4. Woman Care
A woman plays a pivotal role in her family, and society at large, and their upliftment is the cornerstone for any significant development of the society. But discrimination is rife in the rural Indian society. A girl is deprived of schooling and literacy for no other reason than that she is a female. Underprivileged women of India are subjected to high vulnerabilities, poverty, low education and poor health. Struggling to combine low-paid work, with care for the home, they often have to cope with frequent pregnancies and child mortality. They are likely to have little or no say in their families.
Launched under Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care Programme, 'Woman Care' aims at uplifting women by providing them proper educational facilities, medical facilities and undertaking activities to make them self-reliant.
Woman Care is managed by Shrimad Rajchandra Medical Trust.
Many of the women admitted to SRH for deliveries...
- are in the age group of 18-20 years
- weigh only 35~40 kg
- are severely anemic, with Haemoglobin levels of 6~8 gram (instead of the normal 11~12 gram) and
- are brought to the Hospital in an emergency state with serious complications
Shrimad Rajchandra Hospital provides an excellent facility for less privileged expectant mothers to be able to deliver in a clean and safe environment. To ensure safe motherhood, SRH has highly qualified gynaecologists in attendance, 24 hours a day. In December 2006, SRH enrolled in Gujarat Government's Chiranjeevi Scheme. Pregnant women registered under this Scheme can deliver in a hospital free of charge. This Scheme is in place to encourage women to deliver in a proper hospital rather than risking delivery at home.
'Mamta Divas' – Awareness Drives
Camps are organized in rural or tribal areas for all expectant mothers where the following activities are carried out:
- The expectant mothers are registered under the Chiranjeevi Scheme
- Their Weight and BP are recorded and they undergo a general Medical check-up
- Iron and Folic Acid Tablets are given to them
- Anti-Tetanus Injections are given to the mothers who are past the fourth month of pregnancy
- Calcium tablets are given to mothers who are in the seventh, eighth or ninth month of pregnancy
- Their awareness of the Chiranjeevi scheme, a balanced diet and the safety of delivering in a hospital rather than risking delivery at home is enhanced
- High Risk Mothers are identified and counseled to visit the hospital regularly for follow-up
- High Protein Foods are distributed to all Expectant Mothers
Specialised health education is imparted to less privileged adolescent girls. Relevant subjects such as pregnancy, childbirth, childcare, immunisation, nutrition, balanced diet, hygiene, healthy cooking practices are covered with the help of powerpoint presentations, posters, street plays, garbas. These programmes make a big difference for these girls, as they are potential mothers of the future.
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This project involves providing training and employment opportunities for women from these less privileged sections of society. The philosophy behind this project is to identify simple but effective activities which can be taught to them, requiring only basic household skill sets which they are familiar with. Through this project, they have acquired training in production of food products and incense sticks. The product range will be expanded in due course of time, but one thing shall remain – the prefix “Raj” with every item that they produce- symbolising that all noble and great activities start with our Sadguru’s name, Shrimad Rajchandraji. The food products carry the divine name of `Raj Amrut’ and incense sticks, the name `Raj Saurabh’. The greatest good these projects will do for the rural women folk to provide them an opportunity to embark on a journey of social acceptance and be in a position to chart out a course for their lives. Since its launch, the Mahila Gruha Udyog project has already made significant strides in making several women self reliant.
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Many less privileged young widows with 2-3 small children are not able to earn even daily wages, as they have to look after their children, who cannot be left unattended. There are elderly widows too, with no means of livelihood. Such widows, with no source of income or family support, are identified and provided with essential supplies like flour, rice, pulses, sugar, oil, jaggery etc. These supplies are even delivered at their doorsteps.
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While women living in major cities have benefited from the information revolution, economic growth and opportunities of the past decade, lives of most women in rural India have hardly undergone any change. Here they have to face with early marriage, and are then burdened with household duties and inexpensive labour. Lack of education leaves their voices silenced. In fact, they can do wonders if they are provided the right opportunity for completing their education, as they already possess basic indigenous knowledge, skill and potential. To provide a good incentive for the family to educate their girl child and discourage marriage before 18 years of age, financial support is provided to rural girls pursuing higher studies. This initiative is aimed at enabling girls to pursue their dreams of being self-dependent and in turn, lead a life of dignity. Under this project, rural girls pursuing higher studies such as B. Com, Primary Teachers Certificate Course, Mechanical Engineering and Pharmacy were provided with financial support.
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