Pihu Jain is the Head of Girnar Foundation, the CSR arm of CarDekho Group.
Women’s contribution is essential for building a resilient and empowered society. When women are able to pursue health, education, and career opportunities without barriers, they positively impact their families, communities, and the nation. As India aims for its ambitious economic goal of $30 trillion, the potential contributions from women are estimated to be around $14 trillion. Prioritising women’s health supports a vision of equality and prosperity, enabling every woman to achieve her full potential.
Currently, over 50 million women in India face reproductive health issues, which are compounded by cultural taboos surrounding menstruation, pregnancy, and mental health. In response, the government and the corporate sector are taking proactive steps to improve women’s health and well-being, focusing on reproductive care, mental health, and support for the elderly.
One of the most critical phases in a woman’s life is her reproductive age. While maternal health complications can be prevented with timely medical interventions, high maternal mortality rates (MMR) continue to be a pressing concern in India. Although the MMR has declined over the past decade, it still stands at 103 per 1,00,000 live births. Programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan aim to protect mothers by offering quality, no-cost antenatal care across the country.
Focusing on Adolescent Health
Adolescence is a critical stage in a woman’s health journey. Unfortunately, many girls in India begin menstruating without adequate knowledge due to social stigma and limited awareness. Over 71 per cent of girls experience menstruation without any prior information, which can negatively impact their long-term health.
To address this gap, government programmes like the Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to raise awareness and ensure access to essential resources. Recently, the Supreme Court of India emphasised the need for a uniform national policy developed by the Central Government, in consultation with States and Union Territories, to ensure menstrual hygiene in schools. This policy aims to provide sanitary pads, vending and disposal mechanisms, and exclusive washrooms for girls.
Complementing these efforts, corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes are stepping in to support and expand these initiatives. Programmes like Female Health Matters and various Sanitary Donation Drives aim to provide health kits and conduct educational sessions on menstrual hygiene, empowering young girls with the knowledge and resources they need for a healthy and confident future. Through these combined efforts, we are establishing a foundation for lifelong wellness and helping young girls thrive.
Maternal and Reproductive Health: A Major Challenge
One of the most critical phases in a woman’s life is her reproductive age. While maternal health complications can be prevented with timely medical interventions, high maternal mortality rates (MMR) continue to be a pressing concern in India. Although the MMR has declined over the past decade, it still stands at 103 per 1,00,000 live births. Programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan aim to protect mothers by offering quality, no-cost antenatal care across the country. On the CSR front, companies are organising health camps, educating communities about prenatal and postnatal care, and raising awareness about nutrition and safe childbirth practices.
Technological advancements have significantly improved healthcare access for women in India. Telemedicine and mobile health platforms are increasingly utilised to reach women in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services. CSR initiatives are incorporating technology to create impactful health interventions. For example, the Arogya Sakhi initiative, supported by various CSR bodies, trains women as health entrepreneurs who conduct diagnostic tests and offer basic healthcare services in their communities using portable medical devices.
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Mental health is receiving increased attention as part of overall healthcare, with efforts from both the government and corporate sectors driving awareness and access. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression is about 50 per cent more common among women than men. Worldwide, more than 10 per cent of pregnant women and new mothers experience depression. In India, women often face societal pressures, family responsibilities, and cultural expectations, leading to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. Recognising the severity of these issues, the government has integrated mental health services into the Comprehensive Primary Health Care framework under the Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centre (HWC) Scheme.
Corporations are rising to the challenge by recognising mental health as a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Many companies have integrated mental health initiatives into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies, offering counselling services and awareness programmes that promote open dialogue. These efforts are helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health and providing women with the resources they need to seek help early and confidently.
Menopause and Elderly Care
As women age, menopause presents new health challenges that are often overlooked in healthcare discussions. It increases the risk of conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Government programmes like the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) focus on geriatric care, offering essential services to elderly women, including specialised health check-ups. Complementing these efforts, CSR initiatives increasingly emphasise menopause awareness and support, providing women with educational resources and access to care for serious health conditions. This collaborative approach ensures that women’s health in later years is prioritised, offering the support they need to navigate the physical and emotional changes accompanying ageing.
Bridging the Gap with Technology
Technological advancements have significantly improved healthcare access for women in India. Telemedicine and mobile health platforms are increasingly utilised to reach women in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services. CSR initiatives are incorporating technology to create impactful health interventions.
For example, the Arogya Sakhi initiative, supported by various CSR bodies, trains women as health entrepreneurs who conduct diagnostic tests and offer basic healthcare services in their communities using portable medical devices. These initiatives have reduced healthcare disparities and empowered women by making them active participants in their health management.
The Road Ahead
The impact of CSR initiatives on women’s health in India is undeniable. However, sustainable progress requires a concerted and collaborative effort. While Government programmes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana provide crucial support, their effectiveness is enhanced when combined with private sector and NGO initiatives. Our initiatives focus on a multi-faceted approach to health and empowerment. We strive to bridge healthcare gaps, promote social inclusion, and encourage environmental stewardship. Together, these efforts can create a network of resources that ensures women across India have access to the healthcare and support they need at every stage of life.
