Julio-Diciembre 2015

Vol. 5 No. 2

Julio-septiembre 2024

Vol. 14 No. 2

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Interacción y Perspectiva Dep. Legal pp 201002Z43506

Revista de Trabajo Social ISSN 2244-808X

Vol. 14 N

Julio-septiembre

ARTÍCULO DE INVESTIGACIÓN

Empoderar a las mujeres a través de la participación política: un examen de

las percepciones de las mujeres rurales indias*

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10909925

Mohammad Rezaul Karim**, Nazma Sultana*** y Abdul Awal ****

Resumen

El propósito de este estudio fue investigar cómo las mujeres rurales de la subdivisión

Dinhata percibían el empoderamiento de las mujeres a través del compromiso político.

La investigación se llevó a cabo en el distrito indio de la subdivisión Dinhata de

Coochbehar. Es una investigación cuantitativa y cualitativa. Se utilizó un muestreo

intencional y entrevistas semiestructuradas con mujeres rurales de la región de estudio

para recopilar datos cualitativos. Los datos fueron analizados cuantitativamente después

de una codificación deductiva según temas cuantitativos. Según el informe, existen

opiniones divergentes entre las mujeres rurales sobre cómo el compromiso político

puede empoderar a las mujeres. Si bien la mayoría de las mujeres rurales (47%) cree

que las mujeres deberían participar activamente en la política para empoderarse, el 29%

ve esto de manera negativa y el 24% no tiene idea de cómo las mujeres podrían

empoderarse a través de la política. No obstante, el 67% de las mujeres de las zonas

rurales están ansiosas por involucrarse en política. También opinan que los miembros

varones de la familia no tendrán objeciones si participan activamente en la política.

Además, ven ciertos obstáculos si se involucran activamente en política, como cuidar de

la familia y hacer las tareas del hogar, que tradicional y culturalmente están reservadas

a las mujeres en la India rural.

Palabras clave: Empoderamiento de las mujeres, participación política, mujeres

rurales, percepción de las mujeres, desafíos.

Abstract

Empowering women through political participation: an examination of indian

rural women's perceptions

The purpose of this study was to investigate how rural women in Dinhata Subdivision

perceived women's empowerment through political engagement. The research was

carried out in the Indian district of Coochbehar's Dinhata Sub-Division. It is a quantitative

and qualitative research. Purposive sampling was used, and semi-structured interviews

with rural women in the study region were used to gather qualitative data. Data were

analyzed quantitatively after deductive coding according to quantitative themes.

According to the report, there are divergent opinions among rural women on how political

engagement may empower women. While the majority of rural women (47%) believe

that women should actively participate in politics to empower themselves, 29% see this

negatively and 24% have no notion how women might empower themselves through

politics. Nonetheless, 67% of women in rural areas are eager to get involved in politics.

Rezaul Karim, Sultana y Awal / Empoderar a las mujeres a través de la participación política

439

They also opine that male members of the family will have no objection if they participate

in politics actively. Additionally, they see certain obstacles if they become actively

involved in politics, such as taking care of the family and doing housework, which are

traditionally and culturally reserved for women in rural India.

Keywords: Women Empowerment, Political Participation, Rural Women, Women’s

Perception, Challenges

Recibido: 27/01/2024 Aceptado: 12/02/2024

* This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University project number

(PSAU/2024/R/1445).

** Department of English Language and Literature, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin

Abdulaziz University, KSA. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8178-8260 Email:

karimrezaul318@gmail.com

***Researcher, Dept. of Political Science, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India. ORCID ID:

https://orcid.org/0009-0003-3749-805X E-mail: nazmasultana51@gmail.com

**** Principal, Dinhata College, Dinhata, West Bengal, India. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0641-

6205 E-mail: abdul_awal@rediffmail.com

1. Introduction

Women empowerment is a global issue as they have fewer opportunities than

their male counterparts globally. In Every sphere of life, be it education, career, decision

making system and in society as well, women are far behind men. In the underdeveloped

and developing countries the gap is wide and the difference is stark. The only instrument

that can reduce the gap and the difference is the empowerment of women in all fronts

of society. Empowerment may be used to uplift the other half of the population but in

the case of women it is inseparable (Paul, et al, 2016). Empowerment is a multifaceted

concept. It can happen when proper education is provided to both the sexes. They

become aware of their surroundings. Education broadens the mind and aspires them to

look beyond the box.

