Bushra Ansari | Published: 01 April, 2024

How do women in India spend their time? Apart from paid work, community activities, cultural engagements, religious practices, volunteering, and sports, many women spend a significant amount of time on household duties. The data points to a significant gender influence here - women predominantly shoulder unpaid responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, while men are generally more engaged in paid work.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that globally, men spend an average of 83 minutes per day on unpaid care work, while women devote three times more time with 265 minutes. In India, the gender gap is even more pronounced, women spend 297 minutes daily on unpaid care work, compared to men who spend only 31 minutes. India's first Time Use Survey (TUS), conducted by the National Statistical Organization (NSO) in 2019, gives us more insight into this gender gap.

1. The average time women spend on unpaid work is 7.3 times that of men

*TUS activity classification as per International
Classification of Activities for Time Use Statistics 2016 (ICATUS 2016)

The gender disparity in time allocation is the highest with regard to time spent on unpaid domestic work and caregiving services, followed by employment and related activities. The ILO estimates that unpaid care work is amongst the most critical barriers preventing women from joining and remaining in the workforce. This disproportionate burden of unpaid care work creates “time poverty”, which limits women’s ability to engage in paid work and acquire the skills they need for better job opportunities.

2. The highest duration of time women dedicate to paid employment is observed in the western and southern areas

According to a report titled "Viewport 2022: Top Cities for Women in India", which analysed Indian cities on four metrics – women's ease of living, women's safety, women’s representation rate in employment and women’s empowerment initiatives, the South and West regions attract more women, with average scores of 46.17 and 41.13, respectively. North Indian cities rank third (36.03), followed by the Central (31.17) and East (29.43) regions.

In the southern states of India, women's participation in regular jobs is higher compared to the northern states due to a highly educated society and women's freedom in decision-making. On the other hand, North India tends to be more patriarchal and feudal, leading to more restrictions on women's behaviour, and limited access to work opportunities.

3. The north-eastern regions showcase the least disparity in time allocation for household work between women and men

The northeastern states, known for having societies with a more gender-neutral outlook, have higher male participation in domestic household work compared to other regions of the country. For example, the existence of matrilineal societies in Meghalaya, where children receive their mother's last name, husbands move into their wife's home, and the youngest daughters inherit the ancestral property.

Women in the northeast dominate public spaces. Women of all age groups can be found running small and big businesses. Asia's largest all-women 'Mother's Market' is in Manipur, where only married, divorced, or widowed women set up stalls to sell everything from daily essentials to fancy items.

4. Cleaning and cooking show the most pronounced gender gap in household tasks

Most households prefer home-cooked meals; thus, it is not surprising that a major part of women's time is allocated to cooking. Cooking has been associated with the female identity and ascribed gender roles, so much so that men in India are seldom encouraged to learn how to cook.

Social norms dictate that women perform unpaid labour. The consequences for straying from the norm can be harsh. OXFAM India’s 2019 household care survey found that one in three respondents thought it acceptable to beat a woman for failing to care well for the children or for not attending to a dependent, ill or adult member in the household.

Women in India often have to juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to stress, burnout, and a lack of time for themselves. It is important to address the gender divide in household duties and paid employment to create a more equitable society for women in India. This can be done by challenging traditional gender roles, providing more economic opportunities for women, and challenging social norms. For instance, in Jharkhand, a workforce of over 50,000 skilled women masons has defied stereotypes by building toilets under Swatch Bharat Mission, contributing significantly to the state's attainment of open-defecation-free status.

Additionally, accessible crèches would reduce the time and energy women have to spend on childcare. Similarly, schemes to ensure the availability of drinking water (Jal Jeevan Mission) and cooking gas (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) would reduce the time women have to spend on collecting water and firewood. Moreover, steps to ensure women’s right to property and assets can help provide them with financial security and recognise their contribution to the household.

Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.

Kshitij Sarawgi and Bushra Ansari | Published: 02 April, 2024

Water is indispensable to life on Earth, and its scarcity is a global concern. This scarcity can decrease food security and reduce access to water for industrial and domestic purposes. It also has broader economic, humanitarian, and ecological implications.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, irrigation in agriculture accounts for 70% of water use worldwide. Intensive groundwater pumping for irrigation depletes groundwater resources and has negative environmental consequences, causing a significant economic impact on the agricultural sector and beyond.

