Gender Issues in Kali Basti

October 18, 2011 

A slum is a densely populated urban area which is characterized by a generally low standard of living. A slum forms as homes are slowly subdivided into cramped tenement apartments, and the population becomes highly concentrated. At the same time, access to services like healthcare, fresh food, and basic sanitation may start to become restricted, creating filth.

With a view of analysing the gender issues of present day slums, the Gender Sensitization group of the Legal Aid Society visited the Kali Basti , a slum located in Uttam Nagar East, Delhi. The objective of the visit was to identify the issues prevalent in the slum with regard to gender specific roles.

An understanding of household gender sensitivities is crucial in demonstrating issues related to equality. Programmes to encourage girl child education have emphasised how important education is as a tool for promoting gender equality. Pushpa, 15, who lives with her mother and two brothers, revealed that she had to quit her studies due to financial constraints. “Financially, there were issues at home and my parents were not able to afford my education,” she said. She had a younger brother whose education was considered more important. Preference was given to the male child as there’s a deeply entrenched belief in India that the men in the family have to be educated first as he is considered as bread winner of family. Her elder brother is the sole bread winner in the family and in the course of our interview, she expressed a desire to learn a few skills which would enable her to find a job, and support her family.

The hand to mouth existence of slum dwellers does not allow health screenings and other medical treatments. The reproductive health of women has been the focus, but gender-specific data is the need of the hour to avoid gender discrimination. Reenu, a 13-year-old had also abandoned her studies but the reasons cited by the girl were mostly health-related rather than financial ones. The family had struggled to support her studies, and medical expenses came in the way of her education. Apart from discrimination which happens due to various existing cultural barriers, empowerment can happen only when there are sufficient measures for poverty reduction and support provided to vulnerable women and girls.

Santosh is an exception and her mother is determined to provide her daughter with an education. She stated that she will do all she can to support her daughter’s studies and even though she is a low wage earner, she understands the importance of education.

Rajrani, a married woman with four children is better off than most women in the slum financially, but she has concerns regarding pre-natal care for women. Young women, especially adolescents were at higher risks for developing complications. According to Unicef, only 15% of women in India receive adequate pre-natal care.

There were some issues which clearly emerged as areas of concern. These include gender disparity in terms of the right to education, the non-existing role played by women in the decision-making process, and basic reproductive healthcare amenities.

Chetna Singha