Rise in Suicide among Young Women in Indian Society
The alarming increase in suicides among young women in India can be attributed to various intertwined factors:
- Societal Pressure: A 2018 study indicated that India accounted for 37% of global female suicides. The pressure to uphold family honor and societal expectations, particularly in marital contexts, contributes significantly.
- Marital Distress: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2019 report highlighted that family disputes, including marital discord, were a primary reason behind suicides.
- Educational Stress: An IndiaSpend analysis (2017) showed a surge in student suicides by 52% between 2007 and 2016. The demand for academic excellence and job placement can be overpowering.
- Economic Constraints: The World Bank remarked on the gender disparities in job opportunities, which can further elevate stress.
- Mental Health: The WHO indicated that India’s spending on mental health is a mere 0.06% of its health budget, revealing an infrastructure ill-equipped to address rising mental health issues.
- Isolation: Urbanization, leading to nuclear families, often reduces traditional support systems, with the Census 2011 indicating a 26% rise in nuclear families from the previous decade.
- Digital Age & Social Media: A study by Assocham (2018) revealed that 95% of teenagers in India on social media are affected by cyberbullying, impacting their self-esteem.
- Limited Redressal Mechanisms: Despite laws, the conviction rate for crimes against women was just 23% in 2019, according to the NCRB.
To mitigate this crisis, a multi-dimensional approach, encompassing legal, societal, and mental health interventions, is imperative.