In India, too, the majority of water consumption is for irrigation in agriculture, as per the Central Ground Water Board.

Source: Dynamic Ground Water Resource of India by Central Ground Water Board

1. It is therefore concerning that India is facing an increase in water scarcity. Northern India, particularly, experiences significant groundwater depletion. While the nation's average Groundwater Extraction was 60.08% in 2022, an improvement from 63.33% in 2017, Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan bucked the trend, exceeding the groundwater extraction by 100% in 2022.

The Green Revolution of 1960, marked by the adoption of water-intensive high-yield seed varieties, boosted agricultural production from 55 million tons at the time of independence to 260 million tons of food grains today, but strained water resources. In Punjab and Haryana, the epicentre of this revolution, groundwater depletion surpasses natural replenishment rates by 65%, and 34%, respectively. Free/ heavily subsidised electricity to run pumps, and no cost for water initiated to support the Green Revolution, led to excessive irrigation, exacerbating the depletion of groundwater.

Although mandated by Section 55 of The Indian Electricity Act, 2003, nationwide electricity metering remains largely unimplemented due to resistance from farmers' unions, making farmers lackadaisical about their usage. Free water and power are so politically popular in the economies of farm states that leaders do not suggest a change for fear of not being elected to power.

Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti

2. Let's look at water consumption numbers by various crops in India and analyse further why certain states are experiencing groundwater depletion.

Rice, a staple food globally and in India, demands 3000 – 5000 litres of water per kilogram for production. India, the second largest producer and consumer of rice, also emerged as the largest exporter in 2023, accounting for 40% of global rice exports.

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2022

The above graph shows that Punjab's per-hectare rice production surpasses West Bengal's by 43.33%, despite Punjab cultivating only around 76% of West Bengal's total rice production. This difference is why West Bengal, despite being the largest producer of this water-intensive crop, hasn't depleted its water resources at the same alarming rate as Punjab has.

While wheat cultivation is less water-intensive compared to rice, it still requires 900 - 1000 litres of water per kilogram of production. However, because of its importance as a staple food in India, it still consumes a significant amount of water during cultivation.

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2022

Punjab and Haryana produce around 43% and 30% of the total wheat yield of Uttar Pradesh, the largest producer. However, their per-hectare rates exceed that of Uttar Pradesh by approximately 16% and 25% respectively. This further shows the impact of the Green Revolution, and consequently, the over-exploitation of groundwater resources in the North-Western states of Punjab and Haryana.

Sugarcane, a crucial cash crop, requires 1500 – 3000 litres of water for 1 kg of its produce. Used in diverse industries like sugar, biofuel, paper and pulp, it also contributes substantially to economies worldwide. Globally, India ranks second in both sugarcane and sugar production, but leads as the highest consumer of sugar, consequently dominating the global sugarcane and sugar market.

Source: Agricultural Statistics at a Glance 2022

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka produce only 8.73% & 35% of what Uttar Pradesh produces. However, the per hectare rate of production of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is much higher than that of Uttar Pradesh, the largest producer by almost 26% and 17% respectively. This explains why both these states have been coloured red (refer figure 2), with a 70% extraction of their groundwater resources.

Uttar Pradesh holds a significant position in the production of all these three crops: it's the second-largest producer of rice, and the largest producer of wheat and sugarcane in India. Despite having lower per-hectare production rates compared to other states, the sheer volume of these water-intensive crops cultivated in Uttar Pradesh might have contributed notably to the depletion of its water tables, resulting in an overall extraction rate of 70%.

3. The World Bank has helped the state government of Punjab pilot an innovative scheme to save electricity and conserve groundwater, namely “Paani Bachao, Paisa Kamao”. The scheme incentivises farmers to reduce groundwater usage. According to the World Bank, around 300 farmers were enrolled and given cash incentives to save electricity used for irrigation, resulting in water savings of between 6 and 25 percent without any adverse effect on the yield.

But to address water-related issues at a large scale, it is imperative to embrace alternative farming methods, particularly organic farming. Techniques such as Saturated Soil Culture (SSC), Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) offer viable alternatives to rice cultivation.

