RABINDRA BHARATI UNIVERSITY, KOLKATA

Directorate of Distance Education

Project Topic: “A study to understand the trends of Women Empowerment

through indigenous skills in Mithani Village, Asansol.”

Project Submitted for the completion of Masters in Social Work

Submitted by –

Name of the Candidate: SAPTAPARNA SAHA

Roll: 99/MSW 18 No. 0062
Enrolment No.: 99/MSW/0062/17
Year: 2018 -2019

Submitted to –

RABINDRA BHARATI UNIVERSITY, KOLKATA

Directorate of Distance Education

Under the Guidance of

PROF. KASTURI SINHA GHOSH
Dept. of Social Work, NSOU, Kolkata

Date of Submission: 22.01.2020

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my special thanks to Rabidra Bharati University, for providing the
opportunity to do this project. Then I sincerely express my gratitude to my Supervisor Prof.
Kasturi Sinha Ghosh, Dept.of Social Work, NSOU, Kolkata for her support and guidance in
completing my Project.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to my Parents for their immense faith and support
which gave me the confidence to do my Project effectively.

I also thank to my fellow friends and peers who helped me with their suggestions and
guidance that has been helpful in various phases of completion of the Project.

Signature
(SAPTAPARNA SAHA)
Date:

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DECLARATION

I SAPTAPARNA SAHA hereby declare that the Project work entitled “A

study to understand the trends of Women Empowerment through
indigenous skills in Mithani Village, Asansol.” PREPARED BY ME UNDER
THE GUIDANCE OF PROF. KASTURI SINHA GHOSH Dept. of Social
Work, NSOU, Kolkata, GUEST FACULTY OF RABINDRA BHARATI
UNIVERSITY – KOLKATA.

Place: Durgapur , 713204 Signature of Student

Date: (SAPTAPARNA SAHA)

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CHAPTER – 1

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 INTRODUCTIO

1.1. Background

“You can tell the condition of a nation by looking at the status of its women”

- Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

Despite having a fairly long and enlarged provisions laws enacted by the government, the
empirical reality tells a quite different story that women’s conditions & situation remains
gloomy and marginal in many places. Women are still subdued in our society; they are still
not economically emancipated. Not only in developing countries even in developed countries
the women are facing similar hurdles in achieving equal status to that of men. Women’s
economic dependency is on men (father, husband, brother) as men are considered as assertive
and breadwinners of the family, they are focused on materialistic success. Because of son
preference traditions of society dominated by religious belief, women are found discriminated
starting from birth to upbringings, education, employment opportunities and freedom for
taking part in the decision making process in the family and society.

Families hardly acknowledge the work of housewives, thus there is need for women to make
their presence feel in the families, their potentiality must be seen in terms of Human Resource
for that women need to first realize their identity and their strengths which will help her
achieve her dreams. Thus, the need of women empowerment becomes important in ensuring
them to feel confident about themselves to voice against injustices towards women.

Women Empowerment according to Human Development Report 2010, United Nation

Development Programme, UNDP.

Women empowerment refers to making women powerful to make them capable of deciding for
themselves. Women Empowerment means giving them freedom or power to live the way they
want. It allows them to identify their skills, knowledge & abilities to make their own
decisions. It is a dynamic & growth process for women which includes awareness, attainment
& actualization of skills. For the socio-economic development of any society, women
empowerment is essential. It is important for women to identify themselves with self
confidence & esteem. The main aspect of empowerment is to give a sense of internal strength
to them - to control their lives. The confident smile on the faces of women is the

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measurement of their empowerment. Women empowerment can be measured on the basis of
two levels – Individual & Collective (as mentioned in chart)

Figure No.1

In earlier centuries, most of women were treated as almost non-existent. As if all the rights
belonged to men even something as basic as voting. As the times evolved, women realized their
power. There on began the revolution for women empowerment. As women were not allowed
to make decisions for them, women empowerment came in like a breath of fresh air. It made
them aware of their rights and how they must make their own place in society rather than
depending on a man. It recognized the fact that things cannot simply work in someone’s favor
because of their gender.

The issue of women empowerment became very demanding through bringing the women in
development process by empowering them, imparting knowledge and skills, and providing
them opportunities to work with income generating activities beyond their household chores.
Various initiatives are generated like: Skill based training, micro enterprise promotion,
women cooperatives establishment, credit and saving groups, job creation schemes,
awareness issues etc.
Empowerment in its emancipator meaning is a serious word--one which brings up the
question of personal agency rather than reliance on intermediaries, one that links action to
needs, and one that results in making significant collective change. It is also a concept that
does not merely concern personal identity but brings out a broader analysis of human rights
and social justice.

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Women Empowerment in India by Asia Foundation Report

Women’s empowerment in India is heavily dependent on many different variables that

include geographical location (urban/rural), educational status, social status (caste and class),
and age. Policies on women’s empowerment exist at the national, state, and local (Panchayat)
levels in many sectors, including health, education, economic opportunities, gender-based
violence, and political participation. However, there are significant gaps between policy
advancements and actual practice at the community level.

The impact of the patriarchal structure can be seen in rural and urban India, although
women’s empowerment in rural India is much less visible than in urban areas. This is of
particular concern, since much of India is rural despite the high rate of urbanization and
expansion of cities. Rural women, as opposed to women in urban settings, face inequality at
much higher rates, and in all spheres of life. Urban women and, in particular, urban educated
women enjoy relatively higher access to economic opportunities, health and education, and
experience less domestic violence. Women (both urban and rural) who have some level of
education have higher decision-making power in the household and the community.

In addition to corruption and inadequate resources for implementation of initiatives at the

community level, women’s empowerment in India is negatively impacted by the pervasive
discrimination of women in the family and the community. Discrimination against women in
most parts of India (particularly the north) emerges from the social and religious construct of
women’s role and their status. As such, in many parts of India, women are considered to be
less than men, occupying a lower status in the family and community, which consequentially
restricts equal opportunity in women and girls’ access to education, economic possibilities,
and mobility.

Women Economic Opportunities in India according to Asia Foundation Report

India is one of the world’s fastest growing economies, with women mainly from the middle
class increasingly entering the workforce. Urban centres like Delhi and Bangalore have seen
an influx of young women from semi-urban and rural parts of the country, living alone and
redefining themselves. However, the story of economic empowerment for women is not a
singular narrative; rather it is located in a complex set of caste, class, religious, and ethnic
identities.

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The Global Gender Gap Report by the World Economic Forum in 2016 ranked India114th
out of 134 countries for inequality between men and women in the economy, politics, health,
and education. On equal economic opportunities and women’s participation in the labour
force, India ranked 127th and 122nd respectively. The number of women in the workforce
varies greatly from state to state: 21% in Delhi; 23% in Punjab; 65% in Manipur; 71%
Chhattisgarh; 76% in Arunachal Pradesh.

The diversity of women’s economic opportunities between states is due to the cultural,
religious, and ethnic diversity of each state. Northern states like Delhi and Punjab lag far
behind on gender equality measures, including the alarming sex ratio between men and
women (due to son preference and sex-selective abortion), low female literacy levels, and
high rates of gender-based violence.

In rural India, women’s economic opportunities remain restricted by social, cultural, and
religious barriers. Most notably inheritance laws embedded in Hindu and Shariat civil codes
continue to marginalize women in the household and the larger community. Rural women,
particularly of lower caste and class, have the lowest literacy rates, and therefore do not have
the capacity to negotiate pay or contracts and most often engage in the unorganized sector,
self-employment, or in small scale industry. Self-help groups (SHGs) are a widely practiced
model for social and economic mobility by NGOs and the government. SHGs provide women
with the opportunity to manage loans and savings that can be used by members for varying
needs. SHGs also are used to promote social change among the members and the community
at large. Members of SHGs have used their experiences as leverage to enter other local
institutions such as the Panchayat.

Rural, low caste, and tribal women also make up 70% of domestic workers in India, a sector
which is largely unregulated and unorganized. India’s growing economy has allowed for
many upper and middle-class women to enter the workforce, and while poor rural women
have little access to education and training.

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1.2. Right to Work

The right to work means that every people have a human right to work or engage in
productive employment and may not be prevented from doing so. The right to work is
enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and recognized in
international human rights law through its inclusion in the International Covenant on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, where the right to work emphasizes economic, social
and cultural development. Thus on the basis of this right every woman has the right to work
and earn by using their potentialities and no other person can stop or oppose her to do so.

1.3. Barriers to Women Empowerment in India

Indian society is a complex society with varied customs, rituals, beliefs and traditions.
Sometimes these age old beliefs and customs constitute the most significant barriers to the
empowerment of women in India. Few of the significant barriers to the women empowerment
in India are explained below.

