems. You could be more likely to accumulate debt burdens, have poor spending habits, or lack long-term preparation. Financial literacy empowers people, especially women, to make independent decisions. During emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, an individual can take correct steps if she is financially literate.

A survey revealed that only a small percentage of women are able to build on and grow their existing wealth. Among those, only about 33 per cent, have the confidence to invest their money as they see fit. Given that women’s roles in the domestic and public sphere are on  the rise, these low figures show that financial literacy for women is still not part of mainstream discourse.

Why do women need financial literacy?

This is due to the following reasons:

  1. It prepares them for emergencies.
  2. Women can help deal with rising costs of living and inflation if they are financially literate.
  3. Children tend to be more influenced by their mothers than their fathers. Being financially literate sets a good example for your children as well.
  4. In most households, women are responsible for the day-to-day expenses. Thus, it is helpful for them to know how best to use the money.
  5. Women tend to live longer than men, and thus they should have the knowledge to carry on their day-to-day affairs and manage finances.
  6. Women who are financially literate gain more confidence in their own decision-making.

Prioritise financial independence

Financial literacy and women’s empowerment go hand in hand. Increasing your financial literacy can help you achieve your life and career goals more effectively. Financial independence serves as a cushion during unforeseen circumstances. Some studies show that women are often unable to leave abusive family situations or marriages due to financial dependency. Even for women who have careers, often their income is seen as just extra income and they are expected to take up additional responsibilities at home as well.

All the genders should gain financial literacy so that they can share responsibilities as well as make best use of their financial independence. Experts believe that knowing about financial literacy and actually implementing it in your life are very different things.

How can women gain financial literacy?

In this day and age, there are ample resources for women who wish to become financially literate. Online resources are abundant for those who wish to educate themselves. At the same, it is a stark reality that women in India may not always have the access to or know-how of the Internet to learn these things by themselves.

Session on financial literacy for women in Bengaluru
Session on financial literacy for women in Bengaluru

In such cases, self-help groups and organisations such as Smile Foundation can step in. For instance, the Swabhiman project, aimed at women’s empowerment, recently conducted a session on financial literacy. The session was held with 70 women in Guttahali, Bengaluru.

Sessions like the one mentioned above has the potential of bringing in people together with the same life-building aspirations. Financial literacy then becomes a process of learning through text books, experts and people with valuable experience of managing money in their own lives.

Financial literacy leads to financial independence and mindful expenditure– both essential for a higher quality of living.

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