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May 4, 2025
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Majority of Indians Think Role of Women in Society is to be Good Mothers and Wives: Study

By
Neha Bilandani
-

As part of a Global Trends study, Ipsos examined global attitudes toward the role of women, parenting, and family across 22 countries by interviewing 18,180 adults.

Majority of Indians surveyed (64%) think role of women in society is to be good mothers and wives revolving around home, according to the 2017 survey.

When it comes to having children, traditional views on the family are more widespread in India.  About eight in ten (78%) Indians believe that it is better for parents of children to be married than unmarried.

Parijat Chakraborty, Executive Director, Ipsos Public Affairs is not surprised with the findings: “More Indian women maybe moving out of their homes, seeking employment and carving out a niche for themselves at workplaces, but society sees them more as accomplished mothers and wives in primary role, relegating other roles to secondary positions. Indian women cannot be seen shirking from domestic duties and winning accolades at work – at the cost of neglecting primary role that society has deemed on them.”

Interestingly, for parenting also traditional views were found to be prevalent among Indians. 72% of Indian respondents felt that there was further scope for parents to take more responsibilities for behavior of their children.

“It is encouraging to see India leading the pack on men taking increased responsibilities for home and childcare than ever before – a whopping 81% of Indians conforming to this change,” added Chakraborty.

Global Views:

The survey also shows clear differences of opinion between emerging vs established economies, between men and women, and most notably, between those with religious faith and those without.

Globally men are more likely than women to think women should be good wives and mothers (by 41% to 34% on an average), but there is an even greater divide by religious belief.  Those with religious beliefs are almost twice as likely to side with the traditional view on gender roles than those who describe themselves as agnostic or atheist (by 42% to 24%).

On an average 69% of people across the 22 countries think that men now have greater responsibility for the home and childcare than ever before (but falling to less than half in Russia and Poland).  A majority of both genders agree, although men are more likely to think they are taking up the burden than women, by 73% to 64%!

When it comes to having children, traditional views on the family are more widespread.  On average, almost six in ten (57%) believe that it is better for parents of children to be married than unmarried, while three in ten (31%) disagree.  A majority agree in 14 out of the 22 countries that there is actually a lot of variation on this question.  Over seven in ten prefer marriage in Indonesia, India, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, South Korea and the US. In four European countries the balance of opinion is the other way around (in Spain, Belgium, France, and Sweden, where people disagree it is better to be married if you are having children).

On the flip side, those with religious faith are more likely to believe in the importance of marriage than non-believers (by 62% to 42%), as are men than women (by 61% to 52%).  Perhaps unsurprisingly, there is also a difference by marital status.  Two in three (67%) of those who are married agree that it is better for parents to be married, against 38% of those living as married or in domestic partnerships, and 45% of people who are divorced.

One thing the world does agree on is that parents today do not take enough responsibility for the behaviour of their children, at 77% (just 18% disagree).  This sentiment is shared by a clear majority in every country, but especially South Africa (89%), the United States (87%) and Great Britain (85%).

Chakraborty added, “The world remains divided over the role of women, but the majority do NOT think women should stay at home and have children – although globally there is a clear difference in the views between those with religious faith and non-believers. Most people still think marriage matters if you are having children (but much less so in western Europe), but one thing it seems that does unite people around the world is a feeling that parents need to take more responsibility for the behaviour of their children – by which most mean I think, that “other” people should take more responsibility for “their” children.”

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CSR Opportunity to Educate and Empower Masses

By
Nirbhay Lumde, CSR Professional
-

Revival of Public Libraries and Strengthening Digital Literacy Mission Is A CSR Opportunity to Educate and Empower Masses

Encyclopedia Britannica defines, “Library, traditionally, collection of books used for reading or study, or the building or room in which such a collection is kept”. A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and usually funded by government to provide free access to information and knowledge to the public. “Public libraries exist in many countries across the world and are often considered an essential part of having an educated and literate population”, quotes Wikipedia on public library.

