A PROJECT REPORT ON

“A STUDY OF ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS

(NGOS) IN EDUCATING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO WARANGAL CITY,

TELANGANA”

(MARD)

SUBMITTED BY

NAME: KOKKONDA PRATHIMA

ENROLLMENT NO.: 188481224

CONTACT:

EMAIL:

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION

INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY

MAIDAN GARHI, NEW DELHI- 110068

 CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY
This is to certify that the project titled “A STUDY OF ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENT

ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) IN EDUCATING AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH

SPECIAL REFERENCE TO WARANGAL CITY, TELANGANA” is an original work of the

student and is being submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the “Master of arts in

Rural Development (MARD)” of Indira Gandhi National Open University. This report has

not been submitted earlier either to this University or to any other University/Institution

for the fulfillment of the requirement of a course of study.

_________________________ _______________________

SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE OF STUDENT

Date: Date:

Place: Place:

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my gratitude to honorable project guide, for my thesis on “A STUDY OF

ROLE OF NON GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS) IN EDUCATING AND

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO WARANGAL CITY,

TELANGANA”. Because of his guidance only, the project work has been meaningfully

accomplished. He has always extended Valuable advices and suggestions during the thesis

and has always proved to be a source of inspiration for me.

Also I would also acknowledge my heartfelt gratitude to my friends for their excellent

efforts and encouragements, which has been provided to me throughout the project work.

NAME:

DATE:

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER TOPIC

1 INTRODUCTION

2 HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF NON

GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

3 CONCEPT AND FUNCTIONS OF NON

GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

4 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

5 ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATIONS

6 CONCLUSIONS & SUGGESTIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

QUESTIONNAIRE

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 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION

The past three decades have witnessed a steadily increase in the global awareness of the

plight of impoverished women in developing countries and the need for social, economic,

political and gender equity as well as access to fundamental human rights. Women have

achieved significant progress in some parts of world but continue to be marginalized and

undervalued in the developing world (Augusto and Zahidi, 2005). Societal beliefs continue

to hinder progress in women‘s empowerment in many parts of the developing world

(Cohen, 2006). Compared to men, women in developing countries work longer, receive

less money, have more responsibilities, have less schooling and have poorer health

(Ghorayshi & Belanger, 1996).

In relation to the above discourse, this research is an attempt to study the development

problem in relation to women’s development. Since education is the first step of

empowerment of women, the role of NGOs in educating women is imperative. Therefore,

interdisciplinary approach is accepted in this study, which covers education of women,

empowerment of women and NGOs’ initiatives in this regard.

Development approach includes all citizens, so, development of half of the population of

any country can not be excluded. The results from the various studies have shown that the

progress in human development field can be promptly achieved by considering women’s

development. Despite high growth in national income, low development is reported by

Middle East and South Asian countries. The main cause is that these countries are far
behind in women related development indicators. India is also facing same problem in the

process of development like other developing countries. Even having good position in

economic matters, India lacks behind in social variables of human development. Patriarchal

social system, low literacy among women, low work participation of women in labor force,

old traditional customs and values, low status of women and slow pace of modernization

are the characteristics of most Asian countries, and India is not exception to it. These social

ills are responsible factors in slowing down the pace of human development. As stated in

various Human Development Reports, higher the rank of a country in overall performance

of human development indicators is also higher the rank in women related indicators of

development. First five countries have same rank in gender-related development index

also.

In relation to the above discourse, this research is an attempt to study the development

problem in relation to women’s development. Since education is the first step of

empowerment of women, the role of NGOs in educating women is imperative. Therefore,

interdisciplinary approach is accepted in this study, which covers education of women,

empowerment of women and NGOs’ initiatives in this regard.

WOMEN’S EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT

The situation of most of the western women has been considered as improved; they are

more active in various development activities of their society and economy. The reasons

behind it are obvious, like modern education, positive role of economic prosperity,

government support, women orientated programmes run by NGOs and Governments,

modern technological development with opportunity for women to be active as an equal

to male and arising of gender literature and scholars etc.

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Thus the systematic study of women related issues has been developed in the western

World. But developing countries, specially, Muslim countries are far too behind in the

case of women development. Lack of modern education, traditional social set up, male

dominance, poverty, technological backwardness etc. are factors that kept women

underprivileged. Patriarchal social system in developing countries allows women to

play just the traditional role in society i.e. prearranged by traditional culture and customs.

Moghadam and Papnek noticeably described that the situation of women is still a fierce

truth in developing countries.

Cultural concept of feminine and masculine, and the ideology of gender, has meant that

throughout the world, women continue to occupy disadvantaged positions in

production , and are assumed to be primarily responsible for reproduction ( biologically ),

but also in terms of socialization. Not only do men and women allocate labour and receive

differently, they also consume, utilize, and receive, goods and services quite distinctly.

Gender asymmetry is a universal fact of life. In many societies around the world, women

are discriminated against by law and custom, rendering them among the vulnerable and

disadvantaged group social groups. As Papnek puts it: “Gender differences, are based

on the social construction of biological sex distinctions, are one of the great “fault lines”

of societies – those mark of difference among categories of persons that govern the

allocation of power, authority, and resources”

In the developing countries, women are invisible and their rights to development have

not been taken seriously either by society or by Law. Women are suffering from being

both economically and socially invisible. Economic invisibility stems from the perception

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that women are not relevant to the wage and market economy or women are disempowered

to control over their economic resources and earning. Social invisibility is the result of the

general status of second class citizens, usually accorded to women. It is not surprising that

development programmes, which do not take in to account the aspirations and the

participation of women are not effective in achieving their objectives. But growing

realization about education of women and empowerment all over the world has

fashioned a forceful and positive impact on women’s life.

The discrimination of women from womb to tomb is well known. Existence of this

situation shows the process of socio-economic development of the country .It also invites

various unrest-ness in their society because their current interactions with the rest of the

world can not be avoided. It is clearly meant that the underprivileged situation of women

is a main hurdle in the way of development. Growing awareness towards it is leading

countries to take quick and effective actions to develop women in all perspectives of the

socio economic field.

Empowerment of women will not be achieved unless the initiatives to educate women are

taken and supported by the government with the help of people’s participation.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The present research has a major thrust to find the role of NGOs in the socioeconomic

development of Women in Warangal city, Telangana by enhancing education and

empowerment opportunities to Warangal city, Telangana’s women. Therefore, the present

study is descriptive in nature.

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The representation of women in the field of education is getting higher in urban areas of

Warangal city, Telangana but education with skills may have more significance as far as

women’s economic empowerment is concerned.