1) Societal Norms

Many societies in India restrict women from leaving the house, given to their orthodox belief
and age old traditions. Women in such societies are not allowed to go outside either for
education or for employment and are forced to live an isolated and dejected life. Women
living under such conditions become accustomed to being inferior to men and are unable to
change their present social and economical state.

2) Workplace Sexual Harassment

Workplace sexual harassment is the most significant barrier to women empowerment in

India. Private sectors like hospitality industry, software industry, educational institutions, and
hospitals are some of the worst affected. It is a manifestation of deep rooted male supremacy
in the society. There had been a steep rise of about 170% in the workplace sexual harassment
of women in India in the past couple of decades.

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3) Gender discrimination

Majority of women in India still face gender discrimination at work place as well as in the
society. Many societies don’t allow the women to go out for employment or education. They
are not allowed to take independent decisions either for work or for family, and are treated
inferior to men. Such discrimination of the women leads to their socio economic decline and
hugely contradicts “Woman Empowerment”.

4) Pay disparity

Women in India are paid less than their male counterparts. The situation is worst in
unorganized sectors where women are employed as daily wage labors. Women working for
the same number of hours and doing the same work are paid less than the men, which implies
unequal powers between men and women.

5) Illiteracy

Female illiteracy and their high dropout rate is one of the major obstacles to the
empowerment of women in India. In urban India girls are at par with boys in terms of
education but they significantly lag behind in rural areas. The effective literacy rate of
women is 64.6%, while that of men is 80.9%.

6) Child Marriage

Though, India has successfully reduced child marriages in the past few decades, through a
number of laws and initiatives taken by the government; still a report in early 2018 by the
UNICEF (United Nations Children Emergency Fund) states that nearly 1.5 Million girls in
India get married before they turn 18. Early marriage reduces the growth prospects of girls.

7) Crimes against Women

Indian women have been subjected to domestic violence and other crimes such as – dowry,
honor killing, trafficking etc. Even working women in big cities avoid using public transport
in late hours, fearing their modesty and life. Woman empowerment can only be achieved in
true sense if we ensure safety of our women, providing them the liberty to roam free and
without fear as the men in the society do.

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1.4. Government’s Role in Woman Empowerment in India

The government of India has implemented many programs for the empowerment of women.
Many of these programs are for providing employment, education, health accessible to the
masses. These programs have been especially incorporated keeping in mind the needs and
conditions of Indian women, to ensure their participation. Some of these programs are –
MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), Sarva Siksha
Abhiyaan, janani suraksh yojana (reduce maternal mortality) etc. The Ministry of Women
and Child Development, Government of India has implemented various new schemes
specifically aimed at the empowerment of Indian women. Some of those significant schemes
are given below-

1) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

The scheme focuses on eradicating female infanticide and also on the education of girl child.
It aims for changing the mindset of people towards a girl, by providing financial support and
also by strict enforcement of laws and acts.

2) Women Helpline Scheme

This scheme aims for providing 24 hours emergency support help line for women who are
subjected to any kind of violence or crime. The scheme provides a universal emergency
number -181 across the country for women in distress. The number also provides information
on women related schemes in the country.

3) Support to Training and Employment Programme for Women (STEP)

The STEP scheme aims at imparting skills to women, making them employable as well as to
become self employed. Various sectors like agriculture, horticulture, handloom, tailoring and
fisheries etc are covered under the scheme.

4) Mahila Shakti Kendras

The scheme focuses on empowering rural women through community participation.

Community volunteers like students, professional etc will teach the rural women about their
rights and welfare schemes.

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.5) Mahila E - Haat

Under the purview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the government
launched Mahila-E-Haat in 2016. It is a bilingual online marketing platform that leverages
technology to help aspiring women entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and NGOs to showcase
their products and services. mong the many services provided by Mahila-E-Haat is
facilitating direct contact between the vendors and buyers, sensitisation, advocacy, training,
packing and soft intervention workshops, and offering a web-based approach. Open to all
Indian women above the age of 18, this platform offers an easy sign-in process.

6) Rastria Mahila Kosh

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (The National Credit Fund for Women) was created by the Government of
India in 1993. Its purpose is to provide lower income women with access to loans to begin small
businesses.

As India is progressive to become world’s fastest growing economy in near future, it also
focus on ‘Women Empowerment’. We must understand that women empowerment is a
process which hopes to bring gender equality and a balanced economy. Indian women had
been President, Prime ministers, civil servants, doctors, lawyers etc, but still a good majority
of them needs help and support. Support to be educated, to do what they want to do, to travel
safe, to work safe and to be independent; making their own decisions. The way to the socio-
economic development of India goes through the socio-economic development of her women
folk

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1.5. Women empowerment through indigenous skill development -

Skills development is a key to success which improves productivity, employability and

earning opportunities. It is the bridge between job and workforce. Today, it is considered as
an important and indispensable tool for women empowerment. Indian women face the
majority of barriers to accessing skills and productive employment. A large effort is needed
to create a skilled workforce for creating an economic prosperity. The aim of skill
development, in case of women, is not just simply preparing them for jobs; but also to boost
their performance by improving the quality of work in which they are involved. Looking at
the importance of the role women play in the development of a nation, one can sense that
there is a long way to go in that direction. Women have shown their ability in community
development.

Hence, it is important that women be a part of skill development. In India, women are now
participating in various areas like – education, art and culture, service sector, sports, politics,
media, and science and technology. They can be motivated to develop their life skills – that
will give them high paying jobs with better livelihood & confidence to earn for their family.
It will develop their ability & quality to move ahead and be self-dependent. It is observed,
that the concept of training and skill development needs to move beyond imparting technical
and managerial skills, with more focus on literacy, numeracy, political & life skills.

The government of India has passed the national policy for ‘women empowerment’ – which
aims to ensure overall development of women within the country. They seek to impart skills
to women so that they can stand & support for themselves and gain status within society. The
main aim is not only to create employment opportunities for women but also to empower
them. They are giving skill training which involves tailoring, embroidery, knitting and other
indigenous skills. The missions – ‘Skill India’ & ‘Make in India’ shall succeed only when the
women work hand-in-hand.

Women in rural areas may have low level of education but most of the women posses’ one or
few indigenous skills like stitching, embroidery, or making other handicrafts that they learn
naturally from their mother or from some other village women. They have the potential in
them but they don’t have such exposure to use their skills is right place so that they
can create earning from that skills.

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Thus many Non – profit organizations and institutions search for such skills and help them
by providing exposure and other skills to make them empower through the skills they already
have that motivate them and grow confidence in them.

Some skills that training institutes must impart to women empowerment are:
 Communication skills
 Business etiquettes
 Language development
 Personality development
 Leadership skills & Management skills
 Entrepreneurship skills
 Basic accounting skills & computer skills

Such trainings was given to a women group in Mithani village, Burdwan, West Bengal by a
women led NGO. Where some backward class women use their skills to earn their livelihood
by making handicrafts products of Babui grass (a dry grass) and jute thread products that are
environment friendly and widely popular.

Thus the Theoritical Approach of the study is mainly based on the strength based aspect of
Social Work where the emphasis is given on the individual strength and not highlight their
weaknesses. In this any person is viewed as someone who posses encouragement, strength
and capacities to bring about an effective change in their life. The theory focuses on looking
for those skills capacities that an individual may posses but are actualy ignorant about that.

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CHAPTER- 2

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2.1. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
1. To find out whether the economic empowerment is enough for a woman to have a
holistic empowerment.
2. To find out the different parameters of woman empowerment.
3. To know the role family and society role in the process of woman empowerment.
4. To analyze the barriers faced during the process of empowerment.

2.2. RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

In the history of India, evidence a society that devalues woman in many senses both socially
and economically. The rigid structure was so deeply rooted that it exists for generations. Still
in many rural areas woman are restricted and kept behind the man. But now through various
norms and initiatives the conditions of woman are gradually developing. Government and
many Non-Government Organizations (NGO) aim to improve women status in the society.
Many empowerment trainings and awareness are initiated to the rural woman to make them
financially empowered. As becoming financially empowered can increase the woman self
esteem and this will give them a social recognition too.

Thus the present study is motivated from those women of the targeted area who break all the
social taboos and through their skills are becoming financially empowered; they establish
their own recognition in the society and are role model for other women of their community.
The study is proposed also to understand the struggle of their life and the process they
followed in their path of the empowerment so that other women who don’t have the exposure
can also get benefited from that in their way towards empowerment.