In India, the history of public libraries dates back to early 1910 with His Highness Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III, Maharaja of Baroda supporting development of public library system in India. Since independence, the public libraries system has been providing meaningful services to Indian population. These are also considered as community information centers providing access to a wide range of knowledge, information and network for the benefit of larger good. In the legislation, ‘Library Service’, supporting libraries comes under the purview of state governments. The central government has also undertaken considerable amount of effort to strengthen library system in India. However the system has not coped with the fast changing time, requirement and provision of accessing digital resources.

In the historical context, it is interesting to note three instances of triggering revival of public libraries in India. First one, setting up of Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation in 1972 by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India to promote of reading habit among the masses by spreading library services all over the country including the remotest corners in India. Second one is National Knowledge Commission’s initiative to set up National Mission on Libraries to revamp and modernise the library sector and setting standards for qualitative improvement of services including creation of national virtual library of India. The third and most of important aspect in reviving public library is in the context of Companies Act 2013 that mandates certain companies to spend 2% of net profits under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013, item (v) that points to, “Protection of national heritage, art and culture including restoration of buildings and sites of historical importance and works of art; setting up public libraries; promotion and development of traditional arts and handicrafts.”

The author suggests two unique approaches to set up and strengthen public libraries under CSR in the provision of Companies Act 2013. It also stems from the belief that promotion of reading habit helps in betterment of lives. It would not be an understatement to say that supporting such initiatives could trigger social movements for bettering lives of large masses. The other reason for the endorsement of funding public libraries is limited number of companies and a miniscule amount cumulatively has been spent on such noble cause in last three years by companies. Moreover, it also helps in spreading CSR spending in not so famous items listed in the Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013. All these approaches are suggestive of a framework and not prescriptive in nature for companies to explore supporting such initiative under their CSR initiatives.

The first and foremost initiative to strengthen public libraries is to support Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation by funding its regular activities to promote setting up libraries in the country. There are also other avenues companies could explore to complement Foundation’s schemes such as supporting in book assistance program; setting up rural book deposit centres and mobile library services; sponsoring seminars, workshops and training; procurement and provision of furniture, electronic and digital equipment; and funding of construction of library buildings.

The second important aspect of strengthening public libraries in India is to align it with Digital Saksharta Abhiyan/ National Digital Literacy Mission. The Indian government has ambitious plans to impart Information Technology training to 5.25 million persons, including Anganwadi, Accredited social health activists (ASHA), and authorised agents of Public Distribution System (ration dealers). National Digital Literacy Mission defines digital literacy is, “the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations”.

Companies could explore funding of construction of additional buildings, provision of infrastructure and upgrading existing facilities within the public libraries to run digital literacy training centres along with managing their core services. The other opportunity is to strengthen the capacity of public library by providing electronic devices and computers, subscribe to internet and online journals, and fund access to digital literacy resources, human capital support, and long term commitment for virtual support through paid or employee volunteering opportunities. These help companies to complement government’s efforts in digital literacy mission while helping in revival of public libraries in the country. It also serves dual purpose of spreading access to information and imparts digital literacy to the general public.

These resource centres, in the newer alignment with digital literacy mission under Companies Act, would enable masses to participate actively and effectively in the democratic and developmental process. It also enhances opportunities for promotion of livelihood. Moreover, the close alignment of public library and digital literacy mission would certainly encourage a large number of companies to pump their CSR budgets in the right direction and paves way for large scale collaboration.

 About the Author

Nirbhay Lumde is a Corporate Social Responsibility professional and writes on current social, economic and environmental trends. He is an alumnus of IIT Bombay.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author in his personal capacity and do not in any way represent the views of any entity, organisation that the author may have been associated with.

Thank you for reading the story until the very end. We appreciate the time you have given us. In addition, your thoughts and inputs will genuinely make a difference to us. Please do drop in a line and help us do better.
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The CSR Journal Team

Reducing Infrastructure Gaps Can Boost Sustainable Development In Countries With Special Needs: UN Report

By
The CSR Journal
-

Geographically disadvantaged nations and least developed countries (LDCs) in the Asia-Pacific region can boost national incomes, educational attainment and life expectancy by reducing their sizeable physical infrastructure gaps, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) said in a new report.

