Details of the promises made in the MVA manifesto are discussed below:

Financial independence and support for women

To promote financial independence, the MVA has promised to introduce the Mahalaxmi Scheme, offering a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to women. This scheme is designed to provide consistent financial support to women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged sections of society. The allowance will help women manage household expenses, contribute to family income, and enhance their personal financial security. This is especially beneficial for women in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to employment opportunities and financial resources may be limited. Additionally, women will be eligible for six cooking gas cylinders annually at a subsidised rate of Rs. 500 each, significantly reducing the burden of fuel costs—a significant expense for many families. This initiative ensures that women can allocate their finances toward other essential needs, ultimately empowering them to have greater control over household economics.

In addition to this, the MVA promises free bus travel for women, which is a crucial step towards ensuring the mobility and freedom of women in Maharashtra. Public transportation is often a barrier to women’s participation in work and educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas. By removing this financial barrier, the MVA is making it easier for women to access markets, workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the promise of one-time financial support of Rs. 1,00,000 for girls at the age of 18 is a vital initiative aimed at helping young women make their transition to adulthood with financial support. This one-time benefit will support young women in pursuing higher education, skill development, or other opportunities that can lead to economic independence.

Promoting women’s health and safety

The MVA’s manifesto places a strong emphasis on the health and safety of women and girls across Maharashtra. The introduction of the ‘Nirbhay Maharashtra’ policy and the ‘Shakti’ law demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting women and children from violence and ensuring their safety. The Nirbhay Maharashtra Policy aims to create a robust, multi-tiered system for preventing and responding to gender-based violence, with a focus on rural areas and quick response units for immediate action. The Shakti Law, on the other hand, strengthens legal frameworks to provide faster trials, harsher penalties for crimes against women and children, and dedicated victim support cells. Together, these initiatives promise a comprehensive approach to women’s safety, combining prevention, swift legal action, and social support, creating a state where women can live free from fear and violence. These policies aim to create a comprehensive legal framework that not only deters gender-based violence but also offers immediate support and protection to victims. The enforcement of the Shakti law will help strengthen the legal system to deal with crimes against women and children more swiftly and effectively. These initiatives are essential in making women feel safe in their homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

In addition to this, the promise of provided free cervical cancer vaccines for girls aged 9 to 16 is a landmark health initiative that targets one of the leading causes of cancer among women in India. This preventive measure will help reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Maharashtra by providing free access to the HPV vaccine, particularly benefiting girls from underprivileged backgrounds who may otherwise not have access to this vaccine. Additionally, the MVA government promises two optional leave days for female employees during menstruation. This progressive policy acknowledges the health challenges that menstruation can cause, providing women with the time and space to rest without the worry of losing income or job security. It sets a precedent for gender-sensitive workplace policies that prioritise the well-being of women employees.

Further, the plan to establish safe, clean, and accessible public restrooms for women addresses a long-standing issue, particularly in urban areas. Safe and hygienic public toilets are essential for women’s dignity and health, especially when they are out in public spaces. This initiative will improve access to sanitation and ensure that women feel more comfortable and secure in public spaces.

Empowerment through education, employment, and skill development

The MVA’s initiatives also focus on empowering women through education, skill development, and employment opportunities. A key proposal is the introduction of self-defence lessons, which will be provided to young girls as part of the school curriculum. These lessons will equip girls with the physical and mental tools they need to protect themselves in situations of danger, contributing to greater self-confidence and security. Additionally, the establishment of a separate department for the empowerment of self-help groups (SHGs) is a significant step toward fostering leadership skills and economic independence for rural women. SHGs have been effective in empowering women by enabling them to pool resources, share knowledge, and engage in income-generating activities. The department will help expand the reach of these groups, provide them with market access for their products, and create opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in their communities.

