In the heartlands of India, amidst lush forests, rolling hills, and sprawling plains, a resilient group of individuals face a daily struggle that often goes unnoticed – the tribal women. These women, integral to the survival of their communities, bear the brunt of poor health conditions, poverty, unhygienic living environments, and the ever-looming threat of exploitation. While the state and central governments have made lofty promises of development and progress, the ground reality for these tribal women remains starkly different, revealing a stark dissonance between rhetoric and action.
Tribal women in India are a testament to human resilience. Despite the immense challenges they face, they strive to maintain the well-being of their families and communities. However, their strength should not be mistaken for contentment. The poor health conditions they endure are a glaring reflection of the government’s failure to provide adequate healthcare facilities. Often residing in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities, these women bear the brunt of preventable diseases and maternal mortality due to the lack of proper healthcare services. The state’s inability to ensure basic health services highlights its disregard for the well-being of those who stand at the intersection of gender and tribal identity.
In the assessment of health services accessible to tribal women, A Parliamentary Committee on the Empowerment of Women on August 8 highlighted in its report how certain ailments such as sickle cell anemia and leprosy persisted at a higher rate within tribal communities.
Regarding the health situation, the Health Ministry communicated in written correspondence to the committee that hereditary conditions like sickle cell disorder and G-6 PD deficiency were on the rise within tribal regions. Furthermore, the prevalence of hypertension was also notable in these areas, coupled with an elevated occurrence of communicable diseases such as leprosy, tuberculosis, cholera, etc., as compared to other societal segments.
The committee’s observations indicated that over half of the reproductive-age tribal women suffered from anemia. Additionally, it was noted that testing for sickle cell disease among approximately 1.5 crore individuals from targeted districts revealed that 10.5 lakh individuals were carriers of the disease, with around 50,000 individuals diagnosed with the condition.”
Poverty perpetuates the cycle of vulnerability. Tribal women, burdened by economic hardships, find themselves trapped in a cycle of deprivation. The lack of educational opportunities and skills training leaves them with limited avenues for employment. This lack of economic empowerment exacerbates their vulnerability to exploitation by unscrupulous agents who take advantage of their desperation. Despite government initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation, many tribal women are left out of the reach of these programs, further perpetuating their marginalization.
Unhygienic living conditions add another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by tribal women. The absence of proper sanitation facilities and access to clean water puts their health at risk and erodes their dignity. The CentralGovernment’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” (Clean India Campaign) may have garnered attention, but its effectiveness in tribal areas remains questionable. The campaign’s success should not be measured solely by the number of toilets built, but by the tangible improvements in the lives of those who are most vulnerable to unsanitary living conditions.
Exploitation is an ever-present spectre for tribal women of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Orissa. The lack of legal awareness and protection mechanisms renders them susceptible to human trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of exploitation. Government measures to combat these issues often fall short of addressing the root causes. The failure to address the systemic inequalities that make tribal women more susceptible to exploitation perpetuates a cycle of suffering that could be prevented with proper intervention and support.
The question that arises is why, despite the numerous policies and schemes, tribal women remain ensnared in a cycle of neglect. One reason is the disconnection between policy formulation and ground realities. Policies designed in ivory towers often fail to consider the complex web of challenges faced by tribal women, leading to well-intentioned yet ineffective initiatives. Moreover, the lack of representation of tribal women in decision-making processes ensures that their voices are silenced, and their needs go unaddressed.
To truly uplift tribal women, a multi-faceted approach is required. Healthcare services must be made accessible, sensitive to cultural nuances, and free of discrimination. Empowerment initiatives that focus on education, vocational training, and skill development can equip tribal women with the tools they need to break free from the cycle of poverty. Furthermore, efforts to ensure safe and hygienic living conditions should be a priority, with a focus on the actual impact of initiatives rather than mere symbolic gestures.
Legal awareness and protection must be extended to tribal women to shield them from exploitation. This involves not only stringent law enforcement but also community-based programs that educate women about their rights and provide them with the tools to resist exploitation. Empowerment must go hand in hand with enabling environments that allow tribal women to voice their concerns, participate in decision-making processes, and hold the government accountable.
The state and central governments’ inaction and misplaced priorities have perpetuated the suffering of tribal women in India. These women, though often overlooked, are the backbone of their communities, bearing the weight of poor health conditions, poverty, unhygienic living environments, and exploitation. It’s time for a holistic reevaluation of policies, rooted in an understanding of the unique challenges faced by tribal women. The government must bridge the gap between rhetoric and action, ensuring that promises of development translate into tangible improvements in the lives of those who have been marginalized for far too long. The time for change is now – a change that acknowledges the resilience of tribal women while striving to provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve. Anything less would be a continuation of the grave injustice that has persisted for generations.
Central to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by tribal women is a comprehensive policy overhaul that places their well-being, empowerment, and rights at the forefront. The state and central governments must not only recognize the existing gaps but also commit to filling them with targeted, evidence-based interventions.
Healthcare systems require tailored strategies to ensure that tribal women receive the medical attention they deserve. This involves establishing well-equipped healthcare centers in remote areas and training local healthcare providers to address the unique health concerns of these communities. Collaborations between traditional healing practices and modern medicine can also lead to more holistic healthcare solutions that respect cultural sensitivities.
Economic empowerment is another key aspect that demands immediate attention. Skill development programs should be designed to align with local market demands and the specific talents of tribal women. Moreover, microfinance initiatives can provide them with access to financial resources to start their own businesses. These economic opportunities not only contribute to poverty alleviation but also reduce vulnerability to exploitation.
Addressing the unhygienic living conditions requires a combined effort. Government initiatives must not only focus on building sanitation facilities but also on promoting hygiene education. Behavioural change campaigns that educate tribal communities about the importance of sanitation and cleanliness can lead to sustainable improvements in living conditions. This, coupled with community-led efforts to maintain clean surroundings, can create a lasting impact.
To tackle exploitation, legal awareness and protection must be prioritized. The government should collaborate with legal experts and educational organizations to create accessible platforms that educate tribal women about their rights and offer avenues for legal recourse. Additionally, community-based initiatives can empower them to recognize and resist exploitative practices.
Education must be transformed into a powerful tool for change. The curriculum should be inclusive, representing the diverse cultures and histories of tribal communities. Schools should be equipped with well-trained teachers who can cater to the specific needs of tribal children. Scholarships and incentives can further encourage tribal girls to pursue education and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
Active participation in decision-making processes is essential for long-term change. The government must take proactive measures to ensure tribal women are represented in local governance bodies and community development planning. Recognising their perspectives and needs will lead to policies more attuned to their realities.
Author is Vikram Raj, freelance Journalist who writes on a wide range of stories from stories of displacement, atrocities and human rights violations.