The group of 36 LDCs, landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) in the region, collectively known as countries with special needs (CSN), annually require investment equal to 10.5% of their GDP to provide transport, energy, information and communications technology (ICT) and water supply and sanitation to an increasingly urbanising population, that is also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Current levels of infrastructure funding in these countries fall short of their financing needs by about 3-4 % of GDP, according to the Asia-Pacific Countries with Special Needs Development Report 2017: Investing in infrastructure for an inclusive and sustainable future. The Report finds that a 1 per cent increase in a composite measure of these four key infrastructure elements – presented as an Access to Physical Infrastructure Index (APII) – results in a 1.19% GDP increase in the CSN group.

“As infrastructure provides wide economic, social and environmental benefits, it constitutes an essential part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” says United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ESCAP, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar in the preface to the report.

“The CSN have significant deficits in common in physical infrastructure. These deficits pose a principle obstacle to the sustainable development of CSN as they limit the opportunities to expand productive capacities and improve connectivity across and between countries. Infrastructure deficits also constrain social development and weaken environmental sustainability,” Dr. Akhtar adds.

The APII evaluates the condition of these four infrastructure sectors in 41 Asia-Pacific countries over time and finds uneven progress among the CSN group, with LDCs comprising 7 out of 10 poorest-performing countries. It finds major inadequacies in transport infrastructure and energy in the LDCs, while SIDS need to strengthen ICT infrastructure, and LLDCs should prioritise investment in transport infrastructure in order to reduce trade costs.

Improvements in these infrastructure sectors in the CSN group to bring these on par with the other developing Asian countries can increase the combined national income of CSN by up to 6 per cent by the year 2030. The largest estimated gain is for Bangladesh at $35.5 billion, followed by Kazakhstan at $26.6 billion.

The Report highlights that investment in infrastructure development improves economic productivity and the quality of growth. It boosts economic growth and job creation through enhanced connectivity and production networks, promotes social development through improved access to public services and new opportunities, and enhances environmental sustainability through a low-carbon, resource-efficient and climate-resilient societal order.

As the CSN group will not be able to raise the required financial resources on their own, the Report recommends a mix of options to fund infrastructure development. Some LDCs can enhance domestic public resources, whilst other LDCs and particularly for SIDS, donor assistance will continue to be a key financing source.

In contrast, resource-rich LLDCs can continue to rely on non-tax revenues from commodity exports. The Report also recommends prioritising domestic revenue mobilisation for infrastructure investment and improving the efficiency of public expenditure, and urges private sector involvement through private-public partnerships.

Sharp Drop in Ratio of Young Women in India Expected: Study

By
Neha Bilandani
-

With the decreasing sex ratio in India, it has been reported by the Indian Government that the sex ratio will drop further in the coming years. The report, by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation was published earlier in the year.

According to the report, the number of women every thousand men will drop to 898 in 2031, while it was 939 in 2011, based on a prognosis from the World Bank. This drop stipulates the unrelenting and continuous practice of sex-selective abortion, as said by the experts.

With the introduction and proliferation of the ultrasound technology, female foeticide has continued to only increase after the strong evidence of this evil in the 1980’s. The sex ratio dropped to 927 in 1991 as per the census report. Since then, it has managed to recoil marginally.

Discernment that men will take care of their ageing parents financially, a desire to pass lineage through a male heir and a fear of being financially crippled by a dowry are some of the foremost reasons for a preference for a male child among Indians. However, the fact reports are contradictory to these reasons. The most hapless reality states that even though the incomes and education are increasing, the exercise of sex-selective abortion continues to exist resulting in a decline in fertility.

“People are selecting to have fewer children but preferring and selecting to have boys”, says Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation of India, a non-governmental organization which promotes and advocates for the effective formulation and implementation of gender sensitive population, health and development strategies and policies.

