Decision Making Roles of Women in Community Based Organizations in Baitadi District

Abstract

National Population Census 2011 shows that 52 percent population is of females'. So having more than half of total population, their contribution in nation making and development of society is considered vital. Interim constitution of Nepal, 2063 has also ensured the equal rights and responsibilities of both man and women but there is distinct disparity in the application of laws and bylaws. In each level of the society, there is disparity in socioeconomic and political activities. In few years of time, the paradigm has been shifted andsome improved lifestyle can be observed and also improved in level of participation of women in socio economic and political discussion and responsibilities. Government and Non Government development agencies have been intensively involved in making it out success.Gender and women issue has been occupied as main element of advocacy and service delivery. Though the socio economic status of women has been improved but is still not satisfactory.Now, is should be a common agenda to eliminate the gender disparity prevailed in Nepalese society. Development of whole nation is not possible with out eliminating gender disparities and bringing women in mainstream of development. To eliminate such disparities, participationof marginalized women in every decision making process either in household activities or in community level decision making activities is most important. Likewise, to strengthen their socio economic and political capacity and will, their engagement in CBOs and income generation activities plays substantial role. Still, more or less, it is found that there is man dominancy in each functions in the society.This dominancy pushing women in exclusion and deprived from resources and are compelled to bind them in household types of activities. The present study, "Decision Making Roles Of Women In Community Based Organizations",in Baitadi District (A Study in CARE Nepal's Community Support Program Working Area")illustrates findings based on the primary data collection and some qualitative practices and understandings collected during the study.This study was carried out to identify the socioeconomic status of women, their level of participation in community based organizations,their functions in making decisions in CBOs, support of their man counterpart in their roles and their access to community resources etc. iv As this study is conducted to explore women's participation in decision making process. It was found that independently women's have low decision making power in comparison to their man counterparts though women's have started to participate in decision making process to some extent. In overall, man dominancy in decision making process in communityorganizations is seen however taking consent of women's in some cases are also found. Majorcauses behind this are the socio cultural and traditional beliefs. Women are considered as sub ordinates of man and are not much encouraged by their family to participate in social activities or outdoor activities. If encouraged, they have to seek support and get full consents in each level of decisions. Low literacy rate and lack of economic opportunities are also pushing women in exclusion. Presence of different NGOs and development agencies has also played vital roles in empowering women to their fullest. Is it found that those women engagedin some CBOs even in minor position are more empower than of not engaged or in engaged in household activities. Now, it is crucial to empower women to make them able to intervene in decision making process in community based organizations and in household level as well. Unless women's participation is increased in decision making process, it is difficult to improve their socioeconomic status. So, providing income generating opportunities, engagement in social campaigns and in social functions, providing opportunities for formal and non formal education, enhancing their knowledge about service providers and their rights could be major instruments to make them able to lead CBOs independently. Far from these, it is also found that exposure opportunities to passive but potential members has also changed their socio status and reputation drastically. Thus need to mainstream such functions in the community.