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2.3. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

This chapter presents a review of available literature of important articles, books and other
sources pertaining to a specific research topic relevant to the proposed study.
For the present study, the related literature is compiled on the basis of variables, included in
this study such as women empowerment, indigenous skill development, and the indicators of
empowerment.

Indicators of Empowerment according to International Center for Research on Women,

ICRW:
Understanding that empowerment is a complex issue with varying interpretations and afferent
societal, national and cultural contexts, the participants also came out with a tentative listing
of indicators. At the level of the individual woman and her household:
• Participation in crucial decision-making processes;
•extent of sharing of domestic work by men;
•extent to which a woman takes control of her reproductive functions and decides on family
size;
•extent to which a woman is able to decide where the income she has earned will be
channeled to;
•feeling and expression of pride and value in her work;
•self-confidence and self-esteem;
• Ability to prevent violence.

Empowerment means emancipation of women from the vicious grips of social, economical,
political, caste and gender-based discrimination. It means granting women the freedom to
make life choices. Women empowerment does not mean ‘deifying women’ rather it means
replacing patriarchy with parity. In this regard, there are various facets of women
empowerment, such as given hereunder:—

Social Women Empowerment A critical aspect of social empowerment of women is the

promotion of gender equality. Gender equality implies a society in which women and men
enjoy the same opportunities, outcomes, rights and obligations in all spheres of life.

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Educational Women Empowerment It means empowering women with the knowledge,
skills, and self-confidence necessary to participate fully in the development process. It means
making women aware of their rights and developing a confidence to claim them.

Economic and occupational empowerment It implies a better quality of material life

through sustainable livelihoods owned and managed by women. It means reducing their
financial dependence on their male counterparts by making them a significant part of the
human resource.

Legal Women Empowerment It suggests the provision of an effective legal structure which
is supportive of women empowerment. It means addressing the gaps between what the law
prescribes and what actually occurs.

Political Women Empowerment It means the existence of a political system favoring the
participation in and control by the women of the political decision-making process and in
governance.

Kapur in 2001,Women’s empowerment is considered as a process in which women gain

greater share of control over resource material, human and intellectual, like knowledge, ideas
and financial resources like money and control over decision making at home, in society and
in the nation and to gain power”.

Vishwanath Ramesh, 2003, The empowerment of women concerns women gaining control
and power over their lives. It involves awareness raising, building self-confidence, control
over resources. Empowerment should come from within, women empower themselves.

Mamata Bannur and Renuka Teli (2012) in their research study stated that the major factors
which contributed for establishment and development of an enterprise are availability of
specified skill to work on specific project (89%), self-confidence (78%), cooperation from
husband/family at the time of start (63%), availability of loan (60%), favorable attitude of
customers (40%) and adequate training (60%)

Raghunathan and Rao (2011) highlighted the management perspective for Women’s
empowerment in their article. According to them, empowerment is the process of enabling an
individual to think, behave, take action and control work in an autonomous way, which
includes both, control over resources and over ideology. Empowerment can create social

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transformation by providing a social environment in which one can take decisions and make
choices either individually or collectively. For empowerment of women, education and
employment are very important as they are essential elements for sustainable development.

Friedmann, a sociologist, exploring the concept of empowerment identified empowerment to

be: economic, social, political and psychological. Information, knowledge, skills, financial
resources and participation in social organizations constitute social & economic power, while
political power entails access to decision-making processes affecting one’s future, including
participation in voting and collective action. On the other hand, psychological power is
associated with an individual’s self-confidence and a sense of potency which is generated by
social and political participation in society.

Palaneeswari and Sasikala (2012) have observed that a change has to be brought about not
only in the status of women but in the attitude of the society towards them.. Basically, the
rural women are having basic indigenous knowledge, skill, potential and resources to
establish and manage enterprise. But now, what is the need is to create awareness among the
rural women who are job seekers about the employment market situation, to motivate them to
take-up self-employment ventures, to assist them in obtaining necessary inputs required for
setting of self-employment ventures from different sources and to provide necessary follow-
up assistance to the self-employed women for sustaining them in their market.

The National Policy on Skill Development (2015) highlights that skill development is the
focus area of government policy. It is central to accessing employment in the formal sector
and enhancing productivity in the informal economy for reducing poverty and risk of
underemployment. The National Policy on Skill Development aims to train about 104.62
million people afresh and additional 460 million are to be reskilled, up-skilled and skilled by
2022.

Asharani and Sriramappa (2014) in their study have observed that women are very good
entrepreneurs and prefer to choose entrepreneurship as they can maintain work life balance.
Women are involved in entrepreneurial activities in rural areas by using their skill base.
Family support is found to be essential for successful empowerment process.

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From the above literature review it can be concluded that the concept of women
empowerment has been the subject of much intellectual discourse it is multidimensional
which includes social, political and psychological empowerment along with the economic
empowerment. Empowerment is defined as the processes by which women take control and
ownership of their lives through expansion of their choices.

It gives a detailed account of the meaning of women Empowerment and also the indigenous
skill development in the lives of the rural women. Various researcher has examines and
studied the process of skill development and thus stated that the family as well as the society
is necessary in the process of the holistic empowerment.
Thus, the literature review helped me to create a strong theoretical perspective of the survey.

2.4 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Empowerment of women is a holistic concept. It is multidimensional in its approach and

covers economic political, social, cultural and familial aspects. Of all these facts
of women development, economic development is of utmost significance in order to achieve
a lasting and sustainable development of society.

This study is thus conducted with the objective to study the process of the Empowerment and
the factors that influence it. The selected respondent are belong to a marginalized group, who
uses their indigenous skills of making handicrafts to earn their living. To find barriers and
challenges they faced in their journey of empowerment and their appropriate solution they
adopted are the main focus of the study.The study can further help other women like them
who have the skill potentials in them but do not have the exposure to use those skills
productively. Therefore it can Endeavour other women in their empowerment dreams come
true.

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CHAPTER- 3

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Methodology defines the direction of our research. It is the core component of any Research
which determines that what we are going to find and how we are going to find it. This chapter
explains research design, methods and tools used during the process of data collection,
limitation and scope of the study.

3.1. Research Design

The Exploratory research design was used to conduct this study. It is a research conducted to
understand a concept in depth and to gain insight using primary and secondary data collection
methods, it intended to establish priorities, develop operational definitions and improve the
final research design.

3.2. Research Approach

The study involves a Mixed Research Approach. The data collected, analyzed and integrated
are both Quantitative (e.g. surveys) and qualitative (e.g. interviews & gathering case studies).

3.3. Sampling Technique

The purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample units.

Sample unit: Sample Unit for this study are the women working together using their
indigenous skills in informal sector residing in the area of the study.

Sample Size: The Sample Size is 40 women respondents clustered from the selected area of
the study. The sample was created including various age group of women under 20 to 50
years.

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3.4. Tools of data collection

1. Primary Data
2. Secondary Data

1. Primary Data
Structured interview with women – A structured interview schedule is created to understand
the meaning of empowerment in the framework of four parameters like family, society,
politics and economics structured questions are designed which will help in quantifying data,
so the researcher had structured interview with respondents with some descriptive questions
to support the data.

Semi-Structured interview – It involves open ended questions, allowing for a discussion with
the respondent rather than straight forward questions and answer format.

Observation – Apart from recording verbal information are also recorded non-verbal actions
and the surrounding situations by making Field notes because many times these recording
helps in understanding respondents’ viewpoint better.

2. Secondary Data
Following secondary literature was used for this study:
1. Articles and Journals of women empowerment
2. Books & Magazines
3. Reports like Human Development Report of the country.
4. Government policy documents like National rural Livelihood Mission.
5. Other published and unpublished documents.
The secondary data has facilitated to get a broad idea on the topic. It further helped to design
the study and tools for collecting data.

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 3.5. Area of the study

The areas was selected out of the ten villages there under Kulti Gram Panchayat, Asansol
considering the fact that most of the women here are engaged in empowerment through using
their indigenous skills. It is a tribal village comprising of approximately 100 families. The
majority people belong to santhali community. Most of womens living there have an
indigenous skill of making babui grass products with date leaves which they now uses as a
source of livelihood.

3.6. Limitation of the Study

 The study is carried out in Mithani Village of Asansol, Bardhaman District, thus
confined to a specific area this study does not and cannot portray views and ideas of all
the women of the country as views and ideas expressed by the women of village might
differ from other women from other villages of the country.
 The responses may have some degree of error due to communication issues barrier.
 Many respondent were apprehensive in being a part of research, as they feel reluctant to
share their views to others.

