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Author: Smile Editorial Team

Categories
Women Empowerment Health

Resilience of Women’s Bodies

Resilience of Women’s Bodies
Resilience of Women’s Bodies

Women’s bodies are remarkable. They have the capability to endure unique health challenges and display incredible resilience and strength. However, you must be wondering why we need to talk about the resilience of women’s bodies? What is so unique about them? To begin with, women experience biological phenomena like menstruation and menopause, pregnancy and childbirth, and so much more which men don’t go through. These experiences bring with them physical and psychological challenges that only women can understand.

Add to that the politics over women’s bodies and the social expectations, and it becomes important for us to talk about this issue. There are countries around the world, many of them progressive nations, who restrict women’s autonomy to take decisions like abortion. Then, culturally women’s bodies are seen as something that needs to be protected or hidden, where the modesty and shame of a society lies. Politically, women’s bodies have been treated like battlegrounds, often seen as trophies that the victor would take.

This shows that there is so much that needs to be talked about when it comes to women’s bodies. However, we are going to restrict ourselves to the health and biological challenges that women face. Understanding and acknowledging the resilience of women’s bodies is crucial for creating policies and raising societal awareness that support women’s health and well-being.

Unique health challenges

According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than a third of women experience lasting health problems after childbirth, highlighting the need for greater attention to women’s health issues. Let’s look at the different challenges that women face:

  1. Menstruation: Women experience menstruation starting from puberty (around the age of 12 or 13) and ending at menopause. This means that they experience this unique biological process for decades of their life. There are related issues like period pain, heavy bleeding, premenstrual syndrome, and others that can severely impact the physical and mental wellbeing of women and hamper their capability to perform daily activities. Further, there are issues like PCOS and other medical conditions that can increase the challenges faced by women.
  2. Pregnancy and childbirth: Nurturing a child for nine months is a period of immense emotional and physical transformation for women. At the same time, it can also pose several health risks. Complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and postpartum depression are common. The WHO report indicates that many women experience lasting health problems after childbirth, including chronic pain, incontinence, and mental health issues.
  3. Menopause: This is marked by the end of reproductive years for women and is again accompanied by various emotional and physical changes. Women can experience night sweats, hot flashes, decreased bone density, and mood swings during this time. Menopause also increases the risk of certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

This shows that women’s bodies begin to experience significant changes starting from a young age of 12, and sometimes even lesser, and continue to experience these changes for decades. This is something women have to live with every day. Additionally, they have to face social taboos related to natural processes like menstruation. Further, women’s bodies also have unique needs which need to be addressed to create an equitable environment for them in workplaces and public spaces. Like, the debate around period leaves is ongoing in India where it is being demanded that women be provided the opportunity to either work from home during the first day of the period or given an off day owing to the period pain and other discomforts that many women may experience during this time.

Then there are issues related to pregnancy and the support women need. Consider the story of Meera, a mother of two from Mumbai. After experiencing a difficult delivery, Meera faced severe postpartum depression and chronic pain. With the support of her family and healthcare providers, she gradually regained her strength and resilience. She also got the necessary support from her workplace who allowed her to work from home after exhausting her maternity leave. This shows that understanding of women’s challenges is crucial to make more empathetic decisions and build infrastructure which helps them.

Women’s bodies and societal awareness

Creating societal awareness about women’s health issues is essential for promoting understanding, breaking stigmas, and advocating for better health policies. Education, media, and advocacy play pivotal roles in raising awareness and driving change. It is important that topics like menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause along with others are issues in detail at a young age with both girls and boys. These programs can help young people understand and appreciate the unique health challenges faced by women.

Media can also play a crucial role by rightly shaping public perception around these issues. This article is also an attempt in the same direction. By writing about these issues, creating content around them, and educating others, we can set the groundwork for larger policy and infrastructural changes that support women.

Policy implications and recommendations

Gender-sensitive healthcare: One of the biggest needs is to ensure that women from all walks of life have access to healthcare which understands and respects their unique requirements. This includes providing comprehensive reproductive health services, mental health support, and postnatal care.

Workplace support: As discussed above, there needs to be more discussion around ways in which women can be supported and accommodated based on their unique challenges. This does not only benefit women but will go a long way in creating more empathy driven workplaces where employees are treated humanely and provided support whenever needed.

Access to resources: Ensuring access to essential health resources, such as menstrual hygiene products, prenatal and postnatal care, and mental health services, is crucial for promoting women’s health. Government and community programs can provide support to women in underserved areas.

Smile’s Work

Smile Foundation is dedicated to improving women’s health, education, and financial independence through targeted programs that address healthcare access, gender equality, and livelihood opportunities.

Swabhiman Program – Since 2005, this initiative has empowered marginalized and socially excluded women by providing nutrition, healthcare services, and financial literacy training. By focusing on reproductive health, maternal care, and awareness programs, Swabhiman enables women to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Mobile Healthcare Services – Recognizing the barriers women face in accessing medical care, Smile Foundation operates mobile healthcare units that bring essential services—including preventive check-ups, maternal care, and free medicines—to underserved communities. In 2022-23 alone, over 75% of the 1+ million beneficiaries were women and children.

She Can Fly Initiative – This program champions girl child education, nutrition, and self-confidence, ensuring that young girls have the tools they need to thrive. Each year, it supports 400,000+ girls and women, offering:

  • Education & scholarships
  • Healthcare & menstrual hygiene support
  • Job-oriented skill training  
  • Advocacy & awareness programs

Smile Foundation’s holistic approach is about building a society where women are empowered, educated, and supported at every stage of life.

All the issues that women face and how they continue to still perform as well as men in a society which is primarily designed for the latter shows their resilience and the resilience of their bodies. However, this does not mean that it is taken for granted and celebrated as a heroic act. Instead, what we need to do is to reduce the burden on women by spreading awareness about these unique challenges and creating a more accommodating social environment for them.

As we reflect on the remarkable resilience of women’s bodies, it is crucial to ask ourselves: How can we create a more supportive and understanding society for women? What policies and practices can we implement to ensure that women receive the care and support they need throughout their lives?

Categories
Education

With Less Attention Spans, Are Our Children Learning Even More Slowly?

With Less Attention Spans, Are Our Children Learning Even More Slowly?
With Less Attention Spans, Are Our Children Learning Even More Slowly?

We are living in the digital age, where information is abundant and easily accessible. However, at the same time, this information overload is also linked with reduced attention spans in children and adults alike. Especially for children, how they interact with the world has been altered because of the proliferation of digital devices like smartphones and tablets. As a result, educators, parents, and researchers are grappling with the question: With less attention spans, are our children learning even more slowly? Let us try to answer this question.

Changing Attention Spans

If we have to understand what attention span is, then it can simply be defined as the amount of time an individual can spend on a task without being distracted. Research suggests that attention spans of people have reduced significantly in the last few decades. According to a study conducted by Microsoft, the average human attention span has dropped from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in 2013, which is even shorter than that of a goldfish. This change is particularly evident in children who are now exposed to digital devices from a tender age.

There are many factors contributing to this change. Exposure to videos, games, social media, and instant messaging can have an irreversible change for people making them seek instant gratification. Presence of digital devices at all times also makes distraction easy for children who are not able to sustain their focus on a task for an extended period of time.

Impact of Shortened Attention Spans on Learning

Learning is a complex process which requires deep and sustained attention and the ability to process large amounts of information. With the drop in attention spans, children’s ability to absorb the information is hampered. There are various ways in which it impacts the children:

Reduced comprehension – One of the biggest challenges of reduced attention span is the information that the brain can process and retain. This can lead to gaps in understanding and much more difficult to grasp complex concepts.

Lower academic performance – A young student needs to focus a lot of their attention on learning diverse subjects in order to build a strong knowledge base. However, poor attention span can result in students not being able to perform well academically, scoring unsatisfactory marks, and failing to implement the knowledge in real life. According to a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, students with shorter attention spans tend to have lower grades and are at a higher risk of academic underachievement.

Challenges in critical thinking – One of the most important aspects of growth is to build critical and creative thinking. If a child is capable of focusing on a complex problem for a long time, he or she is likely to come up with innovative ways to solve it. However, distractions and poor attention span can make them impatient and avoid working on complex problems. This can have a severe negative impact on the development of creative capabilities among children.

