Thinker , Social and Legal Activist on advisories on family law in India, Evolutionary Developmental Feminist, Social Activist and Campaigner for Women's Rights, Multiple State, National Award Winner and Internationally acclaimed Multiple World Record Holder, Renowned name in Contemporary Literature Authoress Mayaa SH speaks on numerous aspects related to Women's Rights, Gender Roles and Mental Health etc. in a candid interview...
What according to you is the understanding of women's rights in India? Which areas
require more attention according to You ?
Mayaa SH: Women in India have been given many legal rights over the years to promote gender equality and protect their interests. Despite achievements, women in India still face significant challenges. Gender discrimination, violence against women and unequal pay remain major issues. Female feticide and infanticide, especially in rural areas, remain a significant concern. Women's safety and security is also an important issue, with many incidents of sexual harassment and assault being reported every year. Legal rights for women in India also needs a thorough revision with respect to family law and human rights .Rights against domestic violence needs to be more stricter in implementation. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, provides legal protection to women from physical, emotional and verbal abuse by their husbands or relatives. Overall, while women in India have made great progress in terms of legal rights, there is still much work to be done to ensure full gender equality and protection from discrimination and violence.
What are the issues that women face in realistic world ?
Mayaa SH: To improve the status of women in India, there is a need for a combined effort from all sectors of the society. The government should continue to implement policies that promote women's health, education, and economic empowerment. There is a need to pay more attention to gender sensitivity and education at all levels of society. The media also have a role in promoting positive messages about women and combating gender stereotypes. Men and women should get equal pay for equal work.
Rights against sexual harassment also is considered a taboo to be implemented in reporting any matter .The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 provides a framework for redressal of complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. Besides,Property Rights described in The Hindu Succession Act, 1956 was amended in 2005 to provide equal succession rights to daughters in Hindu families for inheritance claims in the right of their fathers also need a complete revisit with reference to quick and efficient resolutions.
By addressing the challenges faced by women in India and promoting gender equality, we can ensure that women can fully participate in all aspects of life and contribute to the development of the country.
What is the correlation between gender-based violence and mental health and overall well-being of women in India? What must be ensured to protect the survivors ?
Mayaa SH: 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence. Globally, 7% of women have been sexually assaulted by someone other than a partner. Gender-based violence is that it knows no social or economic boundaries and affects women and girls of all socio-economic backgrounds. Discriminatory social, cultural or religious laws, norms and practices that marginalize women and girls and fail to respect their rights. Gender stereotypes are often used to justify violence against women.
The risk of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use concerns, or becoming suicidal was three to five times higher for women who have experienced violence. The psychological trauma of Gender Based Violence leaves lasting scars, and survivors may struggle with depression and are at higher risk for suicide.Services for survivors are essential services. This means that shelters, helplines, counselling, and all support for survivors of gender-based violence need to be available for those in need. Educating on the definition of consent .Phrases like “she was asking for it” or “boys will be boys” attempt to blur the lines around sexual consent, placing blame on victims, and excusing perpetrators from the crimes they have committed. There are many forms of abuse and all of them can have serious physical and emotional effects. Training programmes for professionals,
Rehabilitation programmes for perpetrators, Campaigns to raise awareness,
Promoting women's empowerment, Involving men and boys, Education in promotion of non-violence and equality between women and men and challenging gender stereotypes are some of the ways that can enable massive support to generate awareness and enabling the survivors to cope with the past trauma inflicted upon them and lead to live a long and healthy life with dignity .
What are the cultural and societal factors in India that contribute to the stigmatization or neglect of women's mental health? What can be done to combat these ?
Mayaa SH: Lack of understanding by family, friends, co-worker’s, or others. Fewer opportunities for work, school or social activities or trouble finding housing. Bullying, physical violence or harassment. Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover mental illness treatment are all factors contributing to stigma and prejudice with respect to immense neglect of mental health of women .
Unaddressed mental health problems can have a negative influence on homelessness, poverty, employment, safety, and the local economy. Many women fear being labelled “crazy” for simply seeking support from a therapist. None of these characterizations are valid, and all of them are misinformed, cause pain, and prevent people from getting the help they need. Talking openly about mental health required encouragement. Social media has become a great space for positivity. Educating all and others and responding to misperceptions or negative comments by sharing facts and experiences is also very essential .Sharing knowledge and resources is arguably the most common form of intervention. This method seeks to dispel stereotypes and myths about mental illness by sharing up-to-date research, stories of lived experience and professional perspectives.
What is your understanding of the accessibility and quality of mental health services for women in India and any particular improvements you would suggest?
