Role of Women in Household Decision Making A Case Study of Saudiyar VDC, Dang District Nepal

Abstract

This thesis entitled“Role of women in household decision making:A case study of Saudiyar VDC, Dang, Nepal”.The general objective of this study is to analyze women’s role in decision-making process in Saudiyar VDC of Dang district. The specific objectives of this study are: To examine the socio-economic status of women of the study area,to identify the factors affecting women’s decision making power, to differentiate the role of working and non-working women in household decision making. This research is based on both exploratory and descriptive research design. Exploratory research design has been applied because this research has first attempted to study women’s role in household decision making in the area (Saudiyar VDC). Descriptive research describes phenomena as they exist. Such studies involve a systematic collection and presentation of data to give a clear picture of a particular situation.Both primary and secondary data are used in this study as per the requirement. Primary data is selected from the sampled unit during the field survey by structured questionnaire and interview.Both quantitative as well as qualitative data have been collected and used in this study.While secondary data are collected from the Saudiyar VDC survey 2067. Dang district has been divided in to several (9) wards. But the present study has been concentrated only on ward 1 and 2 of this VDC. These wards are purposively selected for the research study. There are total 480 households with 2,548 populations. Among them,I have taken the sampling of only 50 households from the total number. This sample is based on women aged 16-59, among them 25 are non-working and 25 are working. The selection of the study households has been done by using judgment/deliberate non-random sampling. It is evident from the study that most of the working women are more qualified in terms of education than non-working women. 10 of working women are in the service sector and government job holders and 15of women private companies’ .Out of the total households 35 male of working and non-working has the ownership of property. v However working women’s ratio of property ownership is found to be more than non-working women. Regarding small household purchase, 15 of the working women and 11of the non-working women are found to be the final decision makers. The male household head in working women’s households is found to be participating more in household activities than non-working women. The study also covered the factors that affect the decision-making level of women in their households. Majority of women reported that education is the most affecting factor that influences their decision making power. Educated women have more power and confidence in deciding serious matters in their households. Similarly it is found that the economic status of women also has a positive role in their decision making. Social norms are also such factors. However it is found that non-working women are more pressurized by social norms and tradition than working women. Overall, we can say that women are still suffering from discriminatory practices in the society. They have a low status than men in their household. This study thus provided some practical recommendations consideration of which would lead to the empowerment of women and increase their participation Level and power in household decision making as well as their participation Level and power in household decision making as well as their status in the whole society and nation.