RATIO OF WOMEN AGAINST MEN IN INDIA
Today we will tell you how the number of women in India is increasing compared to men, and how government efforts are contributing in this direction.
Our first news topic is the recent data from the National Family Health Survey.
Between 2019 and 2021, data from the survey shows that the number of women in India was 1,020 per 1,000 men.
Yes, this figure indicates the changes happening in gender balance in India. In rural areas, the balance is even better, with 1,037 women per 1,000 men. But in urban areas, the ratio falls to 985.
However, the sex ratio at birth remains a concern, with only 929 girls born per 1,000 boys. This shows that sex-selective practices are still continuing.
If we look back at the 2011 Census, the figure then was only 943 women per 1,000 men. Declining numbers in the past stemmed from systemic patriarchy, son preference, and practices like dowry.
Even so, the government has introduced initiatives such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) and the PCPNDT Act to curb this imbalance.
So overall, while the gender ratio is improving, we still need greater efforts in this direction. With this in mind, we will continue to monitor changes happening at the national level.
FEMALE INFANTICIDE
Female infanticide, also known as sex-selective abortion, honor killings (also called “shame killings”), and human organ trafficking—these are the major threats women continue to face.
Our first news update is from India and China, where nearly 2 million girls disappear every year. Let us understand the traditions behind this and the impact of modern policies.
In India and Nepal, son preference has been deeply rooted in social policies and traditional beliefs for centuries. The dowry system and declining property rights for women are also major reasons. Ultrasound technology worsened the problem, as gender determination has often been followed by abortion of female fetuses.
In China and South Korea, Confucian principles placed men above women. China’s One-Child Policy once made this problem even more severe. However, China has been trying to reverse the situation.
South Korea, by changing traditional mindsets and empowering women socially and economically, has been able to largely overcome this issue. Their experience shows that when women’s social standing and earning capacity rise, these problems can be effectively controlled.
With conditions worsening, it’s time we take this matter seriously and implement strong measures.
MISSING WOMEN BETWEEN 2019 TO 2021
Between 2019 and 2021, 1.313 million girls and women went missing in India. The highest number of cases were reported from Madhya Pradesh.
According to our first report, the government shared this shocking information in Parliament. Of these missing women cases, nearly 200,000 were from Madhya Pradesh alone, while West Bengal followed closely behind.
The government claims to have taken several measures to ensure women’s safety—such as collaborating with NGOs, setting up hotlines and safe spaces for women, and improving police and legal procedures. Awareness campaigns have also been launched among the public.
This data forces us to reflect on how essential both individual and collective efforts are to ensure women’s safety in our society.
HONOR KILLING/SHAME KILLING
One of the harsh realities we are facing as a society is honor killing.
Honor killing, also known as “shame killing,” is the brutal act of murder committed to “protect the family’s honor.” Most victims are women, though men and sometimes even LGBTQ+ community members also fall victim.
Let us dive deeper into this issue.
Though such cases are more common in North Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana, they are also being increasingly reported in South India. Recently, seven incidents were reported in Karnataka, showing that this issue is spreading nationwide.
In such cases, perpetrators feel no remorse. Instead, they often gain support from community members, who believe they have “protected family honor.” The killers feel pride instead of guilt.
LACK OF LAW
The lack of a specific law against honor killings in India, and how criminals are taking advantage of this gap.
Our first story focuses on honor killings. In India, there is no special law to address honor killings; these crimes are treated under the Indian Penal Code as “murder.” In 2006, the Supreme Court of India described such acts as “cruel and shameful murders.” But the question is—are strict punishments alone enough to stop such crimes?
what steps can the government and society take to address this critical issue?
According to the Supreme Court, “there is no honor in honor killings.” They are nothing but barbaric murders carried out by people with feudal mindsets. The only way to end these brutal acts is through strict punishments and the rule of law.
It has also been clarified that in a free and democratic country, every individual has the right to marry whomever they choose. If families oppose, they can only cut social ties, but they cannot commit violence.
In the absence of a separate honor-killing law, it becomes essential that we take strong measures—both socially and institutionally—to eradicate these crimes from society.
SAHIB KHAN
NCNB