Mayaa SH: Women are less likely to avail mental health services compared to men. Women tend to rely on the opinions of the outside world for their self-esteem much more than men do. As a result, they often avoid having their mental illness treated because they want to prevent others from thinking less of them, which would cause them to think less of themselves. Moreover, certain mental illnesses such as post-partum depression found amongst pregnant women are often not part of the discourse of mental health in India. This creates a ‘treatment gap’ between men and women that is not remedied by law or policy for mental health in India. According to a report presented by the Standing Committee in Parliament in August, India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh people. This is a much lower number than that required to address the growing mental health problems in the population. Reducing Stigma, Preventing and Acting Early, Closing Treatment Gaps and Improving Access,Strengthening
Crisis Response, Establishing Community Wellness Hubs, Aligning Partners, Policies and Programs are some of the ways to look at substantial ways to improve quality and accessibility of the advantage of services to be availed for mental health .
What is the social construct of the societal expectations and gender roles on women's mental health in India? How can a more inclusive and supportive environment be encouraged ?
Mayaa SH: Reproductive, Productive and Community Managing Role are traditionally three Gender Roles for women. Apparently, women are seen as caregivers, nurturers, homemakers, and helpers. Men's gender roles revolve around characteristics such as dominance, assertiveness, and strength. Traditionally, men's gender roles include breadwinner, leader, and protector. Yet, arguably the biggest problem with gender roles comes in the form of gender-based violence. Attacks on women can be motivated by sexual or ideological reasoning’s, but many of them stem from hurtful gender roles and stereotypes. Gender roles are based in an understanding of femininity and masculinity. Women's gender roles revolve around characteristics such as helpfulness, passivity, and kindness. Traditionally, women are seen as caregivers, nurturers, homemakers, and helpers. Being a modern woman is definitely a double-edged sword and has many complexities. Feminism has taught us, that as women we are equal to men and we must demand and fight for that equality, while the influence of gender roles makes us demand chivalry from men. Gender inclusion is a concept that transcends mere equality. It's the notion that all services, opportunities, and establishments are open to all people and that male and female stereotypes do not define societal roles and expectations. Gender equality prevents violence against women and girls. It's essential for economic prosperity. Societies that value women and men as equal are safer and healthier. Gender equality is a human right.
About The Author Mayaa SH
Mayaa SH is a prominent Indian poetess, memoirist and a known name in Contemporary Literature whose work is known for her open discussion on women’s rights and voices and experience of being an Indian woman. Most of her writings deal with women living in a patriarchal society (male-dominated society). Female sensibilities are deeply spread through her writings along with her extensive work for gender neutrality.Mayaa SH is best known for getting logical congruence for understanding the role of tradition and societal dogma in shaping women’s lives and identities speaks on how she underwent character assassination and the resistance she culminated as the urge to not react. In her words, “It’s natural to want to defend yourself, but this can often make the situation worse. Reacting can give the person who is attacking you the attention they want, and it can also make you look guilty or defensive.”.She is a Multi-National Award Winner , a thirteen times a World Record Holder, An Artist, a Podcaster, a Record Chart Topping International Fastest Anthology Co-Authoress and has been chosen as number 1 The Modern Literary Stars Of India, 2022 by Cherry Book Awards for making valuable contribution to Contemporary Indian Literature. She has Won In Memorable Performance in the category termed as ‘Other than English write ups “ for her appreciation of hard work , creativity and dedication in Grand Christmas Competition 2.0 which has been a world record event of the largest creative event hosted online with more than 1000+participants . Mayaa SH is a Women Empowerment Culturist and a gender equality exponent to position and contextualize her work within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.She has depicted gender inclusivity and equality through her certifications from the United Nations and powerful writings on Feminism, Gender Equality, Transforming Vision Into Action: Transmogrification on Transgender Community and Mental Health Awareness Topics. Her work depicts the identity, economic and social freedom of many .She has co-authored more than hundred and fifty plus anthologies with 13 solo books and has been aligned with more than 85 publication houses.She has been featured in several magazines and women oriented like Tejaswi -The Imperishable on Women Power and Honour including few international magazines. Her first poem “The Candle In The Wind” made her win an Award at the National Level. Her powerful Writings on "I Only Speak Titanium" and "Laal Rang Aashiqana" has won her many accolades .She navigates many women through stress by deploying talking as a medium to combat stress and fear.In the words of Mayaa “Someone has said that courage is not the absence of fear, it is a decision made by you that there is something else, which is more important than your fear. Don’t let your doubts, fears and failures overwhelm you. Don’t be afraid to act. make plans. Change is not possible without taking steps. Understand your interests, values, thoughts and dreams. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Learn to be calm if you don’t understand something, take someone’s advice. Listen to others too. Instead of sadness and anger, choose the path that leads to empathy and compassion. Don’t compare with others. Winston S. Churchill says, “No victory is final and defeat is not the end.” Courage is the continuation of this sequence.”
