DeepState Network, Delh May 30, 2026
Women Advancing, Violence Persists
The National Family Health Survey-6 (2023–24) reports that 22.3% of Indian women have experienced sexual violence by their spouses, although this marks an improvement from 29.2% recorded in NFHS-5 (2019–21). At the same time, women's digital participation has expanded significantly, with over 64% actively using the internet and a similar percentage owning mobile phones.
Nearly 89% of women now operate their own bank or savings accounts, while more than 30% reported receiving wages or salaries during the previous year. Despite these gains, domestic abuse remains deeply entrenched in many households.
Rajasthan: Progress Yet Persistent Concerns
Rajasthan's NFHS-5 data showed that 26.3% of married women aged 18–49 experienced domestic violence in some form, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. While this figure remains below the national average of 31.9% recorded during NFHS-5, experts say the prevalence remains alarmingly high in rural districts where patriarchal norms, economic dependence, and limited access to legal support continue to affect women.
Northern States Show Serious Challenges
Several northern and eastern states continue to report concerning indicators:
State
Child Marriage (Women 20-24 Married Before 18)
West Bengal
36.4%
Bihar
34.6%
Jharkhand
28.1%
Uttar Pradesh
Among highest domestic violence prevalence groups
Rajasthan
20%+ domestic violence prevalence
The survey indicates that early marriage remains closely linked to lower educational attainment, economic vulnerability, and higher risks of spousal abuse.
Experts Point to Structural Issues
Researchers note that domestic violence cannot be explained solely through economic dependence. Increasing access to technology and employment has improved women's autonomy but has not fully transformed household power dynamics.
Public health studies suggest that domestic violence remains associated with factors such as:
Gender inequality
Alcohol abuse
Low educational attainment
Social acceptance of violence
Weak legal awareness
Economic stress within households
Experts warn that empowerment indicators alone cannot eliminate abuse without broader social and cultural change.
The NFHS-6 findings present a complex picture of modern India. More women are connected, educated, financially included, and visible in public life than ever before. Yet the persistence of domestic violence in Rajasthan and several northern states demonstrates that technological progress alone cannot erase deeply rooted social inequalities.
As policymakers celebrate gains in digital inclusion and financial empowerment, activists argue that the next challenge lies inside homes—where safety, dignity, and equality remain out of reach for millions of women.
— DeepState Network, Delhi Bureau
