Today, 600,000 of India’s 1 million accredited social health activists (#ASHA workers) have gone on strike for 2 days to demand better and timely pay, and a legal status that ensures minimum wages. Follow this thread to know more:
In Bihar, only ~20% of #ASHA workers have been given masks & gloves for #COVID19 screening. Without proper equipment, ASHAs fear they will catch the infection, said Chunni Kumari, an ASHA from East Champaran district, in our May 2020 story indiaspend.com/why-bihars-doo…
In Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam, experts suggested that #ASHA workers be roped in to help prevent #domesticviolence during the #lockdown and provide redress to victims, as we reported in April 2020
indiaspend.com/activists-urge…
indiaspend.com/activists-urge…
ASHAs are crucial to detect & prevent malnutrition in children. Yet, a 2015 study in north Bihar found only 25% ASHAs understood their role; 70-90% needed better training, monetary support & timely replenishment of drug kits, we reported in July 2018
indiaspend.com/why-health-wor…
indiaspend.com/why-health-wor…
Involvement of ASHA workers in #COVID-related surveillance work impacted the community-level distribution of #contraceptives, hampering women’s access to birth-control in rural areas, @vinojmanning, CEO of @IDFTweetz, told us in an interview in July 2020
indiaspend.com/1-85m-women-ma…
indiaspend.com/1-85m-women-ma…
The wage penalty is blatant in India & professions dominated by women such as #ASHA work do not even command the minimum wage. ASHAs are paid Rs 2,250-Rs 4,400/month & get no pension, maternity, holiday or other benefits, we reported in March 2019
indiaspend.com/how-unpaid-wor…
indiaspend.com/how-unpaid-wor…
