Health Status Of Tribal Women In India
(S.K. Basu)
Health Status of Tribal Women in IndiaS.K. Basu The paper discusses the health status of the tribal women in relation to sex ratio, age at marriage, fertility, mortality, life expectancy, nutritional status, maternal and child health care practices, sexually transmitted diseases, genetic disorders, etc. the health status of tribal women is found to be lower than that of the Indian women in general on most of these aspects. Gaps in knowledge regarding the health of tribal women have been identified and a plan of action has been suggested for improving their health.Preambie:The tribal population groups from 7.95 percent of the total population of India. About 67.76 million persons have been enumerated in the country (excluding Jammu & Kashmir) as members of the Scheduled Tribes (1991 census). These tribal groups inhabit widely varying ecological and geo-climatic conditions (hilly, forest, tarai, desert, coastal regions etc.) in different concentrations throughout the country and are distinct biological isolates with characteristic cultural and socio-economic background. Tribal groups are homogeneous, culturally firm, have developed strong magico-religious health care system and they wish to survive and live in their own style. There have been a number of studies on the tribes, their culture and the impact of acculturation on the tribal society. There have also been studies on the status of women relating to their socio- cultural problems, their economic rights, their participation in management, their access to employment, food, health, etc. But these issues have not been properly focussed in relation to the tribal women. There are only a few studies on the status of tribal women in India (K. Mann, 1987; J.P. Singh, N.N. Vyas and R.S. Mann, 1988; A. Chauhan, 1990). Thus the study of tribal women cannot be ignored. It becomes important because the problems of tribal women differ from a particular area to another area owing to their geographical location, historical background and the processes of social change (A. Chauhan, 1990). For this, there .s a need for proper understanding of their problems specific to time and place so that relevant development programmes can he made and implemented. There is a greater need for undertaking a region-specific study of the status and role of tribal women which alone can throw up data that will make planning for their welfare more meaningful and effective (K.S.Singh. 1988) The status of women in a society is a significant reflection of the level of social is asignificant reflection of the level of social justice in that society. Women's status is often described in terms of their level of income, employment, education, health and fertility as well as the roles they play within the family, the community and society (Ghosh, 1987). A tribal woman occupies an important place in the socio-economic structure of her society. The Dhebar Commission Report (1961) mentions that the tribal women is not drudge or a beast of burden, she is found to be exercising a relatively free and firm hand in all aspects related to her social life unlike in non-tribal societies. The tribal women in general and in comparison with casts, enjoy more freedom in various walks of life.
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