Strategies to Improve Attention Span

Addressing the issue of shortened attention spans requires a multi-faceted approach that involves educators, parents, and policymakers. Several strategies can be implemented to improve attention and enhance learning outcomes for children:

Action-based learning – What children need today is learning processes that are as engaging as their digital devices. Therefore, we need to experiment with more hands-on learning techniques, interactive projects, etc., to add an element of play in the learning. This way, children can focus on the learning activities for longer without getting bored easily.

Limit screen time – It is also needed that the parents and teachers maintain a healthy supervision over how much time children are spending using digital devices. Parents also need to ensure that the children are not exposed to digital devices at a very early age as it can become addictive.

Mindfulness practices – Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help children improve their focus and concentration. Research has shown that mindfulness practices can enhance attention regulation and reduce stress, leading to better learning outcomes. 

Planning a routine – When living in a world full of distractions, it is important to set up a structure that helps the children to stay on a path. Therefore, setting time for studying, breaks, and even use of digital devices in moderation is encouraged. Consistent routines can help children develop good study habits and maintain focus during learning sessions.

Breaking down tasks – One of the biggest challenges with dealing with a complex problem is the enormity of it. Therefore, to make it achievable, it is needed that the task is broken down into small pieces and the children can feel a sense of achievement after completing each piece of task.

Physical activity – Regular physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function and attention. Incorporating physical exercise into daily routines can enhance children’s ability to concentrate and learn.

Attention Span, Learning Outcomes, and Future Prospects

When we talk about attention span, the biggest issue that it is connected with is the learning outcomes in children and their capability to apply knowledge in real life scenarios. Poor attention span impacts the learning outcomes in many ways. First of all, it has an adverse effect on the academic performance of children as discussed above.

Secondly, what children learn shapes the kind of adults they are going to grow into. Children who are not able to learn the needed skills and build a critical understanding of the world are less likely to be employable as compared to other children. This can also impact the overall quality of life of these children because of the lack of opportunities available to them in future.

We have also seen cases of children who are battling severe addiction issues and it can have long-term consequences for their lives which are not yet clear because of the novelty of the problem we are dealing with. On the other hand, children who can concentrate and learn effectively develop self-confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset, enabling them to pursue their goals and aspirations.

Smile’s Work

Smile Foundation has been actively addressing challenges related to reduced attention spans and learning difficulties among children through several initiatives:

  1. Mission Education Program: This program provides basic education and healthcare to underserved children, focusing on their holistic development. It includes:
    • Pre-school Education: For children aged 3-6 years.
    • Non-Formal Education: For non-school-going children aged 6-14 years.
    • Remedial Education: For school-going children aged 6-14 years.
    • Bridge Courses: For drop-outs aged 14-18 years.

These initiatives aim to bring first-generation learners to school and empower them to break the cycle of poverty.

  1. Special Education for Children with Autism: In collaboration with Action for Autism, Smile Foundation focuses on children with autism in Delhi. The project emphasizes:
    • Diagnosis and Assessments: Early identification of autism spectrum disorders.
    • Early Interventions and Counseling: Providing tailored support to enhance learning and functioning.
    • Family and Parent Skill Building: Educating families to support their children’s development.
    • Life Skills Training: Equipping children with essential skills for daily living.

The objective is to help these children learn and function intellectually, physically, and socially within their limitations. 

  1. Survey on Post-Pandemic Learning Loss: Smile Foundation conducted a survey covering urban, rural, and aspirational districts of 22 states, including New Delhi. The findings revealed:
    • Less than 50% of children are able to cope with age-appropriate learning post-pandemic.
    • 58% of teachers observed that children have missed out on social skills and now get distracted easily, indicating reduced attention spans.

These insights have guided the foundation to implement strategies to improve attention spans and learning outcomes. 

Through these targeted initiatives, Smile Foundation is working to mitigate the effects of reduced attention spans and ensure that children in New Delhi receive quality education and support for their overall development.

As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, it is essential to address the issue of shortened attention spans and their impact on children’s learning. By implementing effective strategies, such as active learning, screen time management, mindfulness practices, and structured routines, we can help children improve their focus and achieve meaningful learning outcomes.

Categories
Education

Technology bridges the Education Divide in India’s remote regions

Technology bridges the Education Divide in India's remote regions
Technology bridges the Education Divide in India's remote regions

Last December, the Centre for Child Rights and Development (CCRD), Chennai, conducted a two-day training session for rural children in Chengalpattu district. “We wanted to talk to children about the safe use of technology for educational purposes. We discovered that they are mainly interested in using the internet to access social media,” says Stegana Jency, director, adding that girls were mostly accessing content on cosmetics and beauty while boys were searching for information on physical fitness and bodybuilding. 

“We then asked them why they were not using technology to enhance their knowledge or skills or to supplement the school curriculum, especially as many of them find it difficult to understand certain concepts,” says Jency, adding that they also spoke to the children of using technology, and the internet, in a safe manner. “We made them realise the importance of using technology for learning. After the training, many have started accessing self-development websites and using the internet for their studies and to work on projects. But one session isn’t enough, we will need many more to help children in underserved areas use technology for educational purposes.’

Digital classrooms, e-learning platforms can help students, teachers

Technology can help bridge the education gap in underserved communities by providing equitable access to learning resources, and improving educational outcomes.

Or one, it provides access to educational content. Students in underserved areas can access free or low-cost educational materials, such as videos, textbooks, tutorials, and even courses through digital platforms. There are websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, etc that offer a vast range of subjects, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Free or affordable e-books and resources that are available online help students access learning materials without the financial burden of having to purchase expensive textbooks.

With access to technology and proper tools, students in rural or isolated locations can receive an education comparable to that of urban areas through video conferencing or digital classrooms. Online platforms allow students to connect with teachers and educational content in areas where schools lack proper infrastructure. 

Technology can also help teachers in underserved communities improve their skills by offering them access to online professional development courses, webinars, and teaching resources. Digital tools like adaptive learning platforms can provide personalised learning by tailoring educational content to each student’s pace and learning style. This is especially useful in underserved communities where students may come from different educational backgrounds or have varying access to prior learning experiences. 

Educational apps and online resources provide students with access to a wealth of information beyond textbooks. And schools are adopting new technology to improve learning. 

A 2023 survey by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) revealed that over 65% of Indian schools had integrated some form of digital technology into their classrooms. This trend is only expected to increase in the coming years.

Technology can improve education in underserved areas

The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the digital divide that exists between rural and urban areas. “Children in urban areas had the opportunities and space to access technology but it was a challenge in rural areas.”, says Stegana Jency, Director of Centre for Child Rights and Development (CCRD) in Chennai.

Technology can help bridge this gap. For example, eVidyaloka was founded with the vision of transforming rural education in India by leveraging technology and volunteer-driven teaching. Their programme primarily focuses on subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, Digital Literacy, and Artificial Intelligence for students in grades five to 10, aligning with state education board curricula.

Technology is a game-changer in rural education. It eliminates geographical barriers, making quality learning accessible to students who would otherwise lack it. Through digital classrooms, organisations enable students in the remotest villages to learn from experienced teachers worldwide. Additionally- digital content, and interactive platforms enhance engagement and help students grasp concepts more effectively. With digital initiatives, all engaged stakeholders are preparing rural students to be future ready.

Government initiatives work to bridge the gap

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to leverage technology in rural education, such as ‘Digital India’. A flagship programme of the Government of India, it aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. 

PM e-VIDYA aims to unify all efforts related to digital/online/on-air education to enable multi-mode access to education. This will benefit nearly 25 crore school going children across the country.

Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA), an initiative of NCERT, is a national platform for school education. It can be operated through a web portal or mobile app and includes e-content corresponding to the curriculum meant for learners and teachers. According to the official website, it currently supports 108 languages: 101 Indian languages and 7 foreign languages.

There is also SWAYAM PRABHA, a group of 40 DTH channels devoted to telecasting of high-quality educational programmes on 24X7 basis using the GSAT-15 satellite. Every day, there will be new content for at least four hours, which will be repeated five more times in a day, allowing students to choose the time of their convenience. The content is provided by IITs, UGC, CEC, and IGNOU.

Other government initiatives include E-Pathshala, a website and app that provides access to educational resources like textbooks, audio, video, and periodicals. It was developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MoE). 

And schools have been making an effort to integrate technology into their classrooms as it benefits learners and teachers. A study by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) found that 92% of teachers believe that technology has made them more effective in the classroom.

