Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with Working Group on discrimination against women – Report titled “Women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in crisis” at the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) to be delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary (Geneva 25th June, 2021) Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with Working Group on discrimination against women – Re..
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Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with Working Group on discrimination against women – Report titled “Women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in crisis” at the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) to be delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary (Geneva 25th June, 2021)

Statement by India under Agenda Item 3: ID with Working Group on discrimination against women – Report titled “Women’s and girls’ sexual and reproductive health rights in crisis” at the 47th Session of Human Rights Council (21 June – 15 July 2021) to be delivered by Mr. Pawankumar Badhe, First Secretary (Geneva 25th June, 2021)

Madam President,

We thank Chair for the report of the Working Group and take note of the observations made in the Report.

2. Under Agenda 2030, empowerment of women and girls has been recognized as fundamental for achieving sustainable development. However, gender-based discrimination as well as inequality continue to be prevalent in our societies, families and workplaces.

3. The Government of India attaches utmost importance to the sexual and reproductive health rights of women and girls. We have launched a comprehensive programme for our nearly 250 million adolescents, focusing on reproductive and menstrual health; nutrition; violence, including gender-based violence; mental health and substance misuse. During the pandemic, in 2020 more than 6.83 million beneficiaries were provided maternity benefits under the PM’s Scheme for respecting motherhood.

4. Essential medical services, including reproductive and neo-natal health services, remained functional during the lockdowns in India. The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare mandate that pregnant woman must be provided with all essential maternal health services during the pandemic. Helplines have also been set up for pregnant women during the pandemic.

5. Several schemes are being implemented to address maternal health and related issues like Reproductive, Maternal, New born, Child and Adolescent health. The PM’s Secure Motherhood campaign ensures that contraceptives, hygiene products, awareness reach timely to reduce the challenges and concerns

6. The above Schemes have had a wide-reaching impact on lives of women and girls in India. It has been observed in the fall in drop-out rates in schools; greater social mobility, as well as, decreased risk of contracting infections.

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