Role of Women's Empowerment in Poverty Reduction (A Case Study of Rajahar Vdc of Nawalparasi District)

Abstract

The study on the "Role of women's Empowerment in poverty Reduction", a general study about the women's empowerment and its role in poverty reduction, was conducted in Rajahar VDC of Nawalparasi district. It present the general status of women in the study area. The government and private sectors in Nepal have been engaged in relentless promotion of Nepalese women's empowerment through education, training and various other programs and research since long, but still most of the women's social status seems awfully poor. Their representation in social, economic and political life has been minimal. As a result, they are living in wretched condition. It is national scenario of the country which seems in the study area too. Educational attainment one of the most crucial factors of development, was not found satisfactory in the study area. Among total respondents, only the 25 percent respondents' educational status was found above SLC. Similarly, women's access on health services was also found poor. 64.28 percent respondents' replied that they have access on Health services. On the other hand, most of the women of the study area were found heavily engaged in agricultural and other household chores mostly of unproductive works. The data reveals that women contribute more than men in household activities but these are not counted in monetary value. Women work 11 hours in an average in day in Nepal and the same scenario seems in the study area. The excessive workload has badly affected their daily life. In fact, It has created various types of obstacles in the empowerment process of women. Women's access and control over resources was also found poor. The data shows that 60.71 percent respondents replied that women have not personal assets such as land, bank balance, and cottage industry. Awareness about women's rights to reproduction was also not found satisfactory in the study area. Among total respondents, still 42.85 percent were found not properly aware about women's right to reproduction which is quaranteed by the constitution of Nepal, 2073. On the other hand, one interesting fact was found that 46.42 percent respondents express their view over the provision of women's right in parental property that is does not solve the problems faced by women in a sustainable way. The emphasized to provide better education and Opportunities rather than parental property. Likewise, most of the people were found positive about the increased involvement of women in politics which is a good sign of increased awareness. But the response about women's role in decision making was found awfully poor because among total respondents 50 percent total decisions were made by male alone while the percent of female in the same work found only 21 percent. It shows a real picture of male dominated society.