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Health Care
Women’s Health Status in India

Rural women in Asia are amongst the most disadvantaged people in the world in terms of their health status and access to accurate health information and comprehensive, adequate and affordable health services.

Beyond the specific sexual and reproductive health concerns of rural women, is the fact that rural women and young girls are malnourished, vitamin deficient and frequently ill. It is important for women to have access to family planning services, information and education. “The Bejjing Declaration (1995) from the Fourth World Conference on Women – articulates the recognition and reaffirmation of the right of all women to control all aspects of their health, including their sexual and reproductive health, as foundational to the empowerment of women.” Unfortunately many governments are falling short on these commitments.

iSPiiCE has instigated a new initiative, for volunteers to travel with English speaking female Guides into small rural villages to meet with local pregnant and lactating women in their homes;

1) To discuss with them their own current personal situation with regard to their general health and wellbeing - difficulties/concerns they may be facing.

2) To assess their knowledge concerning the importance of nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.
3) To determine any practical ways of assistance and advice that will benefit their specific situation eg: health education/group discussions for women, run by qualified medical people, access to important nutrients etc.
Volunteers, with the guidance of experienced female Guides, will be encouraged and advised ask a series of brief questions and take notes, in order to assess the greatest areas of need for these women. From this they will be encouraged to consult with Medical Personal of the local Clinics where practical.

These Visits are deemed beneficial to all involved, in terms of increased education/awareness, for not only the women but also for other members of the family and also as an important part of the volunteer experience, in terms of seeing at a grass roots level, the difficulties these women of rural Indian face and offering very practical ways of assistance that will ultimately bring benefits for the whole community into the future.


Barriers of Poverty, Illiteracy, Geography, Conflict and Disaster
Poverty amongst rural populations has a devastating impact on rural women’s health. Many pregnant women cannot afford the costs associated with facility based care, travel to reach a facility or the lost income of those accompanying the women, and so do not receive adequate care. Poverty can cause delays in receiving appropriate health services until a condition reaches its most critical stage. Literacy and education can play a role in rural women’s reduced health status. Rural women, rarely exposed to comprehensive women’s health information, do not have correct information about contraception, the importance of a skilled birth attendant, adequate quality nutrition and a host of other important health issues. There is a prevalence of anaemia and nutrient deficiences amongst pregnant and lactating women. With minimal education and limited access to reproductive health services, many women are left on their own to manage their fertility and sexual and reproductive health and well-being. Geographical factors- transportation infrastructure – fear of travelling – can also impact directly on women’s health.

Barriers of Culture and Society
Longstanding and entrenched gender inequalities impact on rural women’s health. They have less access to basic resources (e.g. social, health, educational and agricultural service systems) compared to their male counterparts.
Women’s lack of decision-making power is apparent in their inability to control when and to whom they will be married. Early marriage is more common in rural areas and unfortunately this can negatively impact their health and well-being.
Socio-cultural norms influence health seeking behaviours and health delivery. For example; male village-level health providers in India report that taboos prohibit them from conducting physical examinations or invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on rural women, a situation that results in them providing care that is ineffective and more expensive (e.g. pills and shots) and can delay correct diagnosis and access to appropriate care. The situation is compounded when rural women also report that they do not feel comfortable receiving reproductive care and treatment from a male doctor.
Asian Governments’ Failure to Protect, Promote and Ensure Rural Women’s Health
For governments to achieve real equity in women’s health, they must recognize and put in place mechanisms to overcome barriers, such as poverty and illiteracy that negatively impact rural women’s health and ultimately work towards changing such conditions.

Resources remain a persistent problem in developing countries, whether financial or human, as governments invest adequately in facilities, medicine, equipment and wages for trained health care staff to work in remote rural areas.

Education Related

Education volunteers play an important role in raising awareness about the need for regular schooling and offer much needed support to local teachers. Working in local schools gives volunteers a chance to meet regularly with local children and their families and for those volunteers with a professional interest in education, teaching gives them a chance to hone their skills in a very different environment. The most commonly requested subject of teaching is English, however you are also invited to teach math, science, geography or other subjects covered by the curriculum. We encourage volunteers to create their own lesson plans and teaching materials are available for this purpose. You may also bring your own teaching materials such as reading and picture books and flash cards. . For teaching English it is not necessary for volunteers to have past experience and in-depth knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The children having experience working with fluent English speakers is invaluable on its own. This is a brilliant opportunity to teach school children in Himachal Pradesh and children in shelter homes and orphanages. Interacting with them is extremely valuable for children’s confidence and also for your learning of the local culture.

