In 1952 the Indian government adopted a population policy establishing a national family planning program, which it has constantly pursued, modified, and expanded.

Violence is generally interpreted as physical, sexual and mental abuse of individuals.

In 1994, ICPD stressed gender equity as a precondition for health and development while affirming the need to address women's subordination in reproductive health programs. However, those responsible for implementing these broad goals still struggle with how to operationalise gender-aware approac