Discover the untold stories of young urban women in India as they navigate a complex web of challenges and opportunities. In this exclusive interview with Esther Mariaselvam, Associate Director, Action Aid India, we delve into the struggles that are faced by young urban women, be it limited employment prospects or economic exclusion, and shed light on the barriers they face in a society where gender norms and unequal structures persist. Gain insights into the initiatives, collaborations, and policy recommendations by ActionAid Association that aim to empower these women, challenge societal norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. Join us in exploring the intersection of women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and social change as we uncover the transformative journey of these young urban women in their pursuit of dignity, respect, and equality.
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Q. Could you shed light on the key challenges that young urban women face, particularly in terms of limited employment opportunities and economic exclusion?
A. It's important to recognize that work is not just about financial sustenance, but it also holds the power to confer dignity and respect, which holds even truer for women who often find themselves in vulnerable positions within society.
Young urban women face a myriad of obstacles, including scarcity of viable job prospects and their exclusion from meaningful economic participation. This is true even in urban contexts where employment and livelihood opportunities are more than in rural areas.
From a young age, women navigate a complex interplay of responsibilities, ranging from unpaid caregiving roles to paid work. Many women opt for home-based employment due to its convenience to coexist with their primary role as homemakers. However, this choice often stems from a variety of factors. Family norms and restrictions play a significant role in their decision to not pursue paid work. Beyond these familial expectations, factors such as family obligations, lack of skills, and the demands of childbirth also contribute to this dynamic.Furthermore, additional to the burden of care work, women experience other challenges in the world of work, prominent amongst them is the devaluation of women’s labour, unequal wages, assignment of subordinate roles in the workspace and toxic environment and sexual harassment in the workplace, and lack of security and access to gender sensitive public services in the city.
These challenges are deeply interconnected and require a multi-faceted approach. It's not just about creating more job opportunities, but also about addressing the broader societal norms and structural inequalities that underpin these challenges. This includes recognizing the burden of unequal care work that falls on women, reducing the burden of care through labour mechanisms (government/civil society) and socialization (providing access to day care, community kitchens and elderly care), while also redistributing care work by sharing it between men and women.
By fostering an inclusive environment, offering skill development programs, and dismantling gender biases, we can empower young urban women to overcome these obstacles and achieve their full potential in the workforce and economy.
Q. Can you provide details about the collaborative initiative "Celebrating International Youth Day: Empowering Young Urban Women in a Green Economy" and its role in addressing challenges faced by young women in urban areas through the partnership between ActionAid Association and the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission?
A. For over a decade, ActionAid Association has actively fostered connections with young women residing in Chennai's resettlement sites. Through our dedicated endeavours, we've witnessed the transformative impact on these women's lives. Notably, the women have organized themselves under the banner of the Young Urban Women Federation, an entity that we helped establish and officially register. The event in collaboration with the State Human Rights Commission on International Youth Day, served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of some of these exceptional young women from the resettlement community. These young women, despite facing substantial obstacles, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination. They achieved notable milestones such as pursuing higher education, proudly becoming the first generation in their families to attend college, and securing respectable employment opportunities.
The event itself was designed to be an inspirational experience for not only the recognized achievers but also for the broader community, particularly young girls from vulnerable families. It was heartening to witness government officials responsible for women's rights and policies actively participating and engaging with these young women, offering their support and recognition. The event provided a platform for open dialogue, as members of the Young Urban Women Federation shared their personal experiences including their accomplishments and challenges in the presence of these officials.
Central to the event was the presentation of the "Manifesto on Empowering Young Urban Women," a strategic document that captured the critical issues and action points pertaining to the rights and problems of young urban women. By sharing this manifesto with government authorities, we aimed to initiate a constructive discourse and underscore the importance of addressing the unique issues of young women in urban areas within policy frameworks. We hope that these recommendations will be taken up by the political parties in their manifestos for the 2024 elections.
Q. The text mentions that caste and religion can impact public life. How does ActionAid Association work to address the vulnerability faced by young women from lower castes or minority religions?