Importance of education in human life is unquestionable. So to empower women, education

is a first crucial stage. Literacy among women opens the possibility of unlimited exposure

to new information and more importantly to new ways of thinking and perspectives on

existing information. Education of women will place them on an equal footing with men

in decision making in economic and political fields. Empowerment of women through

education will lead to their greater participation in government and community institutions

and better entrepreneurial opportunities. (Sushama Sahay, 1998). In short, making women

literate and educate them is prerequisites not only for their equality and empowerment but

for the development of the nation.

Therefore, mere thinking of development excluding women’s role in the development is

making handicaps to development thoughts. It is also producing insufficient results, which

are against gender justice. It is obvious that the main thrust of this research is to address

these questions. In short, the role of NGOs in educating and empowerment of women for

their socioeconomic development in Warangal city, Telangana is going to be investigated.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The following objectives are formulated for the proposed study:

➢ To study the contemporary development problems of women in Warangal city,

Telangana.

➢ To study the selected role of NGOs regarding the education and empowerment of

women in Warangal city, Telangana.

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 ➢ To study the impact of the educational programmes on the target group for

development and empowerment.

➢ To identify the obstacles for implementing the innovative educational programme

and restructure the innovative educational programmes.

➢ To record the opinions of women and NGOs to the socio-economic development

of women.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Review of literature is a vital part of any research. It helps the researcher to know the areas

where earlier studies had focused on and certain aspects untouched by them. Since the

establishment of Local Self Governments in India various research studies, literature,

official documents have been published on different aspects of NGOs.

Following are some few studies which are very relevant to the present work:

Association of Indian Universities carries a variety of articles covering, different aspects

of higher education. A proper appreciation of the role of Education in national development

is facilitated if different views articulated on a theme are read together in a single volume,

education bringing about consistencies which helps individuals to perceive interpret

criticize and finally transform their environment.

Talwar Sabanna, (2007), studied gender discrimination in education and employment

intensively. The study revealed that higher and professional education is necessary for new

emerging jobs but women are not getting equal opportunity as men in higher education.

The situation of lower income groups and rural areas is worse than urban areas and higher

income groups.

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In S. K. Bhandari’s (1998) study, an attempt has been made by the author, to compile all

factual information and derive selective indicators for depicting the progress of women

education in India during the course of the last century and to analyze the gap that still

remains to be bridged towards equalization of educational opportunities between boys and

girls in the country.

M.I. Manvel (1998) considered relation between women and development and explained

human development without paying attention towards women’s education is impossible

and described if we want to get development, we must improve women education.

Frank Elbers (2000) studied the second and updated education of the human rights

education organization resource book. It includes directions of human rights education

organizations world wide a listing of human rights, training programs and annotated

bibliography which is an overview of human rights, training programmers.

Ungel’s (2000) conducted a study on what is now a significant body of learning on levels

that work in favour of positive change in girls’ schooling and contribute to the promotion

of gender equality in education.

Shireen Jejeebhoy (2001) reviews the considerable evidence about women’s education

and fertility in the developing world that has emerged over the last twenty years, and the

passes beyond the limits of provisions studies to the address major question, viz. how does

improvement in education empower women in other areas of life such as improving their

exposure to information decision-making control of resources and confidence in dealing

with family and the outside world?

Further, various attempts of NGOs in development of women by capacity building are

studied in the edited book of Ranjani K. Murthy (2001) in India. Various NGOs are

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working in slums and rural and tribal areas for women’s development in India. Active role

of women in NGOs and NGOs role in Self Help Groups, micro-enterprises, education of

children especially of girl children and organizing women’s against exploitation were part

of this book.

B.T. Bawani (1999) provided a comprehensive coverage to the course content and the

requirements of the social work teachers and research scholars, executive officers to guide

and work with voluntary organizations for further development of women.

S.N. Pawar and J.E. Ambekar and D. Shrikant in this book address themselves to the

political education of NGOs as well as to issues such as ideology human rights, peoples’

participation, and good governance empowerment through concrete experiments. Case

studies of voluntary organizations functioning in various regions of the country is

influencing working of NGOs and attempts made by NGOs in women’s development.

L Mukhopadhyay (2004) studied the adaptation of inter-disciplinary approach so very

necessary to comprehend the nature, role and the dynamics of the NGO world. This book

brings the perspectives from political science, public administration, social work,

sociology, history, and philosophy, development economics. It also elaborates the role of

NGOs in rural-urban development emphasizing on women’s empowerment and

development and Nation building in India. It is certainly being said that women’s

empowerment plays an important role in nation building.

Arun A. Goel (2004) has not only engaged our attention with towards the existing frame

work of women’s development but analyzes it so that in the 21st century we can achieve

our development goals. It further explains that a lot has to be done for women’s

development and empowerment.

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 CHAPTER 2

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF NON

GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

Non-Governmental Organisation has been generally defined as voluntary, autonomous,

non-profit organizations or groups of citizens established to address various problems and

disadvantages in the society. What differences the NGOs from the rest is that they are

whether their workers are paid or unpaid, initiated and governed by the members without

external control. Voluntary denotes ‘of one’s own free choice’. Since voluntary and

autonomous also connote ‘non-governmental, they are also characterized as non-

governmental organizations.

Registration

Laws in India classify organizations working in development into three categories:

charitable trusts, societies, and Section 25 companies. Whether registered as a trust,

society, or company, NGOs are subject to the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and the

Income Tax Act of 1961. Trusts are subject to the Public Trust Act (1976) and are, in

addition to federal regulations, governed by the State Office of the Charity Commissioner.

Organizations receiving foreign funds must abide by the Foreign Contribution Regulation

Act of 1976, and are regulated by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Legislation on NGO activity

The NGOs are not required to register with the government. However, registration allows

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an NGO to deduct expenses from income for tax purposes, receive foreign contributions,

and be considered for government grant-in-aid schemes. Registration also facilitates

domestic fundraising, as the income tax act permits donors to deduct contributions made

to registered NGOs.

The government offers three principal forms of tax relief for voluntary organizations under

the Income Tax Act.

1. Section 80G allows voluntary organizations working in specified areas deemed to be

charitable to register with the income tax authority. This enables donors (individuals and

companies) to claim tax relief on 50% of the amount donated, up to 10% of the donor’s

income. The beneficiary organizations are required to issue a receipt or certificate in a

prescribed format to the donor to enable the donor to claim tax deduction. This is the most

widely used tax benefit for charitable giving.