Roadblocks that need to be overcome

Despite its transformative potential, digital education in rural areas faces several challenges. Limited internet connectivity, lack of access to digital devices, and infrastructural constraints can hinder the effectiveness of online learning. Additionally, digital literacy among students, teachers, and even parents needed to be strengthened.

It has been observed that girls in rural areas are impacted more. Very often, children who live in remote areas have to travel 10km or more to reach the town, where they can access the internet. Boys will go with other boys by bike and go wherever needed to access the internet but, when it comes to girls it’s more difficult as there are concerns about safety.

Many women and girls are not allowed to have their own mobile phones. Gender issues play a very important role in accessing technology.

Lack of knowledge of current applications is another hurdle. Though there are many websites and apps available that can be used to enhance reading and writing skills and also assist with the academic curriculum, few people are aware of it or how to use it. Even many teachers in underserved areas are not very tech-savvy. Sometimes the common understanding that emerges from the current classrooms is something like this- 21st century children are being taught by 19th century teachers in 18th century classrooms.

Often, parents, teachers and school management are also hesitant to allow children access to technology as they feel children will get “spoiled”.

Since many adults are not knowledgeable about the latest advances in technology, they are unable to guide children or teach them positive aspects of technology and how to use it safely so they simply deny them access to it. When an organisation conducted a training session on digital usage, out of 30 children, only one boy was aware of the risks involved in using mobile apps, social media, etc.

To address these issues, a multi-stakeholder approach is necessary—government support for ensuring smooth implementation, local partners for socio-economic context, corporate partnerships for funding/ support and community engagement to create awareness and ownership of learning.

NGOs help spread awareness

Smile Foundation is working to address the issue and leverage use of technology in education to help students in underserved areas.

Our educational initiatives have worked to improve our centres’ infrastructure through green infrastructure and digital classrooms including solar panels, smart class installation, learning software and educational tablets.

The Foundation also operates various scholarship projects in collaboration with esteemed donors like Deutsche Bank, Quantiphi, Quest Global, Siemens, and more. These projects collectively benefit thousands of students. Each scholarship recipient is provided with a laptop and other essential resources, ensuring that they have the technology required for online learning and research.

Under Mission Education, our flagship programme, we are setting up Tab Labs in schools in rural areas for young children. These tabs have video resources, reading resources, quizzes, a kids-friendly interface, and curriculum-mapped content as per their academic classes. We are committed to leaving no child behind in our efforts towards making Indian children ready for a developed India.

Categories
Women Empowerment

Understanding the Impact of Early Marriage on Rural Women

The Importance of Gender Budgeting Initiatives
The Importance of Gender Budgeting Initiatives

Early marriage, commonly referred to as child marriage, is quite prevalent in various parts of the world, especially in South Asia. It has been acknowledged that child marriages have started declining around the globe. Yet, about 650 million girls and women alive today were married when they were children, according to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) data. It means close to 21% of young women are married as children. Data also reveals that about 12 million girls are undergoing child marriage every year, especially in South Asia.

Almost all the countries, including India, have set marriageable ages for their men and women to prevent child marriages in their region. The Indian government passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2006 to abolish child marriage. According to the act, a child means a person who, if a male, has not completed 21 years of age, and if a female, has not completed 18 years of age. Child marriage means a marriage, or a marriage about to be solemnized, to which either of the parties is a child. The act not just prevents the marriage of children but also punishes the involved adults. The number of child marriages has dropped from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21.

Causes of Early Marriage

There are numerous causes for child marriage, like poverty, lack of awareness, and societal views. UNICEF cites early marriages are driven by deep-seated social and religious views. They are violations of human and child rights. One main reason is that conservative societies often see marriage as a responsibility or obligation of parents. As a result, girls are forced into marriage to complete their responsibility. It doesn’t end there; girls are expected to fulfill their role in ensuring lineage and contributing to the family’s social status. Families with unmarried girls face social stigma, and after some time, girls are seen as a burden by their own families. Marriage is one of the ways to preserve a family’s honour and reputation. It is due to the underlying belief that a girl’s worth is tied to her chastity and her role as a caregiver. Early marriages are often seen as a way to preserve their ‘purity’ and to avoid dishonour.

Health Impact of Child Marriage on Women

Early marriage has always had a negative impact on the physical and mental health of women. Some of them are discussed below.

1. Reproductive health risk: Various studies have found that early marriage had significant effects on the reproductive health of women. Girls who are married at a young age are often subjected to frequent childbearing, unplanned pregnancy, and abortion. This in turn affects their nutritional status. Children born to such mothers will have less chance of survival and a high chance of anthropometric failure like stunting, underweight, and wasting.

2. Early pregnancy and complications: Most of the girls who marry at a young age end up becoming pregnant almost immediately. This means that they have become pregnant even before their bodies and minds are fully matured for the entire process. This puts them at greater risk of complications like obstructed labour, which occurs when the baby cannot pass through the birth canal because the mother’s pelvis is too small. These pregnancies also result in preterm births. It in turn is associated with higher risks of infant mortality and long-term health issues for the baby. Babies born to young mothers are likely to have low birth weight, which can lead to health problems such as developmental delays, respiratory issues, and higher vulnerability to infections.

3. Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy: Child marriage has been playing a major role in increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a case where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in the fallopian tube. This can lead to infertility or turn into a life-threatening situation if not treated promptly. Since young women in rural India do not have access to proper reproductive health information and often experience unplanned pregnancies, the rate of ectopic pregnancy is high among them. It could be due to numerous factors like lack of contraception or fallopian tubes damaged from early sexual activity.

4. Increased risk of cervical cancer: A research paper titled ‘Marriage and childbearing in relation to cervical cancer’ reveals that “cervical cancer patients are more likely to be married and to have married at an earlier age”. Several other studies also reveal the connection between cervical cancer and early marriage or sexual intercourse at an early age. It is mainly because of the early exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), and certain strains of HPV, when remaining untreated for years together, cause cervical cancer. Not just that, early and multiple pregnancies also contribute to the cancer.

5. Increased risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Doctors repeatedly warn that exposure to sexual intercourse at an early age and teenage pregnancy often lead to STDs. This is because they are unable to negotiate safe sexual practices with their partners, and they often become vulnerable to unprotected sex and get the infection. Due to social and cultural norms, girls do not have access to contraception, often resulting in unintended pregnancies. Research has shown that women involved in sexual activity before they turned 21 years have a higher chance of acquiring STDs. The percentage is close to 60%. Also, teenage pregnancies are most likely to create inflammation in reproductive organs.

6. Increased risk of Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID): Though Pelvic Inflammatory Disease – a reproductive tract infection – can affect women of any age, it is prevalent among women subjected to early marriage. Because early marriage exposes girls to sexual activity before they are physically and emotionally mature. This increases the risk of contracting STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are leading causes of PID. Limited access to reproductive health education and health services; they wouldn’t get treatment on time even if they noticed symptoms like pelvic pain or unusual discharge.

7. Mental health risk: Early marriage has a significant effect on the mental health of women, and it influences their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Young brides face immense emotional pressure as they quit their childhood to take on adult responsibilities like running a household, meeting spousal expectations, and caring for family members. These responsibilities will lead to chronic stress as they often feel overwhelmed and anxious. 

Early marriage also leads to loss of autonomy. Women do have limited control over their choices, including education, career, and social life. They are also separated from their families and friends after marriage. This can result in feelings of isolation and helplessness, which are strongly linked to depression. Also, when a woman feels her value is tied solely to her role as a wife or mother, this lowers her self-esteem and self-worth. 

Over a period of time, the compounded emotional, psychological, and social challenges associated with early marriage can have long-lasting effects. Many women who marry young may continue to struggle with mental health issues well into adulthood, including depression, anxiety disorders, and difficulty coping with stress. The emotional scars of early marriage can affect their ability to trust others and maintain fulfilling connections, further reinforcing feelings of isolation or emotional instability.

Smile’s Work

Smile Foundation works to stop the early marriage of girls through a combination of education, advocacy, and community engagement. They focus on empowering girls with education, life skills, and awareness about their rights, creating opportunities for them to pursue a better future beyond early marriage.

