International Journal of Research in Economics and Social ...euroasiapub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/66ESSJan-5998-1.pdf · Dr. Nitesh Raj, Department of Economics, S.P.College,

International Journal of Research in Economics and Social Sciences (IJRESS) Available online at: http://euroasiapub.org Vol. 8 Issue 1, January- 2018 ISSN(o): 2249-7382 | Impact Factor: 6.939 |

International Journal of Research in Economics & Social Sciences

Email:- [email protected], http://www.euroasiapub.org (An open access scholarly, peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary, monthly, and fully refereed journal.)

717

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACCESSIBILITY OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A WAY FOR BETTER

TOMMOROW

Dr. Nitesh Raj,

Department of Economics, S.P.College, Dumka, S.K.M. University, Dumka

Abstract

The decision making capacity of women provide them socio-economic accessibility for assets,

and infrastructural development. In this paper, an attempt has been made to find impact of socio-

economic accessibility of women as the symbol of empowerment. Samples of 100 male and female

respondents were randomly selected from Dumka District. It is found that four variables namely

gender, age, annual income, occupation have significant association with the impact on women

empowerment and decision making capacity. The outcome of this paper is that empowerment always

helps to improve the socio-economic conditions of women and is the first ranking given by the

respondents and it is followed by decision making capacity of women.

Women are proving to be better economic manager due to their leadership quality and

decision making ability and participating actively to the development of house/organization/society.

The liberalization of the economy has paved the path for empowerment of the Indian women and the

success stories of Indira Nooyi, Saina Nehwal, Sunita Williams, Aishwarya Rai Bacchan, Sania Mirza,

Kiran Bedi and Chanda Kochhar assures us that the process of empowerment has gradually started

with increase in their productivity bearing results. Then there are cases of Khap Panchayat, reports

on female infanticides and women abuses, that forces us to rethink over the issue. The government

of India had declared the 2001 as Women Empowerment Year to focus on a vision where women are

equally productive like men. Later on “My daughter is my pride” kind of campaign has been launched

by the government of India. Many of the work has to be done for a better tomorrow of women and

for their empowerment. Here also the aspect that Globalization has infected women with the help of

multiplex and TV serials that shows false glory of materialistic life.

Key Words: Empowerment; Productivity; Globalization; Training; Motivation; Materialistic

Life.

International Journal of in Economics and Social Sciences (IJRESS) Vol. 8 Issue 1, January- 2018 ISSN(o): 2249-7382 | Impact Factor: 6.939


Email id: [email protected], http://www.euroasiapub.org (An open access scholarly, online, peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary, monthly, and fully refereed journals.) 718

Introduction:

Women empowerment means best utilization of productivity of women resource to

maximize the total welfare of society / nation. Hence India, where 50% population constitutes

women, leads active participation in the socio-economic development and her active role in

international platform where a woman needs, only to become empowered. In our society, women’s

role is considered as secondary since they are called as weaker sex. Due to low level of competence,

poor exposure, cultural and economic condition, women’s participation in the economic

development is not satisfactory. In such situation to make their participation active and effective,

women need support, counseling and training / education. From very beginning women were of

equal opportunity, liberty, and equality of status to do work of their choice in the consideration of

decision making. Prof. Loyla Jons advocates women as a leader were taking decisions in parliament

in ancient India, Europe, Yunan and Egypt Priya Srinivas, (2010) supports the enthusiasm and

emotions as leading role of women in French, American, Chinese and Indian Revolution.

Review of Literature:

Arpit Guru and Shruti Kahanijow (2010) say that empowerment raises the effective spending

capacity of women. Ankita (2009) is of opinion that empowerment in India means up-gradation of

socio-economic status. The researcher (Andrew & Mathew) also identified how women

empowerment had caused growth in our economy and in what ways it is applied. Sukanta Sarkar

(2010) conducted a study on the women empowerment in India: Causes, impacts & government

initiatives in which the researcher focused on the effects of strong decision making capacity of

women for a better livelihood of her family and society. According to the study, the main reason

behind the depletion of women empowerment is the Indian socio-economic system i.e. Indian govt.

just focused on making committees rather than to implement it. The study concludes that laws and

policies should be implemented properly to empower the women.