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 CHAPTER- 4

TABLES AND CASE STUDIES WITH ANALYSIS

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The chapter is concluded with summative analysis; to know the socio economic background
of the respondents. It further uses data to identify the holistic empowerment that women have
achieved. The chapter proceeds to develop an understanding to examine the socio, political,
familial empowerment triggered by women respondents. This chapter is divided in two parts,
quantitative analysis of the data collected through Structured Interview and qualitative
information collected through semi structured interview, to get an account of extent to which
empowerment is achieved.

 Demographic Profile- This part discusses basic details of the respondents

 Economic Empowerment- This part put forward the basic details of the respondents
Livelihood activity, income and expenditure etc. Thereafter it aims to get an idea
whether women do have control over their income or not. Whether she has control
over assets or not. The more the respondent meets the criteria more is she
economically empowered.

 Familial Empowerment- This part highlights the women’s positioning in family

through questions like whether the respondents have equal say in the family, whether
their girl child is sent to school.

 Social Empowerment – This part will focus on social positioning of the women, her
participation at different platforms and the comfort to self and her family.

 Political Empowerment- This part of the chapter focuses on women interest and
understanding of politics.

4.1. Demographic profile of the respondents

26 | P a g e
It includes the basic information about the respondents e.g. Age, Education, Marital Status,
Occupations and Structure of family.

4.1.1 Age
The age of the respondents interviewed, ranges from 20 to 50 years.

4.1.1 Age Group of the Respondents

Age groups Frequency Percentage

20 - 30 20 50%

30 - 40 12 30%

40 - 50 8 20%

Total 40 100%

Age wise distribution

20%

20 - 30
30 - 40
50% 40 - 50

30%

Figure No. 2

As depicted in Table 4.1.1, 50% of the total numbers of respondents were from the age group
20-30 years, 30% were from the age group 30-40 years. The need of livelihood also had bring
the women in the age of late 40s to start new work in life and when asked about the reason
one said that she has one son to look after as others who are married have separated with their
families.

4.1.2 Education status

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The data collected from the respondents regarding their educational status presents a majority
of Primary education.

Table 4.1.2 Level of education of the respondents

Education Qualification Frequency Percentage

Primary 22 55%

Secondary 8 25%

Higher Secondary 8 15%

Graduation 2 5%

Total 40 100%

Educational Status
Graduation
5%

Higher Secondary
20%

Primary
55%

Secondary
20%

Figure No. 3

It is noteworthy that 55% of respondents interviewed for this study, have only primary
education(i.e. up to class 5) (as depicted by above Table 4.1.2). Only two are graduated
respondents out of the total that were interviewed. Others (40% out of the total respondents)
20% have Higher Secondary qualifications i.e. completed class 12 and the rest 20% only the

28 | P a g e
secondary i.e. completed class 10. One of the interviewed respondents pointed out marriage
as her reason to drop out of school.

4.1.3 Marital Status

Table 4.1.3 gives the marital status of women.

Table 4.1.3: Marital status of the respondents

Marital Status Frequency Percentage

Married 34 85%

Unmarried 4 10%

Widow 2 5%
According
to the findings
Total 40 100%
from the above
Table, majority
of the respondent about 85% of the total respondents are married, most of them got married
within the age of 20s and 5% are widowed, and however there were 10 % who are unmarried.
Out of the 4 unmarried respondents one said she didn’t get married because of high dowry.

4.1.4 Family Structure

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In the present era, across the World, Nuclear family is the dominant structure of the
family.
Table 4.1.4: Structure of Family of the respondents

Family Structure Frequency Percentage

Nuclear 34 85%

Joint 6 15%

Total 40 100%

Most of the respondents in above selected sample belong to nuclear family. Around 85% of
the total sample belongs to nuclear families. And rests 15% are from Joint families. Majority
of the respondents belonging to nuclear families said employment is the dominant reason for
their separated families. Members of their families moved to distinct places in search of jobs.

4.1.5 Occupation

Table 4.1.5 shows the current occupational status of the respondents.

Table 4.1.5: Occupation of the respondents

Occupation Frequency Percentage

Entrepreneur 35 87.5%

Service 5 12.5%

Total 40 100%

In recent scenario, entrepreneurship is a demanding occupation. From the above table it is

clear that not only in the educated section but also in the less educated people
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entrepreneurship become a popular occupation. Majority of the sample are engaged in
entrepreneurship, only 12.5% respondent do services. The entire sample respondents use their
indigenous skills (making of handicraft products) while doing their occupations.
They are artisans, they uses a dry grass (Babui grass) and dates leaves in making their
products that are unique and creative. One of the respondent shared that they learn this art
from her mother who does this during idle time to decorate their house. It’s a tribal arts all the
woman of their community more or less know the art.

4.1.6 Number of years engaged in the above Occupation

Table 4.1.6 shows the number of years the respondents are engaged in the above mentioned
occupations.

Table 4.1.6: Number of years engaged in the Occupation

No. of Years Frequency Percentage

Less than 1 year 12 30%

2 – 4 years 20 50%

More than 4 years 8 20%

Total 40 100%

Despite of having the skill of making handicrafts from childhood, majority of the respondent
used it as a productive way only for less than 4 years. Around 50% of the sample was
indulged in occupation for only 2 to 4 years followed by 30% respondent who had started
their occupation for less than 1 year. Only 8 respondents are engaged in earning for more
than 4 years.

4.2. Economic Empowerment

31 | P a g e
4.2.1 Source of Motivation to become empowered
Table 4.2.1 shows the sources of motivation that make the respondents to become
empowered.

Table 4.2.1: Source of Motivation to become empowered

Source of motivation Frequency Percentage

Financial needs 20 50%

Urge of doing new things 8 20%

Social Recognitions 10 25%

Because my friends are doing 2 5%

Total 40 100%

Sources of Motivation
25
20
20

15
10
10 8
Frequency
5
2
0
s gs ns
ed in ng
e h itio oi
ln t
gn e d
cia ne
w
co ar
an g lR
e ds
Fin in
cia en
do fri
of So y
r ge sem
U u
ca
Be

Figure No. 4

Table 4.2.1 and figure no.4 depicts that the financial need is the dominating reason that
motivates the respondents to become empowered. 50% of the selected sample indulges in

32 | P a g e
empowerment to fulfill their financial needs, 25% of the total respondent need social
recognition which motivate them to be empowered, 20% does to learn new things and the rest
i.e. only 2 respondent work because their friends are doing so. During the interview some of
the respondents said, as the cost of living is increasing day by day, earning of only one
member (husband) is not enough, this is the reason they tried to become empowered. Again,
one of the respondents told that her father died a year ago and that’s why she started earning,
her earning is the only source of income in her family.

4.2.2 Bank Account

Table 4.2.2 shows the number of respondent who have their own bank accounts.

Table 4.2.2 Access to own bank account

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 40 100%

No 0 0

Total 40 100%

The table 4.2.2 shows that the entire respondents have their own Bank Account. This depicts
that they have knowledge about financial transactions and have access to deposit as well
borrowing. When they are asked that how you use your bank account they said the deposit
their savings and also take loans for their business.

4.2.3 Family income

Table 4.2.3 shows the total family income per month of the respondents.

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 4.2.3. Level of Family Income per month

Income per month (in Rs.) Frequency Percentage

5000 - 7000 10 25%

7000 - 9000 24 60%

9000 - 11000 6 15%

Total 40 100%

Level of Family Income

5000 - 7000 7000 - 9000 9000 - 11000

15%
25%

60%

Figure No. 5

No families belong to Below Poverty Line. Majority of the respondent have family income
within 7000 – 9000. 60% of the total respondent belong families having income more than
Rs. 7000; 25% have family incomes more than Rs. 5000 and the rest 15% have incomes
above Rs. 9000, these are mostly the families who have more than two earning members
(Husband, wife and son/daughter).

4.2.4 Expenditure and Savings of the family

Table 4.2.4 shows the level of expenditure and saving of the families per month.

34 | P a g e
 Table 4.2.4 Level of Expenditure and Savings per month

Level of Expenditure (in Rs) Frequency Percentage

2000 – 4000 4 10%
4000 – 6000 26 65%

6000 – 8000 7 17.5%

More than 8000 3 7.5%

Total 40 100%
Level of Savings (in Rs.)
Frequency Percentage
No savings 18 45%

Less than 1000 12 30%

1000 – 2000 8 20%

More than 2000 2 5%

Total 40 100%

Table 4.2.4 depicts the level of expenditure and savings of the families of respondents.
Maximum expenditure among the families is more than Rs. 8000; only 3 families have
expenditure above Rs. 8000 and these families are join families. Majority of the family
expenditure lie between Rs. 4000 to Rs. 6000; only 10% respondents have expenditure less
than Rs. 4000.
During the interview one of the respondents said that a large amount of money goes in the
education of their children as they want to give their child a better education that they were
lack behind.
Most of the respondent do not have savings or saves less than Rs. 1000. 20% of the
respondents save above Rs. 1000 per month. And only 2 of the respondent save more than
Rs. 2000. The respondents told that their incomes are equal to their expenditure so there is no
scope for savings.

