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Marriage, a cornerstone of societal structure, is traditionally viewed as a fundamental institution, not only forming the bedrock of family life but also defining social roles and statuses. However, the phenomenon of desertion, the abandonment of a spouse without justifiable cause, starkly contradicts these ideals, leaving a trail of vulnerable women in its wake. A deserted woman, defined as one whose husband has denied marital co-existence, faces a unique set of challenges often overlooked in broader discussions of women’s empowerment .
The empowerment of India’s women with bold policies While India’s Draft National Policy for Women (2016) acknowledges the vulnerabilities of various categories of women, including divorced, separated, and widowed, it fails to adequately address the specific plight of deserted women. This omission is not a mere oversight but reflects a systemic negligence that perpetuates their marginalisation. Despite the wealth of data on India’s female population, the absence of reliable figures on deserted women renders policy responses speculative and ineffective.
The 2023 survey conducted by the CEO of Zilla Parishad, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra, revealing that 4,582 out of more than one lakh single women were deserted, underscores the magnitude of this overlooked crisis. These women, abandoned without the legal certainty of divorce, exist in a judicial and social limbo, their voices lost in the formal policy discourse. While they may be included in general welfare schemes, the lack of a clear definition leads to fundamental lacunae in India’s gender-sensitive policymaking, perpetuating their socio-economic and psychological marginalisation.
Historically, India’s legal and social institutions have been anchored in the normative understanding of marriage, with legal systems primarily focussed on its preservation. In a patriarchal society, the onus of maintaining this relationship falls heavily on women, making them particularly vulnerable to the fallout of marital discord. The stark contrast in treatment between divorced, widowed, and deserted women highlights this disparity.
Divorced women have legal entitlements, and widows receive social and official acknowledgment and assistance. Deserted women, however, are caught in a paradoxical situation, ineligible for the benefits afforded to either group. This discrepancy necessitates a re-evaluation of gendered hierarchies and a more nuanced approach to gender-sensitive policymaking.
The challenges faced by deserted women extend far beyond the legal realm, encompassing socio-economic and psychological dimensions. Economically, they struggle to achieve financial stability, often facing social ostracism that limits employment opportunities. Forced into poorly paid or irregular jobs, they lack access to credit, shelter, and essential welfare programmes.
Their vulnerable economic situation is exacerbated by limited skills and education, rigid social norms, and a lack of support systems. Psychologically, the impact of desertion is devastating. These women endure severe emotional trauma, characterised by low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
The stigma of being deserted, coupled with familial and community rejection, leads to social isolation and hinders their reintegration into society. In rural areas, where patriarchal norms are deeply entrenched, these challenges are compounded by factors such as caste, religion, and geographic location. Women, marriage and labour market participation The lack of targeted State welfare measures further exacerbates their plight.
Stringent criteria for social welfare benefits, such as residency requirements, create insurmountable barriers for women who have migrated in search of sustenance. Inter-State disparities in welfare provisions leave many deserted women excluded from essential support. Housing is another critical area of concern, with significant gender disparities in property ownership.
While recent initiatives such as PMAY-G mandate joint ownership, many properties remain solely in the husband’s name, leaving deserted women without a secure social safety net. Similarly, while some States have categorised deserted women for ration card benefits, a lack of uniformity at the Central level hinders their formal recognition as eligible beneficiaries. Even well-intentioned schemes such as the Swadhar Greh Scheme often fail to deliver tangible benefits owing to budgetary constraints and implementation challenges.
Limited access to property, low literacy rates, and childcare responsibilities further reduce their bargaining power in the labour market. While schemes such as MGNREGA have identified deserted women as a special category, these measures are insufficient to address their comprehensive needs. The pervasive lack of awareness regarding legal rights and personal agency compounds these obstacles.
Despite the existence of laws designed to protect deserted women, prohibitive legal fees, procedural complexities, and social stigma deter many from seeking justice. Even with free legal aid, many deserted women do not file maintenance cases or receive minimal support. Studies, like the one from Sakhi: One Stop Centres in Maharashtra, show that even when cases are filed, outcomes are uncertain and prolonged.
These challenges highlight the need for legal reform and sociocultural advocacy. Rules that edge out women from employment for getting married are ‘coarse’, unconstitutional: Supreme Court Addressing the plight of deserted women requires a comprehensive policy intervention. Integrating them into State welfare measures and expanding empowerment initiatives through self-help groups (SHGs) are crucial steps.
Improving legal literacy through dedicated legal support centres is equally essential. Community support networks and free counseling are needed to address their psychological needs. Expanded access to healthcare and insurance coverage will provide a safety net against economic- and social instability.
A formal national institution dedicated to the care of deserted women would ensure uniform policy implementation and recognition of their specific needs. Legal reforms are necessary to expedite processes and remove administrative barriers. Simplifying procedures and enforcing existing legislation are key goals.
Organisations such as CORO India and Ekal Stri Sangahtana are working to bring awareness to the plight of single women. Women’s rights organisations must continuously challenge and transform the socio-cultural beliefs that marginalise deserted women. The plight of deserted women underscores the need for a more inclusive approach to women’s empowerment.
Their legal invisibility and socio-economic vulnerability highlight a critical deficiency in current gender-sensitive policymaking. A multi-pronged strategy encompassing legal reform, policy innovation, and grassroots advocacy is essential. Excluding deserted women from the policy narrative is a moral and practical failure that demands urgent correction.
( The author is a Civil Servant and Ph.D Scholar at the Centre of Policy Studies in IIT Bombay ) Published - March 13, 2025 05:14 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit marriage / social issues (general) / social issue / Women's Representation.
