Context:

• An unmarried woman has approached the Supreme Court seeking the right to have a child through surrogacy as a single woman. 
• This case has brought the interest on the problems faced by single women in India and solutions which can address these problems.

Problems faced by single women in India:

• Social Stigma and Negative Stereotypes: Single women encounter societal judgement and stereotypes regarding their marital status and desire for motherhood, often facing assumptions of immaturity or selfishness.
• Safety and Security Concerns: Single women in India often grapple with safety concerns, particularly in public spaces. They may face harassment, stalking, and violence, which can severely impact their mobility and sense of security. Additionally, the lack of effective legal recourse and societal attitudes that blame the victim can exacerbate these challenges.
• Limited Access to Housing: Securing safe and affordable housing can be difficult for single women, especially those who are financially disadvantaged or lack familial support. Discrimination from landlords and societal norms that prioritise married couples as tenants can further complicate their search for suitable accommodation.
• Social Isolation and Loneliness: Single women may experience social isolation and loneliness, particularly if they do not conform to traditional family structures. They may lack social support networks and face difficulties in building meaningful relationships outside of marriage. This isolation can have detrimental effects on their mental health and well-being.
• Systemic Discrimination in Legislation: Laws and policies surrounding reproductive rights tend to disadvantage single women, such as the lack of acknowledgment of single status in abortion laws, leading to difficulties in accessing safe abortions.
  • Legal Restrictions on Surrogacy and Reproductive Choices: The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021, permits only married couples or only a woman who is a widow or divorcee between the age of 35 to 45 years to have children through surrogacy.
  • It does not allow a single, never-married woman to use surrogacy for having children. 
• Challenges in Parenthood Rights: Single women may face obstacles in asserting their rights as parents, including issues related to custody, adoption, and the societal expectation of having a partner for raising children.

Measures which can help Single women:

• Legal Reforms and Enforcement: Implement and enforce laws that protect the rights of single women, including laws against discrimination, harassment, and violence. 
  • Strengthen legal mechanisms to ensure swift and effective justice for victims of gender-based violence. 
  • Additionally, introduce policies that safeguard single women’s rights to inheritance, property ownership, and access to resources.
• Social Support Networks and Community Programs: Establish community-based support networks and initiatives specifically tailored to the needs of single women. 
  • Create safe spaces where they can access social support, counselling, and skill-building workshops. 
  • Foster peer-to-peer networks that facilitate solidarity, mentorship, and mutual assistance among single women.
• Education and Awareness Campaigns: Launch educational campaigns to challenge societal stereotypes and promote gender equality. 
  • Raise awareness about the rights and challenges faced by single women, including issues such as safety, financial independence, and social stigma. 
  • Integrate gender-sensitive education into school curricula and community outreach programs to foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
• Housing and Urban Planning Reforms: Implement policies to ensure affordable and safe housing options for single women. 
  • Encourage the development of women-centric housing complexes equipped with security measures and support services. 
  • Address discrimination in the housing sector by enforcing laws that prohibit landlords from denying accommodation based on marital status or gender.

By adopting these solutions and fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, and local communities, it is possible to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for single women in India.