2. Section 35AC allows contributions to be 100% deductible. However its application is

specific to projects, generally research projects, rather than to organizations. To benefit

under this section, the recipient organization must typically be implementing the project

itself. Approval must be sought from the National Committee for Promotion of Social

and Economic Welfare. Donations to government development agencies, such as the

Integrated Rural Development Program are 100% deductible under this section.

3. Section 35 (I to III ) provides for a similar 100% exemption for donations to approved

scientific research associations such as universities, colleges, or other institutions for

scientific research, research in social science, or statistical research. Section 25 businesses

are exempted from paying income tax on profits “incidental to the attainment of the objects

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of the non profit organization,” as long as separate books of account are maintained.

Bilateral development assistance to NGOs continues to be governed by the Foreign

Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976. Only organizations registered under the act-nearly

30,000 at present-are permitted to receive bilateral assistance.

National Policy on the Voluntary Sector

In May 2007, the cabinet of ministers of the Government of India approved the National

Policy on the Voluntary Sector as the first step in a process to evolve a new working

relationship between the government and volunteer organizations. Through the policy, the

government commits to encouraging, enabling, and empowering an independent, creative,

and effective voluntary sector with diverse form and function, so that it can contribute to

the social, cultural, and economic advancement of the people of India. It recognizes that

the voluntary sector has contributed significantly to finding innovative solutions to poverty,

deprivation, discrimination, and exclusion, through awareness raising, social mobilization,

service delivery, training, research, and advocacy. The policy identifies four objectives:

1. Create an enabling environment for volunteer organizations that stimulates their

enterprise and effectiveness, and safeguards their autonomy.

2. Enable voluntary organizations to legitimately mobilize necessary local and

foreign financial resources.

3. Identify systems by which the government may work together with volunteer

organizations, based on the principles of mutual trust and respect, and with shared

responsibility.

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4. Encourage volunteer organizations to adopt transparent, accountable systems of

governance and management. Among the specific central government actions cited in the

policy are encouraging state governments to simplify, liberalize, and rationalize laws and

rules on registration of volunteer organizations; examining the feasibility of enacting a

simple, liberal central law to serve as an alternative all-India statute for volunteer

organization registration; and encouraging the evolution of an independent, national self-

regulatory agency for the voluntary sector.

Other steps include considering tax rebates for transfers of shares and stock options to

volunteer organizations; simplifying provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation)

Act; introducing training modules for government employees on constructive relations

with the voluntary sector; creating joint consultative groups comprising government and

volunteer organization representatives; identifying national collaborative programs to be

implemented in partnership with volunteer organizations; supporting philanthropic

institutions and foundations that provide financial assistance to deserving volunteer

organizations; and recognizing excellence in governance among volunteer organizations

by publicizing best practices.

1. State Policies

One of the intentions of the national policy was to motivate state governments to have

similar policies. The Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission wrote to almost all the

Chief Ministers in this regard. VANI, along with its member organizations, also conducted

a series of workshops in various states with the objective of informing state level Voluntary

Organizations, and to build a link between state governments. Various state level groups

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were formed to coordinate and motivate state governments. In 2007-2008, almost 13

meetings were organized. Unfortunately, only three states came up with the draft policies;

they are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

2. Enabling Environment

The National Policy promised government’s efforts towards creating enabling environment

for voluntary organizations by simplifying rules, regulations, capacity building and

facilitating funding environment. However, more stringent Foreign Contribution

(Regulation) Act 2010, was made, which not only requires registration after every five

years but also relieves government from accountability towards VOs. On the one hand, the

provision of deemed approval is being taken back while on the other hand there is no

answerability by Ministry in case of a delay or arbitrary rejection. Presently, the VOs are

not supposed to mobilize people for their democratic rights unless approved by the

ministry. Similarly, the proposed Direct Taxes Code intends to tax VOs. The provision of

saving has been taken away along with the facility to account on accrual basis. The

definition of charitable activities remains confused as it was earlier. The business like

activities unilaterally defined can make an accessing officer to take away the tax

exemptions. The VISA regime for VOs has also been tightened. Hence, inviting external

experts and organizing international workshops require clearance from three Ministries,

Home, External Affairs, and Nodal Ministry. Lastly, the environment for fund generation

within India has also become more difficult.

The relationship of partnership for development is shifting very fast to a relationship of

‘sub contractor’. The VOs have to compete along with the various consultancy firms to

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partner with government on various development schemes.

4. Consultative Mechanism with National Ministries

One of the outstanding recommendations of the policy was to work towards building a

permanent mechanism of regular consultation between various national ministries and

VOs. This generated mixed results. The Finance Ministry has started organizing pre-budget

meetings with the selected VOs. VANI was also invited by the Finance Ministry along with

CII, FICCI and other industrial associations for consultations on Direct Taxes Code.

Although, some ministries invite VO for various consultations, there is no attempt to

institutionalize such practice.

5. The Planning Commission

Having pioneered the National Policy on the Voluntary Sector, the Voluntary Action Cell

of the Planning Commission, undertook many significant steps. The national online

registration and data bank was initiated along with three task forces viz., Accreditation

system, National Registration Regulation, and Decentralized Funding Mechanisms.

Recently, all the three draft reports have come, and they require sharing and consultations

with stakeholders.

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 CHAPTER 3

CONCEPT AND FUNCTIONS OF NON

GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

Aims and Objectives of NGOs

The objectives of NGOs reveal the range of their goals, ideals, programmes and activities.

Regarding the aims and objectives, the NGOs are broad-based and each NGO combines

more than one objective. These objectives cover a wide spectrum of subjects like socio-

economic development, empowerment of women, development of rural folks, tribals,

environmental protection, literacy, rehabilitations of the needy, awareness programmes,

poverty alleviation, leadership training consumer protection, conscientisation and so on.

The major objectives of NGOs are as follows:

• Development of women and rural folks socially, economically, politically through

income generating activities, education programmes, awareness camps, etc.

• General socio-economic development of the people living in rural areas especially

in down-trodden areas.

• Encouraging the rural folks to participate actively in cultural activities, arts

sports and science activities.

• Development of the under-privileged sections of the society such as fishermen

tribals, rural women etc.

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• Running educational programmes like formal education, non-formal education and

adult education programmes to decrease illiteracy rate and to improve human

resources for the development of a nation.

• Protecting the environment, rehabilitating the deprived sections like the

handicapped, mentally retarded and orphans.

• Eradicating poverty through generation of employment opportunities, income

generating activities, providing skill based training, imparting new technology in

agriculture etc.