The MVA’s commitment to building hostels for girls in each taluka is another important step toward ensuring that girls from rural and underserved areas can pursue education without worrying about accommodation. For many rural families, sending girls to distant schools or colleges is a challenge due to the lack of safe and affordable lodging options. By building hostels in each taluka, the MVA will provide a safe, convenient, and cost-effective solution, ensuring that young women have equal access to education, regardless of their geographical location.

Additionally, the MVA promises the formation of a dedicated Ministry for Child Welfare, which will focus on the holistic development and protection of children, particularly girls. This ministry will prioritise issues like access to quality education, health services, and protection from abuse, while also addressing the needs of children in vulnerable situations.

Equal pay and respect for women’s rights

The MVA government has committed to addressing economic disparities by pushing for equal pay for men and women in the unorganised rural sector. Women in this sector, particularly in agriculture and small-scale industries, are often paid significantly less than their male counterparts for the same work. By enforcing equal pay laws, the MVA aims to ensure that women are compensated fairly for their contributions, which will help reduce the gender wage gap in rural areas and foster greater economic equity.

The manifesto also includes measures to ensure that widows are treated with dignity and respect. Laws will be enacted to prevent forced adherence to harmful practices imposed on widows, such as social ostracism or forced isolation. These laws will protect widows’ rights and ensure that they are treated with respect and provided opportunities for economic empowerment. Additionally, the MVA aims to prioritise employment for widows and single women, creating targeted schemes to help them gain financial independence and reintegrate into the workforce.

To support women who have left the workforce due to family or personal reasons, the MVA promises to create special schemes to help them re-enter the workforce. These schemes will provide women with the necessary training, resources, and job placement opportunities to restart their careers and contribute to national progress.

Establishing safe and inclusive communities for all

The MVA government’s vision also includes the development of safe cities for vulnerable populations, including women, children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. This initiative will focus on improving urban planning, infrastructure, and law enforcement to create safer public spaces, enhance accessibility, and provide protection to marginalised groups. This initiative reflects the MVA’s broader goal of fostering inclusive communities where everyone, regardless of gender, age, or ability, can live with dignity and safety.

The government also plans to regularly update the women’s policy every three years, ensuring that it remains responsive to the evolving needs of women in Maharashtra. This adaptability is crucial in ensuring that the policy stays relevant and effective in addressing the challenges that women face, particularly in rapidly changing social and economic landscapes.

MVA’s aim to build a Maharashtra where women thrive

The MVA’s manifesto for women reflects a comprehensive, forward-looking vision that places women’s health, safety, financial independence, and empowerment at the center of Maharashtra’s development. These initiatives aim to build a Maharashtra where women can move freely, access equal opportunities, and lead empowered lives. By addressing the multifaceted needs of women, this manifesto demonstrates a commitment to gender equality and the belief that women’s empowerment is essential for Maharashtra’s progress as a whole. With these reforms, Maharashtra has the potential to become a leader in gender equality, setting an example for other states in creating a just and inclusive society.

Related:

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Maharashtra: Free speech has remained on the line of fire of the current regime, democracy on trial as state goes for election

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Image Courtesy: ToI

The Kerala government, in an unprecedented move, has allotted Rs 3 crore to women filmmakers of the Malayalam film industry. The allocated amount was announced by the Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac while presenting the 2019 annual budget for the state.

Issac tweeted saying, “Emergence of a women’s collective has been an important turning point in the struggle for gender equality in Malayalam film world. Kerala budget provides for a special scheme to financially support women filmmakers.”

According to sources, the amount has been allotted to the filmmakers after the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) submitted a proposal to the government highlighting the issues faced by women in the industry.

Over the last couple of years, several women actors in the film industry have said that they have been denied many opportunities for being outspoken about the discrimination faced by them within the industry. Speaking to the Indian Cultural Forum, a member of the WCC said, “This is a much welcomed decision. One of the major issues faced by the women in the industry is financial capital, which is predominantly owned by the men in the industry. Hope this initiative taken by the government can provide more opportunity to the women in the industry.”

