Question

Despite progress in infrastructure and asset ownership, what persistent disparity does NFHS-5 highlight for women?

• A. Lower life expectancy
• B. Limited access to healthcare
• C. Lower participation in political activities
• D. Gender disparities in accessing essential services and outcomes

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Gender disparities in accessing essential services and outcomes

Persistent Gender Disparities Highlighted by NFHS-5

• Despite improvements in infrastructure and asset ownership among women, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals persistent gender disparities in accessing essential services and achieving equitable outcomes.

• These disparities are critical to understand within the context of Kerala's Model of Development, which often emphasizes social welfare and gender equality.

Key Areas of Disparity:

• Healthcare Access and Outcomes:

  • While access to basic healthcare may have improved, differences persist in the utilization of specific health services, maternal and child health indicators, and nutritional status between genders.

  • For instance, certain health issues predominantly affecting women might still face challenges in timely diagnosis and treatment due to socio-cultural barriers or unequal decision-making power within households.

• Education and Skill Development:

  • Although female literacy rates are high in many regions, disparities can emerge in higher education enrollment, access to vocational training, and acquiring skills for higher-paying jobs.

  • This can impact women's economic empowerment and their ability to secure better employment opportunities.

• Economic Participation and Financial Inclusion:

  • Even with increased asset ownership, women often face challenges in accessing credit, financial services, and participating equally in the formal labor market.

  • Wage gaps and limited access to economic decision-making power within families and communities remain significant issues.

• Access to Resources and Decision-Making Power:

  • While NFHS-5 might show progress in women owning assets, the level of control they have over these assets and their involvement in household decision-making can still be unequal.

  • This affects their agency and ability to leverage resources for personal and familial well-being.