Objectives of the Study:

1. To describe the women empowerment concept in India.

2. To analyze the socio-economic profile of the women respondents of Dumka District.

3. To identify the decision making impact on empowerment of women.

Research Methodology:

Dumka District is the study area selected for this research. Primary data is collected through

well-structured questionnaire. Samples of 100 male and female respondents in Dumka district have

been selected by using random sampling method. The collected information were reviewed and

consolidated into a master table. For the purpose of analysis the data were further processed by using

tables. Tabulation and classification of data technique is used here.

Limitations of the Study:

1. The sample size is small and is taken from the Dumka district.




2. The tabulation and classification of data technique used to analyze the data have their own

limitation.

3. All the limitations of primary data are applicable to this study.

Analysis and Interpretation:

Today women are in every field they are successful women entrepreneurs, renowned

personalities, they are from entertainment, sports and fashion world including film stars, fashion

designers and sports personalities. Their alluring charm and charisma makes them the most popular

women around the globe and persons deserving everyone’s respect. The phrase ‘beauty with brains’

truly comes alive through them. These successful women have made name, fame and money for

themselves with their hard work, diligence, competence and will power. Followings are the examples

of some leading women in terms of their productivities and outcome in market.

Aishwarya Rai Bacchan : This famous name has created her presence in Bollywood and a

strong identity in international cinema. Her journey of success started right from wining the most

coveted title of Miss World to the most prestigious Padmashree. She represented India in one of the

prestigious film events like Cannes. She was also chosen as a face of national and international brand

such as Nakshatra and Loreal.

Sonia Gandhi: One of the front runners and most successful runners in the arena of Indian

politics, Sonia Gandhi is known for her charisma and personality. Her political wisdom, skill and

actions have helped her climb the ladder of success within a short span. She is still continuing the

legacy of the renowned Gandhi family with her political vision. This has made her one of the most

respected political figures across the globe.

Kiran Bedi: She is perhaps the first women who broke the myth that women cannot be police

officers. Her courage, stamina, will power and responsibility won her accolades from all sectors that

lead her to be as Governor. Her dedication to reform the police system in India and also her

association with various social activities won her the Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Barkha Dutt: She is perhaps one of the greatest news and media personalities in India. Her

keen news sense, courage, dedication has made her a known name in every nook and corner of the

country. From the army barracks of Kashmir to the streets of India, her finesse and expertise in

delivering news has made her stand above the crowd.

Sania Mirza: She has made India proud in the tennis platform by her skills and tenacity. This

beautiful teenager from Hyderabad has consistently performed in major ATP tournaments and is also

a known face in the media for her charm.

Shahnaz Hussain : She brought the breeze of revolution in the field of beauty treatment in

India. Her herbal beauty treatments have won accolades all over the world and have adorned women

for decades. The beauty chain of Shahnaz Hussain is known for a wide range of treatments and herbal

cosmetics offering stunning results. She has clientele including all the renowned women




personalities round the world. Indira Gandhi, the first woman Prime Minister of India was also one

of her well known clients.

Ritu Kumar : A great name in e fashion arena, she has made a wonderful presence with her

unique dresses and creations. Her style and uniqueness has won her praises in various fashion events

across the globe.

Ekta Kapoor : Her K series serials are popular among almost all families in India. The

daughter of well-known star Jeetendra, she has made a great name in the Indian television industry

with her Balajji Telefilms Communication Services.

Ravina Raj Kohli : She is one of the most charismatic media personality and the Ex-President

of STAR News. Ravina Raj Kholi brought a new dimension to the Indian media industry through her

skill, creativity and management qualities.

Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi : Perhaps the main driving force behind the success of Pepsi in

India, Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi has climbed the ladder to become one of the leading business

personalities. Her strategies, decisions and managerial skills have made her become the new

business model of India.

Nirmala Joshi, M.C. (23 July 1934 – 23 June 2015), from Jharkhand better known as Sister Nirmala,

was a Catholic Religious Sister who succeeded Nobel laureate Mother Teresa as the head of her

Missionaries of Charity and expanded the movement overseas. After taking over the charity following

Mother Teresa’s death in 1997, Nirmala expanded the organization’s reach to 134 countries by

opening centers in nations such as Afghanistan, Israel and Thailand.