The role of women in society is multifaceted and changed from time to time. From

ancient Vedic culture to modern civilization women have experienced motivation as well

as deprivation. Women's empowerment should primarily be seen as a process rather

than a fixed state that challenges preconceived notions of power and promotes women's

success (Jain, 2023). This globalised village takes into account the hardships of the male

members. Women today are present in every field be it in minimal numbers but at least

in some restricted areas women have pushed the boundaries to acquire her space. The

patriarchal society has always pushed women to the private sphere. They lack a voice

of their own and she has accepted it without any complaint. She is raising the future

leaders and torchbearers but she herself is covered in an invisibility cloak (Arowolo &

Aluko, 2010). From the political participation point of view the women lack the proper

knowledge. They are not much aware of the political happenings. Governments have laid

down 1/3 reservation for women at the local level but in reality, only a few come up to

the position (Annakili, 2019). The 1/3 reservation scheme is not to mention a show off

of the male chauvinistic society because ultimately the public sphere is mostly dominated

by the male counterparts.

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In the post-independence era, many movements took place where women took

part as active participants. The famous Chipko movement which happened in

Uttarakhand Brought in the connectivity of women with nature and the leadership

qualities they exhibit (Bandyopadhyay, 1999). Women’s participation in political life is

considered very important and needed not only for the development of the society but

also for women themselves. The world would progress only when women occupy

different sectors, and the hardships of the female members are recognised. Political

participation is one such field (Mal, et al, 2014).

Lack of proper education stands as a barrier towards women empowerment

(Parvin & Sarkar, 2021). With the introduction of self-help group and entrepreneur jobs

women have become economically self-sufficient as they engage in small scale jobs.

With money in their hand women have become economically empowered and they can

voice out their own choices (Mal, et al, 2014). Only becoming economically empowered

is not enough political empowerment is also very essential so that women leaders come

up to the forefront and they make their choices which are helpful to other women (Parvin

& Sarkar, 2021)

2. Literature review

To understand the problem of the study in a broader sense and to gauge what

studies have been done on the Political empowerment of women and perception of

women towards their political participation, the investigators have gone through some

studies that have been conducted in India and in different countries of the world as well.

The investigators made a study of the related literature to understand the research gap

in the area of the study.

Mal, et al, (2014) conducted research entitled “Empowerment of Rural women

through Political participation in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal, India” The

main focus areas were the role of SHG, engagement of women in workforce and political

participation of women. The paper brings out the cultural and social factors that influence

a woman's life. The role of SHG have positive impact on rural BPL women in Paschim

Medinipur district. Women have started small scale businesses and skill-based training

is imparted to them. Women have become economically self-sufficient but still

comparatively the work participation rate is still lower than men. Women's political

participation is also studied where they have come up to the panchayat, panchayat

samiti and the Zila Parishad level but still the number is at a marginal level.

Mohapatra (2017) conducted research on “Economic and Political Empowerment

of Women in Tribal Communities of Contemporary Odisha.” The first important finding

of the research is that tribal women feel equal to men. Tribal women are free to choose

their life partner and are active in all agricultural activities, have access to savings and

credit, have control over income land and business. In the case of political empowerment

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patriarchy exists. The enactment of the Panchayati Raj Act of 1992 has brought a positive

impact for women. Thus, tribal women are both economically and politically empowered.

Naik (2017) had a study on “Empowerment of Women through Political

Participation in India”. The position of women during Pre independence and post-

independence is studied together with constitutional provision and status of women in

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The paper points out that women at panchayat level are

better represented which is yet to happen in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Due to the

reservation system more women are seen at the local level politics. More women are

seen participating in politics at the rural level but at the national level the figure is not

satisfactory.

