The Status of Bodo Women in the Society: A Study on Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Assam, India

Abstract

Equal status of women in society has been gaining much importance in recent times. Bodos are one of the ethnic communities living mostly in Bodoland Territorial Region of the state Assam in India. The status of Bodo women in society like the women of other communities in India is questionable. The present study focuses on the social, economic, political and educational status of Bodo women. The study has been carried out in Baksa, Udalguri, Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) of Assam. Sex Ratio in BTR is quite satisfactory, the percentage of female population in BTR is not very low when compared to other parts of India. The Bodo society is a patriarchal society but the womenfolk play a key role in cultural activities, religious festivals, social functions and ceremonies equally with the males. Majority of Bodo women are economically independent. They have one means of earning while some of them have more than one means of occupation. Bodo women are expert weaver; they earn individually and extend their help in the process of family earning. Participation of women in BTC Legislative Assembly Election is not satisfactory at all. There was no single Bodo women candidate winning the BTC Legislative Assembly Election in three consecutive elections. The role of All Bodo Women’s Welfare Federation (ABWWF) is worth mentioning because under its banner women collectively stood against the patriarchal mindset of the society and family by coming out of their domestic sphere and participating in Bodoland struggle. Gender gap exists in literacy rate in all the four districts of BTR.