Empowerment of tribal women: A sociological study of the Sundargarh district in Odisha
Author(s): Abinas Kiro and Hutasan Majhi
Abstract: The research paper focuses on the social, economic and political empowerment of tribal women in the Sundargarh district, who face an ongoing identity crisis. These women play a significant role in managing natural, social and economic resources and contribute to agricultural development. However, they remain marginalized due to deeply entrenched traditional values, superstitions, social evils and primarily, high levels of illiteracy. This study aims to empirically investigate women’s empowerment within a tribal context, as the experiences of tribal women in Sundargarh district differ significantly from those of their urban counterparts. The low levels of education among tribal women in this region can be attributed to multiple factors, including socio-cultural barriers, economic constraints and limited access to resources. Promoting the establishment and active participation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) among tribal women can harness their strong will and determination, leading to substantial improvements in their socio-economic status. Empowering these women is not only a matter of personal advancement but is also vital for the overall development of their communities. Therefore, targeted interventions and sustained support for SHGs are essential for fostering meaningful and lasting empowerment among the tribal women of the Sundargarh district.
Abinas Kiro, Hutasan Majhi. Empowerment of tribal women: A sociological study of the Sundargarh district in Odisha. Int J Hist 2025;7(7):115-119. DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i7b.475
