NEW DELHI, Jan 25:
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday stressed the need for rigorous empirical research to make ”good, people-centric policies”.
Such research could help policy makers understand the perspectives of women representatives and address the key issues of education, health, nutrition, information sharing, economic independence and empowerment, he said.
Addressing a gathering after releasing the book ‘Staniya Svasasan Mei Addhi Aabadhi’ authored by Dr Sadhana Pandey here, he said, ”It is an empirical study that captures the voices of the rural women who are occupying positions of authority at the local level.”
Quoting a report based on a sample survey of women representatives elected to the position of sarpanch in gram panchayats, he noted that majority of women elected to these positions were in the age group of 26-36 years, married, living in nuclear families, had completed secondary school and were from middle income category.
The younger generation was much more aware of the need to focus on development issues like health, environment, planned motherhood and economic independence.
They also showed a greater openness to modernity but at the same time were not willing to completely do away with the past. Most of the women still accepted that the society continues to be male dominated.
However, all women across all age and income groups had highlighted education as the most important factor for women’s advancement in all fields, including politics. Interestingly, they recognised the importance of radio and television in enhancing awareness but felt some films to be ”inappropriate” for younger audiences
The report showed a very clear awareness of the new possibilities for women to grow along with men and wanted more should be done for rural areas by both the officials and the political executive.
The Vice-President commended the author on her effort and hoped that she and other researchers would do similar surveys in other parts of India, an official statement here said. (UNI)
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