Women and Children Archives

Embracing Uniqueness: A Mother’s Perspective on Autism and Special Need

By Narinder Kaur, Founder, SURTAAJ Special Children Foundation“Every Child Matters” Every child is unique, yet some children walk a different path that requires more patience, strength, and understanding—not only from society but most importantly from their own families. As the founder of SURTAAJ Special Children Foundation and a mother of a child with special needs, I have witnessed the emotional rollercoaster that parents of children with disabilities ride each day. Among these conditions, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) stands out—not because it is more or less severe, but because it challenges the very fabric of communication, connection, and conventional parenting. Autism is not a disease—it is a condition that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. The

CSR and Women’s Safety: Addressing Workplace and Community Safety Concerns

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India has evolved beyond philanthropic activities to become a strategic business approach. Among the critical areas receiving increasing attention is women’s safety, both in the workplace and within communities. Business houses are recognizing that ensuring the safety and empowerment of women is not just a moral obligation but also a key driver of social and economic progress. Despite legal mandates like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, the reality is that many women still face challenges related to safety and security. CSR initiatives can play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps by implementing targeted safety programs, promoting awareness, and driving systemic change. Some Notable CSR Initiatives for

A Decade of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Transforming Mindsets and Empowering Girls

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India on January 22, 2015. Introduced to address the declining child sex ratio and promote girl child education, the program has made significant strides over the past decade in shifting societal attitudes and fostering gender equality. The BBBP initiative was launched as a response to alarming statistics from the 2011 Census, which reported a child sex ratio of 918 girls per 1,000 boys. The campaign’s primary goal was to prevent gender-biased sex-selective abortions, ensure the survival and protection of the girl child, and promote her education. It combined efforts from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT GETS THE RIGHT SUPPORT THROUGH CSR

CSR is a new means to tackle gender inequality. Women’s empowerment across all sectors can be enhanced if corporations can identify common priorities and work together collaboratively to bring about major change that can be seen. Census 2011 data was a call for urgent action because it highlighted that the girl child is increasingly being excluded from life itself. The unabated decline in Child Sex Ratio (CSR) since 1961 (from 976 in 1961 to 927 in 2001 and 918 in 2011) was a matter of grave concern as it reflected the low status of women in our society and indicated her disempowerment over a life-cycle continuum. Declining CSR is also indicative of pre-birth discrimination manifested through gender-biased sex selection and

Sunteck Realty invests in change, promotes healthier communities, and creates awareness on menstrual health and wellbeing

17th May 2024: Sunteck Realty renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, empowered 1,000 adolescent girls promoting menstrual health awareness at various municipal schools. Mentoring menstrual health care and hygiene can help women and girls from underprivileged backgrounds continue their education, maintain their health, and preserve their dignity. The National Family Health Survey (2020-21) highlights that over 30% of women in India aged 15 to 24 do not use hygienic methods of protection during their menstrual cycles. An alarming estimate suggests that each year, 20% of girls in India discontinue their education due to a lack of access to quality menstrual products. Additionally, 40% of girls are reported to miss school days during their periods, a situation exacerbated by

On the prestigious occasion of International Nurse Day, HDFC Bank Parivartan salutes the trailblazing young women in India’s healthcare workforce

13th May, 2024: HDFC Bank Parivartan share’s the powerful stories of transformation that are helping in shaping the next generation of India’s healthcare workforce. While growing at around 22% CAGR, India’s healthcare sector continues to face shortages of trained medical professionals, especially nurses. An estimate by Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy (CDDEP) in the US suggests that India faces a shortage of 2 million nurses, ranking 75 out of 133 countries in nurse density. Jharkhand particularly lacks nurses compared to other states. HDFC Bank Parivartan has supported three Nursing Kaushal Colleges in partnership with PanIIT Alumni Reach for India Foundation in Jharkhand. Nursing Kaushal College, an autonomous ITI/ANM Nursing Model, was specifically designed to serve marginalized youth, including

Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress

United Nations theme for Women’s International Day 2024A wake-up call to help Social and economic growth Women have fought with men as equals in health, communication, education, and administration, as caregivers, innovators, community organizers, and some of the most exemplary and effective national leaders in combating calamities and catastrophes. March 08, each year, is celebrated as International Women’s Day. All of us would agree that the efforts of women should be celebrated every day, but we fail to do that, even at home. Hence, this day is special for women and everyone to recognize their efforts and appreciate it. International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, mobilize political will and resources to address

Representation of Women in Politics is Crucial

“In times to come, the representation of women in our political decision-making bodies shall play a crucial role in fostering and strengthening the democratic fabric of our nation. It shall ensure that women’s voices are duly heard and their issues are addressed.” Excerpts from an exclusive interaction with CSR Times Team Q1. What are the major achievements of NCW Under your leadership?Throughout my tenure at the National Commission for Women (NCW), I have had the privilege of spearheading numerous initiatives, each aimed at transforming the landscape of support for women across the nation. Among these endeavors, one particular initiative stands out for its profound impact: the establishment of a 24×7 helpline for women. This pivotal service has not only provided

Driving Success at the workplace by unlocking strategies for empowering women

Empowering women in the workplace is not only a matter of gender equality but also a strategic imperative for organizations. Gender diversity and inclusion have been proven to drive innovation, enhance decision-making, and improve overall business performance. However, despite progress made in recent years, many women still face barriers and biases in their professional lives. Let us contemplate the effective strategies for empowering women in the workplace, highlighting the benefits, challenges, and implementation approaches. Breaking Down Barriers and Bias To empower women, organizations need to identify and dismantle the barriers and biases that hinder their progress. These barriers can include gender stereotypes, unconscious biases, lack of representation in leadership positions, limited access to opportunities, and work-life balance challenges. Organizations must

Transforming Lives of Children without Parental Care into Self-Reliant, Active Members of Society: Non-Profit Way

Sumanta Kar Chief Executive Officer of SOS Children’s Villages India Within the depths of the hearts of every child lies a world of potential waiting to be explored, nurtured, and unleashed. However, for children without parental care, this journey is often filled with challenges that can hinder their growth and potential contributions to society. In my experience over the last three decades, I firmly believe in a transformative approach that goes beyond traditional curative measures to create supportive families where these children can thrive, become self-reliant, and contribute meaningfully to society. A stable and loving home provides the foundation for the emotional, social, and cognitive growth of a child – it covers safety, support, and guidance. These elements combined help

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