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VOL. 12, ISSUE 12 (2025)
Dynamics of Women’s empowerment in rural south 24 Parganas, West Bengal: An empirical district-level investigation
Authors
Satadal Mandal
Abstract
Women’s empowerment is a
key indicator of inclusive rural development because it influences education,
health, income, decision-making, and social participation. In rural India,
women contribute substantially to household survival and local economies, yet
they often remain disadvantaged in terms of ownership, autonomy, and access to
institutions. This study examines the dynamics of women’s empowerment in the
rural areas of South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, through an empirical
district-level investigation. The study is based on primary data collected from
400 rural women through a structured survey, supported by focus group
discussions and key-informant interviews. Women’s empowerment has been assessed
across five major dimensions: educational empowerment, economic participation,
decision-making autonomy, health and mobility, and institutional participation.
The findings reveal that educational improvement is visible, but economic
empowerment, mobility, and control over household decisions remain limited. The
study also finds that education, income, caste, and institutional support
significantly influence empowerment outcomes. Although Self-Help Groups and
government programmes have contributed positively, deep-rooted patriarchal
norms and limited control over resources continue to constrain women’s
empowerment. The article concludes that holistic empowerment in rural South 24
Parganas requires integrated interventions in education, livelihood support,
financial inclusion, leadership development, and social awareness.
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Pages:242-247
How to cite this article:
Satadal Mandal "Dynamics of Women’s empowerment in rural south 24 Parganas, West Bengal: An empirical district-level investigation". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 12, Issue 12, 2025, Pages 242-247
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