India’s gender-responsive policies during COVID-19
by Kritika Shukla, Rahul Chatterjee and Neeraja Sundar
Oct 16, 2021
1 min
Despite the Indian government’s gender-focused relief measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, women beneficiaries faced issues as they tried to access and utilize such measures. Issues with access and capability around digital communication and inherent social norms persist as two important factors that intensify the challenges that #women face in using formal financial services.
COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for the world and particularly for women. They faced pressing questions regarding food, fuel, employment, and income. In-kind and cash benefits from the GoI’s PMGKY assistance package continue to support the holistic needs of marginalized women in India and the households they look after. The GoI provided all female #PMJDY account holders with INR 500 (USD 6.77) per month for three months.
While PMGKY has a dedicated focus on poor women, poor communication, lack of digital and financial literacy, and presence of social norms are some key underlying challenges women face while enrolling and accessing gender-focused G2P programs, as is the case with the GOIs PMGKY package. MSC believes G2P programs for women can be enhanced through gender-sensitive considerations in communication and a friendly-banking environment.
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