The recent National Family Health Survey-6 (2023-24) reveals a significant shift in household decision-making dynamics, with married women increasingly taking charge of their health, finances, and family planning. This trend is particularly notable in the context of deep-rooted societal gender norms, where women's participation in household decisions has historically been lower than men's. The survey's findings offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving roles and responsibilities within Indian households, shedding light on both progress and persistent challenges.
One of the most striking revelations is the high level of involvement of married women in healthcare decisions. A staggering 89% of women aged 15-49 were found to participate in decisions regarding their own healthcare, major household purchases, and family trips. This figure has been steadily rising over the years, from 84% in 2015-16 to 89% in the latest survey. The participation rate is remarkably consistent across both rural and urban areas, with 88% and 91.4% involvement, respectively. This indicates a widespread shift in power dynamics within households, where women are increasingly taking on decision-making roles.
The survey also highlights the growing financial independence of married women. The percentage of women with a bank or savings account that they themselves use has risen from 78.6% in the previous survey to 89% in 2023-24. This financial empowerment is a crucial step towards women's overall empowerment and autonomy within the household.
However, the survey also brings to light several challenges. One of the most concerning findings is the low rate of women's participation in the workforce. Only 30.8% of women who worked in the last 12 months were paid in cash, a figure that has remained relatively unchanged since NFHS-5. This suggests that many women are still engaged in informal, low-paying jobs, which can limit their financial security and overall empowerment. The survey also highlights the stark gender disparity in sterilisation rates, with female sterilisation standing at 36.5% compared to male sterilisation at 0.5%. This disparity underscores the deep-seated belief that family planning is primarily the woman's responsibility, despite the changing dynamics within households.
The survey's findings on sterilisation rates are particularly intriguing. Female sterilisation is notably higher in rural areas (38.1%) compared to urban areas (32.6%). This could be attributed to various factors, including cultural norms, access to healthcare services, and the availability of support systems. However, the low sterilisation rates among men, both in rural and urban areas, suggest that traditional gender norms persist, and the onus of family planning still largely rests with women.
The unmet need for family planning is another critical aspect of the survey. The percentage of currently married women in the age group of 15-49 years who do not use contraception but wish to postpone or stop childbearing stands at 8.5%. This figure is higher in rural areas (9.1%) compared to urban areas (7%). This highlights the ongoing challenges in providing comprehensive family planning services, particularly in rural areas, where women may face additional barriers to accessing contraception and reproductive health services.
In conclusion, the National Family Health Survey-6 (2023-24) provides valuable insights into the evolving roles and responsibilities within Indian households. While the increasing participation of married women in household decisions and their growing financial independence are positive signs, the survey also highlights the persistent challenges, such as low workforce participation, gender disparities in sterilisation rates, and unmet needs for family planning. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach, including policy interventions, community engagement, and a deeper understanding of the cultural and social factors that influence women's roles and decision-making within households.
