S K Singh1, Bhawana Sharma2, Deepanjali Vishwakarma3, Gudakesh Yadav3, Swati Srivastava3, Barsharani Maharana4. 1. Department of Mathematical Demography and Statistics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Deonar, Mumbai 400088, Maharashtra, India. 2. International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Mumbai 400088, Maharashtra, India. Electronic address: bhawana.sharma58@yahoo.com. 3. International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Mumbai 400088, Maharashtra, India. 4. National Family Health Survey, International Institute for Population Sciences, Govandi Station Road, Mumbai 400088, India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Based on the four-corner stone of population and development programmes recognized by ICPD (1994) this paper envisages the relationship between the recent waves of women's empowerment anduse of contraceptive methods in India. DATA AND METHODS: Findings are based on two rounds of NFHS (3 & 4). Liberson's Diversity Index has been used to assess the inequality in women's empowerment. Multiple regression analysis is used to portray the relationship and logistic regression is used to access the adjusted effects of various dimensions of women's empowerment on use of contraception. RESULTS: Varying degrees of equity in women's empowerment across different states of India builds a combative relationship with uptake of contraceptive methods. Results portray a positive association between inequality in household decision making, engaged in paid work in last 12 months and having 10 years of schooling with use of any modern method. Women who participated in household decision making (OR = 1.17 p < 0.005), using mobile phone (OR = 1.23 p < 0.005) and working and were paid in cash in last 12 months (OR = 1.37 p < 0.005) are significantly more likely to use any method of contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Status of women in India has improved in different dimensions, yet the patriarchal norms influence the decision of using contraception. The current women-centric bottom-top approach in implementation of family planning programme should focus at the women's right to decision on their own life and health. Such efforts should hinge at strengthening inter personal counseling and capacity building sessions by outreach workers, which may empower women with enhanced knowledge about their health and bodily rights.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Based on the four-corner stone of population and development programmes recognized by ICPD (1994) this paper envisages the relationship between the recent waves of women's empowerment anduse of contraceptive methods in India. DATA AND METHODS: Findings are based on two rounds of NFHS (3 & 4). Liberson's Diversity Index has been used to assess the inequality in women's empowerment. Multiple regression analysis is used to portray the relationship and logistic regression is used to access the adjusted effects of various dimensions of women's empowerment on use of contraception. RESULTS: Varying degrees of equity in women's empowerment across different states of India builds a combative relationship with uptake of contraceptive methods. Results portray a positive association between inequality in household decision making, engaged in paid work in last 12 months and having 10 years of schooling with use of any modern method. Women who participated in household decision making (OR = 1.17 p < 0.005), using mobile phone (OR = 1.23 p < 0.005) and working and were paid in cash in last 12 months (OR = 1.37 p < 0.005) are significantly more likely to use any method of contraception. CONCLUSIONS: Status of women in India has improved in different dimensions, yet the patriarchal norms influence the decision of using contraception. The current women-centric bottom-top approach in implementation of family planning programme should focus at the women's right to decision on their own life and health. Such efforts should hinge at strengthening inter personal counseling and capacity building sessions by outreach workers, which may empower women with enhanced knowledge about their health and bodily rights.