In AWD, irrigation is delayed until a certain period after ponded water disappears, unlike in traditional methods, where it is done immediately. Water table in the field is monitored using a simple perforated field water tube. When the water level is 15 cm below the surface of the soil, it is again flooded to a depth of around 5 cm. The water in the rice field needs to be kept at 5 cm depth to avoid any water stress that would result in severe loss in rice grain yield.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) reports that AWD has enabled Bangladeshi farmers to reduce rice water requirements by up to 30%, while also conserving diesel and electricity for water pumps, and increasing Boro rice yields by 500 kg per hectare. Further, practices such as mulching, tilling, and crop rotation can aid in preserving soil nutrients and conserving water, particularly in sugarcane and wheat cultivation.

Kshitij Sarawgi and Bushra Ansari both work at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini.

Bushra Ansari | Published: 15 March, 2024

According to a report released by United Nations agencies, the global Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in 2020 was estimated at 223 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. In 2020, an estimated 287,000 women globally died from a maternal cause, equivalent to almost 800 maternal deaths every day, or approximately one every two minutes. As per the Government of India, the MMR was 97 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. MMR is the number of maternal deaths due to complications in pregnancy or childbirth during a given time period per 100,000 live births during the same time period.

Poor health (anemia, malnutrition, chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes) has repercussions not only for women but also for their families. Women in poor health are more likely to give birth to low-weight infants. They also are less likely to be able to provide food and adequate care for their children. Finally, a woman’s health affects the household's economic well-being, as a woman in poor health will be less productive in the labour force.

1. MMR in India has declined over the years from 130 in 2016 to 97 in 2020

Data Source- Sample Registration System, Ministry of Home Affairs(SRS, MHA)

India is making steady progress towards achieving Target 3.1 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Health infrastructure and female literacy have emerged as the significant correlates of MMR. Initiatives such as Surakshit Matritva Anushasan (SUMAN) and Labour Room & Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya) have played a pivotal role in increasing the number of institutional deliveries from 79 per cent in 2015- 16 to 89 per cent in 2019-20. Around 87 per cent births in rural areas and 94 per cent births in urban areas are institutional deliveries.

2. Maternal mortality landscape in 2020: Kerala records lowest MMR, Assam highest

Data Source- SRS, MHA

Because of the wide variation in cultures, religions, and levels of development across India, it is not surprising that women’s health also varies greatly from state to state.

Assam has India's highest MMR, at 195 per 100,000 live births. Roughly 54% of pregnant women (15-49 years) in Assam are anemic, likely due to poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness about iron-folic acid tablets and their benefits. A study at a hospital in eastern Uttar Pradesh found that lack of intensive care unit (ICU) beds, high ICU costs, and inadequate antenatal visits led to high MMR. A brief on maternal and neonatal mortality in Madhya Pradesh listed poor coverage of antenatal care, sub-optimal health facilities, and inadequate number of staff nurses and specialists as high MMR causes. One in five pregnant women in MP deliver at home. NMR (Neonatal Mortality Rate), IMR (Infant Mortality Rate), and U5MR (Under-Five Mortality Rate) are highest among women who delivered at home.

3. 94.6% of total reported deliveries were institutional in year 2021-2022

Data Source- Health Management Information System, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Home births without skilled birth attendants (SBA) can raise risks for both the mother and the baby. Financial constraints, lack of proper transportation facilities, non- accessibility of healthcare institutions and not getting permission from family members were the main reasons cited by the women for delivering at home. It is essential to strengthen public healthcare facilities and effectively use skilled birth attendants and their networks

4. Women with more education are more likely to receive skilled antenatal care (ANC)

*Skilled provider includes doctor, auxiliary nurse midwife, nurse, midwife, and lady health visitor
Data Source- National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021)

Education plays a significant role in empowering women to make informed decisions during their pregnancy journey and reduces the likelihood of them feeling shame or discomfort when seeking ANC services. Additionally, education enhances women's access to ANC services, equipping them with the knowledge of where to locate these facilities and the financial means to afford them. Through ANC, women can learn from skilled health personnel about healthy behaviors during pregnancy, better understand warning signs during pregnancy and childbirth, and receive social, emotional, and psychological support.