Deepika Kumari (born 13 June 1994) , from Jharkhand is an Indian athlete who competes in the

event of Archery, is currently ranked World No. 5, and is a former world number one. She won a gold

medal in the 2010 Commonwealth games in the women's individual reserve event. She also won a

gold medal in the same competition in the women's team reserve event along with Dola Banerjee and

Bombayala Devi. In February 2014, she was honored with FICCI Sportsperson of the Year Award.

Empowerment of women means to make women enable to:

1. Develop high ambition

2. Look at her honestly

3. Develop strong sense of personal efficacy.

4. Development strong will power

5. Development leadership and entrepreneur, entrepreneurial qualities

6. Talk and act confidently




8. Overcome shyness.

9. Develop capabilities and competency.

In other words, empowerment means creating conditions for heightening motivation

for task accomplishment through development of a strong sense of personal efficacy.

Dimensions: Process of empowerment starts from

1. Creating awareness

2. Creating motivation i.e. “I want to do”.

3. Making her enable i.e. “I can do”, and

4. Developing strong desire resulting into action i.e. “I will do”.

This process enables the women: A Better Tomorrow

1. To recognize herself, her talent potential, and ability to do something.

2. To develop positive sense, honesty to her work and disciplined mends.

3. To develop sense of belongingness, activity leading to creating ideas and

making them practical and practicing therefore.

4. To break barriers what come before her.

5. To think independently by developing strong relationship with inside and

outside surroundings.

6. Enjoying the work by involving her in the work what she takes up.

7. Looking for result of the action taken.

8. Taking necessary steps to control the variance of taking place in performing

the work.

Hence, Empowerment Constitutes Two Stages:

1. Motivation i.e. I want to (Desire)

2. Enabling i.e. I can do. (Ability)

Exercising the both stages will lead to empowerment i.e. I will do.




Data analysis of women Empowerment

1. Demographic Profile of the People of Dumka:

Table no.1 describes the demographic profile of the respondents for the study. Out of 100

respondents who were taken for the study: it has been identified that most (63%) of the respondent

are male, (57%) whose age group is under 26 to 50 years, most (68%) of the respondents are up to

school Level, (46%) of the respondents are businessman and the annual income of (44%)

respondents is above Rs.2, 50,000, (64%) of the respondents belong to nuclear family

Table 1: Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Factors Number Of Respondents N=100 Percentage

Gender

Male 63 63

Female 37 37

Age (Years)

Up to 25 14 14

26 to 50 57 57

Above 50 29 29

Educational Qualification

Up to School Level 68 68

Graduate 21 21

House wife 11 11

Occupation

Business 46 46

Employee 30 30

Professionals 24 24

Annual Income

Up to Rs.1,00,000 14 14

Rs.1,00,001 to Rs.2,50,000 42 42

Above Rs.2,50,000 44 44

Type of Family

Nuclear Family 36 36

Joint Family 64 64




Table 2: Relationship between the Demographic Profile of the respondents and Impact

of Empowerment

Variables

Level of Decision making

Total

χ2 Table

Remarks

Low

Moderate

High

Value Value

Gender

Male 1

3 22 38 6

3

7.634 5.991 S

Female 8

13

16

37

Age (Years)

Up to 25 4 5 5 1

4

26 to 50 1

7 26 14 5

7 11.499 9.488 S

Above 50 1

2 5 12 2

9

Educational Qualification

Up to School Level 2

6 20 22 6

8

Graduate 8 8 5 2

1 6.178 9.488 NS

House wife 4 3 4 1

1

Occupation

Business 1

3 17 16 4

6

Employee 5 19 6 3

0 11.823 9.488 S

Professional 9 8 7 2

4




Annual Income

Up to Rs.1,00,000 5 3 6 1

4

Rs.1,00,001 to 1

0

19

13

42 21.823 9.488 S

Rs.2,50,000

Above Rs.2,50,000 1

4 18 12 4

4

Type of Family

Nuclear Family 7 20 9 3

6

3.598 5.991 NS

Joint Family 1

8

34

12

64

*significant at 5% percent level S= Significant, NS= Not significant

1.2 Relationship between the Demographic Profile of the Respondents and Impact of

Empowerment:

Table no.2 depicts the relationship between selected demographic variables and Level of

Impact of empowerment of the respondents. It is clear that , the calculated Chi-square value is less

than the table value at five percent level, there does not exists any significant association between

educational qualification ,type of family of the respondents and level of impact on empowerment.