4.2.5 Income level of the respondent per month

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Table 4.2.5 shows the level of income earned by the respondent per month by using
their indigenous skills.

4.2.5. Level of Income of the respondents per month

Income per month (in Rs.) Frequency Percentage

2000 - 3000 10 25%

3000 - 4000 22 55%

More than 4000 8 20%

Total 40 100%

Most of the respondents earn within the limit of Rs. 4000 per month. Maximum
savings is more than 4000 and doesn’t exceed Rs. 5000. Only 20% of the respondent
earns above Rs. 4000 per month.

4.2.6 Assets Owned

Asset ownership is something which is majorly emphasized by many thinkers, and
Empowerment to be measured gives priority to ownership and control over resources .

4.2.6. Ownership to respondent to assets

Asset Type Frequency Percentage

House 11 27.5%

Farm 2 5%

None 27 67.5%

Total 40 100%

The subordination of women also exists when it comes on property and land ownership. Most
of the women had no control over assets; land is passed on from father to son. If a man dies

36 | P a g e
or remarries, the woman is completely dependent on others for survival. So ownership of
asset is also an important aspect of empowerment. The data obtained is quite relevant to the
words as 67% of the women are not holding any kind of land or house as shown in Table
4.2.6.Talking about those 22% who own asset most of the respondents have only jhuggi in
the colonies they live in.

4.2.7 Access to spend the Income earned

Table 4.2.7 shows the responses of the respondents regarding their access to the incomes
earned by them.

Table 4.2.7 Access to income earned

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 34 85%

No 6 15%

Total 40 100%

The individual has full rights to spend the money earned as per his/her choice taking that
right from the person is most extreme form of disempowerment. Majority of the respondents
have access to their income. This shows a positive indicator of being empowered. Only 15%
of the selected sample said they do not have the right to spend their income, they have
handover the whole income to the heads of their family (husband, father, or in laws).

4.2.8 Use of the Income earned

Table 4.2.8 shows the heads where the respondents use their income earned.
37 | P a g e
 4.2.8. Use of the Income earned
Income per month (in Rs.) Frequency Percentage

Child Education 10 25%

Daily House expenses 18 45%

Rent/Electricity 3 7.5%

To repay loan 5 12.5%

Others 4 10%

Total 40 100%

Use of the Income earned

20
18
18

16

14

12
10
10
Frequency
8

6 5
4
4 3
2

0
... ... ... an rs
uca see ctri lo the
Ed ou le ay O
ild H nt/E r ep
y
Ch il Re To
Da

Figure No.6

Majority of the respondent use their income for their daily house expenses and children
education. 12.5% uses the income to repay loans taken from bank. Only 3 respondents use

38 | P a g e
their income to pay rent and electricity bill. Rest 10% spends their income in other expenses
like medicines, travelling etc..

Summary
On the basis of the data analyzed, it can be said that most of respondents are economically
independent. However terming respondents empowered would require
them to meet some of the key aspects like control over asset. The women’s participation in
economic activity was a matter of choice. However the picture for overall data depicts that
respondents have achieved economic empowerment.

4.3 Familial Empowerment

As mentioned earlier the objective of the study is to highlight the extent empowerment
achieved by women in all dimensions. This section focuses on the empowerment of women
in her domestic sphere.

4.3.1 Participation in major decision of the families

Active participation in major decision in the family will show the decision making power of
the particular person in their families.

Table 4.3.1 Participation in decision making

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 27 67.5%

No 13 32.5%

Total 40 100%

Around 67.5 % of the total respondents have active participation in their family decisions.
32.5% are not allowed is major decision of their families. One of the respondent shared that
all the decisions are taken by her father and her brother whereas she and her mother accepts

39 | P a g e
the decisions as they are the earning person of the family. And most of the other respondents
agreed with the same.

4.3.2 Family Support

Table 4.3.2 shows the number of respondents who have family support in doing their
work.
Table 4.3.2: Support of the families to the respondent

Family Support Frequency Percentage

Yes 38 95%

No 2 5%

Total 40 100%

From the above Table 4.3.2 it can be concluded that the families of all the respondents
except 2 women have support of their families in doing their work. It’s a positive sign
that shows a great appreciation and power for the respondents in the process of their
empowerment. Even many of them said that earlier their family was reluctant to let
them work but when they started earning a good amount everyone accepted and
become supportive.

4.3.3 Kind of support given by the family

Table 4.3.3 shows different way of the support that are given by the families to the
respondents in their journey of empowerment.

40 | P a g e
 Table 4.3.3: Way of support of the families to the respondent

Way of support Frequency Percentage

Financial Support 22 55%

Psychological support 10 25%

Support in work 8 20%

Total 40 100%

Way of family Support

Support in work
20%

Financial Support
Psychological support 55%
25%

Figure No.7

Table 4.3.3 depicts that majority of the respondents get financial support from their families.
Financial support here means monetary support in the business. 55% of selected sample take
financial support from their families, 25% of the respondent gets Psychological Support from
the families, which means appreciation and motivation for improvement and the rest 20%

41 | P a g e
gets support in doing the work i.e. in procuring raw materials, packaging, maintaining records
etc. Some of the respondents also added that their husband who work as a daily labor after
returning from job accompany them in their work.

4.3.4 Equal Say

Any family is composite of both man and woman, they both are equally responsible for its
smooth functioning. It is usually said rights and duties go hand in hand but it is
always expected that women should perform all their duties without expecting any
rights. Equal say in family is must to have for the women as it is one of the biggest
parameters to decide what status women hold in the family.

Table 4.3.4 Equal Say

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes 36 90%

No 4 10%

Total 40 100%

Table 4.3.4 shows almost a favorable responses. Around 90% of the respondents have an
equal say in the family. But 10% women still do not have the right of equal say. It can be
analyzed that despite being economically independent there is no guarantee that women are
empowered in all the spheres.

Summary

The true measure of empowerment takes place in a household domain. The analysis of data
made it very clear that empowerment should not be measured only in terms of economics
and the other domains equally hold a strong position. The data reflected that
respondents are though empowered as they have decision making rights.
4.4 Social Empowerment
Being socially empowered means, having a social recognition and a voice to speak up

42 | P a g e
against all the odds and support all the factors that positively impact our society. This is an
essential parameter to measure the empowerment of women as it aims to understand the
positioning of women beyond the boundaries of her domestic fold.

4.4.1 Knowledge about basic legal rights and provisions

Table 4.4.1 shows the level of awareness in the respondents regarding the legal rights and
provisions e.g. Equality before law for women (Article 14); Protect of women from domestic
violence Act, 2005; Prohibition of child Marriage Act, 2006; Molestation, Sec 354 IPC;
Sexual Harassment Sec. 509 IPC etc.)

Table 4.4.1 Awareness regarding rights and provisions

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes
37 92.5%%
No
3 7.5%
Total
40 100%

From the above table it is concluded that majority of the women are aware about the rights
and provision amended to protect them from violations. More than 92% of the respondents
know the prevailing rights but along with that they also said that even if they are aware about
the rights but they do not have the knowledge about the steps that to be taken to avail those
rights as they feel afraid of court matters. Rest 7.5% respondent said they don’t want to know
about those rights as it will give negative impact on their mind, even they added that those are
good to listen but in reality it won’t work at all.

4.4.2 Believe in prejudice & stereotypes

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Table 4.4.2 shows the response of selected sample in different prejudice and stereotypes (e.g.
men are the superior in the society, child marriage, menstrual impurities etc.)

Table 4.4.2 Responses regarding prejudice and stereotypes

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes
5 22.5%
No
35 87.5%
Total
40 100%

Around 87.5% of the respondents said that they don’t believe is such prejudice and
stereotypes. Only 22.5% respondent reacted negatively and said they believed in such things
as their elders told them to do so. From childhood they grow seeing her mother believing in
all this and thus they think these are normal and everyone has to follow the same.
Respondents who believe in stereotypes are of age more than 40 years. Thus it can be
concluded that young people have less believe in prejudice & stereotypes.

Summary
The focus of this research is to measure the women empowerment in a holistic way. So to
find out whether the respondents are socially empowered is an important parameter. From the
above survey and table it can be concluded that majority of the woman have awareness about
their social rights but they do not have exposure to avail those in their real life. Whereas in
the context of believing prejudice and stereotypes, majority of the women shared that they do
not believe in such things. This depicts a partial social empowerment.

