Dalit Women Participation in Household Decision Making: A Study of Aatharai Rural Municipality, Terhathum

Abstract

This study explores the role of Dalit women in household decision-making in Aatharai Rural Municipality using a positivist paradigm and a descriptive, quantitative research design. Sixty respondents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds were selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources like reports and census data, analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that although Dalit women have relatively good educational attainment, only 5% have higher education. Most live in nuclear families (70%), which affects gender roles. Despite a rise in female-headed households, ownership of houses and land among Dalit women is low (11.67%). Financial independence is limited, with just 8.3% making decisions on harvesting and 13.3% controlling savings. Joint decision-making is common, yet sole financial authority is rare. In social matters like childbirth and marriage, their independent involvement is minimal. The study highlights the need for focused interventions to overcome gender and caste-based inequalities in household decision-making.