Gender Gap / Gender Inequality

Now that Americans too have started ‘reforming’ India due to the targeted global hatred towards Indians, an American tweet got me thinking again about gender, something I've written about often on this blog. Rumble of Thoughts: Gender Inequality I’m sure no one is reading, but at least I can now see how much India has progressed since I began writing in 2007.

So where does India stand now? (Since Indian census is much overdue, the data collected must be from Sample Registration System (SRS), National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and Central Registries) One hopes to validate these claims once the census is conducted.

But before I look at India, let me remind you that Kerala continues to be a beacon of hope; 1,084 females per 1,000 males (highest ratio). I have tried deciphering Kerala over the years and am confident that Kerala girls got educated, started working and became assets rather than liabilities. Culturally, Malayalees continue to prefer boys, but economic factors have outweighed this preference, and migration has likely contributed to the shift.

Over the decade India’s national sex ratio has increased from 943 females per 1000 males to 1020 females per 1000 males but since this progression is not uniform (rural areas are better than urban in some states) one can assume that unborn girls are still killed.

India Sex Ratio | Progression Over the Decade 2011 to 2024 | eDivas

Here’s a snapshot of the state-wise sex ratio in India based on the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2020–21) estimates for 2025:

🧭 Sex Ratio by Indian States (Females per 1000 Males)

State/UT	Total	Urban	Rural
Kerala	1121	1138	1105
Rajasthan	1099	968	1022
Tamil Nadu	1088	1062	1113
Bihar	1090	982	1111
Himachal Pradesh	1040	936	1057
Karnataka	1034	1034	1035
Telangana	1049	1015	1070
West Bengal	1049	1016	1065
Odisha	1063	1010	1074
Manipur	1066	1077	1060
Meghalaya	1039	1118	1020
Mizoram	1018	1043	988
Uttar Pradesh	1017	961	1036
Uttarakhand	1016	943	1052
Assam	1012	982	1017
Tripura	1011	1024	1029
Jharkhand	1050	989	1070
Andhra Pradesh	1045	1024	1055
Maharashtra	966	954	977
Gujarat	965	929	991
Punjab	938	918	950
Haryana	926	911	933
Delhi (NCT)	913	914	859
Chandigarh	917	918	868
Daman & Diu	827	775	875

🧠 Key Takeaways

• Kerala leads with the highest sex ratio.
• Haryana and Punjab continue to show lower ratios, reflecting persistent gender imbalances.
• Urban areas generally show lower sex ratios than rural ones, likely due to male-dominated migration and socio-economic factors.

Gender-Focused Schemes in India (2007–Present)

Here’s a year-wise timeline of major Indian government schemes and initiatives aimed at addressing gender gaps from 2007 onward. These programs span education, health, employment, and social empowerment:

2007–2009

• Gender Budgeting Expansion (2007–08): The Gender Budget Statement (GBS) covered 33 demands for grants under 27 ministries and departments.

• Ujjawala Scheme (2007): Launched to combat human trafficking and rehabilitate victims.

• SWADHAR Greh (2008): Shelter and support for women in distress.

2010–2014

• National Mission for Empowerment of Women (2010): Coordinated efforts across ministries to improve women’s status.

• Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls – SABLA (2011): Focused on nutrition, health, and vocational skills for girls aged 11–18.

• Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahyog Yojana (2010): Conditional maternity benefit scheme later merged into PMMVY.

2015–2017

• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (2015): Flagship campaign to improve child sex ratio and promote girls’ education.

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (2015): Savings scheme for the girl child.

• Mahila E-Haat (2016): Online platform for women entrepreneurs to sell products and services.

2018–2020

• Mahila Shakti Kendra (2018): Empowerment centers at block and district levels.

• One-Stop Centre Scheme Expansion: Integrated support for women affected by violence.

• Women Helpline Scheme: 24/7 emergency response and counseling.

2021–2023

• PM Awaas Yojana (Urban & Rural): Encouraged property ownership in women’s names.

• POSHAN 2.0 (2021): Nutrition-focused scheme with gender-sensitive components.

• Stand-Up India (Expanded): Continued support for women-led enterprises.

2024–2025

• Lakhpati Didi Scheme (2024): Empowers Self-Help Group (SHG) members to pursue entrepreneurship.

• Cervavac Vaccine Push (2025): Inclusion of cervical cancer vaccine in broader immunization efforts.

One can see the shift from welfare-based support to empowerment-driven strategies. 

Womanly woes

Recently, while learning about another health issue affecting women of all ages out here—bone spurs—I wondered if one could only know how to prevent these conditions. While growing up one heard only about heart condition or diabetes (cancer too but rarely those days), maybe because men speak openly about their health issues. It is only now that even Menopause is getting the attention it deserves. 

Normally these are conditions affecting women older than 50, but now it seems to have no specific age. Thought I shall write about one of them since it affected me too. Nothing much has changed (in India at least) and even after so many years, since most are still having the same treatment. (hysterectomy)

Initially I removed only my uterus and retained my ovaries against my doctor's advice when he told me that I will return to him to remove the ovaries too!! His explanation was that I was prone to these ailments. What could be that and why? But did his prediction come true? Yes. Year or two after the operation I found that I had a cyst growing on one of the ovaries. I was advised to leave it thus and only to monitor its growth. Life got busy, and during my son's 12th-grade exams, its stem somehow twisted, causing me unbearable pain that no number of painkillers could relieve. I was asked to do an emergency surgery and was also called lucky since it did not bleed into my body. One more trip to India and another keyhole surgery so that I can return quickly to life and its demands.