In 1994, prenatal sex determination was outlawed in India but implementation of the same is negligent. “As the income levels rise, so do aspirations. As Indians emerge into middle class, they try to limit their family size and try focusing their resources on male children, who are seen to offer better return on investment. From more than five children in 1971, the fertility rate of women in urban areas has declined to just 2 children per woman in 2014.”

In 2014, Narendra Modi introduced the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign which aimed at raising awareness of the harm of sex selection. However, Poonam Muttreja feels that the campaign cannot just be a slogan. “We have to do a lot more in changing social norms”, she adds.

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Lets Make Sustainability An Attitude, Not Just a Function

By
Ankush Patel, CEO, Treeni Sustainability Solutions
-

It is true that sustainability reporting has become increasingly prevalent amongst Indian companies. While the top 100 listed companies as per market cap are mandated to under section 32(2)(f) to include a business responsibility report in their annual reports by SEBI, there are companies voluntarily reporting on sustainability due to pressure from their stakeholders and global customers. It is great to see the increase in awareness of sustainability reporting amongst Indian companies but isn’t reporting only a functional task and shouldn’t the more important and imperative need be the focus of companies on sustainability?

Even SMEs and mid-size companies understand the need for sustainable reporting owing to stakeholder and customer pressures but for the true impact of a sustainable approach, it is not the reporting which is the key but the approach towards a sustainable future. A sustainable future for people planet, and profit! Apart from playing a risk management function and serve as a demonstration of responsible practices, sustainability can unlock new opportunities and result in cost savings. Reports show that 41% of the companies’ truly embracing sustainability achieves key cost savings and more importantly embracing sustainability has fueled innovation in companies to unlock new business opportunities.

Sustainability reporting encapsulates any company’s economic, environmental and social impact through the running of its business. But before we report, we need to implement sustainability. Only if sustainability is an attitude and embraced at the highest levels of any company will it deliver social, environmental and business impact and results. If it is a mere functionary measure, it will only remain as an annexure to most annual reports without getting the focus it deserves. When sustainability is only a response to regulatory pressures, customer needs and activist stakeholders, we will never be able to unlock the potential and impact sustainability can have.

It is evident that while sustainability reporting is growing, the same cannot be said for a sustainable approach of companies. If we take a closer look at the business responsibility reports submitted by companies in their annual reports, there are key indicators that many are doing it only because they have to not necessarily because they believe in it. Many reports address materiality and its impact in their responsibility reports but only a few define it for their company, sector and stakeholders. The reports are filled with strategic priorities and initiatives for sustainability but are missing timelines for the roll-out of these activities. Any business leader would never accept any plan without a timeline for its implementation, they why do business leaders often turn a blind eye to the lack of timelines in their business responsibility reports. These observations amongst others make a strong case that sustainability majorly is still just a tick on a company’s To Do List rather than a truly integral part of their business and vision.

This is not to say that there are not companies, which truly embrace, and give the importance sustainability deserves, but they are unfortunately a minority. Companies such as Godrej, Mahindra, TATAs, Wipro and Infosys etc. truly understand the meaning of sustainability but there needs to many more for a paradigm change to be seen in the approach towards sustainability of Indian businesses. 90% of the businesses are SME/mid-size but it is important for the larger MNCs and conglomerates to set the right example for the Indian business environment they lead. Sustainability needs to be the heart and soul of the company and then only will it be able to deliver the true impact it is capable of. It is time that we as Indian businesses look beyond mere reporting and focus on action. A focus to embrace and reimagine what sustainability really means and the long-term positive impact it can provide, if taken forward as an attitude, not just a function.

Ankush Patel

 

The author, Ankush Patel is the Co-founder & CEO of Treeni Sustainability Solutions, an organization committed to help Indian companies reimagine and embrace sustainability.

 

 

Views of the author are personal and do not necessarily represent the website’s views.

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Is Assam’s Two-Child Norm Implausible?

By
Neha Bilandani
-

Recently, Assam’s health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, unveiled the draft of a new population policy for the state. It proposes, among other things, to penalise people who have more than two children. However, the Government has sought public suggestions on the draft population policy, which would be put up in the public domain, before it is finally placed in the state assembly in August. If the draft were to become law, they would be ineligible for government jobs and benefits, and be barred from contesting all elections held under the aegis of the state election commission.