4.5 Political Empowerment

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Women in political domain are something which has been witnessed since independence
struggle. Their number was not large, they could be easily counted on the fingers. If we look
into the history we can find that women were given voting rights much later than men. In this
scenario talking about their participation is in itself one of the major Challenges.

4.5.1 Status of Identity Card

Table 4.5.1 shows the status of identity card available to the respondents.

Table 4.5.1: Status of having Government Identity Card

Ration Card Frequency Percentage

Yes 39 97.5%
No 1 2.5%
Total 40 100%
Pan Card
Frequency Percentage
Yes 38 95%
No 2 5%
Total 40 100%
Aadhar Card
Frequency Percentage
Yes 40 100%
No 0 0
Total 40 100%

Having government identity card helps the trainees to access several facilities. Majority of the
trainees have Ration card, Pan Card and all of them have Aadhar Card. It proves that all these
trainees are well concerned about the importance of the government Identity Card.

4.5.2: Status of Political Mobility of the respondents

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Table 4.5.2 shows the number of respondents who are attending Gramsabha Meetings.

Table 4.5.2: Status of Political Mobility of the respondents

Attended Gramsabha Frequency Percentage

Yes
34 85%
No
6 15%
Total
40 100%

Majority of the respondents have access to Gramsabha meetings to raise their voices and try
to access the information of government schemes and other facilities. Around 85% of the
total selected sample attended Gramsabha meetings and have knowledge about local level
politics. Only 15% of the respondents do not attend meetings. When they are asked the
reason for not attending meetings they replied that they have too many work in their house
that they don’t get time for such activities.

4.5.3 Knowledge about Government Structure

Table 4.5.3 shows the responses of the selected sample regarding their knowledge in
government structure; this includes name of the prime minister, chief minister, and other
views about politics.

Table 4.5.3 Knowledge of the respondents regarding government structure

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes
8 20%
No
32 80%
Total
40 100%

Majority of the women do not have knowledge about the government structure. Only 20% of
the respondents know about the prevailing government structures and their functioning.
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Knowledge about government structure is important as it will give the respondent an
overview about present scenario of the state and country. It is also a part of
empowerment.

4.5.4 Will to become Leader

Table 4.5.4 shows the will of the respondents to become leaders and participate in the
community decision makings.

Table 4.5.4 Will of the respondents to become leader

Responses Frequency Percentage

Yes
5 12.5%
No
35 87.5%
Total
40 100%

To get an understanding of the respondent’s will to become group leader this question was
put forward only 12.5% as shown in Table 4.5.4 of the total respondents were interested to
take up this position. Those not interested had similar reasons what they had for not being a
member of any group. Those who had a will were very positive in their approach they said
that they can be more confident as a leader and it can enhance their personality.

Summary
Being politically empowered requires direct participation, only having knowledge about
politics and government will not suffice. The majority of respondents were reluctant to be a
group leader, and also the response to participate in struggle of fellow women was also very
low. As mentioned those involved directly are more empowered so according to the data
available, respondents are partially empowered.

Table 4.6: Challenges faced by the women during empowerment process

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 Challenges Faced Frequency Percentage
Maintaining Balance between family
20 50%
and work
Low business knowledge 6 15%

Low education 4 10%

Negative impact from society 10 25%

Total 40 100%

From the above chart it may be concluded that majority of the women i.e. 50% faced the
challenge in maintaining balance between work and family. After this another major
challenge is negative impact from society. During interview the respondent shared that when
they started their business many of their neighbors demotivate them and even spread rumors’
about them. But they stick to their decision, and now those people admire their work even
many of them joined their business too. Now Low education and business knowledge is also
a challenge face by the respondents, some respondents said due to their low education they
were cheated in the market as well as in this competitive market proper business strategies is
needed for the growth of the business, they added that now gradually they are learning from
their mistakes and are trying to become more successful.

4.7 Changes Experienced in Self

On being asked about the changes they faced, the respondents shared different experiences
like some said they feel confident about themselves and can talk about their problems at
different levels. One of the respondents said that set got social recognition, people around her
now know her by her own name and not by her husband’s name. Even many of them said
financial independence make her Self reliant.

48 | P a g e
CASE STUDIES

CASE 1 (Struggle of a Tribal women to maintain her self respect)

Name: Chaya Ruidas

Age: 32 years

Chaya Ruidas is a resident of Mithani Village, Asansol. Her husband

is Binda Ruidas, who is a daily wage labourer and his diurnal earnings
are meager. They have a son who is eight (8) years of age and a
daughter who is four (4). Chaya worked as domestic help in two
homes in her vicinity and in all earned a trifle amount of 600 rupees at
the end of a month with which she literally fought to nearly fill the
stomachs of four.

She couldn’t go for formal education and schooling because of her impoverished family
conditions, even before her marriage. Her life is mostly limited to her service as a domestic
help. She belongs to the economically / financially backward classes. With her husband’s
total of monthly earnings, raising two kids is a colossal task for this family. She is completely
clueless so as how to proceed with life at large and what all prerequisites she has to fulfill in
order to ensure her independence as well as her self-dependent existence. Working as a
domestic help compromised her self respect, as explained by Chaya she had to face various
social violence, one of them was people treated her like untouchables as working as a
domestic help make her cloth dirty, she was not allowed to seat anywhere.

The skill of making babui grass products was inherited from her mother. Earlier she use the
skill to decorate their houses or just to spent their idle time. As told by Chaya a NGO named
SRREOSHI identified her talent and gave her the necessary training to make the skill
marketable. She took training on business formation, costing etc. In the initial phase the
family didn’t support the change in occupation but she remained consistent and worked hard
to gain her self respect.

Now she is running her own business, and is not subordinated by others. As expressed by her
presently she earns 2000 rupees per month, She is now independent and along with the
economic empowerment she also attained social recognition.

49 | P a g e
CASE 2 (Struggle of a Tribal women to beat financial crisis)

Name: Bulu Mejhan

Age: 28 years

Bulu Murmu is a resident of Mithani Village, Asansol. Her husband is

Sanjoy Murmu, who worked in factory but 2 years ago the factory
calls shut down and he lost his job. They live with their old parents and
two daughter. Their family become helpless, Sanjoy tried to find job in
other places but failed. It became difficult to arrange a single meal for
6 person. Her daughter had to left their schools.

Bulu never went to school and thus have no knowledge of education. So initially she started
working as domestic help but it doesn’t work as his husband falls sick. So she decided to do
something from home and came up with the idea to use her skill for earning. She learned the
skill of making babui grass product from her mother in law. They together started to make
babui grass products and sell them in nearby markets. But as they have lack of business
knowledge they were exploited in the market and suffered huge losses. Due to food crisis her
elder daughter died. But she never loose hope. She started working in increasing her business
knowledge and again make Babui Grass products and sell them to the Asalsol market. From
there she started her business journey.

Bulu told that due to financial crisis she lost her elder daughter but now she work hard to
make a better future for her for her younger daughter. Promila (younger daughter) is now in
class 6 is very studious and bright student along with her studies she also help her mother in
her business.

Presently her business has grown enough. Five other women are working under her
supervision. She earns 3000 rupees per month. And her husband also help her in the business,
they together work had to earn their livelihood. She told that she feels happy with the work
she does and now her product are sold in pan India. They take bulk orders from different
organization and earn from the same. Even fairs and exhibitions are also a important source
of income for them as explained by Bulu. She along with the other members of the group
work hard to grow their business. They said now they are dreaming to sell their products
outside India also.

50 | P a g e
CASE 3 (Struggle of a Tribal girl to run her family and her education)

Name: Dhani Murmu

Age: 23

Dhani Murmu is a resident of Mithani Village, Asansol. She live

with her mother and one younger brother. Her father is Late Sukam
Murmu, who died 5 years ago in road accident. And from that day
the responsibility of the family came into her shoulder. Due to
shortage of money she had to left her studies so that her younger
brother can go to school. As said by her she is a very bright student
but had sacrificed her career to built the life of her brother and to run
the family. But she always dream to start her studies.

She initially started working in a tea stall but couldn’t work due to various conditions. Then
she one day saw her mother making babui grass product and she as her keen interest learned
the art and started making different décor items. They together made the products and Dhani
used to take them to market and sell them. They started earning a good amount which
increase their interest. One day as told by Dhani she met with a whole seller of handicraft
product in the market who was very amazed with the products and gave her a bulk order of
100 pieces of pen stand. She gather other women in the village and started working on the
order. On that time she had to face many discouragements but she ignored all and give her
full dedication and complete the order before time. The whole seller appreciated them and
give them more oders. And in this way Dhani and her group never look back again.