Annakili (2019) studied on “Women Empowerment for Rural Development.” The

study focused on rural women's empowerment, the issue of proper communication, need

for participatory initiative, community, and organizational empowerment together with

psychological empowerment are highlighted. Furthermore, a positive impact of self-help

groups (SHG) has been identified. In areas of social, economic, and political domain, all

these factors give women a voice and confidence to speak out what they wish for.

Parvin & Sarkar (2021) studied on “Empowerment of Women through Political

Participation”. The study found that in comparison to older times, women now are more

seen at local and national level politics. Though the rate is low, at least the positive

change is felt. Various factors for women’s lesser political participation than their male

counterparts, like lack of political knowledge, household barriers, socio-cultural norms

and many more are pointed out. Moreover, the paper jots down that when women enter

a political domain, the cultural discourse would change automatically, a role model will

encourage more women in politics, women’s issues will get addressed and gender

equality can be achieved.

Kafilat (2004), undertook a study entitled “Women Empowerment and Political

Participation in Nigeria”, where the position of Nigerian women in politics is studied.

The study found that Nigerian women are politically disempowered. Before and during

colonial era Nigerian women took active stands but in present day women are oppressed

and exploited. There are barriers to women’s political participation like cultural barriers,

lack of time, existence of political violence and low financial status etc. The steps of

women empowerment are also brought out in this paper. Empowerment through

education, eradication of discrimination, special quotas for women, equal representation

of both men and women and many more are discussed. The paper thus opines that that

uplift of women can be achieved by education and Political participation.

Arowolo (2010) studied on “Women and Political Participation in Nigeria”. The

domestic role of women, their level of political participation, the challenges involved and

the dominant role of men in families are assumptions of the study. The paper also gives

the numerical data of women present in the National Assembly, State House of Assembly

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and other facts and figures. The factors for low women’s political participation are

pointed out like cultural practices, violence, and high cost of election. Over the years it

is seen statistically that the women’s political participation in Nigeria has increased. The

paper advocates that increasing government roles and workshops in cities and in villages

are necessary for increasing political participation of women. It is the man who also

needs a mental revolution so that they can allow their wives to participate in politics.

Mujahid et al (2015) investigated on “Dimensions of Women Empowerment: A Case

study of Pakistan”. The study focused on the importance of social, economic, and political

factors together with primary education of Pakistani women which help in overall

empowerment of women. The study’s findings were that the enrolment rate in primary

education level has increased which positively affected the labour market over the years.

Economically women are less privileged because the unemployment rate is higher.

Political rights exist for women, but patriarchy is the dominant leader. Gender equality

exists with 50% reservation in parliament. Women representation thus has increased

over the years.

Alhasan (2022) studied on “Women Empowerment and Political Participation in

Ghana”. The study gathered data from secondary sources like bulletin and websites of

different Government agencies. The study found that the women of Ghana faced many

cultural barriers to take part in active politics. The government of the country and the

local authority implemented plans and policies for the women to overcome such barriers.

The study further highlights that the policies implemented by the authorities were

successful in increasing the participation of women in Ghana and it also increased

political awareness among women.

Hasan M.B. et al (2019) had a study on “Women Empowerment through Political

Participation of Women in Local Level in Northern Bangladesh: A Case Study of Some

Selected Union” The study was a mixed method study where in researchers used both

quantitative and qualitative data to understand the position of women in political arena

in Northern Bangladesh. The study revealed that women’s participation differs

demographically. The political participation varies according to their age and education.

The study also found that the elderly women are more aware of political affairs than

their younger counterparts, though the younger women are keener to participate in

active politics. However, the findings indicate that the women who take part in politics

can’t take political decisions independently and male members are involved in the

decision-making process.

3. Research question

After going through the review of literature related to the problem of the study,

it has been observed that studies have been done on the political participation of women

and related issues, in India and abroad as well. However few studies could be found on

the perception of women on their political participation especially in rural areas and some

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research questions remain unanswered. Therefore, the researchers identified the

following research question to be answered in the present study.

