Abstract: Science Set Journal of Economics Research

Abstract:
This paper examines inadequate access to sanitation and healthcare for women in India from legal, policy and gender justice lenses. Despite India’s progress in closing gender gaps in bank account ownership and toilet access, deficits persist in provision of enclosed toilets and affordable healthcare for women. This violates constitutional rights and worsens public health outcomes. The paper introduces relevant social concerns and reviews academic literature on impacts of limited access on women’s health, safety, privacy and status. The methodology relies on secondary data analysis. Key findings highlight continued lags in healthcare and sanitation access for women compared to financial inclusion, indicating policy gaps. Recommendations encompass legal, regulatory and budgetary measures to fulfill the constitutional right to public health and sanitation for women in India. Bridging these gender gaps will have multiplier effects across education, livelihoods, maternal mortality reduction and gender equality as envisaged under the Sustainable Development Goals.