In 2022, the Bikaner district in Rajasthan launched an awareness drive called 'Pukar' to educate pregnant and lactating women, as well as adolescent girls, about maternal and child health. This initiative involved government representatives spreading vital information about institutional deliveries, nutrition during pregnancy, essential tests, and vaccinations to over 2.34 lakh women and 92,300 adolescent girls. As a result, maternal deaths in the district dropped from 70 in 2021 to 32 in 2022. Similarly, the Telangana government's KCR Kits scheme, launched in 2017, has significantly increased institutional deliveries in government hospitals, from 30.5% in 2017 to 56% in 2022. The scheme offers financial support to mothers, provides free prenatal to post-delivery tests and immunization vaccines, and distributes a kit containing items essential for infants and lactating mothers.

It is crucial to scale up efforts to support girls and women across various metrics, such as education, healthcare access, community engagement, and economic participation. Enhancing women's healthcare and encouraging them to take ownership of their health and hygiene through equal access to high-quality care are important strategies. A decentralized approach can be adopted by empowering community-level platforms, such as self-help groups, anganwadi centres, village health committees, and mahila mandals, to raise awareness of women's safety, sexual and reproductive health, and family planning choices.

(Author Bushra Ansari is a Data Analyst at ISDM DataSights, supported by Capgemini)

Admin | Published: 15 March, 2024

Have you ever stopped to anticipate all the basic necessities in your life and how easily they could slip away? Imagine the millions who are not privileged enough for what you have. This troubling statistic will leave you numb.

According to the Global MPI results in 2021, nearly 1.3 billion of the 5.8 billion beings across 109 countries lacked basic accessibility to food, water, and sanitation. It is disheartening that nearly half of all children under 12 are facing the issue of poverty. In the coming years, this number will increase and it demands our undivided attention to this global situation.

Indian School of Development Management is committed to creating future change-makers in development management along with experienced thought leaders, practitioners, and professors. If you are passionate about a 360-degree change in the lives of the unprivileged, here is your chance to be the next global change-maker! Without wasting any more time, let’s dig into this guide to comprehend what is development management, why it matters, and how you can transform lives.

What is Development Management?

Development management is more than applying traditional management principles to social problems. It uses a strategic approach towards the Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs). The primary focus is to plan, organise and implement projects and programs for sustainable development.

To understand the concept even better, there are a few examples that set the right context for development management. For example, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was launched in India with the motive of improving the lives of rural residents and giving them a sense of economic security to live a better livelihood. At the global level, the United Nations Member States adopted the initiative to bring peace, prosperity, and a clear vision to end poverty with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Why is it Necessary to have Development Management in the Social Sector?

The social sector is currently facing challenges, in terms of poverty and inequality to environmental problems and access to basic necessities. The traditional approach to tackling complex social issues often falls short, which again creates chaos in the process. To avoid such mishaps, development management bridges these gaps with the following:

1. Navigating through Challenges

Understanding the specific needs and challenges that people are facing, or else it would lead to impractical and harmful decisions. Also, identifying the need to leverage sufficient resources and expertise from the NGOs, government, and private sectors. So, utilising valid evidence to make analytical, strategic decisions will ensure the implementation of solutions that are beneficial in improving the livelihoods.

2. Achieving Sustainable Impacts

Aiming for a sustainable change takes time and needs strategic planning to create an impactful change. Development management ensures that the process reaches more beneficiaries, grows sustainably and creates a long-lasting impact. The ultimate goal of providing skills and resources to the local communities will help in achieving development rather than short term interventions.

3. Maintaining Transparency and Ownership

Enabling trust with the stakeholders and collaborators via straightforward communication and reliable resource management. Ensuring every individual is kept in the loop during the decision-making processes, assuring interventions reflect their needs and priorities. Despite bureaucracy and funding pressures, development managers maintain SPOs true to their mission. This results in executing strategic decisions towards society.

4. Adapting to Technology and Innovation

To build a successful economy, adapting to technology becomes a driving force for social change. In India, 350 million internet users exist, which gives the development managers a chance to cater to a larger ecosystem. As internet access expands, so does economic growth. Embrace creative solutions and harness technology to handle complicated problems. Adapting to change and reacting to unanticipated occurrences in time with effective measures becomes a vital part of improving livelihoods.

Is there a Rewarding Career Path with High Demand?

The development management in the social sector will have a significant growth potential in the subsequent years, opening career paths for passionate individuals. There is an open field in India to create impactful projects and programs as the country is developing. There are NGOs, corporate foundations, social enterprises, and organisations that are taking advantage of this change.