Noted film-editor and co-founder of WCC, Bina Paul told The News Minute, “We are happy that the government has taken such a decision. This is a first for any government in India. We have only heard of the European Union and Sweden government announce such schemes in the past. We realise it is a very small amount. But this amount could help at least a few women. These days, documentary makers make films in Rs 30-40 lakh and this amount could be subsidised for them, without compromising on quality. Therefore, such token amounts are important.”

WCC is a collective of women working in the Malayalam film industry. It includes directors, assistant directors, technicians, artists, makeup artists etc. and presently has a core of 20 members. The collective was formed in 2017 after a female actor in the industry was abducted and sexually harassed. After the police enquiry, it was found that her colleague and a well-known actor of the film industry, Dileep, was involved in her abduction. Rather than supporting the actress, the Association of Malayalam Movie Actors (AMMA) stood with the accused. Subsequently, a group of women from the industry formed this collective. The formation of WCC has opened up the gates for discussion on issues of gender not just within but also outside the industry.

Appreciating the decision in a statement shared on Facebook yesterday, the WCC members said, “It’s a democratic decision made by the government. The allotment of Rs 3 Crore would provide scope for women to work in the industry. It also gives them confidence to stay in the field. Since the formation of the WCC, this was one of the demands we made to the government. And as women who are fighting against the existing norms in the society, this is also a validation of our struggles.”

Courtesy: Indian Cultural Forum

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File photo of the session room inside the Bangladesh Parliament Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune
 

In the recently-held 11th general election, 22 women were directly elected among in 299 constituencies. Despite this, the percentage of women elected to parliament is less than 8%—not even reaching double digits.

With 50 seats already reserved for women, the total percentage of female representatives stands at 20.3%. 

Among the 22 directly-elected members of parliament (MPs), 19 are from the ruling Awami League, two from Jatiya Party (JaPa), and one from Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD). 

Last year, the tenure of the reserved seats for women was extended to 25 years. However, until the major political parties nominate more women to run for directly-contested seats, a gender balanced parliament cannot be achieved. 

Women’s empowerment in politics on the rise
There is broad consensus that women’s increased participation in politics is necessary for both the democratic development of the country, as well as women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.

To encourage women to participate in politics, Bangladesh has taken initiatives to reserve a certain number of seats for women at all levels of government–national and local.

According to data from the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2018, among 193 countries, Bangladesh ranks 92nd in the world with 20.3% female MPs. Rwanda holds first position with 61.3% of female representation in the parliament. Bangladesh’s position is better than that of the USA, Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Malaysia.

The country’s two major political parties have been headed by women for over three decades; but the number of women directly elected to the parliament remains low. 

According to the recent “Global Gender Gap Report 2018” published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Bangladesh has closed over 72% of its overall gender gap, retaining its topmost position among the South Asian countries in ensuring gender equality.

Experts say Bangladesh has been a role model for women’s empowerment in the past decade, and consequently the society has experienced a positive change because of the efforts made in this regard. 

Syeda Razia Faiz was the first woman ever to be directly elected in Bangladesh, as a candidate from Bangladesh Muslim League, in the second parliamentary election that took place in 1979. In that year, the number of reserved seats for women increased from 15 to 30.

Women members of the parliament throughout the history of Bangladesh
However, in 1988’s fourth parliamentary election, the constitutional provision to that effect had expired.

Again, the tenure for the reserved seats ran out during the election held in 2001, after the parliament enacted a law to reserve seats for women in the fifth parliament in 1991.

Meanwhile, with the 14th amendment, the number of reserved seats for women was raised from 30 to 45—prior to the ninth parliamentary election held in 2008—and then increased to 50 through the 15th amendment in 2011. 

During 10th election in 2014, 18 women were directly elected. However, five new women became parliament members through a by-election later on.

‘Reserved seats needed until favourable environment is created’
Mahabub Ara Begum Gini—thrice-elected MP from the ninth to 11th parliamentary elections, for Gaibandha 2 — said reserved seats are there for women’s empowerment.

“We still have to fight with the male population to obtain our rights,” she said. “Women’s empowerment is also needed for the economic development of the country. 

