Witchcraft Allegations and Gender Divide: Unmasking the Disproportionate Impact on Women

Abstract

The enduring presence of witchcraft and the practice of witch-hunting has been deeply rooted in numerous societies globally. India, like other nations, also experiences the widespread influence of this phenomenon, which has gained notoriety due to its perceived links with malicious intentions and malevolent forces. Notably, these practices have consistently implicated women, resulting in a significant number of them unjustly facing accusations and being targeted for allegedly causing harmful effects. This paper delves into the reasons underlying the disproportionate prevalence of witchcraft accusations and violence directed towards women, as opposed to men, in context to India. By drawing upon previous researches as well as empirical investigation, this study aims to elucidate factors contributing to this gender disparity. Analysis of past studies revealed that elements such as economic and property-related disputes, gender-based power struggles, absence of scientific rationality, perception of women as source of malevolence, degradation of status of women, and dominance of patriarchal socio-cultural structures, play pivotal role in undue labelling of women as witches. Contributing to this, the conducted empirical inquiry in Ranchi (India) unveiled that - animosity among women, influence of witch-finders in identifying females, non-conventional worshipping practices, sexual harassment, vulnerability of widowed and unsupported women, purported ability to attract evil forces, and restrictions on female education, also contribute to perpetuation of unjust stigmatization of women in instances of witchcraft accusations and witch-hunting. The comprehensive understanding of these intricate factors shall assist in developing more informed interventions to combat the unjust stigmatization of women in communities grappling with witchcraft accusations and witch-hunting.