Key approaches include:

  1. Educating Girls: Through programs like Mission Education, we provide quality education to girls, particularly in rural and marginalized areas. This helps girls build confidence and develop skills that offer alternative paths to marriage.
  2. Awareness Campaigns: The foundation conducts awareness programs targeting families and communities, emphasizing the negative impact of early marriage on girls’ health, education, and future prospects. These campaigns aim to change societal attitudes and discourage child marriages.
  3. Life Skills and Mentorship: Smile Foundation offers life skills training to girls, helping them understand their rights and develop leadership qualities. Mentorship programs also support girls in making informed decisions about their lives and future, helping them resist pressure to marry early.
  4. Community Involvement: We work with local communities to create a supportive environment where girls are encouraged to complete their education and delay marriage. They collaborate with local leaders, educators, and health professionals to ensure that communities understand the importance of girl education and the consequences of early marriage.

These efforts aim to reduce early marriage by addressing the root causes, including poverty, lack of education, and traditional beliefs, while promoting gender equality and girls’ rights.

Early marriage has serious consequences on women’s physical and mental health. Addressing these impacts of early marriage requires both preventive measures like awareness, empowerment and access to health resources and healthcare services, and interventions to support the affected women.

Categories
Education

Importance of Career Guidance Programs for Rural Children

Importance of Career Guidance Programs for Rural Children
Importance of Career Guidance Programs for Rural Children

Gone are the days when youngsters blindly continued their ancestral businesses, ignoring their interests and potential. These days, students across the country without much geographical barriers have started to explore and enter into various career paths. They have also been shining brightly. The government, along with various organizations, has been pulling all the strings to ensure that they choose the right career path. While the above information remains factually correct, it is also true that many students, especially those from rural areas, are struggling without being aware of diverse career options. As a result, they often end up pursuing what their elders or neighbours pursued, without identifying their interests. This is where career guidance programs play a vital role. Before we discuss the importance of career guidance programs, let’s understand the educational system in rural areas.

Status of the educational system in rural India

There is no denying that the percentage of school-going children has been constantly increasing in the rural parts of the country. Thanks to efforts put in by both the government and non-government bodies in ensuring children attend schools. The 14th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), published by Pratham Foundation, an NGO, in January 2025, after surveying about 6.5 lakh children in 17,997 villages, has made it clear. According to the report, the overall enrollment of students aged between six and 14 years remains high at 98.1%, and the proportion of out-of-school children has come down from 13.1% in 2018 to 7.5% in 2024.

In line with the enrollment ratio, progress has been seen in terms of learning outcomes as well. As per the report, the proportion of Class III students who can read a Class II-level text has increased to 23.4% in 2024 from 16.3% in 2022. Similarly, arithmetic proficiency of lower grade students has gone up from 20.2% in 2022 to 27.6% in 2024.

Despite the improvement in the enrollment and improvement in lower grades, learning outcomes continue to remain low in higher grades. The report says that only 45.8% of class VIII students can perform basic arithmetic in 2024. Not just that, many of the government schools in rural areas do not have proper infrastructure facilities, including toilets and drinking water facilities. Several schools do not have a sufficient number of qualified teaching faculties. These factors, in turn, prohibit students, especially girls, from putting their 100% into studies. As a result, the overall development of students as they near completing school studies is disrupted.

What is a career guidance program?

A career guidance program is an initiative designed to help students or job seekers in choosing a career based on their interests and skill sets. It will help them to explore, plan, and make informed decisions about their career paths. It will also ensure that the students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make such informed decisions.

These career guidance programs support students in understanding their interests, strengths, and skills required for various careers through a range of activities, resources, assessments, and expert advice. It guides students in taking up unconventional paths and excelling in their chosen path.

Importance of career guidance programs

Career guidance programs play a vital role in students’ lives. In recent times, such programs have become essential across the country, especially in rural areas. For it is in rural and remote areas students lack sufficient resources, exposure to various career options, and are brimming with geographical and economical barriers. Career guidance programs are a boon to those students since they help them in shaping more informed, empowered, and successful futures. Below are some of the reasons why career guidance is essential in rural parts of the country.

1. Breaking stereotypes: Career guidance programs, in general, challenge societal norms. In rural India, gender-based and caste-based expectations are deeply ingrained. Since these programs encourage students to explore and pursue careers that have been traditionally dominated by one caste or one gender in the region, it can be particularly transformative. For instance, many conservative societies encourage girls to pursue only caregiver roles like domestic work, nursing, or teaching, while boys are steered towards careers in engineering and administration. The career guidance programs will blur the gender and caste line and expose students to a broader range of professions. It shows that anyone can achieve in any field if they have the potential. Through exposure to successful personalities in non-traditional careers, they inspire students to follow their passions. These programs often involve community leaders and parents in order to change the collective mindset and encourage families to support their children in pursuing diverse careers. By breaking down such stereotypes, one could aim towards creating a social and gender-balanced workforce.

2. Awareness of career options: These programs attempt to bridge the gap between limited career opportunities perceived in rural areas and the broader range of available possibilities by providing required knowledge, resources, and guidance to students. For instance, many families in rural areas limit their career options to farming, teaching, healthcare, or local traders. With the advancement of technology, new fields like data science, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital marketing are emerging. But many don’t seem to be aware of these opportunities. By attending these programs, one can become aware of these growing fields. For these programs conduct workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns where experts from various industries talk about the scope of different professions. Possibilities of gaining firsthand knowledge of various careers by talking directly to experts are there. This awareness will help them in understanding the prerequisites and the potential for growth in different sectors. Thereby, they can analyze how they can pursue these opportunities, even if they are not common in their immediate environment.

3. Skill development: In rural areas, where access to quality education and vocational training is limited, career guidance programs provide valuable resources and support to enhance employability and career readiness. These programs help students to assess their strengths, weaknesses, and interests. Once individual skills and aptitudes are identified, these programs provide customized advice on the skills needed for various career paths. This ensures that students focus on developing the right skill sets that align with their aspirations. Several programs also use tools like psychometric tests or interest inventories to help students discover their areas of interest. This process encourages students to explore skills relevant to their chosen career paths and understand how they can develop those skills further. Their role just doesn’t end there. They collaborate with educational institutions or industrial bodies to provide certificate courses in various fields, including hospitality and digital literacy. These certifications in turn will enhance their employability. They also focus on helping students improve their communication skills, including speaking, writing, and listening, and soft skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and networking. This in turn will help them to communicate effectively. Since entrepreneurship is a viable career option, they also provide training in business skills like marketing, branding, sales, and financial management that are crucial to starting their own business.

Smile’s Work

Smile Foundation has been actively addressing the educational challenges faced by children, particularly in rural areas, through various initiatives:

  1. Project Manzil: This initiative focuses on empowering adolescent girls by enhancing the quality of vocational education. By collaborating with schools, students, and industry, the project aims to help girls realize their career goals and educational aspirations. The project benefited over 44,000 girls in grades 9-12 across six districts in Rajasthan.
  2. On-the-Job Training (OJT) Program: As part of Project Manzil, more than 5,000 girls from six districts in Rajasthan have completed an immersive 80-hour training across eight vital trades, including IT, healthcare, beauty & wellness, security, automobile, agriculture, apparel, and retail. This program enhances employability skills and opens new avenues for their future careers.
  3. Shiksha Na Ruke: This program ensures continuous education for children by providing digital literacy and learning access to rural and tribal children. It also offers merit-based scholarships for girl children, focusing on holistic development.
  4. Child For Child (CFC) Program: Launched in 2006, this initiative aims to inculcate a conscience and value system in children, helping them grow into responsible citizens and change-makers. By sensitizing privileged children about the challenges faced by underprivileged kids, CFC fosters empathy and social responsibility.

Through these initiatives, Smile Foundation is making significant strides in providing career guidance and educational support to children in rural areas, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to pursue their aspirations.

In recent times, career guidance programs have become essential in the rural parts of the country. For they have been helping millions of students in bridging the gap between educational aspirations and employment opportunities. Not just that, they have also been helping students in identifying the right career paths that align with their potential and interests. By educating students about various career options, they have not just been playing a transformative role in breaking the cycle of poverty but also fostering sustainable development.

Categories
Health

Gender-Sensitivity in Rural Women Healthcare

Gender-Sensitivity in Rural Women Healthcare
Gender-Sensitivity in Rural Women Healthcare

Medical experts have been constantly emphasizing the need to ensure timely access to both physical and mental health care for women. But women, especially those from rural and marginalized communities, are more deprived of these privileges. Numerous studies have been conducted on the unmet healthcare needs of women and how lack of timely access has been jeopardizing their overall health. Yet nothing much changes on the ground. 

