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(GIST OF YOJANA) Empowering women & Nurturing Children
GIST OF YOJANA : Empowering women & Nurturing Children
SEPTEMBER-2025
Empowering women & Nurturing Children
Context:
Access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and better hygiene practices, collectively known as WASH, are fundamental human rights. It is a foundational element in achieving gender equality and fostering child development across the world.
WASH as a Human Right:
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	WASH stands for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene. 
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	Access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and safe hygiene is a fundamental human right. 
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	It directly impacts gender equality, women empowerment, and child development. 
Gender Dimensions of WASH:
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	In many societies, especially in India, women and girls bear the disproportionate burden of sanitation management. 
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	Unpaid domestic labour for water collection or sanitation consumes several hours daily, limiting opportunities for education, work, and community engagement. 
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	Lack of safe sanitation facilities increases health risks, harassment, and vulnerability to violence. 
Child Development and WASH:
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	Poor WASH conditions are linked to high rates of diarrhoea, malnutrition, stunting, and school absenteeism. 
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	Safe water and sanitation promote better nutrition, disease prevention, and educational attainment. 
India’s Efforts:
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	Programs like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) gave strong momentum to WASH improvements. 
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	The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) integrated WASH within its welfare schemes to ensure a direct link between gender justice, nutrition, and child protection. 
Gender Equality Dimensions of WASH
Challenges Women Face:
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	Time Burden: Women spend long hours collecting water and managing household sanitation. 
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	Safety & Dignity: Lack of toilets exposes women to harassment and violence. 
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	Menstrual Hygiene: Absence of facilities leads to school dropouts and loss of dignity. 
Empowerment Opportunities:
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	Access to nearby water sources reduces drudgery, enabling women to participate in education, skill-building, and income generation. 
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	Women’s participation in community WASH committees strengthens their role in decision-making and leadership. 
Child Well-Being and WASH
Health Benefits:
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	Reduction in waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid. 
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	Improved sanitation reduces infection rates, boosting nutrition and nutrient absorption. 
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	Educational Benefits: 
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	Functional toilets encourage regular school attendance, especially among girls. 
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	Hygiene education improves school readiness and performance. 
Early Childhood Development:
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	Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) integrate hygiene practices, shaping lifelong healthy behaviours. 
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	Reduces risk of disease transmission in communities. 
Major Initiatives by MoWCD Integrating WASH
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
Overview:
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	Integrates Poshan Abhiyaan, ICDS, and SAG (Scheme for Adolescent Girls). 
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	Covers 10.16 crore beneficiaries through a network of 14 lakh AWCs. 
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	Beneficiaries include pregnant women, lactating mothers, children (0–6 years), and adolescent girls. 
WASH Contributions:
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	Community-Based Events (CBEs): Over 7 crore events since 2018, sensitising families on hygiene. 
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	Home Visits: Nearly 2 crore visits per month to promote maternal and child hygiene. 
Infrastructure:
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	10.27 lakh AWCs with functional toilets. 
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	12.53 lakh AWCs with drinking water facilities. 
Behavioural Change Efforts:
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	Poshan Maah (September) and Poshan Pakhwada (March-April) as Jan Andolans for mass sensitisation. 
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	Over 3.8 crore WASH awareness activities reported since 2018. 
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	Upgradation of AWCs: 2 lakh AWCs to be transformed into Saksham Anganwadi Centres with: 
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	Safe drinking water 
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	Toilets 
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	LED screens 
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	Water filtration systems 
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	Poshan Vatikas (nutritional gardens) 
Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG):
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	Targets 23 lakh girls (14–18 years) in NE States and Aspirational Districts. 
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	Focus on nutrition, menstrual hygiene, peer education, and community awareness. 
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	Special Campaign 3.0: 
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	Nationwide cleanliness drives in AWCs and public spaces. 
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	Mobilised community volunteers, local governance, and officials for sustained WASH practices. 
Mission Shakti (Including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao)
Focus:
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	Addresses gender discrimination and emphasises the well-being of girls. 
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	Promotes hygiene and sanitation to ensure girls remain in school. 
Outcome:
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	Aims to break the cycle of gender inequality caused by lack of sanitation facilities for girls. 
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
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	Nature of Scheme: A maternity benefit programme supporting antenatal care and health awareness. 
WASH Contribution:
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	Counselling on hygiene during pregnancy and childcare. 
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	Promotes clean and safe environments for mothers and infants. 
Mission Vatsalya
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	Swachhata Action Plan (SAP): 
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	Funds given to States/UTs to promote WASH in Child Care Institutions (CCIs). 
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	Annual action plans ensure structured WASH activities. 
Impact of WASH Integration
On Women:
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	Reduced physical burden of water collection. 
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	Improved personal safety and dignity. 
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	Greater participation in education and livelihood. 
On Children:
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	Reduced child morbidity and mortality. 
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	Better nutrition outcomes and school performance. 
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	Formation of healthy hygiene habits from early childhood. 
On Communities:
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	Greater awareness and behavioural change through Jan Andolans. 
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	Ownership and sustainability through community participation. 
Conclusion:
Thus, through its targeted policies and community-driven programmes, the Ministry of Women and Child Development in India is leveraging WASH as a powerful enabler of gender equality and child well-being. Continued support, innovation, and commitment will be critical to ensuring that every woman and child, regardless of geography or background, has access to the life-changing benefits of WASH.
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