“For as long as a favourable environment is not created for women, reserved seats are an absolute necessity,” Mahabub Ara said. 

Ismat Ara Sadique—who was elected an MP for two consecutive terms in the 10th and 11th general elections for Jessore 6 — said: “Reserved seats would not be needed if men changed their mentality.”

She added: “The notion that women are not able to carry out the responsibilities of a position, as capably as men, has made the society neglect women. This notion should be changed as women have proven countless times that they are able to handle responsibilities successfully.

“Women are now more aware than before,” Ismat said. “They have learned to use their own judgment while making decisions. However, women still remain deprived as society continues to bring them down.”

Ismat also said reserved seats should be kept as long as a favourable political environment for women is not created. 

‘Women should be elected, not selected, for reserved seats’
The policy of selecting MPs for the reserved seats should be changed, President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad Ayesha Khanam said.

“The existing policy of selecting, not electing, women for the reserved seats should be changed,” she said. “Most of them are politically inexperienced and consequently drop out after a few years. They do not even have any role in decision-making.”

They should be elected instead, she said. Women in remote areas are hardly politically aware, she added.

The women’s reserved seats should be increased to one-third of the whole of parliament, said Ayseha.

Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Sujan) Secretary Bodiul Alam Majumdar echoed similar sentiments. “The reserved seats should be increased, but the patriarchal system of selecting women for those seats should be changed. This does not empower women.” 
Bodiul further advised to follow India’s rotating system of electing women representatives. 

Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Fahmida Khatun told the Dhaka Tribune, in July 2018 that Bangladesh is improving in the area of women’s empowerment,but to ensure sustainability, priority should be given to: in skills-development, higher education and capacity-building.

Meanwhile according to the Representation of the People Order (RPO) every political party must have women as 33% of its representatives.

The provisions of the RPO 1972 were amended in 2008; now all parties have to ensure 33%, one third, of women representatives in all sectors, including the central committees, by 2020.

However, all registered parties—including Awami League and BNP—are yet to fulfill this condition. 

Courtesy: Dhaka Tribune

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Mehvish at her cafe in srinagar
 

Mehvish Mehraj Zargar, a resident of Lal Bazar area of the old city, has set up her own café and given it a beautiful name – ME’n’U Café. Located in Bemina area of Srinagar City, the Café can cater to around 50 people at a time.

The café opened in the month of February this year but had to stay shut most times due to the current turmoil.

She did her bachelor’s in Law from the Central University of Kashmir but her dream of being an independent woman and her interest in business pulled her to set up her own venture.

She lost her father due to cancer when she was just seven; she always wanted to do something for her mother and to support her family.

When Mehvish shared the idea of opening her own venture with her family, they appreciated her and supported her to set-up her dream café.

“My mom and brother supported my financially and emotionally, this was not possible without them, and especially in a place where the society is too conservative,” says Mehvish.

The café is equipped with all the modern facilities, good ambience and a retro look for the people of all age groups. The café offers a perfect atmosphere to hang out and get together.

The café has become an ideal place for teens and young adults to unwind and be themselves. Not that the adults and middle-aged don’t frequent its outlets, but that in no way diminishes its appeal among the youth. Not only is it the freewheeling atmosphere and a happy go lucky culture of the café that attracts the youth towards it but the wide variety of eatables and beverages it offers within the range of their pocket money is other major attraction.

She says the target audience includes the students since the café is close to Degree College Bemina and the prices are pretty much in their range.

“You can order just a cup of coffee,” says Mehvish, “and sit there for hours and read and write and talk. Nobody is going to disturb you,” she adds.

The layout of the café is quite trendy and appealing. The outlet is aesthetically designed and the colour combination and furniture is pleasing to the eye. The front side of the café is designed with wooden logs and it has become a focal point in this café.

View of the Me n U café that can cater to about 50 people

The café, according to its owners, serves Pizza, Rice, Pasta, Soups, Chicken, coffee, Hot and cold beverages, Kababs, Rolls and much more.