• Providing physical education, organizing competitions and giving training to the

youth to participate actively in rural development activities.

• Initiating self-employment ventures (for men and women) and organizing

leadership/personality development programmes.

• Propagating Gandhian ideology and literature, creating awareness and

conducting de-addiction programmes.

• Formation of self help groups and to provide financial assistance to the members

of SHGs in order to empower them economically,

• Doing research and surveys, working for social justice and offering legal advice to

the rural and urban people who are in need of justice,

• Organizing mother and child care programmes and value based education sessions

to decrease, child deaths, malnutrition of women at the time of pregnancy and

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 children and improving health, hygiene and sanitation in slum areas.

• Protecting the interests of consumers and working for prohibition and assisting in

housing.

Goals of NGOs

In essence, the goals of NGOs in Rural Development are:

a) to help the people help themselves in their endeavours to progress;

b) to promote the growth of inherent potentials among people;

c) to initiate a process of participatory development;

d) to bring about social justice for the poor and create awareness about their rights and

duties;

e) to promote growth in social, political and economic aspects of life in rural areas and

f) to devise policies through networking with national and international agencies for

sustainable development and facilitate the practice of the same.

Characteristics of NGOs

The main characteristic of an NGO is "Touch". Human Touch is a quality which is innate

in a human being and cannot be developed by training, incentive or legislation. Human

touch, the hallmark of NGOs, got eroded with the introduction of professionalism in social

work, because volunteerism and professionalism are the poles apart. The volunteers render

a healing human touch either in their personal capacity or through a non-official agency.

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However, most of the NGOs possess four basic characteristics which distinguish them from

other sectors in our society. They are indicated below:

1) NGOs are voluntarily formed: NGOs are formed voluntarily to render service to the

people voluntarily who are in need with aims and objectives and self achieving goals.

2) NGOs work towards development: NGOs involve in the developmental activities and

implement the rural development programmes launched by the government to develop the

rural people to lead better life.

3) NGOs are relatively independent: NGOs do not depend on any Government or other

organizations and they are relatively independent.

4) They cooperate with other NGOs and government to serve the poor for the development

of the rural areas. Hence, NGOs are, by and large, local organizations. Their areas of

operations as well as impact are, therefore limited to small rural areas.

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Functions of NGOs

NGOs in India perform a variety of activities that would benefit the public basically

because they do not have any commercial interests or profit motive. The important

objective of NGOs is to serve the people who are suffering out of poverty or some natural

calamity. Though NGOs are often criticized that they are wasting public money, they

counter those criticisms by identifying the social problems systematically involving in

finding a solution for them. As NGO in India runs mainly with the support of the funds that

are raised, they plan everything carefully so that each programme that they execute is

executed in a very cost effective way.

The Seventh Plan recognised that government alone could not handle the task of rural

development. It enunciated a clear-cut policy for involvement of voluntary organisations

in rural development in a big way. It stressed the need to enlist voluntary agencies in

accelerating the process of social and economic transformation through their participation

in the planning and implementation of programmes of rural development. The accent in

the Seventh Plan was on introducing.

The Seventh Plan indicated a number of functions that the voluntary organisations can

perform. They are as follows:

• Securing people's participation which is vital to the success of programmes of rural

development as it increases the acceptability and utilization of the services;

• Ensuring that the benefits of rural development reach the rural poor;

• Acting as link between the administration and people to bring about changes

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 specially in the attitude of the people through motivation and building up of

awareness;

• Supplementing government programmes in rural areas by offering a wider variety

of choices and alternatives;

• Functioning as watchdog of the people at the local level thereby improving the

services and the accountability;

• Activating the delivery system and streamlining its functioning;

• Disseminating information;

• Demonstrating how local initiative and local resources can be effectively used;

• Training and motivating grassroots workers;

• Mobilizing community resources thereby adding to the total resources available for

development; and

• Facilitating the process of change in social and economic structures so that the

benefit can reach a larger number of people.

The Seventh Plan has listed out the programmes and areas where the participation of VOs

was visualized as being particularly important. These were:

• Integrated Rural Development Programme.

• Implementation of land ceiling and distribution of surplus land.

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 • Enforcement of minimum wages to agricultural labourers.

• Identification and rehabilitation of bonded labour.

• Development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

• Supply of safe drinking water.

• Afforestation, social forestry, development of alternative energy sources.

• Promotion of small family norm.

• Primary health care, control of communicable diseases and preventive health

programmes.

• Programmes for women and children in rural areas.

• Literacy programmes.

• Promotion of village and cottage industries.

• Promotion of science and technology in rural areas.

• Rural housing.

• Environmental concerns.

Functional Areas

The Functional Areas of NGOs can be grouped under the following broad categories:

1. Advocacy: Advocating causes which are socially relevant such as improving the
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condition of rural poor, abolition and rehabilitation of bonded labour, adoption of small

family norm, preventing environmental degradation, improving women status, promoting

literacy, etc.

2. Social Activism: Advocating changes in organisations and structures through awareness,

organization building and, when necessary, challenging existing and institutions and

advocating radical action.

3. Relief: Providing relief to victims of natural and manmade calamities.

4. Development: Implementation of a wide range of development programmes.

5. Research, Evaluation and Documentation: Studying problems of the rural areas and

evaluating development programmes thereby expanding the knowledge based on

development strategies, delivery systems and cost effectiveness of programmes.

6. Training: Providing professional skills to the functionaries at different levels and

upgrading competence in different areas of responsibilities.

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 CHAPTER 4

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The present study was designed to undertake the study on the importance of NGOs

regarding the education and empowerment in the socioeconomic development of women

of Warangal city, Telangana.

AREA OF THE STUDY

To have an ‘in-depth’ and ‘intensive’ study, Warangal city, Telangana was selected for the

field work.

SAMPLING SIZE AND METHOD OF SAMPLING

To have representative sampling, 100 female members were selected randomly.

To know the opinion of female members, randomly selected members were interviewed

through structured ‘questionnaire’.

DATA COLLECTION

❖ Primary data

Primary data are collected afresh and for the first time. It is the data originated by the

researcher specifically to address the research problem.

In this study, primary data was collected through

✓ Structured questionnaire

✓ Personal observations and attending meetings

✓ Collection of data from the officials

❖ Secondary Data

Secondary data was collected from internet, registers, records, journals, articles, magazines

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and annual reports of the organization.

In this proposed study, the secondary data was collected through organisation’s records,

documents and literature.