In today’s generation, the career path in the social sector is not limited only to social science graduates. Students are building their careers in development management coming from different educational and professional backgrounds for the betterment of humankind.

Individuals passionate about bringing a change in society and making a contribution can explore these career options in this field:

• Social Advocacy
• CSR Fund/Foundation
• Social Welfare Organisation
• Profit Social Organisation
• Non-Profit Organisation
• Social Enterprise
• Unilateral/Bilateral Agency

Why Choose the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM)?

In the search to figure out this vast and complex social sector with various challenges, it is crucial to choose the right path for education. While people were at an awareness stage to understand what development management was in its early stages, the Indian School of Development Management had already made its way to becoming the leader of the industry.

The way we have designed our curriculum is what sets us apart from the emerging competition in the market. We believe in action-oriented learning, a curriculum structured by experts, networking with individuals in the industry, management skills, guest lectures, and workshops are some ways that we provide holistic learning to the students.

How to Apply and become Eligible for the Course?

The social sector has been gaining the attention that it deserves over the years. A lot of companies have invested in CSR projects and want to contribute to society. Consequently, there has been an increase in job opportunities and open doors for the change-makers to build their careers.

To have a successful career in development and management in the social sector, build these skills:

• Research and Analysis
• Collaboration and Networking
• Entrepreneurial Mindset
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Determination to Bring a Change.

Here are some steps that you need to take in order to be a part of the global change-markers at ISDM.

• Register via the official website and begin your application journey.
• Appear for the online assessment, crack it, and get one step closer to your dream.
• Once you clear the assessment round, it's time for a personal interview round with the faculty.

A graduate from any stream should have a minimum of 60% marks in 10th and 12th grade.

Ready to be a Global Change-Maker?

The social sector requires individuals who have expertise, innovation, and compassion to venture into the world’s complicated challenges. Making the right choice to create an impact in the world requires adequate guidance and knowledge to reach the end goal.

Indian School of Development Management is not just an academic institution; it is a place for dynamic change-markers of our country to create meaningful changes for a sustainable life ahead. The institute's unique approach towards education, outstanding and well-trained faculty and earned name in the industry is what sets us apart.

What are you waiting for? Come join us in this noble cause of changing humankind with the right steps and a bright mind. This is your chance to be the global change-maker with ISDM!

admin | Published: 11 March, 2024

For-profit social enterprises face specific challenges due to tax regulations, such as an 18% GST on their revenue, which can discourage funders. The tax burden makes it unattractive for funders to invest, knowing that a significant portion of the funding will go towards GST payments.

Innovative finance practices can be a potential strategy for for-profit enterprises to unlock social impact funding. However, CSR laws may restrict investing in for-profit social enterprises through innovative finance instruments.

To overcome these challenges, for-profit enterprises can consider longer-term partnerships with the social sector, as the social sector expects a longer-term perspective when it comes to social change initiatives.

Additionally, tailoring cost-effective instruments for the social sector and building the capacity of donors and recipients can also be effective strategies for for-profit enterprises to attract social impact funding.

Unlocking Social Impact Funding: Strategies for For-Profit Enterprises

In the realm of for-profit social enterprises, navigating the intricate landscape of social impact funding presents a unique set of challenges. Tax regulations, such as the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on revenue, cast a shadow over potential funders, creating a hesitancy born out of the realization that a significant chunk of their investment would be earmarked for GST payments. In this blog, we delve into the complexities faced by for-profit enterprises and explore innovative strategies to unlock social impact funding, with a focus on overcoming tax burdens, complying with CSR laws, and fostering longer-term partnerships with the social sector.

The Tax Conundrum: Dissuading Potential Funders

One of the primary hurdles for for-profit social enterprises lies in the realm of taxation. The imposition of an 18% GST on revenue not only diminishes the available pool of funds but also acts as a deterrent for potential investors. It's a delicate balance for for-profit enterprises to strike – trying to fulfill their social mission while grappling with the financial burden of GST. The challenge is not merely economic but also perceptual. Funders may be wary of investing when a substantial portion of their contribution is earmarked for tax obligations rather than the actual social impact initiatives.