A. ActionAid Association has a strong focus on addressing issues of exclusion. Under this framework, we address the issues of exclusion of women among the vulnerable and excluded groups. The urban poor of often come under multiple type of exclusions, as mentioned belonging to a so-called lower caste or a minority religion adds to their vulnerability. ActionAid Association has a long experience of working amongst the urban poor, and amongst them working with Muslims, Dalits and tribal communities. Our engagements range across work under women rights which covers violence against women, creating an enabling environment for women’s economic empowerment by addressing issues of structural exclusion, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).The collectives that we help set up build solidarities of women across diversities of religion and caste, as our work includes promotion of constitutional values and facilitating access to rights and entitlements, that women from Scheduled Castes and minority religions are provided.
Q. In what ways does the partnership between ActionAid Association and the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission contribute to women's empowerment and gender equality as part of their CSR efforts?
A. While ActionAid Association’s engagement with young urban women, and in Tamil Nadu our collaboration with the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission is not a part of a CSR project, working with young women in an urban context, is an important area that CSR canand should support.
Q. How does the collaborative pilot study with ActionAid address the issue of child marriage among college students in relocation sites, and how does it tie into the CSR objectives of both organizations?
A. The post-Covid increase in school dropout rates is concerning, with various factors contributing to this issue. The disengagement caused by the pandemic's remote learning challenges has had a lasting impact on some students' interest in education. The geographical displacement of families from Perumbakkam's urban relocation sites to distant schools has further exacerbated the problem. This situation has unfortunately led to an increase in child marriages, which can have severe physical, mental, and pregnancy-related health consequences for young girls. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a holistic approach that considers both educational re-engagement and the well-being of affected children.
The collaborative pilot study aims to investigate the issue of child marriage among college students in relocation sites like Perumbakkam and Semmenchery. It seeks to understand the reasons behind child marriages and identify effective coping mechanisms to prevent them. This study could contribute valuable insights to addressing this concerning issue.
Q. Can you explain how the implementation of a complaint mechanism at relocation sites, in partnership with the police department, contributes to the safety and well-being of marginalized children, aligning with ActionAid's CSR values?
A. Throughout our engagement with communities, we've encountered a range of concerns pertaining to the safety of young women and children. In response, ActionAid Association envisions a collaborative effort with the police department to establish accessible complaint boxes strategically positioned within these communities.
The primary objective behind these complaint boxes is to create a secure and confidential avenue for women to report instances of harassment, abuse, or any violations they might encounter. By instituting such a mechanism, our aim is to empower women with the ability to voice their concerns without the burden of fear, thereby ensuring that these concerns are promptly and effectively addressed.
Q. How does ActionAid Association's focus on recognizing the achievements of young women in the International Youth Day celebration contribute to its CSR commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and social recognition?
A. At ActionAid Association, gender equality is a tangible goal that requires active efforts by promoting women as protagonists, particularly women from vulnerable and marginalised communities. Our emphasis on spotlighting the accomplishments of young women during the International Youth Day celebration directly reflects this commitment. By highlighting the achievements of these young women, we address the gender disparities and biases that persist in our society.
This approach serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it challenges prevailing gender norms and stereotypes that often limit women's roles and potential. By showcasing the diverse successes of these young women, we send a powerful message that women are not confined to traditional roles but are fully capable of excelling in education, employment, leadership, and more, despite challenging circumstances. This has a ripple effect, contributing to a shift in societal perceptions and fostering a more equitable view of women's capabilities.
Secondly, by celebrating the achievements of young women, we actively nurture a sense of social recognition and validation. Too often, women's accomplishments are overlooked or downplayed, leading to a cycle of underestimated potential. By publicly acknowledging and celebrating their triumphs, we uplift their voices and stories, empowering them to pursue their aspirations with renewed confidence and determination.
In the larger context, by shining a spotlight on the achievements of young women, we're not only acknowledging their individual successes but also underlining the collective strength and potential of women in driving positive change. This sends a compelling message to communities, policymakers, and stakeholders that women's contributions are pivotal to sustainable development and societal progress.
Hence, recognizing the achievements of young women on International Youth Day goes beyond surface-level celebration. It's a strategic approach to challenge gender norms, boost self-esteem, and foster a culture of inclusivity and equality.