In the era where gender equality has been set as one of the sustainable development goals to be achieved before 2030, gender insensitivity continues to be prevalent. As a result, women continue to face systemic barriers in almost everything. These barriers, deep-rooted in socio-economic and cultural factors, snatch education, job opportunities, power, independence, and even access to healthcare. 

Understanding gender sensitivity

Men and women are different physically, mentally, psychologically, and emotionally. Gender sensitivity is related to the ability to acknowledge and validate the existing gender differences, issues, and inequalities in the society. To become gender-sensitive, one needs to understand how gender roles have been constructed socially and how this presumption has formed the basis for inequalities or unfair distribution of opportunities. In simple terms, gender sensitivity is having the ability not to discriminate against an individual based on their gender by understanding, acknowledging, and validating the difference between multiple genders.

Through gender-sensitivity programs, awareness related to things that obstruct gender equality is created. It talks about how inequalities are taking place on the ground of gender. It is a significant way to foster respect and compassion for others. Just like every other lesson, it should also start at home.

Understanding gender sensitivity in healthcare

Since men and women are so different physically, risks, symptoms, and experiences of diseases may vary significantly. Time and again, various studies have reiterated that sex and gender matter in healthcare. Inequities might arise if the differences in gender and sex are not taken into account.

A study titled ‘Bringing gender sensitivity into healthcare practice: A systematic review’ defines gender sensitivity in healthcare as follows. “Gender sensitivity means that health professionals are competent to perceive existing gender differences and to incorporate these into their decisions and actions.”

The study points out that, “It is commonly accepted that gender does not exist in a vacuum; gender is part of a socio-political and cultural context. Healthcare organizations are gendered, which means that male and female patients are treated differently and that male and female physicians behave differently.”

Prevailing systemic barriers in healthcare for rural women

In the last few decades, numerous studies have been done to identify the obstacles that rural Indian women face while accessing healthcare. Analyzing and understanding the obstacles are the keys to launching an intervention programme. Below are the systemic barriers in healthcare faced by rural women.

1. Patriarchy and lack of power: Indian society, especially the rural areas, is bound by patriarchal norms. In simpler terms, it means men decide everything in a family, and women hold absolutely no power. When a woman experiences certain discomfort or pain, male members of the family don’t even consider it. Since she has no autonomy, and to keep peace at home, she ends up ignoring the discomfort or pain. She seeks medical advice only when it becomes severe or unbearable. As a result, the discomfort, which would have been a symptom of a disease and curable at the initial stage, develops and eventually becomes matured. She ends up getting treatment for a long period or until her man decides to stop it.

2. Economic barriers: Many women are financially dependent on their husbands. So, she will have to convince her husband to spend money to access healthcare services. If her husband denies, then she will have no option but to accept it and ignore her symptoms. Even otherwise, medical expenses remain a cause of concern for almost everyone. Healthcare costs, especially specialized treatments, surgeries, and long-term care, are highly expensive, mainly due to medical inflation. Since most of the rural population belongs to the lower or lower-middle class category, it becomes extremely difficult for them to afford it. As a result, they end up forgoing necessary treatment, worsening their health conditions.

3. Misconceptions regarding symptoms: Misconceptions regarding health symptoms are quite prevalent in rural areas of the country. These misconceptions, often rooted in cultural beliefs, lack of education, and limited access to accurate health information, prevent women from seeking appropriate medical care or recognizing the importance of early intervention. In rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure is limited, these misconceptions can exacerbate health problems, leading to delayed diagnoses, improper treatments, and worsened health outcomes. For instance, some women assume a particular symptom, like abdominal pain, as a normal occurrence during her menstruation or as a result of her lifestyle choices. But in reality, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition like endometriosis or an ovarian cyst. Due to this misconception, they don’t seek medical advice and just follow home remedies, resulting in delayed or inappropriate treatment.

4. Stigma related to menstruation and gynecological issues: In many rural communities, menstruation is seen as a subject of taboo. This stigma prohibits open discussion about menstrual health, hygiene, and the potential health risks associated with poor menstrual practices. As a result, women don’t understand the importance of menstrual hygiene or realize when their symptoms may indicate a medical issue, such as heavy bleeding, pain, or infections. They end up tolerating these symptoms in silence because of the fear of being judged or misunderstood. This delay in seeking medical care leads to a lack of early diagnosis of conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, or even cancer, which could have been treated more effectively if caught early.

5. Limited healthcare infrastructure: Rural and remote areas of the country still lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure, with hardly a hospital, few clinics, and a primary health center. Even the ones that do exist are under-equipped or understaffed. Also, they need to travel long distances to reach nearby quality hospitals, which is both time-consuming and expensive. This makes it challenging for women to access basic healthcare services like maternal care, routine check-ups, or treatment for common illnesses. Also, rural areas lack emergency medical services like ambulances, which can be life-saving for women during childbirth, accidents, or other health emergencies. This delays critical care and increases the risk of complications.

Ways to overcome the barriers

Overcoming systemic barriers in healthcare faced by rural Indian women requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the immediate healthcare needs and the underlying structural, cultural, and economic challenges. Below are some of the ways that can help overcome these barriers.

1. Improving health infrastructure: The government should invest in establishing more primary health centers (PHCs) and sub-centers in rural areas to increase access to basic healthcare services. These facilities should be adequately equipped with essential medical supplies, diagnostic tools, and trained healthcare workers. Also, the referral system between primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare centers should be strengthened. For it will ensure that women can access more specialized services when needed. Timely referral and transportation to higher-level healthcare centers should be prioritized.

2. Empowering and educating women: It is vital to improve health literacy among rural women by organizing workshops, campaigns, and training on key health issues. Programs like the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), where trained women from the local community act as health intermediaries, should be expanded. ASHAs can educate women on basic healthcare, clarify misconceptions regarding symptoms, guide them on available government schemes, and encourage them to seek medical care. Increasing awareness about menstrual hygiene and debunking myths surrounding menstruation can reduce stigma and empower women to seek better menstrual health management.

3. Challenging cultural and social norms: Incorporating gender-sensitive content in education curricula will help children and young adults understand the importance of women’s health and respect for women’s bodily autonomy. This should include discussions on menstruation, reproductive health, family planning, and sexual health. Open discussions will help to tackle the deep-rooted cultural norms and stigma surrounding women’s health. Also, social programs that focus on empowering women and improving gender equality can have long-term effects on healthcare access. Women’s leadership and participation in decision-making processes at the community level should be encouraged to ensure that their needs are adequately represented in policy and healthcare delivery.

Smile’s Work

Smile Foundation has implemented several initiatives to improve healthcare access for rural women in India, addressing systemic barriers through the following programs:

  1. Mobile Healthcare Units (MHUs): Equipped with medical professionals and necessary equipment, these units travel to remote and underserved areas, providing primary healthcare services such as medical check-ups, vaccinations, basic treatments, and health education. This approach brings healthcare directly to communities lacking nearby medical facilities. 
  2. Telemedicine Initiatives: Leveraging technology, Smile Foundation connects patients in remote locations with doctors through digital platforms. This allows for remote consultations, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for healthcare. 
  3. Static Clinics: In areas with slightly better infrastructure, static clinics offer a consistent healthcare presence, providing services like diagnostics, minor procedures, and regular health check-ups. For example, a static Health Clinic in Ranchi focuses on the health and well-being of truck drivers, offering OPD and physiotherapy services. 
  4. Health Camps: Organizing health camps in remote areas, Smile Foundation addresses immediate healthcare needs by focusing on specific concerns such as eye care, dental care, immunizations, or maternal health. These camps bring together medical professionals and volunteers to offer consultations, treatments, and health education.
  5. Collaboration with Government Health Centers: By partnering with existing government health centers, Smile Foundation enhances their reach and capacity. This collaboration involves providing additional medical staff, equipment, training, and support to ensure effective service delivery to remote populations. 

Through these initiatives, Smile Foundation strives to overcome systemic barriers and improve healthcare access for rural women in India, contributing to better health outcomes and quality of life.

Categories
Women Empowerment Girl Child

Gender Equal Society by 2030—Is It Possible?