The draft also suggests raising the minimum age of marriage for girls and making education free till the university level for all girl students in the state. It is currently open to inputs from the public. If it does become an Act, Assam will be the only state after Rajasthan to have a population policy of its own. The rest of the states follow the National Population Policy of 2000.

“This norm is mainly coercive in nature and coercion has never worked in India prior to this. It violates people’s rights, especially women. Even today, girls are married before 18 years of age and have no say in the number of children they want to have. This norm deprives such women of Government jobs as well. In India, we need an agency for women empowerment more than such forceful measures. In order to reduce population it is important to educate girls and increasing the minimum age for marriage,” said Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, Population Foundation Of India while strongly expressing that the strict two-child norm is not feasible.

There were two-child norms in Panchayats in the 6 states of India, where there are evidences of the men divorcing their wives and disowning their children. Also, the Government Population Policy, 2002 is against incentives and disincentives. India has signed the draft plan of action, Cairo (the international population development conference) which totally has asked for a call to end both incentives and disincentives. This norm is violating the National Population Policy.

According to the 2011 census, eleven Muslim-dominated districts of Assam-Dhubri, Morigaon, Goalpara, Darrang, Nagaon, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Cachar and Dhemaji-have recorded abnormally high population growth rates. Dhubri’s growth rate was 24.44 per cent (all India average was 17.7 per cent), Morigaon’s was 23.34 per cent, Goalpara recorded 22.64 per cent and Darrang 22.19 per cent.

“Besides, a proposal for providing incentives is also included for poor persons, who take care of their elderly parents. The policy will also care for the adolescents. We will work for public awareness and reach out through religious leaders, NGOs, parliamentarians and media in this regard,” Sarma said.

The minister also said he will consider including a provision for giving 50% reservation to women in government jobs and elections.

“Till July, we will seek public suggestions. Then it will go to the Assembly for debate and adopting a resolution. We have to go step by step and we are in no hurry. This is the long-term thing that BJP had promised in the Vision Document,” Sarma said.

Service rules of 48 departments will have to be amended for adopting the proposed policy, he said, adding it will take at least three years and he will be happy if the policy takes the final shape by next Assembly polls in 2021.

“We want to move from primarily a medical-led policy to a socially responsible policy. We want to have a behavioural change and there will be policy incentives. Assam’s current population is 3.12 crore as per 2011 Census and it increased by one crore from 2001,” Sarma said.

(With inputs from Indian Express)

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National Innovation System Required For Better Access To Medicines

By
The CSR Journal
-

Noted surgeon Dr. N K Pandey emphasised that sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to access to medicines and healthcare, should definitely be a priority for the government. Speaking at a conclave on the ‘Role of Industry Associations in Influencing Healthcare Innovations and Sustainable Development in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policy considerations’ organized by Open University of the UK and Centre for Responsible Business (CRB), Prof Theo Papaiannou from the Open University (UK)  shared the findings of his research, ‘Unpacking the Role of Industry Associations in Innovation & Development’. He highlighted the importance of National Innovation System (NIS) in a country like India, emphasising on the linkages of institutional actors particularly industry and government.

The conclave held between major stakeholders from pharmaceutical and healthcare sector became more topical as recently Narendra Modi had announced his government resolve towards promoting standardised generic medicines. The need for doctors to prescribe generic medicines in India has often been raised before, but for the first time it has come from the Head of the Government.

With the above developments, there was a discussion on how the pharmaceutical industry and some of the other actors could address these concerns. Also, to understand what role needs to be played by the other key actors – government, regulators, industry associations and civil society to enable this.

Chairman & Managing Director of Asian Institute of Medical Sciences Padmashri Dr. N K Pandey stated that the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) needs every country to judiciously prioritise, and adapt the goals and targets in accordance with local challenges, capacities and resources available.