Thus the null hypothesis is accepted. It is clear that, the calculated Chi-square value is greater than

the table value at five percent level; there exist a significant association between gender, age, annual

income, occupation and level of impact on empowerment. Thus the null hypothesis is rejected. It is

also clear that empowerment in men is more than the women.




Table 3: Shows the Factors Impacting the People’s on Empowerment

Factors 5 4 3 2 1 Total

Mean

Rank

Score

Empowerment helps to Improve the social status of women

14 54 18 4 10 100 3.74 1

in India

Empowerment helps to Improve the economic status of women

42 26 14 4 14 100 3.68 2

Electronic Payment Freedom

20 30 14 24 12 100 3.22 5

22 38 16 16 08 100 3.7 3

Women are affected by Decision making ability

High impact on real estate, gold rate, stock exchanges; a symbol of empowerment

28 38 8 8 18 100 3. 4




1.3 Factors Impacting the People’s on Empowerment:

The above table shows about the weighted average of each factor regarding the impact of

Empowerment. From the calculated weighted average Empowerment improve the socio-economic

condition is been the first by the respondents and it is followed by decision making ability of women.

2. Problems causing barriers to the process of empowerment are:

1. Negative and too self- esteem.

2. Weak will power.

3. Lack of awareness and motivation.

4. Lower degree of confidence.

5. Dependency

6. Conflicts among the family members.

7. Poor risk taking ability.

8. Involved in only daily routine work.

9. Lack of social contacts.

10. Lack of Social Security.

11. Illiteracy.

12. Poor health – (In spite of poor health they live long normally)

13. Malnutrition.

14. Lack of sense of ownership on resources and capital.

2.1 Inhibiting factors on part of Govt. / Promotional agencies are:

1. Red-tapism

2. Poor communication process

3. Failure / low impact of Govt. schemes / programme

4. Lack of vision and dedication.

5. Lack of / poor infrastructure facilities.




6. Poor community development process.

Case Study-1

Women’s College is basically developed for women education and its peripheral is the city

and the remote areas of town. Most of the teachers are ladies. Girl’s students mainly are the age of

fifteen to twenty-four. Girl’s students use to sit in the campus of this college. The girls use cell phone

to chat and talk to boys and fix date with them (means with four boys). Their logic is if boy set date

with so many girls then why not girls should fix date with so many boys. The girls usually bunk their

classes and wonders for Shopping Malls, Zoo, Garden, Park, Aquarium House, Amusement Parks, and

Restaurant etc. with Boys and do whatever she wants. Their famous dialogue is “Nobody is Rama and

nobody is Sita in today’s world”. In college campus the girls do naughty jokes for boys and argues if

boys do so then why we shouldn’t. Sometimes they bunk classes and use to go to multiplex for

watching movies with group of girls or with boyfriend and enjoy the “Romance” and do everything

as is restricted in typical Indian society before marriage. Hostlers whose parents are not in city she

takes the advantages and usually remains out for the whole night and lives with her boyfriend who

is also a Hostlers or hire a flat in share basis with three or four boys and by shifting basis they use the

room for making physical relationship with girl with her consent to take enjoyment of life as they

learn from the movie or from serials of Television. Hostlers’ girl student sees the Blue Film in their

room jointly and also includes juniors to train them.

Now the question arises what is meaning of “Empowerment” here? And who will teach

women about choice of good. It is the responsibility of the government and the society to provide

complete and beneficiaries information/knowledge to women so that they should not be misguided

by anyone.

Case Study- 2

Save Me!

I am a girl

I came in this world

With all of my full grace

I am very innocent and happy.

