Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society.
Explain why suicide among young women is increasing in Indian Society.
As per the NCRB's "Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India" (ADSI) 2022, women in the age group of 18–30 account for nearly 40% of all female suicide cases. This disturbing trend reflects deeper socio-economic, cultural, and psychological challenges faced by young women in India.
Reasons Behind Rising Suicide Rates Among Young Women
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Marital and Domestic Pressures
- Primary cause of suicides among women: Marriage-related issues, including dowry harassment, early or forced marriage, and domestic violence.
- NCRB 2022: Over 30% of female suicides linked to family or marital discord.
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Educational and Career Pressures
- High expectations, competitive exams (e.g., NEET, UPSC), and societal pressure to succeed often affect mental health.
- Example: Kota, Rajasthan – over 25 suicides by girl students in 2023 alone.
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Gender Discrimination and Patriarchal Norms
- Persistent patriarchal mindset restricts autonomy, especially in rural areas.
- Lack of decision-making power, economic dependence, and suppression of aspirations lead to helplessness.
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Mental Health Stigma and Inadequate Support
- Mental health remains highly stigmatized, especially for women.
- Lack of access to counseling, especially in Tier-2/3 towns, worsens the situation.
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Cyberbullying and Social Media Pressures
- Online harassment, body shaming, and unrealistic social media standards damage self-esteem.
- Cases of revenge porn, online blackmail often go unreported and lead to psychological trauma.
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Workplace Harassment and Exploitation
- In formal and informal sectors, sexual harassment and toxic work culture affect women disproportionately.
- Lack of institutional redressal mechanisms further demotivates young professionals.
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Romantic Failures and Relationship Issues
- In an evolving society, young women face emotional turmoil in navigating relationships with little emotional support.
- NCRB notes “love affairs” as a common factor in suicide among youth.
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Isolation and Lack of Social Support
- Urban migration, breakdown of joint family structures, and nuclear lifestyles lead to emotional isolation.
- Many women feel unsupported during transitions such as marriage, childbirth, or career changes.
The increasing suicide rates among young women in India reflect a multi-layered crisis — of gender injustice, mental health neglect, and social alienation. Solutions lie in a comprehensive ecosystem of education, empowerment, mental healthcare, and social support.
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