Prof Papaiannou, while sharing the findings of his research, ‘Unpacking the Role of Industry Associations in Innovation & Development’ highlighted the importance of National Innovation System (NIS) in a country like India, emphasising on the linkages of institutional actors particularly industry and government. He added from the research that the historical relationships between governments and industry have influenced each other’s activities. Their relationships are complex and their evolutionary trajectories have been shaped by government industry relations over the phases of economic liberalisation.  Industry associations are more effective when industry is relatively cohesive and able to speak with one voice.

Ranjit Madan, CEO of Life Sciences Sector Skills Council stressed that skilling in this industry has been targeted at the youth from around the major pharma ‘clusters’ in Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana, Gujarat and Karnataka.

There was some consensus across the table of the need for establishing a multi-stakeholder dialogue forum on responsible pharmaceutical sector in the country, and take into consideration some of the following key action points:

  • Capture people’s voice in policymaking (especially given the strength of the public health movement in the country)
  • Analyse factors that influence the nature of government-business relations in the pharma industry
  • Accord adequate attention towards prevention, and not only on treatment
  • Consider developing industry ‘code of conduct’ by Industry Associations for members
  • Need for Skill-gap analysis in the sector and assess availability of ‘skilling partners’

This has happened at a time, when the Department of Pharmaceutical had already sought public comments for improving accessibility, affordability and availability of medicines in the country, especially given a large section of the population still faces considerable difficulty in obtaining medicines.

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Taiwan To Legislate On Corporate Social Responsibility: Vice President

By
The CSR Journal
-

The Taiwan government is drafting an amendment to the Company Act that would require businesses to “internalise” good governance and social responsibility, Vice President Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) said on Wednesday.

At an award ceremony for businesses that have shown excellent corporate social responsibility, Chen said that as enterprises pursue profits, they should also take responsibility for the well-being of their employees, local communities and the environment.

“This is a good approach to achieving sustainable development of the environment, society and economy,” he said.

The government is pro-actively promoting a plan to revise the Company Act to create a legal basis for social responsibility among businesses, Chen said.

He said he hoped that law would also help businesses become more competitive as they gain the trust of consumers and attain sustainable operation.

However, social commentator Lucifer Chu (朱學恆) questioned the timing of the planned legislation, saying that at a time when 80% of the public thinks the domestic economy is not doing well, small- and medium-sized businesses might not be strong enough to bear the higher costs of complying with the proposed law.

While the U.S. is seeking to cut its corporate tax rate from 35 % to 15%, Taiwan is trying to increase the compliance costs for its companies. “Wouldn’t that create too big an impact on them?” he said.

(Source & Image Courtesy: Focus Taiwan)

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Development And Conservation Must Go Together: Pranab Mukherjee

By
The CSR Journal
-

Development and conservation must go hand in hand, President Pranab Mukherjee said as he underlined the need for “sustainable” development. “Debates are being held all over the world on development versus conservation. To me development and conservation are not contradictory. Humanity needs both,” Mukherjee said at a convocation of Indian Forest Service probationers at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy. He said the solution to the debate was “inclusive” development, which looked at the environmental aspects of development. “Mother earth has everything to meet the needs of its children, but not enough to meet the greed of every man,” Mukherjee said, quoting Mahatma Gandhi.

A batch of 47 officers today passed out from the academy, set up by the British in 1926. The landmark building, once on the outskirts of the city, is now sandwiched between the booming Uttarakhand capital and lush green forests.

“The final objective is that we must have sustainable development. The riches of mother Earth are not our earning. We have inherited it and we have no right to destroy it. We must hand it over to generation next,” he said. The president appreciated the fact that forest cover in the country had increased from 64.2 million hectares in 1987 to 79.4 million hectares, or 19.32% of its land mass.

He said the forest policy of 1952 had underscored the need to maintain forests over one third of the country’s land. “This goal of 33% of forest cover was one of the professed goals behind the setting up of the Indian Forest Service in 1966, and it is time that concrete measures are ensured in this direction,” he said.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat called for inclusive development, while stressing that forest service officers should not ignore the expectations of the people.

(Financial Express)

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