Mehvish believes that in today’s world, a lady should be financially and emotionally independent. “An independent woman is someone who knows her identity and has figured it out completely. Being an independent woman, and a happy one at that, is the most important person you can be,’ she says.

She says an independent woman takes care of herself and her family as well. “She is capable of so much. By being independent, you set an example for your children to follow just as my mother did. If you ask me about the society, you will face a number of critics which I don’t even think matter,” she adds.

Talking about her initial days into the venture, Mehvish says, “I faced a lot of opposition in the beginning but I paid no attention to them and kept myself oriented towards my goals.”

“People used to stare at me and I used to get strange looks from them. But now everything is fine as I have stopped taking these things seriously,” she adds.

Mehvish says she is trying to break-up the stereotype that a girl can’t do well in business. “I just want to be independent and business was my dream, I am ready I have to be strong, women will be criticised in any way when the idea of starting this venture came to my mind, I was aware that I will be criticized, So I prepared myself for that,” she explains.

Mehvish also understands how her business model is supposed to work out. “In the beginning, one cannot chase profits as you have to invest for your business so that it is on solid footing.  Right now, I am satisfied as there is no loss no profit,” she asserts.

“My message for the girls of the valley would be: Take your decisions and follow it. People will judge you anyway but you have to follow your dreams and fight back” Mehvish suggested to the female folk of the Kashmir.

She also receives Faeezah award for her contribution to “being an asset of the society and the agent of the positive change”. She dedicated the award to her family.

Mehvish receiving Faeezah award for her contribution to “being an asset of the society and the agent of the positive change

She also understands the need to employ a local workforce and working with contingency plans. “In Kashmir, shutdowns and strikes are common it is a part of our daily life and I have kept myself ready for that,” she says. Keeping the current situation in mind, she didn’t hire chefs from outside the state and has recruited local chefs only.

“By hiring local chefs, you are providing employment to your own people and at the time of strikes they are still available here and can call them any time,” she says.

Courtesy: Two Circles

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Ahead of the election to the state’s assembly on May 12, 2018, we compared Karnataka’s performance on 15 socio-economic and health-related indicators–sourced from National Family Health Surveys 2005-06 (NFHS 3) and 2015-16 (NFHS 4), Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation and Ministry of Labour and Employment–with nine other states. Some highlights:
 

• Among the states, Karnataka has the country’s second lowest unemployment rate, behind only Gujarat. Karnataka’s per capita income ranks fourth among the 10 states considered for the analysis;
• Karnataka’s infant mortality rate declined from 43.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005-06 to 26.9 in 2015-16, ranking fifth among the 10 states analysed;
• In 2015-16, 49.3% women in Karnataka were involved in household decision-making, better only than Bihar, Telangana and Mizoram;
• In 2015-16, 62.6% children (12-23 months) in Karnataka received all basic vaccinations, up from 55% in 2005-06. Karnataka ranks fifth among the 10 states considered for the analysis.

 
For our analysis, we chose south Indian states Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, development leaders Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra and laggards Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
 
For the period of analysis (2005-06 to 2015-16), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governed Karnataka for seven years until Congress took over in 2013–the last assembly elections. Of the other nine states, six–Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Gujarat–currently have BJP governments. Kerala has the government of Left Democratic Front, while Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are ruled by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Telugu Desam Party, respectively.
 
Karnataka has among country’s lowest child mortality rates
 
In 2015-16, Karnataka’s infant mortality rate (IMR)–the probability that a child born in a particular year will die before reaching the age of one–was 26.9 per 1,000 live births, down from 43.2 in 2005-06. Karnataka’s IMR was lower than the national average (40.7) and ranked fifth among the 10 states considered for the analysis.
 
At 31.5 deaths per 1,000 live births, the state’s under-five mortality rate also ranked fifth among the 10 states–worse than Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Source: National Family Health Survey 2015-16; Figures in deaths per 1,000 live birth
 
In 2015-16, 62.6% children–just above the national average of 62%–aged 12-23 months received all basic vaccinations in Karnataka, up from 55% in 2005-06, according to national health data.
 
