The number of women using internet in the country has doubled, these figures are revealed in the survey

While on one hand the women of the country are performing well in different fields, on the other hand there has been improvement in their digital access and economic independence. According to the Sixth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) report, there has been almost double increase in internet usage among women. According to the data, this number has increased from 33.3% in 2019-21 to 64.3% in 2023-24.

In 2019-2021, NFHS-5 research found that 33.3 percent of Indian women had used the internet at least once. This figure has doubled in the intervening two years, showing a sea change in digital penetration among women.

Number of savings accounts increased

According to the data, the percentage of women who have banking or savings accounts has increased from 78.6 percent in 2019-2021 (NFHS-5) to 89 percent in 2023-24 (NFHS-6), while the percentage of women who have their own personal mobile phone has increased from 53.9 percent in 2019-2021 to 63.6 percent in 2023-24.

Increased awareness towards periods

According to the information given by the Union Health Ministry, in the data of NFHS-6, continuous progress has been recorded in the digital inclusion and financial empowerment of women. Used hygienic methods during periods in women aged 15-24. The figure of such women has increased from 77.6 percent in 2019-2021 to 79.2 percent in 2023-24. In this, initiatives like ‘Menstrual Hygiene Scheme’ (MHS) under ‘National Adolescent Health Programme’ and affordable sanitary products under ‘Jan Aushadhi Yojana’ helped a lot.

Moving towards sustainable development goals

According to the ministry, these results reflect continued progress in maternal and child health, nutrition, women empowerment and access to essential services. Additionally, emerging challenges, such as the rise in non-communicable diseases, lifestyle risks and the dual burden of undernutrition and rising obesity among adults, highlight the need for continued focus on preventive health care, behavior change and balanced nutrition strategies. Overall, the ministry said that these results confirm India’s continued progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).