sahayika

Sahayika is a term used in several Indian languages to denote a female helper, assistant, or companion. It is derived from Sanskrit and is related to the masculine sahayak, with sahayika or sahayikā serving as the feminine form. The word is commonly found in Hindi, Marathi, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and other language varieties, where it carries the sense of a woman who assists or supports others in a duties or service role.

In contemporary usage, sahayikas appear in various professional and social contexts. In healthcare and public services, the term is often used for female staff who assist professionals, such as nurses or doctors, or who perform supportive duties in clinics and hospitals. In social welfare and community programs, sahayikas may refer to female workers who coordinate activities, provide education or counseling, and help implement services for families and children. A well-known regional example is the designation of Anganwadi sahayikas, women who assist in Anganwadi centers that support nutrition, health education, and early childhood development under broader public programs.

The word also functions more broadly as a respectful label for a female associate or partner who provides help or companionship. Gendered forms exist, with sahayak or sahayaka serving as masculine equivalents in the same linguistic family.

Overall, sahayika denotes a female helper or assistant and is used across contexts to describe women who support others in professional, social, or communal activities.