Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Rijul Sihag ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Sociology, CR Law College, Hisar, Haryana, IN

Abstract

Domestic violence against women is old phenomena. Women were always considered weak, vulnerable and in a position to be exploited. Cultural mores, religious practices, economic and political conditions may set the precedence for initiating and perpetuating domestic violence, but ultimately committing an act of violence is a choice that the individual makes out of a range of options. Moreover, women are socialized into their gender roles in different societies throughout the world. In societies with a patriarchal power structure and with rigid gender roles, women are often poorly equipped to protect themselves if their partners become violent. India's National Family Health Survey-IV (2015-16) has found that a substantial proportion of married women have been physically or sexually abused by their husbands at some time in their lives. It is on this basis that this paper discusses the meaning, types of domestic violence and after-effects of these types of violence on abused women. In addition, the paper discusses the laws in action for providing intervention to the affected individuals. This can be restrained by educating women about her rights, provision of strict laws and punishment for offence of domestic violence.

Keywords

Domestic Violence, Women, India.

Full Text

     

Rijul Sihag ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Sociology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultnral University, Hisar, Haryana, IN

Abstract

Empowerment is defined as the method by which women take control and ownership of their lives by expansion of their choices. The main elements of empowerment have been defined as gender power structnres, self-esteem and self-confidence (Kabeer, 2001). Empowerment can take place at hierarchy of ditferent levels-individual, household, community and societal. Self help groups are small informal association of the poor created at the grass ischolar_main level for the purpose of enabling members to reap economic benefits out of mutual help andj oint responsibility. The present study is conducted with the objectives to understand the reasons ofjoining Self-help Groups and also grading them on basis of their functioning. The primary data were collected through a structured, non disguised questionnaire. Atotal of300 respondents trom four villages of two districts of Haryana formed the sample size of the study. The study found that these groups consisted of mostly 15- 20 members, mostly belonging to lower castes and poorer sections. The outcome of the study revealed that most of the members of groupsjoined it to generate personal income including training facilities, availability of workplace etc. Also, grading was done on basis of the functioning of groups.

Keywords

Empowerment, Self-Help Groups, Members.

Full Text