Introduction
It is hard to disagree that it is essential for humans to be aware of cultural differences and know how females are treated in various areas. Such a knowledge allows persons to learn how their own counties can be improved. The area selected for this assignment is India, and the purpose of this paper is to discuss how women are viewed there, explore healthcare problems they encounter, and list some unknown facts about India.
Description of the Country and the Way Women Are Viewed in It
Located in South Asia, India is a rather large country in the area. It is deeply focused on the common traditions and beliefs, and any deviation from them is not welcomed by local citizens (Pew Research Center). Indians have numerous beautiful celebrations that are a part of their rich heritage and customs, and it is also noticeable that there is a severe adherence to a patriarchal ideology (Rai and Kumar Rai 194). Consequently, as stated by researchers from the Pew Research Center, women do not have many rights and powers in India – instead, it is their duty to follow the lead of males and select traditional gender roles. For instance, men believe that good jobs are their privilege, and they are more entitled to receive them than women (Pew Research Center). While some females face discrimination, India still tries to fight this phenomenon and provide the whole community with equal rights by teaching boys to respect women and teaching girls to be more cautious and careful.
Health Challenges Women Face
Unfortunately, since women in India are not treated positively enough, they face numerous healthcare issues that require close attention. First, reproductive and maternal health care needs are not adequately met by healthcare facilities, and due to multiple reasons, including cultural constrains and disparities of economic conditions, the rates of maternal mortality are growing (Dhar et al.). Second, mental health issues are also common among Indian females – they suffer depression and anxiety, which leads to the increasing levels of women’s suicide (National Health Portal; Rai and Kumar Rai 19). Finally, hospitals and adequate medical care are not accessible in all areas of the country (Dhar et al.). Unfortunately, this fact means that, in some regions of India, women cannot receive basic medical help when giving birth, being sick, or requiring other services.
Unknown Facts About the Country and Its People
Further, it is possible to provide a couple of unique facts about India and Indians. For example, there is a “sacred plant of Hindu religion worshipped all over the India” known as Tulsi – it has numerous medical advantages and considered rather valuable and unique (Kulkarni and Adavirao 106). Further, according to van Vliet, average rates of literacy have recently improved. While people are still not educated enough, they increase their literacy and awareness, which is a great sign.
The Impact the Subject Had on Me
When exploring the issue, I was surprised to learn that discrimination and traditional roles still exist in India and have a severe impact on females. At the same time, I am pleased that this problem is recognized by the majority. Many Indians address the concern by increasing males’ and females’ awareness. When learning about the key health issues faced by women in India, I realized that, in the future, we as a global community need to improve feminism and women’s access to their basic human rights. Such healthcare problems are not only present in India, which is why it is our objective to address them globally.
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, one may say that the general atmosphere in India is not as negative as some people may think. Indians constantly improve their level of life and try to address discrimination and inequalities that women face. While there are numerous health issues among females, it is possible to believe that they will be eliminated soon, and all Indians will receive adequate access to medical care.
Works Cited
Dhar, Dive, et al. “Associations Between Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive and Maternal Health Outcomes in Bihar, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.” Reproductive Health, vol. 15, no. 109, 2018.
Kulkarni, Kaushik Vilas, and Belvotagi Venkatrao Adavirao. “A Review on: Indian Traditional Shrub Tulsi (Ocimum Sanctum): The Unique Medicinal Plant.” Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies, vol 6, no. 2, 2018, pp. 106-110.
National Health Portal. “Women’s Health”. NHP. 2017. Web.
Pew Research Center. “How Indians View Gender Roles in Families and Society.” Pew Research Center. 2022. Web.
Rai, Rashmi, and Ambarish Kumar Rai. “Sexual Violence and Poor Mental Health of Women: An Exploratory Study of Uttar Pradesh, India.” Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, vol. 8, no. 1, 2020, pp. 194-198.
van Vliet, Corrine. “25 Awesome Facts About India that Prove how Impressive the Country Truly Is”. Rough Guides, 2021. Web.