Advocacy for sexual and reproductive health: the challenge in India

Six years after the Indian government affirmed its commitment to the principles of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, there is still a limited understanding of the concept of reproductive and sexual health among policymakers, programme managers and the public in India. Despite some progressive changes, there is a continuing focus on stabilising population growth rates and lack of unity of goals among women's rights advocates, service providers and policymakers. Advocacy efforts need to begin focusing on turning progressive reproductive health policies into concrete programmes on the ground, and continue to push for progressive policies in uncharted areas such as domestic violence. Those who implement programmes need to work with potential allies such as women's groups, development groups, health workers' associations and the media, who all need to be brought on board. What continues to be missing are policies and programmes that promote not only health but also rights and the empowerment of women. Without a strong focus on the links between these, India's reproductive health policies and programmes may become like 'grass without roots'.