Gender Equal Society by 2030—Is It Possible?
Gender Equal Society by 2030—Is It Possible?

The idea of a gender-equal society by 2030 is a bold goal set by the United Nations under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. But with just a few years left, can we truly create a world where gender no longer dictates opportunities, safety, or rights? 

Mrs.– a recent 2025 film that has taken center stage in conversations about gender, challenges deep-seated societal expectations of women. More than just a movie, it reflects the struggles many women face in balancing ambition with societal norms, mirroring real-world inequalities. It reminds us that gender equality, more than being about progressive policies, is also about changing deep-rooted biases.

Despite undeniable progress in education, employment, and lawmaking, gender discrimination, pay gaps, violence, and stereotypes are still widespread. So, can we achieve this milestone by 2030, or is it an idealistic dream?

Education: The Foundation of Gender Equality

Education is often cited as the key to breaking gender-based discrimination, and for a good reason. Countries that have prioritized equal educational access for all genders have seen remarkable improvements in economic growth, healthcare outcomes, and overall social development. According to UNESCO, globally, 118.5 million girls of primary and secondary school age are out of school, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia facing the largest gaps. In India, while gender parity in primary education is improving, dropout rates for girls increase significantly at the secondary level due to societal pressures, early marriage, and safety concerns. A survey found that nearly 30% of girl students drop out of schools by the time they get to class IX and the number rises to 57% in class XI, limiting future opportunities.

To bridge this gap, access to quality education must be non-negotiable. Gender-sensitive curriculum, scholarships, and mentorship programs tailored for marginalized communities can open doors. Skill-building initiatives, particularly in STEM and leadership, can further close the opportunity gap. The Government of India has launched initiatives like GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) to boost women’s participation in STEM and PM-USP Yojana to provide scholarships and reduce dropout rates.

Beyond the Pay Gap

Financial independence is one of the strongest weapons against gender disparity. Yet, women and non-binary individuals still earn less, face hiring discrimination, and have fewer leadership opportunities. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, closing the gender gap in economic participation at the current rate will take a staggering 131 years. Less than 25% of the Indian workforce is female and the contribution of women to India’s GDP is just 18%, one of the lowest proportions in the world.

The solution? Focused policies on skill development, equal pay laws, and better workplace support. India has seen some progress with initiatives like the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, but further action such as stronger paternity leave policies and stricter enforcement of workplace harassment laws are needed to create truly inclusive work environments.

Improving Healthcare Accessibility for Gender Equality

Gender disparity in healthcare remains a significant issue in India, where women often face limited access to medical services, higher malnutrition rates, and inadequate reproductive care. The statistics are staggering: India’s maternal mortality rate (97 per 100,000 live births) is higher than in developed nations. Over 50% of Indian women aged 15-49 suffer from anemia, affecting maternal and child health. In India, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reports that 29.3% of married women have faced domestic violence, and access to mental health services remains inadequate, particularly in rural areas.

Healthcare systems must be redesigned with gender in mind. Countries like Argentina, which have integrated gender-affirming healthcare policies, show what’s possible. India has made progress with initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, but expanding gender-sensitive services and tackling deep-rooted healthcare discrimination is crucial.

Gender-Based Violence

Despite stricter laws and increasing awareness, gender-based violence remains a major hurdle to achieving gender parity. The UN reports that an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have faced intimate partner or sexual violence. In India, fast-track courts for sexual violence cases and policies like the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act have helped, but underreporting and stigma still prevent many survivors from seeking justice.

Solutions go beyond laws; they require cultural shifts. More support services for survivors, including mental health counseling and financial aid, can make a difference. Countries like Spain, which have gender violence courts and immediate response teams, offer effective models that India and other nations can adapt.

A Seat at the Table, or Many Seats at the Table

For real change, women and non-binary individuals must have a voice in decision-making spaces. Globally, only 26.5% of parliamentary seats are held by women. In India, women make up just 14% of the Lok Sabha, far from equal representation.

Affirmative action policies can help. Rwanda, with 61% female parliamentary representation, sets a strong example of how political will can drive change. More inclusive leadership results in better policies, fairer budgets, and faster progress toward gender equity.

Smile’s Work for Gender Equality

Smile Foundation is actively engaged in promoting gender equality through various initiatives:

  • Swabhiman Programme: This initiative focuses on women empowerment by providing digital financial literacy, health awareness, and entrepreneurship training. It aims to equip women with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital financial landscape effectively.
  • Project Manzil: In Rajasthan, this project has provided counseling and employability skills training to over 90,000 young girls, enhancing their prospects for a better future.
  • She Can Fly Campaign: This effort is designed to enable, equip, and empower underprivileged girl children with quality education, proper nutrition, good health, adequate skills, and self-confidence. The campaign supports more than 400,000 girls and women annually, offering education support to over 27,000 girls and healthcare support to more than 300,000 girls and women through mobile healthcare units.
  • Smile Twin E-learning Programme (STeP): This program trains underprivileged youth in English, computer skills, soft skills, and other necessary competencies. To date, more than 10,000 youths have been trained, with over 6400 placed in various brands across India. Notably, more than half of the beneficiaries are girls, highlighting the program’s commitment to gender inclusivity.

Through these comprehensive programs, Smile Foundation strives to create a gender-equal society by addressing educational disparities, enhancing employability, and empowering women and girls across India.

Will We Get There by 2030?

Beyond laws and policies, societal attitudes must evolve to achieve gender equality in true form. Traditional gender roles still dominate, limiting aspirations and opportunities. The media, digital platforms, and education play key roles in shaping gender norms. However, India still struggles with a digital gender divide—only 33% of internet users are women, limiting access to online education and job opportunities.

The way we raise children matters too. Teaching boys and girls the same values, giving them equal responsibilities, and breaking gender stereotypes in schools and workplaces can lead to a more balanced future. So, Can we achieve a gender-equal society by 2030? The honest answer is—it’s unlikely. But that doesn’t mean the fight should slow down. The key lies in an integrated approach: change is possible when there is collective action and political will.

We may not get there by 2030, but we can ensure that gender equality is a reality in the making- every single day.

Categories
Skill Development Livelihood

Vocational Training as Part of School Curriculums

Vocational Training as Part of School Curriculums
Vocational Training as Part of School Curriculums

Technological advancements and global economic shifts are redefining job markets and it has become crucial to reassess educational strategies. Particularly in rural India, traditional education systems often focus heavily on theoretical knowledge, neglecting practical skill development that can provide real-life benefits. The inclusion of vocational training and skill development in school curriculums for rural children can bridge this gap and equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern workforce. With nearly 70% of India’s population residing in rural areas, the need for relevant and accessible education has never been greater. 

According to a 2018 report, nearly 80% of the employed in India are in informal sectors, often with limited education or skills. This trend underscores the importance of integrating vocational skills early in a child’s educational journey to provide them with more opportunities for stable, rewarding livelihoods.

A Global Perspective

Vocational training is not a new concept. It has been embraced worldwide as an effective way to prepare young people for the demands of the labor market. Countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore have long been pioneers in integrating skill-based learning into their education systems. In these nations, vocational training is considered equally valuable as academic education, with students gaining hands-on experience in various trades, from healthcare to engineering, agriculture to digital skills. 

For example, in Switzerland, students undergo rigorous vocational training as part of their high school curriculum, with more than 70% of young people entering vocational tracks. Such systems have led to stronger labor markets and greater social stability, and they offer a roadmap for India to follow.

The Role of Vocational Training in Rural India

In India, the Government of India has made significant strides toward vocational education through initiatives such as the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). These programs aim to provide training to the youth and help them develop skills that are directly aligned with industry requirements. However, the gap between these initiatives and rural children remains substantial. Nearly 80% of rural youth in India are yet to receive vocational or skill training, underscoring a major skills gap. Consequently, around 40% of rural youth face difficulties in securing employment, primarily due to a lack of necessary skills.

Integrating vocational training into rural school curriculums can bridge the skills gap and enhance employment opportunities. With limited access to higher education, rural students could gain marketable skills in areas like modern farming, food processing, and animal husbandry—essential for improving agricultural productivity. Additionally, digital literacy is crucial as digital jobs are rapidly expanding. However, rural youth often lack internet access and exposure to digital tools. Incorporating digital skills in education can help them stay competitive in the job market and explore new income opportunities, ensuring they are better prepared for the evolving workforce.

