Rural Women in South Asia

Book Details:

• Author: Jaya Arunachalam

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Binding: Hardcover

• ISBN: 8131600955

• Pages: 294

• Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches

• Release Date: 01-01-2007

About the Book:

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of rural women's experiences across South Asia, highlighting both commonalities and differences. It argues that the low status and weak empowerment of rural women are deeply rooted in structural conditions of poverty and inequality, the social and cultural shaping of gender ideologies, and the multiple patriarchies and caste-class dominance that influence their lives.

Despite these challenges, the book conveys a sense of optimism, pointing to the growing concern for rural women's empowerment in state policy and the significant social activism that has taken place in the region. The essays emphasize poverty alleviation, the importance of decent work opportunities, and the need to invest in education and health for women. The book advocates for the involvement of women in decision-making and governance, stressing that substantive empowerment can be achieved through enhancing their capabilities, entitlements, and choices.

Contents:

• Rural Women’s Experiences in South Asia: Commonalties and Differences

• Structural Conditions of Poverty and Inequality

• Gender Ideologies and Patriarchies in Rural South Asia

• Empowerment through Policy and Social Activism

• Poverty Alleviation and Women’s Empowerment

• The Role of Education, Health, and Governance in Empowerment

About the Author:

Jaya Arunachalam is the Founder and President of the Working Women’s Forum (India). She is a leading activist and development professional, well-known for her grassroots efforts in mobilizing poor women through micro-credit interventions. Jaya has been a powerful spokesperson for women’s rights and has received numerous national and international awards for her work. She is also the author of “Women’s Equality” (2005).

U. Kalpagam is an economist and anthropologist, serving as a professor at the G.B. Pant Social Science Institute, Allahabad. Her extensive research focuses on Gender and Development, and she has authored several influential works, including “Labour and Gender: Survival in Urban India” (1994).