Socio-cultural challenges of the physically challenged women in India: issue of concern

Abstract

The most important determinant of a country's competitiveness is its human resource and women account for one - half of the potential talent based throughout the world. Over time, therefore, a nation's progress depends significantly on whether and how it educates and utilizes its female resource to foster economic acceleration and enhance productivity. There is still a vast disparity between the developed and developing nation from the simple basic amenities and quality of life to the major scientific and technological development and the consequence is reflected in manifesting gender gaps. The snap shots of the Gender Gap Index 2009 documenting the developing nations to hold the lowest positions in the world ranking (India 114 ranking in the world) is an issue of concern for the stakeholders. In terms of enrolment in higher education, less than 10% reach for higher education which is much less compared to the world average and developed country (23% and 54.6% respectively). Investing in girls' education remains one of the highest return investments that a developing economy can make and, in the current economic recession, may be among the best use of limited funds. Today about 500 million people in the world are disabled of which 300 million live in developing countries, and 160 million are women (Human Rights and Disability Report, 1991). There are dearth of policies and programs that specifically promote the educational needs of challenged girls. Female literacy has improved by 11% compared to 9% increase in case of males during 1991-97 (NSSO, 1997). But this increase in enrolment is equally disheartening and as well as alarming when the dropout figures are noted as 41.30% at primary stage and 58.60% at the middle stage. Specifically, the lack of educational and vocational training programs suitable to the needs of women with disabilities, the attitudinal, architectural and societal barriers, parental negligence and rejection specially in the developing countries has become a factor contributing to women's continued disadvantage and oppression and hence a death blow to the productivity and economy of the country. Thus it is crucial to understand the role that disability play in the lives of woman in the developing countries for successful intervention in their rehabilitation process. Henceforth, for this notable task it is necessary to investigate the various socio-cultural constraints faced by the physically challenged women that intermediate in their educational intervention, participation in community, normal functioning in society and in accessing the policies and provisions specially meant for them and finally curb their rehabilitation process.