While reading about the condition, I think one reason why I got this ailment could be my diet and Vitamin D deficiency? I was not obese, but stress too could have been a factor. Have read that it could be because my body was not getting rid of toxins as needed. My intake of water then was dismal. Some studies suggest that repeated pregnancies may help keep fibroids smaller over time, but they do not eliminate them completely.

Fibroids 

Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are made up of muscle and connective tissue and can vary in size—from tiny, undetectable nodules to large masses that can distort the uterus.

Fibroids come in different types, depending on their location in or on the uterus. Here are the main categories:

Types of Fibroids

1. Intramural Fibroids – The most common type, these grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can expand and make the uterus larger.

2. Subserosal Fibroids – These develop on the outer surface of the uterus and may grow large enough to make the uterus appear bigger on one side.

3. Submucosal Fibroids – Found just beneath the inner lining of the uterus, these can protrude into the uterine cavity and often cause heavy menstrual bleeding.

4. Pedunculated Fibroids – These are attached to the uterus by a stalk and can be either subserosal or submucosal.

5. Cervical Fibroids – A rarer type, these grow on the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina

Each type can cause different symptoms, depending on its size and location.

Symptoms

Many people with fibroids experience no symptoms, but when they do, common signs include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged periods

• Pelvic pain or pressure

• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder

• Constipation

• Lower back pain

• Pain during intercourse

Causes & Risk Factors

The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but several factors may contribute:

• Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone influence fibroid growth.

• Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the risk.

• Age: More common in people over 30.

• Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to fibroid development.

• Vitamin D deficiency and high alcohol consumption may also play a role.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Fibroids can be diagnosed through ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, or other imaging tests. Treatment depends on their size, location, and severity:

• Medications: Hormonal therapy, pain relievers, or antifibrinolytics.

• Minimally invasive procedures: Uterine artery embolization or endometrial ablation.

• Surgery: Myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy (uterus removal in severe cases)

Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing fibroids or manage their symptoms. Here are some key strategies:

Dietary Adjustments

• Follow a Mediterranean diet – Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish while reducing red meat consumption.

• Limit alcohol – Alcohol can increase hormone levels that contribute to fibroid growth.

• Increase vitamin D intake – Vitamin D may help lower the risk of fibroids.

• Reduce processed foods – Avoid high-fat dairy, processed meats, and sugary foods, as they may worsen fibroid symptoms.

Exercise & Weight Management

• Stay active – Regular exercise (about 7 hours per week) has been linked to a lower risk of fibroids.

• Maintain a healthy weight – Excess weight can contribute to hormonal imbalances that encourage fibroid growth.

Hormonal Balance & Stress Management

• Manage estrogen levels – Losing excess weight and eating hormone-balancing foods can help.

• Reduce stress – Regular movement, like walking, yoga, or strength training, helps regulate cortisol and boost mood.

• Deep breathing – Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing or box breathing can calm the nervous system.

• Stretching – Gentle stretching relieves tension and supports hormonal balance.

Plants

Have been trying to grow plants in Kuwait from the time I landed here. The ones that are successful are the ones that need least maintenance. Watering them during vacations needed much planning though. So, what are the plants that are easy to maintain indoors as per ChatGPT? 

🌿 Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – Super tough, barely needs water, and thrives in low light. Plus, it’s a great air purifier!

🌱 ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – Practically indestructible. It grows slowly but can handle dim corners like a champ.

🍃 Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – One of the best trailing plants for low light. It’s also super forgiving if you forget to water it.

🌵 Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) – Named for its toughness, this one survives in shady spots and is pretty low-maintenance.

🌿 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – A little more dramatic (it droops when thirsty), but it thrives in low light and even gives you lovely white blooms.

🌱 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) – A great way to add a tropical feel to a dark space without needing much light.

🍀 Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) – Comes in lots of cool leaf patterns and colors, and it’s very adaptable to low-light areas.

Snake plants and Pothos are the real heroes from the above. 

And have you tried DIY fertilizers for them? 

1️⃣ Banana Peel Fertilizer 🍌

Good for: Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Parlor Palm

• Chop up banana peels and soak them in water for 24-48 hours.
• Use the water to water your plants (potassium boost!).
• You can also dry the peels, crush them, and mix them into the soil.

2️⃣ Coffee Grounds ☕

Good for: Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Pothos

• Coffee grounds add nitrogen but should be used in moderation.
• Mix used coffee grounds with compost or dilute them in water before applying.
• Avoid for Snake Plants and Cast Iron Plants (they prefer slightly alkaline soil).

3️⃣ Eggshell Tea 🥚

Good for: All plants, especially Parlor Palm and Snake Plant

• Crush eggshells and soak them in water for 24 hours.
• Use the water for calcium enrichment.
• You can also grind the shells into a powder and mix them into the soil.

4️⃣ Rice Water 🍚

Good for: Pothos, Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Parlor Palm

• After rinsing rice, save the starchy water.
• Use it to water your plants for extra nutrients.
• Helps promote microbial activity in the soil.

5️⃣ Epsom Salt Mix 🧂

Good for: Snake Plant, Pothos, Peace Lily

• Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water.
• Use it once a month to provide magnesium and sulfur.

6️⃣ Vegetable Scrap Tea 🥦

Good for: All plants

• Boil vegetable scraps in water, let cool, then use the strained water for watering.
• Adds a mix of nutrients naturally.