Role of NEP 2020

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has significantly emphasized integrating vocational and skill training into India’s school curriculum to bridge the gap between education and employability. It mandates the inclusion of vocational education from secondary school level, enabling students to gain hands-on experience through internships and skill-based learning. 

With a focus on industry-relevant skills, including digital literacy, agriculture, and entrepreneurship, NEP 2020 aims to prepare students for diverse career pathways. By promoting a multidisciplinary approach and integrating emerging technologies, the policy seeks to enhance job readiness and empower students, especially in rural areas, with practical skills.

But, What are the Challenges?

Despite its benefits, the integration of vocational training into rural school curriculums faces several challenges. One of the primary barriers is the lack of infrastructure and qualified trainers in rural areas. Many schools are under-resourced, with limited access to facilities such as workshops, computers, or even internet connectivity. Moreover, teachers may lack the expertise to effectively deliver vocational training in fields such as agriculture, technology, or construction. 

The cultural bias against vocational education also remains a significant hurdle. In many parts of India, traditional academic education is seen as a more prestigious path, while vocational training is often associated with lower-status jobs. 

Overcoming Barriers to Implementation

To address this, a shift in societal attitudes is essential. It is critical to raise awareness about the value of vocational skills and their role in the modern economy. Government and community efforts must focus on making vocational education appealing to both students and parents by showcasing success stories and demonstrating the long-term benefits of such training.

Additionally, partnerships with the private sector could play a crucial role in overcoming some of these barriers. Collaborations with industries and companies can help align school curriculums with the skills required in the job market. By involving local businesses in shaping the curriculum, vocational training can become more relevant and better suited to the needs of the rural economy. Technology can also be leveraged to bridge gaps in access and expertise. Online platforms and remote learning programs could provide rural children with access to high-quality educational resources and digital skills training, even in the absence of physical infrastructure.

Smile’s Work

Smile Foundation is actively engaged in integrating vocational training and skill development into the education of rural children through several initiatives:

  1. Mission Education Program: This initiative addresses the educational needs of underserved children, including those in rural areas. It emphasizes not only academic learning but also life skills and vocational training to ensure holistic development. For instance, in Cholanayakanahalli, Bangalore, the program serves communities below the poverty line, where most children are first-generation learners. 
  2. Vocational Training Centers: Smile Foundation establishes centers that provide practical, hands-on training aligned with industry standards. These centers focus on digital literacy and other relevant skills, ensuring that rural youth are prepared for modern job markets. 
  3. Digital Literacy Programs: Recognizing the importance of technology, the foundation implements digital literacy initiatives to ensure rural youth are comfortable with technology, thereby enhancing their employability. 
  4. Public-Private Partnerships: Smile Foundation fosters collaborations to create apprenticeship and internship opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship among rural youth. 
  5. Shiksha Na Ruke Initiative: This program includes vocational education and skill training as key interventions, aiming to promote socio-emotional well-being and infrastructure development in government schools.

Through these efforts, Smile Foundation aims to empower rural children by equipping them with practical skills, thereby enhancing their employment opportunities and contributing to sustainable development.

By embracing vocational education, we can provide rural youth with the tools to succeed, whether through formal employment or entrepreneurial ventures. 

However, this vision can only be realized through collaborative efforts from government bodies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, industries, and communities. When executed effectively, vocational training can transform the lives of millions of rural children, ensuring that they are not left behind in the global race toward development.

Categories
Women Empowerment

The Critical Need for Gender Equity and Equality in India

The Critical Need for Gender Equity and Equality in India
The Critical Need for Gender Equity and Equality in India

‘Equality knows no gender’. While we are all familiar with this saying, gender equality, and gender equity, is something that people across the world are still fighting for, and the same is true for India. 

In a land where goddesses are revered, many women and girls still struggle for access to education, healthcare, equal pay, right to property and financial independence, among other things. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are worse off, and have to wage their own battle as they face social stigma and lack access to equal opportunities at the home, workplace and in society.

Gender equality vs gender equity

Gender equality refers to the idea that all people, regardless of their gender, should have the same rights, opportunities, and access to resources. It’s about treating everyone equally, with no discrimination based on gender. 

Gender equity focuses on fairness and justice in addressing gender imbalances. It recognizes that people of different gender identities often start from different places due to historical, social, and economic disadvantages, and therefore, requires different treatment or resources to achieve fairness. 

On the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022, India ranks 108 out of 193 countries, with a score of 0.437. This is an improvement as India stood at rank 122 out of 191 countries with a score of 0.490 in the Gender Inequality Index 2021. This is because the government, and NGOs have been working to bring about gender equality, and equity, in all spheres of life. But we still have a long way to go.

When education is a privilege

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act (RTE), enacted on August 4, 2009, makes education a fundamental right of every child between the ages of six and 14 and specifies minimum norms in elementary schools.

However, according to Child Rights and You (CRY), only about 60% of girls complete class 12, says John Roberts, director, southern region, CRY. “Whenever children are not in school, they become susceptible to early marriage, violence and abuse, and child labour. And girls are more vulnerable,” he says.

The government and NGOs have come up with initiatives to address the problem. The Beti Padhao Beti Bachao (BBBP) initiative was launched in 2015 to provide financial assistance for the education and health of the girl child, especially in districts with low child sex ratio. 

However, when it comes to the LGBTQIA+ community, many of them are still forced to drop out of educational institutions due to the bullying and discrimination they face from their peers and even teaching staff.

Battle for equity in healthcare 

A study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, has revealed that only 37% of women have proper access to health needs and services compared to 67% of men. Issues like maternal mortality, malnutrition, and lack of access to reproductive health services need to be addressed to improve gender equity in health.

Women experience delays in seeking care, inadequate prenatal and maternal healthcare, and higher rates of malnutrition and anemia. A Harvard health study has shown women in pain are much more likely than men to receive prescriptions for sedatives, rather than pain medication, for their ailments. One study even showed women who received coronary bypass surgery were only half as likely to be prescribed painkillers, as compared to men who had undergone the same procedure. 

According to Dr Preetha Reddy, vice chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, gender inequities in healthcare can be addressed by encouraging more women to join the medical field, as nearly two-thirds of healthcare workers in India are men; only 6% of all doctors in rural areas are women. 

As far as the LGBTQIA+ community is concerned, there aren’t enough medical professionals also to address their unique healthcare needs as the healthcare needs of a lesbian or gay person is very different from that of a trans person, especially someone who is medically transitioning.

‘Invisibility Amplified: A report on the impact of COVID-19 on intersex people in Asia’, released in 2021 by Intersex Asia, revealed that a significant number of intersex people were reluctant to seek medical help despite having symptoms of Covid-19 due to their prior experience of medical violence and trauma. The report also showed that while more than 40% of the people surveyed didn’t get directly affected by Covid-19, an alarming number of people didn’t see a doctor despite having Covid-19 symptoms.

Lack of political representation

Equal participation and leadership of women in political and public life are essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. However, data shows that women are underrepresented at all levels of decision-making worldwide and that achieving gender parity in political life is far off, says a UN Women report.

In India, the 18th Lok Sabha comprise only 74 women compared to 469 men, says a Firstpost report, adding that “this share is not only abysmally skewed but also lower than the 14.4% share of female representation during the 2019 election, where 78 women were elected as MPs.”

There is not adequate representation of other genders as well in Indian politics. But winds of change are blowing. In Tamil Nadu, which has always been at the forefront of transgender reform, transgender Priya Babu went to court and won her community the right to choose their gender in the voting list in 2003. Ganga Nayak created history in Tamil Nadu when she became the sole transgender candidate to have won a seat in the state local body polls in 2022.

Equality in the workplace 

Women often face barriers to equal opportunities in the workforce. This includes unequal pay for equal work, lack of maternity benefits, gender-based discrimination, and limited opportunities for leadership positions. 

According to a recent report highlighting Gender Disparities in Corporate Leadership in India, there has been an overall increase in female representation in the workforce over the years — from 23.9% in 2016 to 26.8% in 2024. But, as women advanced to managerial positions, there was a significant drop (18.59%), followed by a continuous decline in female representation in leadership positions — 20.1% at director roles, 17.4% at Vice President roles and at 15.3% at C-suite positions, says the report.

