Day 63 – Q 4. Rural to urban migration of men has increased the role of women in rural economy but it has also exposed them to different types of exploitations. Comment.
4. Rural to urban migration of men has increased the role of women in rural economy but it has also exposed them to different types of exploitations. Comment.
Introduction:
The term feminization of agriculture has become a common scenario in rural parts of country due to migration of men to urban areas in search of blue collared jobs in factories and industrial units. This has increased participation of women in agriculture and rural economic activities.
Body:
The increased participation has also led to exploitation of women:
- Wage parity.
- Menial jobs.
- Sexual exploitation.
- Lack of access to formal credit.
- Physical stress: Due to physical labour.
- Double burden: Family and work.
- Maternity issues.
- Health issues due to hard work and work under dangerous conditions.
Government initiatives to address the issue:
- Equal share in property to female member.
- Pradhan mantri Matru Vandhana Yojana.
- Kisan Credit cards.
- Mudra loans.
- Stand up India.
- Free food in hospitals for pregnant and lactating women.
- Wage compensation during maternity.
- Mahila E-haat.
Note: 1-2 line explanation is required for all points.
Way forward:
- Wage parity: Brining wage parity i.e. equal pay for equal work irrespective of gender.
- Formal work: Gram Sabha providing employment to women under MGNREGA and other schemes like ASHA etc.
- Feminization of tools: Feminization of agricultural tools i.e. making them women user friendly.
- Formal credit: Making availability of formal credit without any guarantee since they lack any property or lands under their name.
- Marketing facility: Providing marketing facility to women produce.
- KVK: Opening krishi Vigyan Kendra at every Zilla panchayat level to address and train them.
- Collective farming by women: This is reduce any kind of exploitation be it sexual or physical by men or outsiders.
Best answer: Rashmi Rani
