A Study on Accomplishment of Womens Reproductive Rights in the Selected Units of Kudumbashree

Abstract

The progress of any society is measured in terms of the status enjoyed by its women. Women, who are empowered, increase the prospects for the future generation as well as the health and productivity of their families and communities. Women empowerment is a crucial strategy for accelerating comprehensive development of society and eradicating poverty. The status enjoyed by women and their ability to carry out various responsibilities in society, to a great extent, depend upon their capacity to have control over what happens to their bodies and life. The realisation of reproductive rights enables women to take important decisions concerning their life and body. Reproductive rights imply the rights of an individual to make reproductive choices free of coercion and avail reproductive health services. For a woman, these rights are of particular significance as it encompasses her right to life, health, to be free from torture and discrimination, privacy and education. The study is confined to the members of selected Kudumbashree units in the three districts in Kerala namely, Kottayam, Thrissur and Kozhikodeto understand how women empowerment initiatives help in realizing reproductive rights. newline