To have received all basic vaccinations, a child must receive at least one dose of BCG vaccine, which protects against tuberculosis, three doses of DPT vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus, three doses of polio vaccine and one dose of measles vaccine.

 
Karnataka ranked fifth among the 10 states considered for the analysis.
 
Karnataka lags poorer states on women empowerment
 
More than 50% women in Karnataka were not involved in household decision making, according to national data. This includes decisions regarding one’s own healthcare, major purchases, daily household purchases and the decision to visit her family or relatives.
 
At 49.3%, Karnataka’s figure–lowest among the 10 states evaluated–is nearly 10 percentage points below the national average (59.2%), and is better only than that of, as we said, Bihar, Telangana and Mizoram.

 
In 2015-16, 58.1% women said it is justified for a husband to hit/beat his wife for any one of seven stated reasons—going out without telling him, neglecting the house or children, arguing with him, refusing sex, not cooking properly, showing disrespect for in-laws or if he suspects she is unfaithful. This was more than the national average of 51.7%, and worse than poorer states such as Uttar Pradesh (51.3%), Bihar (53.4%) and Rajasthan (33.4%).
 
In the same year, 57.5% men in Karnataka said it was justified, more than the national average of 42.2%, and worse than poorer states such as Uttar Pradesh (41.6%0, Bihar (38.1%) and Rajasthan (30.4%).
 
Over the decade to 2015-16, the percentage of ever-married women (15-49 years) who have ever faced emotional, physical or sexual violence by husband/previous partners in Karnataka rose from 21.5% in 2005-06 to 24.4%. Though this is lower than the national average (31%), it was higher than in Goa, Kerala, Gujarat and Maharashtra among the 10 states selected.

 
In 2015-16, 32.7% women (15-64 years) in Karnataka were part of the labour force, higher than the national average female labour force participation of 23.7%, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s Fifth Annual Employment-Unemployment Survey 2015-16.
 
Karnataka is ranked fourth on this indicator among the 10 states considered for the analysis–behind Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

 
Seven in 10 Karnataka women are literate, nearly one in two complete 10 years’ education
 
In 2015-16, Karnataka’s female literacy rate (71.7%) ranked sixth among the 10 states, better only than Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The state ranked 23rd of 36 states and union territories nationwide.
 
Meanwhile, 45.4% women in the state completed 10 or more years of education–behind Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu–data from NFHS-4 show.
 
While 85.1% men in Karnataka were literate in 2015-16, 55.2% completed 10 or more years of education, data show.

Source: National Family Health Survey 2015-16
 
Overall, 87.9% of Karnataka’s children aged 6-17 years were attending school in 2015-16, up from 73.3% a decade ago. Karnataka ranks fourth among the 10 states on this parameter.
 
Karnataka lags poorer states in access to drinking water and household toilets
 
In 2015-16, 89.3% households in Karnataka had access to an improved source of drinking water–including piped connections, public taps, tubewells or boreholes, protected dugwells and springs, rainwater or community reverse osmosis plant. The state ranked seventh of 10 states analysed.
 
Meanwhile, 65.8% households in Karnataka had a toilet facility–up from 46.5% in 2005-06–ranking fifth among 10 states considered for the analysis.

Source: National Family Health Survey, 2015-16
 
Karnataka has India’s second-lowest unemployment rate
 
At 1.5%, Karnataka’s unemployment rate in 2015-16 was India’s second-lowest, behind only Gujarat, according to data from the ministry of labour and employment. The national average was 5%.
 
The state’s per capita income in 2014-15–year for which latest state-wise data were available–was Rs 125,832, more than the national average of Rs 86,454 that year. Karnataka ranked fourth among the 10 states evaluated.

(Tripathi is a principal correspondent with IndiaSpend.)