METHOD OF DATA ANALYSIS

The data was analysed by using simple statistical tools such as ‘averages’ and

‘percentages’. The analysed data was used to prepare the report from which inferences

were drawn and conclusions were arrived.

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 CHAPTER 5

ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATIONS

This chapter describes results from collected data from women respondents of various

institutes in Warangal city, Telangana where NGOs are working for the cause of women

development. Analysis is made according to socio-economic background of respondents,

education development among Warangal city, Telangana women, various aspects of

women’s empowerment and perceptions of women to education and empowerment.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND OF RESPONDENTS AND HOUSEHOLDS

5.1.1. Background Characteristics of Households

The tables from Nos.5.1 to 5.6 reveal the background characteristics of the households.

Socioeconomic and demographic characteristics are presented in the table where

frequencies of the households and its percentage have been given in respect with each

characteristic. Being a member of the household, a respondent can be influenced a lot from

the socioeconomic status and attitudes of family towards education and employment of the

individuals. Hence, it is imperative to give a first look over such characteristics of the

households. The explanation of 100 respondents’ families is given according to

socioeconomic characteristics.

5.1.1.1. Sex of Household Head

In the Table No.5.1, when the respondents were asked whether she was the head of the

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household or else in order to know how many households were headed by females. Out of

100, 5 households were headed by the respondents while 5 households were headed by

their mothers, so the female headed households are 10, which is 10 percent.

Table No. 5.1.

Percentage distribution of Households by Sex of Household Head

Characteristics No. of households Percentage

Sex of household head

Male 90 90

Female 10 10

Total 100 100

In short, males were heading 90 percent households out of which 42 percent were

households headed by respondent’s husbands and 48 percent households were headed by

the respondent’s fathers. It shows that most of the respondents were from male headed

households.

5.1.1.2. Respondent’s Relation with Household Head

Table No.5.2, portrays that Sex or gender of the households is a most important

demographic as well as an important characteristic of women study. In our survey, out of

total households, 90 percent are male headed households while only 10 percent are women

headed households. Respondent women are heading 5 households while mothers of

respondents are family heads in 5 households. So the female headed households are

10 percent of the total households.

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 Table No. 5.2.

Percentage Distribution of Households Selected by respondent’s Relation with

Household Head

Characteristics No. of households Percentage

Respondent Relation with

Household Head

Self 4 4

Husband 42 42

Father 48 48

Mother 6 6

Total 100 100

5.1.1.3. Type of Households

Table No. 5.3.

Percentage distribution of Households by Type of Houses

Characteristics No. of households Percentage

Type of HH

Hut 2 2

Asbestos and titled 11 11

Cement concrete 54 54

Mansion 8 8

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 Other 25 25

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.3 shows distribution of households by types of houses. The main housing

characteristic, in this study, is type of households. Calculating this helps to determine

socioeconomic status of households. Only 2 households are Hut types of houses. 11 percent

are little better than Hut where asbestos and tiles are used to construct houses. Houses made

of cement concrete count are 54 percent. These types of houses are common in Warangal

city, Telangana Province. Mansion type houses are 8 percent which belong to the rich class.

Other types of houses are including old houses and bungalows etc which are 25 percent.

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5.1.1.4. Size of Households (Number of Members)

Table No. 5.4.

Percentage Distribution of Households by Size of Household

Characteristics No. of households Percentage

Size of HH (No. of members)

1-4 44 44

5-6 39 39

7 & above 17 17

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.4 shows that 44 percent of the households have members between 1-4 in their

families, which represents nuclear families. Another 39 percent of households have

members between 5-6, which are nuclear as well as joint families. The data shows that

there are 17 percent of households having more than 7 members.

5.1.1.5. Occupation of Family Heads

Table No. 5.5 denotes that in Warangal city, Telangana, the main employment source

is government services followed by small business of handicraft or small scale

industry. 24 percent of household heads reported that their occupation is government

servant while 16 percent have reported their occupation as small businesses. 26 percent of

the family heads are doing labour work while 10 percent are involved in small services.

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 Table No. 5.5.

Percentage distribution of Households by Occupation of Family Head

Characteristics No. of households Percentage

Occupation of Family Head

Government 24 24

Small business 16 16

Small services 10 10

Labour 26 26

Cultivation 14 14

Other 10 10

Total 100 100

Merely, 14 percent of the households are cultivating farmland. Other types of occupations

include renting home and other economic activities, casual trade or services and

government pensions etc. Other occupation is of 10 percent households.

5.1.1.6. Monthly Household Income (in Rs)

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 Table No. 5.6.

Percentage Distribution of Households by Monthly Household Income

Characteristics No. of households Percentage

Monthly Household Income in

Rs. ( GroupWise)

1000 & Below 28 28

1001-4000 54 54

4001-7000 16 16

7001-10000 1 1

10001 & above 1 1

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.6 explains distribution of households by income of the households which is

calculated in groups. Majority of households i.e. 54 percent have monthly income between

1001-4000 Rs. More than 4001 but less than 7000 Rs. monthly income is of 16 percent

households. More than 7001 Rs. monthly income is reported by 2 families. Government

services, pension and small businesses are the main sources to the households. Having

good income in the families, the process of women’s empowerment and educational status

of women have not reached at the desired standard. Hence, NGOs have the big

opportunities to work to achieve it. So, the process of human development will take place

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at grassroots level including the processes of women’s empowerment.

5.1.2. Background Characteristics of Respondents

In earlier the background characteristics of households of respondent women were

discussed. Based on other questions, background characteristics of respondent

women have been illustrated in order to analyze them in the tables 5.7 to 5.12.

5.1.2.1. Age of Women (Group-wise)

In the Table No.5.7, group-wise percentage distribution of age of respondents

is given. It seems that 60 percent women respondents are below the age of 29. Whereas,

32 percent respondent women have reported as their age between 23-29 years, which is

reported by highest number of women. 21 percent respondents have reported their age

between 30 to 36 years, which is middle age group. Another, 11 percent women have

reported their age between 37 to 43 age groups. Only 4 percent women respondent are aged

between 43-50 years while 3 women are below the age of 14 years. By observing the data,

we conclude that most of respondents are young and adult.