She is also a active member of panchayat. With the help of panchayat and her earning, she
again started her studies. Now she and her mother earns approximately Rs. 8000 per month.
Presently she is perusing her graduation, she also said that she wants to become a teacher in
future and give free education to those children who had to left studies due to lack of money.

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CASE 4 (Story of a Tribal housewife to create her own identity)

Name: Parboti Mejhan

Age: 32

Parboti Mejhan is a resident of Mithani Village, Asansol. Her

husband is Binod Majhi, who work in a nearby factory. She live
in a join family. She has two sons one 10 years and other 8 years.
She was a house wife and used to spent her free time gossiping
and watching TV. As told by Parboti her family was very
conservative and don’t want her to go out for work. But she had
a knee interest to do something by her own and create her own identity.

She was only 18 when she was married. She completed her Higher Secondary and also had
interest in studies. But after marriage with all responsibilities she had to sacrifice her dreams.
She learned the art of making babui grass products from her mother in childhood. One day
she was her neighbor making the product, she become curious and come to know that by
making this products she can earn money. She saw her dream come true. She asked for
permission but her husband and in-laws were against her idea. She then secretly started
making products and give them to her neighbor to sell them, in this was she started earning.

Later when she started contributing in her family, her family member were also convinced
and supported her in her work. She presently earns approximately 3000 rupees per month.
She sell her products in bulk order, in different fair and exhibitions. She also work as a trainer
of Panchayat skill based trainings were she share her skills with other women like her to
motivate them to become self dependent and create own identity in the society. She also helps
her community women to uplift their conditions by supporting them through teaching skills
sets. She is not only a successful Entrepreneur but also a very good trainer.

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CASE 5 (Struggle of a widow for earning her livelihood)

Name: Badni Murmu

Age: 48

Badni Murmu is a resident of Mithani Village, Asansol. She lives alone.

Her husband died 10 years ago in Heart attack. She has two sons but live
in different cities with their family. But for last 4 years none of the sons
contacted with her and she left all alone. Her son also stopped sending
money to her. As said by Badni she is old and no one give her work. It
became difficult for her to feed her stomach with at least a single meal.

The art of making Babui grass product was learned from her mother. She left with no choice
and started making babui grass products and sells them in the local markets. From their she
started earning her livelihood. Now she is very happy with her work. Along with the other
women of the village Badni also make Babui grass products in bulk orders. Every villagers
respect her and loves her. She said that she is not sad because of her son but she is much
more happy getting so many well wishers. She also added that now the villagers are her
family. Presently she earns 3000 rupees per month. She told that she never thought that she
will one day become self dependent. And motivates others women of her age to create own
identity in the society.

Summary

From the above case studies, it is concluded that financial needs and the social recognition
are the main reason to become self dependent. Every women more or less have struggle in
their life but they remain dedicated to their work and get success. Economic empowerment is
the first milestone towards a holistic empowerment. Society also play an important role after
economic and family every individual needs social recognition. Not only their own
empowerment, the above women are also responsible for other individuals empowerment,
they motivates other women of the society to become self independent.

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CHAPTER- 5

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MAJOR FINDINGS

The study on the basis data collected from the field and analyses it I reached to the following
findings.

Demographic Profile

The median age of the elected members was 30 and the average age was 30.6. There are
relatively more members in the age group of 20-30 however it is pertinent to know that a
good number from the age group of 30 to 40 and 40-50. The age profile is a reflection to the
challenging thought to the patriarchal structure of our society as the women who were once
used to be kept inside are now out there of domestic domains to work and earn the
livelihood no matter what their age is.

 Marriage is an institution in our society. But due to that the woman responsibility increase
and thus involving in other activities become difficult. But by overcoming all the difficulties
women even after their marriage are perusing for income generation and trying to become
independent. It is great achievement on women development.

Regarding educational background it has been found that the entire respondent have at least
primary education and no of them are illiterate. It is a success to the government scheme
Sarva Shikhsa Abhiyaan. This aims in education of children between the age group 6 – 14
years.

Nuclear family is now dominating the society. 85% of the women were having family
members less than 5 members. In many of these houses the men were a dependent member
so women had increased responsibilities.

 Regarding the occupations, most of the women are engaged in running own business and
only 5 respondents do work for others. It shows the nature of autonomous decision making
power and self reliance.

 The years of working ranged from 1 to 5 years. Most of the respondents have started
working for less than 4 years. So the level of growth is still not high.
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Economic Empowerment

 According to the data, the sources that motivate the woman to start income generation or to
engage in work outside their houses are mainly the financial need. Even many women dose
the work to get social recognition.

 The entire respondents have their own bank account which they operate by their own or by
taking help form their family members.

Referring to the Family income, expenditure and savings of the respondents, it was found
that the income of the family ranges as low as to rupees 5000 and at most rupees 11000
whereas the expenditure was almost equal to income thus leaving little scope for savings.
However there were respondents who had a better income and expenditure as same as
others so providing a greater opportunity for them to save.

 Now regarding the level of income of the respondents, it has been found that majority of
the women earns within the limit of Rs. 4000 per month, which is less than the minimum
income level mentioned by the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

From the research it is found that 67.5% of the women were not having any asset
ownership. However, as highlighted by different thinkers that ownership and control on the
resources is one of the major factors that decide empowerment level of women.

85% of the women were free to spend their money by the choice however 15% of them
couldn’t, they have to give the money to their in laws or to the elders of the family (mostly to
the male members). 45% of the women were spending their expenditure on their household
and in this expenditure only 25% of them included children’s education. Its shows that the
importance for child education is gradually increasing and is the second most priority.

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Familial Empowerment

The participation in the decision making at home is one of the important aspects to be dealt
with to find out the level of empowerment. It shows maximum of the respondent about
67.5% has the authority to express their views in front of their families but still there are
32.5% who are dependent on their in laws or husband.

 Referring to the family support, from the study a positive response has been found. 95% of
the respondent’s family supports their work and the financial need is the major reason for
that. But still there are some respondents whose families are stills not convinced and rigid.
Financial support is the major support provided by the families to the respondents following
psychological support & support in work.
.
Majority of them i.e. 90% had equal say in the family which is one of the important
parameters to familial empowerment.

Social Empowerment
Social empowerment is an indicator to woman’s recognition in society and further
enhancement of her social functioning.

 Regarding the awareness about basic legal rights and provisions, the result is quite
appreciative about 92.5% respondents are aware about their basic rights and provisions only
few are reluctant.

of the respondents do not believes is stereotypes and prejudice, this resembles a
forward thinking society, only few are there who still believes in those prejudice and they
are mostly of above 40 years of age.

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Political Empowerment

There were basic question with a purpose to get an idea about women’s interest in
politics and their understanding about various government policies and schemes.

 The study shows that the respondents have well maintained government documents that are
necessary for every citizens of the country. Majority of the respondents have ration cards,
pan cards and all of them have addahar cards.

 The result regarding community level participation of women is very appreciative as 85%
of the women participated in Gramsabha meeting and raise their voice regarding factor
effecting them. The respondents are aware of government policies and schemes like
Demonetization, GST and Jan Dhan Yozna and even have expressed their concern over
these stated.

 80% of the women knows about state politics and are well aware of Prime Minister and
chief minister.

 The respondents felt independent as they have started working, this was major change
expressed. They feel both economic and social upliftment.

Only 12.5% of the respondents were willing to be group leader, 87.5% of them clearly said
no and when they are asked for the reason they said becoming a leader will create many
enemies.

The respondent highlighted various challenges faced by them like low education and
business knowledge, managing household and livelihood activity and other several
difficulties of life. And also shared their experiences suggesting the solution they applied.

58 | P a g e
CHAPTER- 6

59 | P a g e
RECOMENDATION

Empowering women by improving the sense of agency and strengthening their control over a
range of assets is critical for achieving empowerment at holistic level. As depicted in review
of literature and backed by data collected, empowerment cannot be achieved by participation
of women only in economic activities. There is need of participation at familial, social and
political participation too to have a cohesive development of self. However at same time
economic independence facilitates to achieve the desired goal. The following
recommendations emerge from the above findings which could help empower women by
leading them into self-decision making and hence better participation at various levels.

Social worker working on women empowerment should improve women’s skills to pursue
independent livelihoods and attain equal status as par men. This action which would
generally begin in small groups would enable the women to identify herself with the other
women, take action to change themselves and the social structure that oppress them.