Courtesy: India Spend

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The empowerment indicators are based on data from 14 states and two union territories. Until now, the International Institute for Population Sciences, the Mumbai-based organisation tasked with collecting and analysing NFHS survey data, has yet to release data for other states, including several of India’s most backward states: Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The 2005-06 NFHS provides comparative data for 12 out of the 14 states, and did not cover any union territories.
 
NFHS measures land ownership for the first time
 
This is the first time the NFHS has collected data on land owned by women, use of hygienic methods of protection during menstruation, and experience of violence during pregnancy. No other nationwide survey in India measures ownership of land by women.
 
The highest percentage of women who own land, individually or with another person, is in Manipur, at 69.9%, followed by Bihar at 58.8%. But this number does not reflect actual land ownership by women, as it includes both women who have sole ownership of land and those who own land jointly with another person–a family member or someone not from the family.

Source: National Family Health Survey 4
 
Research suggests that the actual number of women who have complete ownership over land would be lower.
 
Women in rural areas of Karnataka individually owned no more than 14% of all plots, while they owned 22% of all non-farm business activities in urban areas, according to this 2011study published by the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore. Women in Karnataka owned less land (20%) when compared with other developing countries like Ecuador (51%), and Ghana (36%), according to this 2011 study.
 
Research suggests that ownership of assets such as land and housing is especially important because it increases a women’s bargaining power in the household, and is correlated with decreased violence within the household. In Kerala, for instance, owning property, among other things, reduced the likelihood that a woman will be physically assaulted in a marriage, according to this 2005 study.
 
15.9% women from Tamil Nadu had bank accounts in 2005; in 2015, 77%
 
Bank accounts owned and used by women show the biggest improvement in the last decade of any indicator of women empowerment. The greatest increase was in the state of Tamil Nadu where bank accounts for women rose by 61.1 percentage points, from 15.9%, as measured in 2005-06, to 77%, according to data from the 2015-16 NFHS. Most women in Goa, 82%, own and use a bank account, followed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, at 81.8%, and Tamil Nadu, at 77%, according to data from NFHS 4.
 

Source: National Family Health Survey, 3 and 4
 
As many as 358 million Indian women now have a bank account, IndiaSpend reported in August 2016, with more than 75 million added to banking system in 2014 alone.
 
Spousal violence falls marginally; 31% women still face violence
 
Over the last decade, spousal violence has fallen marginally in all states, except Haryana, Karnataka, Meghalaya and Manipur, where reported spousal violence increased. Overall, 31.24% women in 12 states reported such violence in 2015-16, down from 33.15% in 2005-06.  
 

Source: National Family Health Survey, 3 and 4
 
The biggest decrease in spousal violence was in the state of Tripura, where the percentage of women facing spousal violence dropped from 44.1% to 27.9%. The largest increase in spousal violence was in Meghalaya, from 12.8% in 2005-2006 to 28.7% in 2015-2016.
 
Many women still use unhygienic methods of protection during menstruation
 
Using hygienic methods of protection during menstruation, such as sanitary napkins, tampons, or locally prepared napkins, is far from universal, according to data from NFHS 4. The lowest percentage of women, between the ages of 15 and 24, use safe methods in Bihar (31%), followed by Madhya Pradesh (37.6%) and Tripura (43.5%). Overall, more women in urban areas use safe methods of protection during menstruation, as compared to women in rural areas. The highest usage of safe methods during menstruation is in the union territory of Puducherry, at 96.9%.

 

Source: National Family Health Survey 4
 
More women participate in decision making within the household
 
All states except Assam, Haryana and Tamil Nadu saw an increase in the percentage of women who usually participated in household decisions–from an average of 83.1% in 12 states to 87%, over the decade ending 2015-16.
 

Source: National Family Health Survey, 3 and 4
 
The greatest increase was in the state of Madhya Pradesh, where 68.5% women participated in decision making within the household, a 14.3 percentage-point increase from 2005-06.
 
(Shah is a reporter/editor with IndiaSpend.)
 
This article first published on India Spend
 

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