Table No.5.7

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 Percentage Distribution of Respondents by Age Group

Age group No. of Respondent Percentage

>14 3 3

15-22 26 26

23-29 32 32

30-36 21 21

37-43 11 11

44-50 3 3

<50 4 4

Total 100 100

5.1.2.2. Level of Education of Women

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 Table No. 5.8

Percentage Distribution of Respondents by Level of Education

Level No. of Respondent Percentage

Primary 18 18

Secondary 26 26

Higher secondary 12 12

Graduated 31 31

Post graduate 13 13

Total 100 100

Table No.5.8 reveals the education level of respondent women according to types of

education. Whereas 18 percent women respondents have completed their primary

education, 26 percent respondents have completed their secondary level of education. 12

percent respondents have completed higher secondary level. The percent of women

who have completed graduation is 31 percent of total women. 13 percent women

respondents have completed post-graduation.

Observing the data, it seems that respondent women are well in education as 44 percent

women are highly educated, graduate and above. Interestingly, none of the women are

illiterate. In spite of good position in academic regular education, Warangal city, Telangana

women need education that enhances their empowerment process. In other words, skilled

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education is important for Warangal city, Telangana women. Qualifying in that may enable

them to gain socio-economically good positions.

5.1.2.3. Marital Status of Respondent

Table No.5.9

Percentage Distribution of Respondents by Marital Status

Marital Status No. of Respondent Percentage

Unmarried 46 46

Currently Married 46 46

Widow 5 5

Separated/Divorced 3 3

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.9 depicts the marital status of respondent women whether they are married,

unmarried and widow or separated. Interestingly, 46 percent women are unmarried while

same percent of women have reported as married. 5 percent women have reported as widow

while 3 percent women were separated or divorced. Observing the table, it seems that

almost half women are unmarried and half are married.

5.1.2.4. Type of the Family where Women are living

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It has been proved by various studies that in joint family, traditional family system, women

having secondary status to be played for a maximum time. Comparatively, in the nuclear

family women have higher status or equal status to be played than in the joint family. It

means the family system in which a women lives has influence over women’s status, and

hence on the process of women empowerment.

Table No.5.10

Type of The Family where Women are living

Type No. of Family Percentage

Nuclear 54 54

Joint 4 4

Living alone with children 2 2

Living with parents 40 40

Total 100 100

Type of family where women respondent live is shown in Table No.5.10. Observing the

table, it seems that 54 percent women respondent were living in nuclear family system

while only 4 percent women respondents have reported that they were living in joint family.

2 percent women are living alone with children. 40 percent respondents have reported that

they are living with their parents. Mostly unmarried women live with parents in Warangal

city, Telangana society. Observing the Table No.5.9 and Table No.5.10, we conclude that

the most of respondent are living in a nuclear family system.

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5.1.2.5. Occupation of the Respondent

Table No.5.11

Occupation of the Women Respondents

Occupation No. of Respondents Percentage

Service 22 22

Small business 4 4

House and handicraft work 37 37

Education 19 19

unemployed 18 18

Total 100 100

To get a clear picture of their interest about employment, economic and social status, the

occupation of respondents has to be studied considering types of occupation. Hence, in

this table, respondents’ occupation is given where 22 percent respondents are working in

service sector. 4 percent respondent women have reported their occupation as small

businesses. Majority of women respondents have been engaged in house and handicraft

work, percentage of them is i.e.37 percent. Only 19 percent respondents have reported

education as their main occupation. 18 percent respondents have reported that they were

unemployed.

Observing data, it is clear that very less women are in the workforce. It should be noted

36 | P a g e
that women those were doing engaged in house work were also doing handicraft work.

Unemployed, education and house work categories of occupation constitute 75 percent of

total respondent. In this situation women’s empowerment especially women’s economic

empowerment may not be perceived among women. Hence this is the right time for the

beginning of the process of women empowerment among Warangal city, Telangana

women, where NGOs have a very crucial role to play.

5.1.2.6. Income of Respondent Women

While studying the background status of respondent women, their monthly income (income

source) has to be studied in the light of economic empowerment of women. 27 percent,

respondents have reported their monthly income while 72 percent women have been

reported as non earners. It shows that if women are not earning then the base for economic

empowerment may not be well-built. The explanation given here is that most of the women

are taking education or they are assisting in family business so they could not report earning

by them. Therefore, a many women did not report income was being earned by them.

Table No.5.12

Monthly Income of the Respondent (in Rs.)

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 Income No. of Respondents Percentage

1500 1 1

3000 3 3

3900 2 2

5000 1 1

7000 3 3

10000 4 4

13000 1 1

15000 2 2

20000 5 5

23000 1 1

25000 2 2

26000 1 1

30000 2 2

Earning women 27 27

Not earning 45 45

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 Total Respondents 100 100

33 percent have reported their earning below 7000 Rs. while, 40 percent of total earning

women have monthly income more than 20000.

5.1.3. Availability of Basic Necessities

To know the economic condition of any family, the availability of basic necessary goods

can be studied.

In the Table No.5.13, index of basic available necessities is calculated between the score

points 0-20. While constructing this index weightage is given to all items. To calculate the

index for basic necessities 1 weightage is given for all except car, washing machine, fridge

and own house which are belonging to higher income groups. 2 weightage is given for car,

washing machine, fridge and own house while 1 weight is given for rented house.

5.1.3.1. Index of Basic Necessities

Table No.5.13

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 Index of Basic Available Necessities (0-20)

Score No. of households Percentage

5 1 1

6 2 2

7 5 5

8 13 13

9 3 3

10 3 3

11 8 8

12 12 12

13 8 8

14 6 6

15 5 6

16 5 6

17 16 16

18 2 2

19 7 7

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 Total 100 100

Observing the table, it seems that 30 percent families have reported their score between 5-

10. This group of families falls in the lower index of basic necessities. The second moderate

group of families, 40 percent families has scored between 11-15 points.

5.1.3.2. Ownership of Consumer Durables

Similarly, in the Table No.5.14, distribution of families is given according to ownership of

consumer durables. All households have reported that they were having a stove in their

family.

26 percent families have reported of having a cot in their households. It is interesting that

most of families are having ownership of most of basic goods while only 26 percent

families are having a cot. This difference has occurred because in Warangal city, Telangana

tradition people prefer to use Warangal city, Telangana mattress instead of cot to their

regular uses. 40 percent families were having chair and tables. This also shows that for

seating and studying they do not prefer to use tables and chairs. Radio was owned by 83

percent household respondents. 24 percent households have reported they have had

black and white television in their houses while 88 percent houses have reported that they

have color television in their houses. In comparison with to other developing countries the

rate of ownership of television is high in Warangal city, Telangana. Almost more than 90

percent families have televisions in their houses. It means the essential condition for

exposure to mass media of women has been available in Warangal city, Telangana families.

