Women Issues

In Hindu law, the concept of ‘Stridhana’ refers to the property of a woman in which she has an absolute ownership over it. She can alienate such property too. ‘Stridhana’ as defined by sage Yajnavalkya, includes presents given to a woman by her father, mother or husband or brother or whatever is received before marriage or on the occasion of the second marriage of her husband.

While there are Indian laws to curb controlled substance trafficking, use and production, the fact is that drug abuse is rampant in urban India. An increasing number of affluent urban Indians are using drugs as a means to escape stress, depression and loneliness. The Indian society is currently experiencing change of roles and lifestyles, which although superficially prosperous is highlighted by many long term problems. This includes depression, anxiety and insecurity. Now, even Indian women are getting trapped into the vicious cycle of using drugs.

Social and religious sanction of prostitution was known as the ‘devadasi’ system. It comprised two words, “deva” meaning God and “dasi” meaning slave or servant-woman. This system is a traditional religious practice, which is followed mainly in the southern part of India. According to this custom, small girls are dedicated to gods and goddesses, by their parents. What happens is that a devadasi is married to a deity and considered as the servant of god. She is not allowed to marry a mortal. However, the traditional religious custom was misused and abused by generations of those who were in charge of temples. They exploited these girls sexually and since then, this term is synonymous with prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation. Such inhuman treatment amounts to human rights violations.

Since time immemorial, India is known as the cradle of ethics, values and spiritual integration. Through centuries, the time-old custom of revering one’s parents and obeying their wishes became a part of the Indian social system. Also, worshipping or revering the Mother as equivalent to God continues even today. However, women issues continue to score poorly in India, particularly pertaining to the health care services meant for mothers.