One-third of married women in India experience spousal violence: Study

Almost one-third of the married women in India have experienced violence at the hands of their husband, according to a study conducted by Gujarat-based NGO ‘Sahaj’ in collaboration with London-based Equal Measures 2030 - an independent civil society and private sector-led partnership.

In its report titled ‘Fiscal Underpinnings of Gender Equity Health, Nutrition and Welfare Programs for Women’, the NGO categorised gender-based violence as one of the most serious concerns in the country.

Citing National Family Health Survey (NHFS) 4 data, the report stated that about 27 per cent of women aged 15 to 49 years have experienced physical violence since the age of 15 years.

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“On one hand, India shows strong economic growth and on the other hand, it lags far behind in achieving equitable development amongst individuals facing discrimination based on caste, class or gender,” the report said.

“Almost one-third of all married women in India have experienced spousal violence and wife-beating is accepted by many women,” it said.

According to the report, “patriarchal attitudes” are deeply rooted in the minds of Indian men, which are also reflected in “discriminatory attitudes towards girl and women, and a view of women largely through a reproductive role”.

The report also flagged serious concerns over the fact that “Indian girls receive less education, have poorer nutrition and get less medical attention than boys”.

It said that despite the government initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, the patriarchal attitudes in people’s mind continue to undermine the social status of women.

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 “For instance, despite the existence of initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, pervasive patriarchal attitudes continue to undermine the social status of women, contributing to poor health and mortality outcomes for girls and worsening sex ratios at birth,” it added.