Childcare Related

The concept of "preschool" childcare is new in India, where the joint family system has long provided ample childcare providers. Unlike western countries, where child care facilities exist primarily to free woman to work, the Indian Day Care Center's main purpose is to provide a safe, healthy and hygienic space for young children who would not be able to receive proper care at home. Day Care Centres also serve pregnant women. While often extremely effective at improving the health of the children and mothers they serve, these Centres suffer from under funding and miss management, thus making the contributions of the volunteers extremely important. Child care volunteers share the workload with regular staff and help bring a level of professionalism and dedication by meeting regularly with children and their families and ensuring maximum attendance by awareness building in the community. You will introduce the children to the English alphabet and create a colorful and enjoyable environment for the children by playing games, and developing arts activities to enhance their motor skills and encourage creativity.
You will provide personal care to the children each day and assist the local worker in the maintenance of healthcare records including vaccinations, growth and nutritional status.

Women's Empowerment

With the introduction of the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women in 2001 the Indian Government has said ‘Our vision in the new century of a nation where women are equal partners with men’ but in reality Indian women struggle to gain empowerment through society. Education is the most influential tool to raise the status of women and at iSPiiCE we run a variety of educational and confidence building activities to benefit women and adolescent girls in the local community. English teaching and computer classes impart much needed skills to the ladies, increase their self worth and offer a platform for social interaction, ultimately increasing their social status and employability prospects. One good technique for building rapport and empowering the local women is to ask them to teach you basic Hindi at the same time as you are teaching them. You’ll come back with fond memories of an unforgettable experience.

Volunteer and Travel India with iSPiiCE

Trips Included

iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs provide you with the chance to combine your volunteering activities with travel in India. We offer excursions to world famous sites, including a Himalayan trek, the Taj Mahal Experience and a trip to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, all of which are included in the program fee.

* Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks inculde two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to Taj Mahal.

Himalayan Trek

The Himalayan mountain trek starts from McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. Trek 2,800 metres for fantastic views of the snow peaks (weather dependant) and the dramatic landscape. Includes one night tenting or 'guest house' accommodation, food and English speaking professional trekking guide. Following day includes some free time in McLeod Ganj or Bhagsu Nag.

During other 'free time' transport may be arranged to allow volunteers to explore the local area including important cultural sights such as the Dalai Lama Temple, McLeod Ganj Township.

Golden Temple at Amritsar

Amritsar - this beautiful town in the State of Punjab is home to the amazing Golden Temple, and the India/ Pakistan border ceremony is a real 'must see' for any itinerary.

" The beautiful state of the Punjab borders Himachal Pradesh and is renowned for its Holy City of Amritsar, according to the Sikh Religion. The spectacular Golden Temple is a breathtaking sight and definitely worth a visit! The waters surrounding the temple, known as 'The Pool of Nectar', gave the town its name (Amrit-sarovar). Amritsar is 200km from Dharamsala. Amritsar is only 30 km from Pakistan border. In the early evening the 'Wagha Border' crossing is the venue for the guard ceremony of the India and Pakistan Army. Crowds gather to witness the 'theatrics' and it is an amazing spectacle not to be missed!

" An Amritsar trip including a visit to the Golden Temple and the Indian/ Pakistan Wagha Border Ceremony.

Golden Temple : During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate : hence its new name, the Golden Temple. Its four gates invite everyone from all directions.


The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India

iSPiiCE is able to arrange an escorted tour of Agra to include transfer, overnight accommodation, meals and a visit to the amazing Taj Mahal. Agra, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is 710km from Dharamsala and 195km from Delhi and home to India's most famous site, the Taj Mahal (Symbol of Love), which is situated on the bank of river Jamuna. The Taj Mahal was built by the Mugal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his wife Mumtaj. It is an awe inspiring sight at anytime, however during sunrise and sunset illumination of the white marble transforms it to a 'magical' pinkish hue.

Following your visit to Taj Mahal you will be taken to Delhi for your return flight home or continuation of your travels in India.

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and Queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of Queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen's real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Duration

2-12 weeks.

Start Dates

Please visit our website.

Requirements

There is no educational requirement for this program; anyone with a heart to help is welcome on this program! However proficiency in English is required. People should be patient, committed and willing to learn.