Q. How do the policy recommendations presented by ActionAid Association aim to tackle the unique challenges faced by young urban women, and what potential impact could they have on shaping policies in the future?
The policy recommendations put forth are designed to directly address the distinctive challenges that young urban women encounter. These recommendations encompass a range of areas, each strategically targeted to empower and uplift this demographic.
Firstly, by proposing the development of urban-specific schemes and interventions, we seek to target issues that disproportionately affect young urban women, such as early marriage, acid attacks, cybercrimes, and sexual harassment.
Additionally, the recommendation to empower young urban women in decision-making roles aligns seamlessly with the objective of giving them a voice in shaping policies that directly impact their lives. By aligning existing urban policies to support these empowerment initiatives, we maximize the influence of their participation, fostering a more inclusive and representative policy landscape.
Moreover, the focus on sensitizing urban government officials about young women's gender issues is a step to cultivate a deeper understanding of the challenges they face. This awareness translates into more informed policy decisions that accurately address these issues. The expansion of health services with a specific emphasis on reproductive health and the provision of essential hygiene products serves to enhance the well-being of young urban women. These measures not only improve their physical health but also contribute to their overall quality of life. Creating safe and dignified workspaces exclusively for young urban women aims to break down the unique barriers they face in the professional world. Integrating gender awareness into various facets of society, from education to community activities, represents a comprehensive approach to challenging societal norms and promoting gender equality. This shift in attitudes has a far-reaching impact, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society. The recommendation to redistribute care work and develop Gender Responsive Public Services acknowledges the unequal burden of caregiving responsibilities and aims to provide a fair and supportive framework for young urban women. Additionally, the proposal for policies addressing gender-based violence during conflicts and crises showcases a proactive approach to safeguarding their rights and safety in challenging times. Lastly, protecting the rights of young urban women living in resettlement sites, by ensuring access to basic necessities and safe environments.
Collectively, these policy recommendations hold immense potential to reshape the experiences of young urban women and create lasting societal changes. By targeting their unique challenges, promoting their active involvement in policy decisions, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, these recommendations pave the way for a brighter future where young urban women thrive and contribute to shaping policies that prioritize their well-being.
Q. How does the collaboration between ActionAid Association and the State Commission for Women, including the presentation of the manifesto to the Youth Ministry, reflect the organization's commitment to CSR-driven social change, women's empowerment, and influencing policies for young urban women?
A. By partnering with the State Commission for Women, we extend our reach and impact. The manifesto presentation to the Youth Ministry stands as a testament to our collective resolve to dismantle barriers obstructing the growth and progress of young urban women. It symbolizes our combined efforts to create an enabling environment where these women can fully participate and flourish. However, this presentation is not merely a symbolic gesture; the main aim is to communicate our advocacy and concerns directly to the authorities responsible for shaping youth-related policies. By doing so, we seek to initiate tangible shifts in policy frameworks that prioritize the unique needs, aspirations, and rights of young urban women.
Q. How does the collaborative initiative "Celebrating International Youth Day: Empowering Young Urban Women in a Green Economy" highlight the intersectionality of women's empowerment, environmental protection, and gender inclusivity?
A. By focusing on young urban women, the initiative acknowledges the unique challenges they face, addressing both their gender-related needs and their role in shaping a sustainable economy. This approach demonstrates the significance of recognizing multiple dimensions of identity and advocating for comprehensive solutions that benefit both women and the environment.It recognizes that these aspects are interconnected and aims to provide opportunities for young women in urban areas to contribute to a green economy while breaking down gender barriers and promoting environmental protection. In this endeavour, CSR can play a big role.
Q. What are the future plans and aspirations of ActionAid Association in continuing to empower young urban women and advancing their CSR-driven initiatives for social change and gender equality?
A. Establishing a Young Urban Women Federation is a promising initiative to empower and support young urban women in various ways. By serving as a resource centre and facilitating entitlements, this federation can contribute significantly to promoting equal rights, decent work, and safety for women in the community. Having YUW members lead activities independently will enhance the impact of the federation's efforts.