Innovative Finance Practices as a Potential Strategy

In the face of tax-related challenges, for-profit enterprises must look towards innovative finance practices as a potential lifeline. These practices can help redefine the financial landscape, offering creative solutions that cater to the dual objective of profitability and social impact. However, the road to innovation is not without its pitfalls. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) laws may pose a roadblock, restricting the avenues through which for-profit enterprises can access funding. It becomes imperative to navigate this regulatory maze while designing financial instruments that align with the broader goals of social impact.

Overcoming Regulatory Roadblocks: CSR Laws and Funding

CSR laws, while designed with the noble intention of promoting corporate responsibility, can inadvertently create barriers for for-profit social enterprises seeking funding. These laws traditionally focus on channeling funds into non-profit entities, leaving for-profits in a precarious position. To navigate this regulatory landscape, for-profit enterprises can explore strategic partnerships and collaborations that adhere to CSR laws while allowing for the infusion of funds into social enterprises.

Longer-Term Partnerships: Bridging the Divide

A key strategy to overcome the challenges posed by tax regulations and CSR laws is the cultivation of longer-term partnerships with the social sector. Unlike traditional for-profit ventures, social enterprises often grapple with a prolonged gestation period for social change initiatives. Funders in the social sector tend to have a proclivity for longer-term commitments, aligning with the nature of social impact initiatives. By fostering partnerships that extend beyond short-term financial gains, for-profit enterprises can not only alleviate the tax burden but also gain the trust and support of the social sector.

Tailoring Cost-Effective Instruments: Meeting Social Sector Needs

Another avenue for for-profit enterprises to attract social impact funding involves the customization of cost-effective financial instruments. Tailoring investment vehicles that specifically address the financial constraints faced by the social sector can create a win-win situation. By understanding the unique needs and challenges of the social sector, for-profit enterprises can design instruments that not only align with their own profitability goals but also serve the larger purpose of catalyzing social change.

Building Capacity: Empowering Donors and Recipients

To further enhance the attractiveness of for-profit enterprises for social impact funding, there is a need to focus on building the capacity of both donors and recipients. Donors should be equipped with a deeper understanding of the impact landscape, enabling them to make informed investment decisions. Simultaneously, recipients (social enterprises) need support in enhancing their operational efficiency and impact measurement capabilities. By investing in the capacity building of both sides, for-profit enterprises can create a more robust ecosystem that attracts and retains social impact funding.

Paving the Way for Social Impact Funding

In conclusion, the journey to unlock social impact funding for for-profit enterprises is fraught with challenges, from tax burdens to regulatory hurdles. However, innovative finance practices, longer-term partnerships, and tailored instruments can serve as beacons of hope in this landscape. The delicate balance between profitability and social impact requires strategic thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to reshaping the funding paradigm.

As for-profit enterprises chart their course in the realm of social impact, it is essential to acknowledge the role of institutions like the Indian School of Development Management (ISDM). ISDM, with its commitment to nurturing social leaders and fostering sustainable development, stands as a beacon in the journey towards unlocking social impact funding. By integrating insights from institutions like ISDM, for-profit enterprises can further refine their strategies, ensuring that the pursuit of social impact aligns seamlessly with financial sustainability. In the grand tapestry of social change, each innovative strategy and collaborative effort contributes to a future where for-profit enterprises become powerful catalysts for positive transformation.

Source: Bridging Perspectives: Innovative Finance Insights from India. ISDM February 2024
Authors: Priyanshi Chauhan, Ria Sinha
Licence: Creative Commons Attribution CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
DOI: dx.doi.org/10.58178/242.1033

Introduction:

Women have been the pillars of strength in the realm of the social sector. Dr. Kiran Bedi, Aruna Roy, and Sudha Murthy are just a few of them who have led initiatives throughout the country and brought forth transformative change in society. However, their journey has not been simple. It is marked by both challenges and triumphs. This blog will delve into this landscape, shedding light on their pivotal role in social work, the obstacles they have encountered, and how they achieved progress in society.

The Crucial Role of Women in the Social Sector:

Women have always played a critical role in society, whether it be in families, raising children, health, education, community building, politics, or the social sector. Working for causes such as education, gender equality, healthcare, and community development, women have been natural leaders in social work practice due to their innate soft skills, such as empathy, resilience, and commitment to the cause. Women have driven several initiatives that address complex social issues, such as the upliftment of marginalised communities, by working at the grassroots level and advocating policy changes benefiting the people directly.

