Women's study by Dr. Hameedabanu

In a country traditionally rooted in patriarchal norms, the emergence of women-headed households is reshaping India’s social fabric. Women like Usha Devi are stepping into leadership roles within their families and communities, driven by internal migration, economic necessity, and evolving gender dynamics. This shift signals empowerment and change, backed by compelling statistics and real-life stories. Understanding Women-Headed Households The United Nations defines women-headed households as those where adult men are absent or do not contribute to household income. Economists interpret this further, recognizing women as household heads when they make significant decisions or generate income, even in the absence of male authority figures. Table 1: Growth of Women-Headed Households in India (1990-2020) Year Percentage of Women-Headed Households 1990 8% 2020 15% Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFH...

Selflessness is often defined as an act performed without expectation of personal gain, motivated purely by the well-being of others. While altruism—acts that benefit others—is widely recognized, whether true selflessness exists remains a philosophical debate. To explore this, we must examine the boundaries of the self, the role of the ego, and the concentric relationships that define our interactions with others. Altruism vs. Selflessness Altruism is an observable phenomenon in nature, particularly among mammals. It has evolutionary roots, facilitating survival through mutualism. Protecting the weak, extending care to offspring, and role specialization among groups enhance the collective strength of a community. For example, studies show that group cooperative behavior increases survival rates by 20-30% ( Smith & Wilson, 2015 ). However, altruism often includes indirect personal benefits, such as community reciprocity or improved group cohesion, blurring the line between al...

  The caste system, often regarded as a hallmark of Indian society, has a complex origin rooted in history, culture, religion, and economics. It has significantly shaped the country's social, economic, and political landscape. Various scholars, including D.D. Kosambi, Louis Dumont, and R.S. Sharma, have studied its evolution to understand its multifaceted nature. This study explores the caste system's origins and evolution while analyzing prominent scholars' perspectives and critiques. Definition and Framework of Caste Caste is traditionally understood as a hereditary social group tied to specific professions and practices. It is often defined by hierarchical relationships that determine social status. Louis Dumont, in Homo Hierarchicus , highlighted the caste system as an interdependent structure deeply entrenched in Hindu religious ideology, emphasizing concepts of "purity" and "impurity." According to Dumont, caste operates as a social and relig...

As the digital world continues to grow, so do the challenges faced by women online. One in five women report experiencing harm in digital spaces, often in the form of abuse, threats, or cyberattacks. Despite initiatives like the UK’s Online Safety Act, gaps remain in addressing these risks effectively. Research by Magdalene Ng and colleagues at the University of Westminster highlights gender disparities in online safety practices and access to digital security tools. This article explores six actionable steps to make the internet safer for women, supported by research, statistics, and recommendations. 1. Encourage Community Support Community-based NGOs such as End Violence Against Women play a pivotal role in safeguarding women’s online safety. Studies reveal that women are twice as likely as men to seek face-to-face advice for digital safety concerns. Key Statistics Method of Seeking Advice Women Men Consulting family and friends ...

A recent study conducted by PGIMER, Chandigarh, reveals alarming insights into the prevalence of obesity and its impact on cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among women in Chandigarh. Speaking at a Continuing Medical Education (CME) event held in Chandigarh, Dr. Neelam Dahiya and other health experts emphasized the urgent need to address this growing health crisis. Key Findings from the PGI Study Metric Statistic Women with CVD who are obese 44% Women under 50 years with CVD 15% Women under 40 years with CVD 10% Women consuming adequate fruits/vegetables daily 1% Women advised to reduce salt intake 47% Women counseled on smoking cessation Less than 30% The study conducted over three years highlights that 44% of women diagnosed with heart disease are obese. Poor dietary habits were noted, with only 1% of these women consuming adeq...