Introduction
The “Welfare Approach” is one of the earliest strategies used in the field of women’s development and gender planning. It primarily focuses on providing aid and assistance to women, especially in their traditional roles as mothers and caregivers. While this approach has certain limitations, it laid the foundation for future gender strategies by highlighting the need for government and institutional support for women.
Significance of the Welfare Approach
1. Addressed Immediate Needs
The welfare approach focused on providing basic needs like food, healthcare, nutrition, and shelter to women, particularly during times of crisis such as natural disasters, poverty, or social conflict. For example, programs offering free maternal health checkups and subsidized food for pregnant women were part of this approach.
2. Recognized Women’s Role in Reproduction
In many traditional societies, women were seen mainly as mothers and homemakers. The welfare approach accepted this view and tried to support women in these roles. For instance, family planning programs and immunization campaigns were targeted toward women to improve family health.
3. Foundation for Future Policies
Though limited in scope, the welfare approach paved the way for more progressive gender development strategies like the Women in Development (WID) and Gender and Development (GAD) approaches. It made policymakers realize that women’s issues need attention in development planning.
4. Government and NGO Involvement
During the 1950s to 1970s, many countries, including India, launched welfare programs aimed at women. These included the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), free mid-day meals, and maternal health services. NGOs also played a significant role by running welfare camps and awareness programs.
Examples of the Welfare Approach
- ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services): Launched in 1975 in India, it focused on child nutrition, immunization, and pre-school education. Women benefited as mothers and caregivers.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Aimed to improve nutrition for school children and indirectly supported mothers by reducing their household burden.
- Maternal and Child Health Programs: These programs provided free medical checkups, iron tablets, and support during pregnancy and childbirth.
Limitations of the Welfare Approach
- It did not challenge the traditional gender roles of women.
- Focused mainly on women as dependents, not as independent contributors to society.
- Ignored women’s participation in economic and political spheres.
Conclusion
The Welfare Approach was significant in its time because it acknowledged the special needs of women and tried to support them through state and NGO programs. Although it had limitations, it created a foundation for more comprehensive gender planning strategies. Understanding this approach helps us see how gender policies have evolved and why it is important to move toward empowerment and equality-focused models today.