What is the perception of Rural Women towards political participation women for their

empowerment?

Whether they wish to participate in active politics or not?

Whether the male members of the family will support their political participation?

What are the challenges they perceive if they join active politics?

Objective of the Study

To conduct the research, the researcher developed the following objectives based

on the research questions the aim of the study can be listed below.

To study the perception of rural women towards their political participation.

To Study whether they wish to participate in active politics or not.

To study if their family head allow and support their participation.

To study the challenges the rural women, perceive in case they join active politics.

4. Research Methodology, Participants and Data Analysis

The research aims to study the political participation of rural women, the

challenges they face and the overall empowerment that can happen through their

participation in politics. Therefore, in the present study, both quantitative and qualitative

method were used. The study area was under Dinhata subdivision of Coochbehar district

and altogether 21 purposive samples were taken from the villages under Panchayat area

in Dinhata Subdivision of Coochbehar District. The purposive criterion sample were

drawn from the rural women from the study area who were above 18 years of age and

who have passed at least 12th class. The interviews were taken by visiting the homes

of the respondents. Due permissions were taken from the head of the family before

starting the session. Data were collected from 5th May to 15th May, 2023.

For the study, a semi structured open ended Interview schedule was used. The

semi-structured Interview Schedule was used so that the Interviewer can ask the

necessary questions as intended, at the same time the interviewee can share her inner

feelings and express their Emotions without any restrictions and not be bound by the

structure of the Interview schedule. During the interview, family members or guardians

were not allowed to be present so that the interviewee can open up herself freely. Face

to face interview was conducted and audio recorded which was later put into writing.

The timing of the session started from mid-afternoon since that was the time when

women would be free from their household chores. After the collection, the data were

analysed thematically under four themes: As the themes were already determined

according to the objectives of the study, the data were deductively coded under four

themes.

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5. Results and Discussion

Demographic profile of respondents

The demographic information in terms of age, educational qualifications and

occupation is tabulated and shown below

Table 1

Distribution of Respondent by Age

Age of the

Respondents

No of

Respondents

39-45

32-38

25-31

18-24

Total

Source: compiled by the author

The above Table 1 shows the age of the respondents. 7 women are from the age

group of 18 to 24, other 7 are from 25 to 31 age group. Four women are from the 32 to

38 age group while 3 women are from the 39 to 45 age group. The table shows that the

respondents were of varying age from 18 to 45.

The above Table 1 shows the age of the respondents. 7 women are from the age

group of 18 to 24, other 7 are from 25 to 31 age group. Four women are from the 32 to

38 age group while 3 women are from the 39 to 45 age group. The table shows that the

respondents were of varying age from 18 to 45.

Table 2

Distribution of Respondents in terms of Educational Qualifications

Educational

Qualification

No of

Respondents

Higher secondary (H.S)

Graduation

Masters

Total

Source: compiled by the author

The above Table 2 shows the educational level of the women respondents. Under

the category of H.S there are 7 respondents, under graduation there are 12 women and

under masters there are 2 women respondents. It is clear from the above table that the

educational qualification of the respondents concentrates at graduation.

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Table 3

Distribution of Respondents by Occupation

Occupation

No of

Respondents

Homemaker

Job

Political Engagement

Total

Source: compiled by the author

In the above Table 3 distribution is done on the basis of occupation. Out of 21

respondents, 14 are homemakers, 3 respondents go out of home to attend their jobs

and 3 respondents are engaged in active politics. So, the distribution table shows that

most of the respondents are homemakers.

6. Thematic Analysis of the data

Under the first theme the perception of rural women towards their political

participation was studied. It was found from the data collected through semi structured

open ended interviews that 47 % of the rural women perceive that the women should

come to the forefront of the politics to empower them. They opine that a political

platform is an instrument to empower women and to reduce the societal gap between

women and their male counterparts. If women come to politics, they can raise their own

voice, and also take part in the policy making decision for the women. Women can take

part in active politics and she can do it. In the words of a young mother, “...... a woman

can do everything. If she can do a job along with running the family, she should also

participate in active politics so that she can make decisions for other women. .......”