 NGO’s working on women empowerment should deliver training designed to enable

women, individually or in groups, to enhance or impart existing or new skills so that the
women are able to earn more.

From the findings it could also be recommended that there is need for training programs on
Business awareness & strategies, costing, maintaining records etc. These programmes
should be devised in a manner that they lead to capacity building and enables maximum
number of participants.

Initiative should be taken to provide interactive sessions with women that impart basic
knowledge regarding politics, social science, and general awareness along with the hand on
skill based training.

The government should put in place institutions that address the socio-cultural aspects that
create hindrances to improved workforce among women.

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Since empowerment is multidimensional; a diversified approach to empowerment
interventions is required to reduce subordination and oppression. There is, therefore, a need
to come together to discuss collaborative efforts to empower women so that they can reduce
their household subordination.

 The women should be given awareness about marketing linkages and provide assistance to
market their products in e – haat (a platform to showcase the crafts of artisans globally).

Access to Artisan Cards is an important recommendation. Government and other members

working in this field should take more initiative in providing Artisan Card issued by
Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India to each and every women artisan.

Local level Panchayats should be involved in the process of empowerment to make it more
sustainable. Panchayats can play an important role both with guidance and support. Active
participation in Panchayats should be encouraged.

Micro Credit is perceived as an effective tool to empower women. It provides women with
the financial backing they need to start business or to grow their existing business and
become self employed with active participation in the economy.

Awareness about the digital platform & IT is an important way to promote their products
globally. In this digital era every endeavour should acesss to digital platform. (e.g. websites)
.

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CHAPTER- 7

62 | P a g e
 CONCLUSION

The data collected from primary and secondary methods has facilitated in achieving the
objectives of this study. This study titled “A study to understand the trends of Women
Empowerment through indigenous skills in Mithani Village, Asansol” aimed to find the
level of empowerment in a holistic approach. Empowerment was defined after
reviewing the literature and further parameters namely economic, familial, social and
political were identified to measure empowerment. Through the findings it implies that
the parameters are strongly linked to each other. There interdependence is to an extent
that to achieve empowerment, individual must have been empowered in each of them.
The findings also highlight that failure in any of the parameter has direct impact on
overall empowerment. Livelihood engagement of women has surely build up
confidence in women and has made most of them self-reliant as seen through findings.
If not empowering women but this has certainly broadened the scope of empowerment
for them. There are various challenges faced by women as highlighted in the findings,
thus helping in achievement of the objective.

Objectives and Findings

After going through the data collected and matching it to the parameters formed on the
basis of literature available and by going through narratives, it has been analyzed that
not all the respondents meet the criteria wherein they can be called partially
empowered.

Economic Empowerment
After going through the data it implies that majority of the respondents are
economically independent. However when talked about decision making related to
their work, most of them take their own decisions and few are there who are
dependent on either mother in law or husband. There are respondents who are
completely dependent and disempowered as they shared, that they even don’t get to
see their salaries. Considering one of the most important factors that is control over
asset most of the respondents lacked that thus making them vulnerable.

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Familial Empowerment
On the basis of the data it can be said that average number of respondents were
empowered in their families. Even though they had equal rights to say in their family,
And their families are also cooperative and support them in their work.

Social Empowerment
Social Empowerment facilitates realization of agency as it helps in acquiring a
position in the society. The majority of the women do not believe in prejudice and
stereotypes, even most of them have knowledge about their basic right and provisions.
But most of them expressed that even after the awareness they still have to face many
problem in society and in family as to maintain peace they have to keep silent. So the
participation at social level leads to critical consciousness and thus challenging roots
of patriarchy. However lesser number of respondents are socially empowered.

Political Empowerment
The respondents interviewed were politically empowered to some extent as they are
aware of state politics and government policies and schemes affecting them. However
when talked about direct participation with holding a position as a group leader, it
implied that women were not politically empowered. However political participation
is essential to women empowerment as no one other than self, can present ones
problem better.

Summative Analysis
The data collected through primary and secondary methods answered the research
question that being engaged in livelihood activities or the economic empowerment
may not possibly lead to the holistic empowerment of women. According to the study
as mentioned above majority of the women are empowered partially, few are fully
empowered; however they too had their limitations. As being fully empowered
depends on the different empowerment parameters and all the parameters are inter
linked with each other. However empowerment is a process which requires active
participation by the women themselves. Empowerment is a process which is achieved
gradually. For a holistic empowerment a long battle to go.
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CHAPTER- 8

65 | P a g e
References

1. Rabindra Bharati University study material paper XI (Women and Child Development)

2. The Asia Foundation Report about Women Empowerment by Reecha Upadhyay

(http://asiafoundation.org)

3. Governtment of India Census (2011), Ministry of Home Affairs.

4. Articles and Journals published in researchgate.net (Determinants and indicators of

Women Empowerment by Purusottam Nayak)

5. http://en.m.wikipedia.org

6. Journals from (http://scholar.google.com)

66 | P a g e
ANNEXURE

Structured Interview Schedule

1. Name:

2. Age:

3. Address:

4. Marital Status:

5. Education:

6. Occupation:

7. Family Structure:

8. For how long years you are doing your business?

9. What motivates you to become empowered?

10. Does your family support your work? Yes No

11. If Yes, then how?

12. Do you participate in Local Governance gatherings like Gram Sabha meetings?
Yes No

13. Do you believe in prejudice & stereotypes? (e.g. men are the superior, Menstrual impurities
etc.)

Yes No

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14. Do you have knowledge about the basic legal rights & provisions? (e.g. Equality
before law for women (Article 14); Protect of women from domestic violence Act,
2005; Prohibition of child Marriage Act, 2006; Molestation, Sec. 354 IPC; Sexual
Harassment, Sec. 509 IPC etc.)

Yes No

15. Do you have your own bank account: Yes No

16. Total Family Income per Month:

17. Expenditure per Month:

18. Savings:

19. Do you participate in major decisions of your family? Yes No

20. How much you earn from your business per month?

21. Do you have access to spend your income by your choice? Yes No

22. If yes, then how you use your income?

23. Do you have access to Assets?

24. What are the barriers you faced during the process of your empowerment?

25. What are the changes you experienced in yourself ?

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Semi Structured Interview Schedule (Case studies)

1. Tell something about your struggle.

2. How you overcome from those struggles.

3. What is the reason behind your change in occupation?

4. How these help you in your life?

5. What are the roles of society/neighbors in empowerment?

6. What are your further plans in growth of your business.

7. What are your suggestion for struggling entrepreneurs.

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SL. Name Age Marital Status Income/
No month
1 Parboti Mejhan 32 Married 4500
2 Belmoni Marandi 30 Married 3000
3 Bulu Murmu 28 Married 2500
4 Jitu Ruidas 24 Married 2000
6 Baha Soren 38 Married 4000
7 Jaba Mejhan 41 Married 4000
8 Mana Mejhan 20 Married 5000
9 Sabitri Gope 22 Married 4000
10 Chaya Ruidas 36 Married 3000
11 Seuli Marandi 36 Married 3500
12 Reeta Murmu 25 Married 4500
13 Moli Moe 22 Unmarried 4000
14 Majuri Hembram 23 Married 3000
15 Shyama Hembram 42 Married 3000
16 Phulba Patra 33 Married 2500
17 Saraswati Mejhan 26 Married 2000
18 Jamuna Soren 21 Unmarried 3000
19 Alpana Bagdi 24 Married 4000
20 Moli Moe 25 Married 5000
21 Sathi Gope 43 Married 2000
22 Santana Ruidas 32 Married 3000
23 Jharna Ruidas 27 Married 4000
24 Sita Mejhan 24 Married 2500
25 Badni Murmu 48 Widow 3000
26 Pampa Somani 24 Married 3500
27 Chandi Mejhan 28 Married 4000
28 Rakhi Bauri 34 Married 2000
29 Anima Hembram 36 Married 2500
30 Madhu Soren 27 Married 3500
31 Jhum Ruidas 27 Married 4000
32 Mohua Mejhan 30 Married 4000
33 Rajni Soren 45 Widow 3000
34 Mena Gope 24 Married 3000
35 Tulsi Rani 35 Married 2000
36 Ashima Ruidas 39 Married 4000
37 Jonaki Mejhan 42 Married 3500
38 Piu Hembram 21 Unmarried 4000
39 Dhani Murmu 20 Unmarried 4000
40 Bela Murmu 28 Married 3000
List of names 40 women chosen as sample

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Photo Gallery

Tribal women making Babui Grass Products

Tribal Home Decor

Interview Sessions with

the Tribal Women in
Mithani

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72 | P a g e
- Thank You -

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