“The correlation between fewer women in leadership positions and women taking career breaks is undeniable. According to Avtar’s research, while women’s representation is 26% at entry level roles in corporate India, this drops to less than 12% at executive levels,” says Saundarya Rajesh, founder-president, Avtar Group. The lack of gender representation at the C-suite level can be attributed to the absence of conducive work structures across organizations – that of policies, programmes and career enablers that address women’s unique challenges, such as extended maternity leave, childcare support, and flexible work arrangements. 

Encouraging policies for workplace safety, equal pay, and career advancement for women can help. “When companies begin to invest in hiring, retaining and advancing women, they see transformational impact. As per data emerging from Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in India study, women’s representation in the Best Companies is at 37%,” says Rajesh, adding that, at leadership levels, this touched 20% in 2023, because of robust frameworks of support these organizations have towards ensuring equitable career pathways for women. “While all best companies in 2023 offered structured mentoring, 76% of them offered career sponsorship – a programme to give greater visibility to women’s work and their aspiration for advancement.”

End gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is another issue that needs to be tackled. According to an article, violence within the confines of the home remains a serious concern with 24% (6,237) of the total 25,743 complaints received by the Nation Commission for Women over 2024 pertaining to domestic violence. 

“We have seen a big shift in the last two decades that we have been working in the field. Parents now realise the need for gender equality – to treat girls and boys in the same way, and to even invest in education and the daughter’s future. There is a realization that gender inequality contributes to domestic violence,” says Prasanna Gettu, founder of The International Foundation for Crime Prevention and Victim Care (PCVC). 

While there are many laws to support women survivors of domestic violence, it’s different when it comes to non-binary people, she feels. “That’s going to take some time as there is less awareness, understanding, and lack of family acceptance. But it’s not impossible as we have reached a stage where it is being discussed in public, laws are being amended and in future policies can be strengthened,” says Gettu.

NGOs take initiative

Smile Foundation lays stress on vocational education and more than 44,000 girls are supported under its programmes. Our Project Manzil also provided counselling and employability skills training to over 90,000 young girls in Rajasthan. 

Since financially literate mothers can motivate their children to be savvy with money, our women empowerment programme, Swabhiman, has a digital financial literacy component, which has been empowering women with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the digital financial landscape. The programme provides education and training on various aspects of digital finance, including online banking, mobile payments, budgeting tools, and safe online transactions. It equips women with the necessary skills to manage their finances, make informed decisions, and access financial services through digital platforms- all to make gender equity a reality of our their lives.

Categories
Girl Child

Marriage cannot ever be an Ally of Young Girls

Menstrual Hygiene Health Education
Marriage cannot ever be an Ally of Young Girls

The United Nations has observed a significant decline in child marriages in South Asian countries and named India as one of the significant contributors. Going in line with the data, union women and children development minister Annapurna Devi recently revealed that child marriages halved in the country. The number has dropped from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21. The facts don’t mean that child marriages are abolished in the country. It just means that the number has come down.

The minister has also shared that one in five girls is married before turning 18 years, and they had stopped at least two lakh early marriages in the last year in the country. Indian families continue to marry their girl children at an early stage despite numerous warnings both from the government and experts. Why do they refuse to give up their attempts? Why marriage can never be an ally of young girls. Let’s understand in detail. 

What is early marriage?

Early marriage is a practice that involves marrying off individuals, mainly girls, before they reach the legal age of marriage. It has been prevalent in the country for centuries together. Families married off their wards at the earliest, and sometimes even before the girl hit puberty. But the British government passed the Child Marriage Restraint Act in 1929 to stop early marriages. The law insisted that a girl should at least be 14 years old, and a boy should be 18 years old to get married. Since the Muslim community opposed it, a separate law has been passed for them.

After the independence, the Child Marriage Restraint Act was amended twice. In 1949, the age limit was increased to 15 for girls, and in 1978, the age limit was increased to 18 for women and 21 for men. Since people continued marrying their girls at much younger ages, the government passed the prohibition of child marriage act in 2006.

According to the act, a child means a person who, if a male, has not completed 21 years of age, and if a female, has not completed 18 years of age. Child marriage means a marriage or a marriage about to be solemnized, to which either of the parties is a child. The act not just prevents the marriage of children but also punishes the involved adults.

Causes of early marriage

Though stringent laws have been put in place, early marriage remains prevalent across the country, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas. It has always been driven by a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. One of the foremost reasons for early marriage is that it is seen as a duty of parents.

Even today, in several conservative communities, marriage is often seen as a responsibility or obligation of parents, and it has never been the choice of women. Parents and extended family members force girls to marry at an early age to complete their responsibility. Not just that, the girls are also expected to fulfill their role in ensuring lineage and contributing to the family’s social status. Parents of girls who remain unmarried after a certain age face social stigma, and the girls feel like a burden on their families. To avoid the perceived shame, many families marry off their daughters at an early age.

Even modern communities see marriage as a way to preserve a family’s honour and reputation. It is due to the underlying belief that a girl’s worth is tied to her chastity and her role as a caregiver. Early marriages are often seen as a way to preserve their ‘purity’ and to avoid dishonour.

Impact of early marriage on young girls

Early marriage, one of the serious violations of children’s rights, has devastating consequences for both males and females. But, according to statistics, the number of girls who undergo early marriage is at least five times higher than their counterparts. About 250 million girls are married before the age of 13 across the globe. Research has also found that early marriages have affected them physically, emotionally, socially, and economically.

1. Health risk: Early marriages often lead to girls becoming involved in physical intimacy before they are physically and emotionally ready. Chances are high that they know nothing about their sexual and reproductive health. That’s why child marriages often result in adolescent pregnancy with increased complications. Risks like premature labour, obstructed labour and eclampsia are commonly found in adolescent pregnancies. Girls also experience maternal mortality or childbirth-related injuries. They are also at greater risk of having babies with low birth weight, premature birth, or other health problems. This will put both the girl and her child in danger. Not just that, early marriages also increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as they are unaware of protecting themselves in sexual relationships.

2. Interrupted education: Girls are often taken out of school to marry off shortly after they hit puberty. Some societies restrict girls’ roles to being wives and mothers. Without education, they miss out on a crucial stage of development and self-discovery that typically defines their childhood and adolescence. They also miss out on opportunities to improve their economic autonomy and personal development. In most cases, they end up taking low-paying jobs or become dependent on their husbands for financial support. This economic dependence will lead to an unequal power dynamic in the marriage. It in turn will entrench gender inequality and limit a girl’s ability to make independent decisions.

3. Social isolation: When a girl marries at a young age, her focus shifts to her new responsibilities as a wife, and later a mother. In many cases, they are confined to their new home and fulfill domestic duties. She will have little freedom to interact with her friends or extended family. Not just that, she will also not be allowed to participate in any social events or gatherings. There are numerous instances when a girl had to take permission from her husband or in-law to do literally anything. This lack of autonomy limits her opportunities to build and maintain healthy social connections. This social isolation can make her feel lonely and disconnected from her peers.

4. Loss of childhood: Marriage always brings with it the expectation that girls will take on adult responsibilities. It means she will have to manage the household, cooking, cleaning, and caring for her in-laws, husband, and other family members. These duties not only take priority over her personal interests, play, and leisure, which are essential aspects of childhood, but also toil her emotionally. This emotional toil often makes them feel overwhelmed, confused, and isolated. This in turn will take away their carefree and joyful experiences that define childhood. Emotional stress and a stunted sense of self will end up interrupting developmental milestones of adolescence.

5. Loss of identity: With the robbed education, she also loses the space for personal growth, critical thinking, and the exploration of interests and talents. This in turn deprives the girls of the chance to develop into independent individuals with their own aspirations. With this, they also lack the ability to make decisions about their own lives. Their choices regarding education, career, hobbies, and even personal relationships are often dictated by their husbands or families. In most cases, they will have none. This loss of autonomy will rob the control of their own futures from their hands. There are several cases when girls are subjected to domestic violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation in child marriages.

Opening up all the door for girls

Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and early marriage, yet millions of girls in India still face barriers to learning. Smile Foundation’s She Can Fly campaign is committed to changing this by ensuring that young girls, especially from underserved communities, get access to quality education, life skills, and equal opportunities.

Through school support, scholarships, and mentorship, Smile Foundation helps girls stay in school, build confidence, and dream big. By addressing challenges like early dropout rates, lack of resources, and social constraints, we empower them to take charge of their futures.

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