I listen the sweet rhythms

of life and the melodies of




the life very much attracted me.

I do realize this one……..

I am a BIRD

O dear listen the song

Of the sweet cuckoo who is

in cage and doesn’t fly.

Save me!

My parents are wondering

For a suitable groom.

I am a big liability for them


At night I woke up

And cries of my

miserable condition

I can’t do anything.

My father is poor, unable to

Give DOWRY of Rs. 10 lakh

He sells house for dowry

He went to be a house of rent




And I went to my “SASURAL”.

My dream is sweet

and colourful

and I think for

the pleasure of life.

For getting a good behaviour I did of

my best but my dream broken

When each one treats me from beggars’ family

I found hard and bitter reward for my service.

I tried to make happy

to my hubby and got a Girl Dis-satisfaction.

I could understand “My mistake”.


Family begged for a car

I showed my father’ condition

Suddenly I have been thrown

Out from house.

Save me!

I cried with full of my voice




And called for “Police”

Thus I entered back.

I am a girl

They bound me with a rope

Kerosene oil have been put upon me

My hubby with match light

Fired to me. I cried……..

I AM BURNING….!....!.....!

“Please Save Me”.

Conclusions:

The women empowerment of the highest level is a big achievement and the empowerment is

taken for several measures such as up-liftment, employment, income generation, economic stability,

status symbol and investment activities. Women also have bank accounts, PAN number and Aadhar

number showed their economic strength. A review of government programmes for women

empowerment such as Balika Samridhi Yojna, Swayamsidha, Strisakti Yojna, Sabla or Rajiv Gandhi

Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana (Girl Child Prosperity

Scheme) and thousands of projects and plans on education, good health, nutritional food and

ownership on land and capital may empower the women socially and economically, are not giving

adequate result. Despite the attempts made by the government in uplifting the position of Indian

women, the situation of Indian women in society has more or less remained the same. Altogether a

few success stories, the picture of Indian women has unfortunately not changed. The urban women

are benefitted of the attempts of Indian government to empower the Indian Women but the situation

in sub –urban and rural India has not changed at all. So there is a need of counseling, training and

support system as essential inputs to empower woman. Most of the Women work in agricultural

sectors, in household farms or as wageworkers. They are exploited at various levels. The accessibility

of women empowerment only can be achieved if efforts should be directed towards all around

development of each and every section of Indian Women by giving them their due share. And for a

better tomorrow the productivity of women should be utilizes in positive ways so that she will always

be realizes as a best manager.




References:

1. Arpit, G. and Kahanijow, Shruti (2010), “Power of Women Empower” Daya Publication, New

Delhi.,pp-22-23.

2. Ankita (2009), “Maximum optimization of Resources”, Researcher Publication, Bhuneswer,

p-7.

3. Andrew & Mathew (2015), “Our Women Our Future”, Hans Publication, New Delhi, p-45.

4. Duflo E. (2011),” Women’s Empowerment and Economic Development”, National Bureau of

Economic Research, Cambridge.

5. https://www.quora.com/Who-are-the-famous-people-of-Jharkhand

6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government_schemes_in_India

7. India: Women’s Empowerment - IFAD / OE, 2000. The Republic of India; TamiluNadu

Women’s Development Project : Completion Evaluation, Report 340 – IN Rome, April 2000.

8. Kumari Gayatri, (2009), Women Empowerment in India, Journal for Social Development and

Research, Dept of Sociology, Ranchi University, Ranchi, Vol.1 Jul-Sep 2009.

9. Srinivas, Priya, (2010), Women Empowerment in India, Seva Patrika, p-89.

10. Sarkar, Sukanta (2010), “Women in Modern Society” ABS Publication, New Delhi, p-56.

11. Singh, B.P. (2009), Human Resource Development and Women Empowerment, Journal for

Social Development and Research, P.G. Dept. of Commerce & Business Management, TMU,

Bhagalpur.

***

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government_schemes_in_India

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International Journal of Research in Economics and Social ...euroasiapub.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/66ESSJan-5998-1.pdf · Dr. Nitesh Raj, Department of Economics, S.P.College,