40 percent households have cycles in their houses. 33 percent households have reported

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having motorcycles while 45 percent households have reported that they own a car in their

houses. Those two goods of consumption are indicating towards richness since higher

goods mostly belong to middle or rich families. Other studies show that these goods in the

family means the family has higher economic standard of living.

Table No. 5.14

Distribution of Households by Ownership of Consumer Durables

Consumer Durables No. of households Percentage

1. Stove 100 100

2. Cot 26 26

3. Chair & Table 40 40

4. Radio 83 83

5. Television (B & W)) 24 24

6. Television (Colour)) 88 88

7. Cycle 41 41

8. Motor Cycle 34 34

9. Car 46 46

10. Pressure Cooker 86 86

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 11. Electric fan/tube 95 95

12. Telephone 74 74

13. Cellophane 77 77

14. Fridge 51 51

15. Washing Machine 67 67

16. Own House 76 76

Total families 100 100

Pressure cooker has been owned by 86 percent families for cooking purpose. It looks that

the kitchen conditions are healthier which may have positive effect on women’s health. 95

percent households reported that they have electric fan & tube in their houses.

As far as communications is concerned, the telephone and cell phone are prime tools to be

used for communication worldwide. In this reference, it is observed that 74 percent

households have reported having a telephone while a little more percentage of households,

i.e. 77, have reported having cell phone in their families. As shown by various studies

regarding empowerment of women and working women, a washing machine and a fridge

are helpful to reduce the house work burden of women. Accordingly, it seems that

more than half families reported of having both two consumer durables in their families.

50 percent households have reported having washing machine in their houses while a little

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more families, i.e. 67, percent have reported of having fridge in families with washing

machine. It is a symbol of higher economic standard of living.

Besides all the above goods, an important factor in economic condition of household is

having own house. It is weighted as (2) while making the consumer durable index. 79

percent households have reported that they have their own house. It means about 24 percent

households were living in rented houses. It means that these people don’t have their

ownership of houses.

5.1.4. Status of Spending Leisure Time

Table No 5.15

Status of Spending Leisure Time

Events No. of Respondents Percentage

Read paper/Books 9 9

Watch TV 28 28

Doing work of Handicraft 44 45

Look after education of 7 7

children

Take rest 5 5

Other work 6 6

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 Total 100 100

In the Table No. 5.15, women respondents were asked how do they spent leisure time

frequently. 9 percent women respondents have reported that they spent their leisure time

for reading newspaper or books.

Watching television is a way to spend leisure time for 28 percent women. Both ways of

spending leisure time are indicating towards women’s exposure to mass media.

Almost half, 45 percent women reported that they spend their leisure time in doing work

of Handicraft, which indicates towards work participation of women and economic

empowerment of women. Earlier women reported their occupation as housework but it was

observed that most of them assist in family business by doing handicraft work. Many NGOs

are working for both purposes; educating women and empowering their skill of handicraft

work. Therefore NGOs can play a crucial role to give technical and handicraft education

to women to be empowered economically and socially.

It is remarkable that only 5 percent women have spent their leisure time to look after the

education of children. This figure may be surprising, but it should be noticed that nearly

half of the women respondents are unmarried.

7 percent women respondents have reported that they spent their time to take rest while 6

percent women have reported that they do some other work to spend their leisure time.

Observing the table of spending frequent leisure time, we conclude that the leisure time is

being used in purpose of work and education or exposure to mass media. It means that the

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women’s empowerment process is taking place in Warangal city, Telangana community.

As far as indicators of empowerment like work participation, exposure to mass media, more

time is being spent on it while less time is being spent on bearing the burden of children.

5.2. EMPOWERMENT STATUS OF RESPONDENT

This second section covers various aspects of women’s empowerment: violence

against women, access to development resources, social awareness, participation in

social life and decision making, control over resources and mobility, freedom from

old customs and decision making power. Response of women is varied according to various

aspects of empowerment. This will help to understand in which spheres of empowerment

women are far behind and which parts of empowerment they are well off.

5.2.1. Violence against Women

Table No.5.16

Incidences of Violence within the family/society

Type of Violence No. of Respondents Percentage

Eve-teasing 3 3

Humiliation from husband 9 9

Wife beating 7 7

Other 19 19

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 Total 38 38

Table No.5.16 depicts respondent’s knowledge and experiences of violence against women

in family or society. Indicating toward incidences of violence within the family or

society out of the total respondents only 38 percent women have responded to this question.

It itself shows that they are not openly answering for this question. The reasons may vary

according to society and family status of women.

3 percent women respondents have reported about eve teasing that exists in society while

9 percent women respondents have reported humiliation from husband. 7 percent women

respondents have reported about wife beating experience in the society while 19 percent

women respondents have reported other types of violence are happening against women in

society.

5.2.2. Access

The process of empowerment cannot take place unless access of various resources and

education are available to women.

5.2.2.1. Gender Based Rights over Assets & Resources

Table No.5.17

Gender Based Rights over Assets & Resources

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 No. of Respondents Percentage

Men and Women 47 47

Women 1 1

Men 44 44

Not applicable (students) 8 8

Total 100 100

Table No 5.17 explains about gender based rights over assets and economic resources.

Having rights for women over economic resources is a one of the basic indicators of

women’s empowerment. To have equity in rights over economic resources, men and

women should have equal rights. It can be seen that 47 percent women have reported

having equal rights to resources and assets while only 1 woman has reported her own rights

on assets. 44 percent women respondents have reported of having only male rights over

assets and economic resources.

It is clear that the males have more rights over assets and resources compared to

females. So we conclude that there is not equity in gender rights over assets and resources.

5.2.2.2. Access to Money

Table No.5.18

Access to Money

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 No. of Respondents Percentage
Access to Money

No 19 19

Partially 73 73

Fully 8 8

Total 100 100

Table No 5.18 presents the percentage-wise distribution of respondents according to

access to money. 19 percent women respondents have reported of not having access

to money. Majority of women 73 percent have access to money partially while only 8

percent women have full access to money.

Observing the data, it can be concluded that access to money for women is limited and

most of the women have partial access to money. For empowerment of women access to

and control over money to spend it according to their “will” is necessary, but 20 percent

women do not have access to money.

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5.2.2.3. Access to Information

Information technology is playing a crucial role to have access to knowledge all over the

world. Women can see the developed status of women in the western world which

impresses the less developed women. Hence, one of the important indicators of women’s

empowerment is access to information of rights, policies of education and policies of

women’s empowerment etc.