Challenges Faced by Women in the Social Sector:

Nevertheless, there are several barriers that women face in the field of social sector preventing them from advancing their careers. Gender prejudice and discrimination in society have hampered women from holding leadership, and decision-making positions. The burden of juggling job and family obligations only makes this worse. It is also observed that caregiving responsibilities are mostly given to women rather than management tasks. Lack of institutional support, funding constraints, and inadequate resources also exacerbate the struggles of women in the social sector..

Navigating the Complexities of Social Work Practice with Women:

Women are generally frontline workers in the social sector. They provide essential services and support the vulnerable populations. Their work has been fostering positive change, such as empowering women through skill-building programs, advocating for women’s rights, and counselling survivors of domestic violence. However, cultural norms that perpetuate gender inequality and inhibit women’s agency are barriers that women have had to navigate to advance in the social sector. Women can challenge this existing power structure and promote inclusivity and social justice by adopting a feminist approach to social work practice.

Celebrating Triumphs and Resilience:

Despite facing a myriad of challenges, women in the social sector have achieved remarkable triumphs and created a lasting impact.. Their strong drive to bring meaningful change has inspired others through resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment. Women have played diverse roles in advancing the goals of the social sector, from grassroots organisers and community leaders to policymakers and advocates. Their contribution is essential in building resilient communities and encouraging a more equitable and inclusive society. There have been countless women leaders in the social sector, but some of them have helped millions prosper through their work.

1. Aruna Roy: She has led the charge in efforts for the rights of underprivileged and marginalised groups. Additionally, she served as the spokesperson for the 2005 Right to Information Act, which was approved by the Indian parliament. Having worked strenuously for the people over the years, she is the president of the National Federation of Indian Women and the founder of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan.
2. Dr. Kiran Bedi: She is the first Indian and the first woman to be appointed as the head of the United Nations Police and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations. She is the founder of Navjyoti India Foundation, which addresses drug abuse issues in various parts of Delhi. She also set up the India Vision Foundation in 1994, working in the field of police reforms, women empowerment, and rural and community development.
3. Rohini Nilekani: She is the founder of Araghyam, a non-profit organisation that focuses on water and sanitation issues, and she also chairs the Akshara foundation which works on providing primary education to all. A philanthropist by nature, she is the chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies.
4. Sudha Murthy: She is the chairperson of the Infosys foundation which contributes through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Infosys foundation has built over 2300 houses in flood-affected areas of the country as well as contributing to building libraries and sanitation facilities. She also works for rural empowerment and upliftment of women.

The Role of Education and Training in Empowering Women in the Social Sector:

Education and training play an important role in empowering women in the social sector. Courses such as the Post Graduate Program in Development Management (PGP-DM) from ISDM not only provide comprehensive training to women but also equip them with policy analysis, leadership skills, knowledge, and tools to address complex societal changes effectively.. Moreover, to foster gender equality in the social sector, it is essential to promote initiatives that encourage women’s participation in decision-making processes and the development of women in this field. Women in the social sector have been inspiring others through mentorship activities such as webinars, talks, and displays of work on various social platforms. This not only encourages other women to pursue a career in social work but also promotes the social sector.

Creating a Supportive Ecosystem for Women in Social Work:

Creating an ecosystem that addresses the unique needs and challenges of women is imperative to truly harness their potential in the social sector.. This ecosystem is largely created by developing venues where women's perspectives are respected and heard, by offering networking and mentoring opportunities, and by advocating for gender-responsive policy. Destroying obstacles and paving the way for women to succeed in the social sector also requires funding the advancement of women leaders and promoting gender-inclusive policies. Diversity plays a major role in this context; bringing varied opinions and perspectives into the culture helps organisations make better-informed decisions regarding issues that they face. It also fosters innovation and creates an inclusive ecosystem for everyone to share their thoughts and visions.

Conclusion:

Women are an indispensable part of the social sector, driving change and advancing social justice. Despite the difficulties, their tenacity, will, and dedication to improving communities worldwide serve as an example to all. By tackling systemic hurdles, supporting gender equality, and investing in women's education and leadership development, we can create a more fair and inclusive social sector where women's contributions are acknowledged, recognised, and celebrated.