(Shabana Khatun Sarkar, 22, Kharija Batrigach, interviewed on 5

May 2023).

Another woman retorted to the question of the interviewer, “........ women are

lagging behind men and to be at par with men, women should enter into active politics.

When you step outside you understand how society is, how it is working.” (Khushida

Banu Bibi, 35, Bhitorkamta, interviewed on 6

May 2023)

However, at the same time 29 % (10 respondents) perceive the participation of

women in politics negatively and opine that the political affairs are for the men only and

women should not take part in active politics. Moreover, 24 % (5 respondents) express

that they have no idea whether political participation of women will empower women or

not exhibiting lack of political and social awareness in them. Though most of the women

have a positive perception that the participation of women in politics will empower them,

still the opinion of women on the theme is widely divided. The researchers investigated

whether the respondent women want to participate in active politics if provided the

opportunity, 67% of the respondents (14 out of 21 in number) wished to participate in

active politics if an opportunity is given. The researchers here observed that in the first

theme studied above where 47 % of the respondent women opined that the women

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should participate in active politics for women empowerment and 24 % of the respondent

expressed that they don't have any opinion of their own on political participation and

women empowerment. When asked about their self-participation in politics, 67 %

responded in positive implying that those respondents lack the knowledge whether

political participation would empower women, they are also keen to participate in active

politics. A woman at her 30 with two children expressed her wish to the interviewer in

her wishful words, “...... I am a house wife. Now my kids are small, so I wish to join

active politics in the future when my children grow up……” (Shahida Khatun, 30,

Fakirtari, interviewed on 8

May)

However, 33 % of the respondents responded negatively when asked if she wants

active participation in politics. In the study, it was studied whether the male members

of the family would permit the respondents to participate in active politics. The

researchers observed that 86 % of the respondents (18 out of 21 in number) responded

positively revealing that the village male folks are also interested in engaging their

women counterparts in active politics and they are liberal in permitting the women

members of the family to engage in political affairs actively. Performing household

chores is a common challenge faced by rural women who are politically engaged. This is

because, in Indian society, particularly in rural areas, caring for children and household

duties are exclusively the responsibility of women. This aspect of the study was

examined under the fourth theme. “For a woman to participate in politics, she has to

cross many hurdles. We have to manage our family life, look after kids and accomplish

domestic chores. Men folks are not engaged in these. A woman has to do all these even

if she is in politics….” (Runa Laila, 44, Bhitorkamta, interviewed on 6

May 2023).

Moreover, the women also expressed it as a challenge to attend the sudden

situational calls as a public representative, which is a common phenomenon in Indian

rural politics. The people of the society want their political leader to be at their side every

now and then. It is difficult for women to leave the home suddenly, especially at odd

hours.

7. Conclusion

The present study was intended to study the perception of rural women of Dinhata

Subdivision on the empowerment of women through political participation. The study

found that the perception of rural women on the empowerment of women through

political participation is widely divided. Though most of the rural women (47%) perceive

that women should participate in active politics for women empowerment, 29% of them

perceive it negatively whereas 24% of them have no ideas of women empowerment

through political participation. However, 67 % of rural women are keen to participate in

active politics. Further, they also perceive some challenges in case they are engaged in

active politics, like accomplishing the household chores and looking after kids as these

are solely women’s jobs by tradition and culture in rural India. The findings are in

conformity with Naik (2017), Parvin & Sarkar (2021) and Arowolo (2010). The novelty

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447

of the study is that the paper reveals the perception of rural women in Dinhata

subdivision on political engagement and empowerment of women and their challenges

ahead. The local government may frame policy for the gender equity in political

participation, access of women to the political forefront and smoothen the road for

women towards political participation. The study was delimited to the rural women of

Dinhata Subdivision only and further studies may be done in broader areas. Moreover,

research may also be done to study the perception of women towards their political

participation in urban areas.

Acknowledgment

This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

project number (PSAU/2024/R/1445).

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