Table No.5.19

Access to Information

No. of Respondents Percentage

Access to Information

No 26 26

Partially 72 72

Fully 2 2

Total 100 100

The Table No 5.19 depicts percentage-wise distribution of women by access to

information. 26 percent women have reported that they do not have access to information.

72 percent women have reported partial access to information while only 2 percent women

have full access to information.

It seems that access to information to women is not achieved fully in the survey areas.

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5.2.2.4. Access to Economic Independency

Table No.5.20

Access to Economic Independency

No. of Respondents Percentage

Economic Independency

Not independent 68 68

Partially independent 28 28

Fully independent 4 4

Total 100 100

The Table No 5.20 expresses the very crucial information of women’s empowerment and

one of the ends of women’s education i.e. economic independency. Observing percentage

wise distribution of respondent women according to economic independency, it seems that

most of the women do not have economic independency. 68 percent women have reported

not having economic independency. 28 percent women have partially economic

independency while only 4 percent women have reported of having full economic

independency.

Various studies have shown that economic independency is a core aspect in women’s

empowerment process. Without economic independency, social and political

empowerment and control over resources can not be achieved. Hence, at de facto level

women’s empowerment can not take place without economic independency to women.

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5.2.3. Awareness to Women

5.2.3.1. Awareness of Govt. Schemes for Welfare of Women

Table No.5.21

Awareness of Govt. Schemes for Welfare of Women

Schemes related to No. of Respondents Percentage

Vocational Training 43 43

Self-Employment 64 64

Bank Assistance 49 49

Family Welfare 18 18

Entrepreneurship 19 19

Education for Girl child 47 47

Other Programmes 58 58

Total 100 100

Table No.5.21 reveals awareness of women to government related schemes for welfare of

women. When about 100 women respondent were asked whether they had received any

benefits from women’s empowerment/ welfare schemes or not, 43 percent women have

reported benefiting from vocational training schemes while 49 percent women have

received bank assistance in their economic activities.

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Out of the total women, 18 percent women have reported that they have received benefits

from family welfare schemes while 19 percent women have received government

assistance in women’s entrepreneurship.

Percentage of women, those who have received benefits from education for girl child

scheme and other programmes related to women empowerment are 47 percent and 56

percent respectively.

Observing the chart, we conclude that majority of women have received benefits of various

schemes of government. Educational training, education of girl children and women

entrepreneurship are those schemes, which have direct impact on women’s empowerment

and women education. NGOs have an important role to play to implement the schemes and

promoting women’s participation.

5.2.3.2. Awareness to Legislations Protecting Women’s Rights

Table No.5.22

Awareness of Various Legislation Protecting Women's Rights

Legislations No. of Respondents Percentage

Age of Marriage 79 79

Inheritance 61 61

Divorce Rights 51 51

Maintenance Rights 50 50

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 Widow Remarriage 42 42

Property Rights for Women 48 48

Law against 36 36

Bigamy/Prostitution

Total Respondents 100 100

Table No.5.22 depicts percentage-wise distribution of respondents by awareness to

legislations protecting women’s rights. 100 women were asked whether they have

awareness to legislations or not. 79 percent women reported of having knowledge of age

at marriage for females. For economic empowerment and thereby for overall empowerment

of women, women must have rights to inheritance. Islam is the first religion that has given

written rights to women in the wealth and inheritance. According to this, 61 percent women

respondents have reported of having awareness about inheritance rights.

It seems that women have to be aware about inheritance rights as a necessity to promote

economic empowerment.

Awareness in divorce rights and maintenance rights is 51 percent and 50 percent

respectively among interviewed women.

The social status is dependent on the degree of awareness women have about their social

life. It seems that women have not enough knowledge about widow remarriage but they

have good knowledge of divorce and maintenance rights.

48 percent women have been aware about of women’s rights in property while only 36

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percent women have awareness to laws against bigamy/prostitution. Summarizing, it

can be concluded that about 50 percent women respondent have not been aware about theirs

rights in inheritance, property, maintenance, widow remarriage, of laws against

prostitution. They have high awareness (69 percent women) about the traditional age of

marriage, which is, described between 14 and above.

5.2.3.3. Awareness to Reproductive Rights, Nutrition and Healthcare

Women’s health has been a more crucial point of view for family and society everywhere.

In this regard, study of women’s self-awareness about health and reproductive health is

imperative in human development study. It has social concerns also.

In the traditional societies women’s body was used to satisfy male’s sexual will and as a

tool for giving birth to children. That tendency was responsible for the weak health of

women. Nowadays, the problem of women’s health is not solved so women are continue

facing various problems about their health. Most women in third world countries have

health problems like anemia and maternal deaths are at high rate.

Table No.5.23

Awareness of the Reproductive Rights Nutrition, Healthcare

No. of Respondents Percentage

Response

No 4 4

Partially 71 71

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 Fully 24 24

No Response 1 1

Total 100 100

In the Table No 5.23, responses to the question of awareness of the reproductive rights,

nutrition and healthcare are given. 4 percent women have reported that they did not

have any awareness of reproductive health rights, nutrition and healthcare. 71 percent

women have partial awareness about all those things while only 24 percent women have

full awareness about reproductive rights, nutrition, women healthcare etc. One

respondent woman did not give response to this question.

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5.2.3.4. Social Awareness

Table No.5.24

Awareness about Violence Against Women in Society

No. of Respondents Percentage

Type of Violence

Rape 62 62

Female Infanticide 75 75

Female Feticide 73 73

Eve Teasing 72 72

Wife Beating 74 74

Sexual Abuse 78 78

Total 100 100

In the Table No 5.24, women were asked to respond about their social awareness especially

violence against women. 62 percent women have reported that they have awareness of

incidences that occur in society like rape. 75 percent women have been aware about female

foeticide.72 percent women know about eve teasing in society. 74 percent women have

reported of having awareness about wife beating incidences while 78 percent women have

also reported about sexual abuses to women in society

It is very important to see awareness of women regarding various rights and incidences that

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are directly related to their empowerment process. Having good awareness may lead to the

empowerment process when opportunity is given to be empowered. Having good

awareness is an initial first step in the process of women’s empowerment, which can

be enhanced by giving good education. Higher is the awareness about rights, higher is the

success of education and so there will be good foundation for women’s empowerment

process.

5.2.3.5. Index of Awareness

Table No.2.25

Index of Awareness (0-24)

Score No. of Respondent Percentage

3 4 4

4 3 3

5 6 6

6 1 1

7 2 2

8 1 1

9 4 4

10 12 12

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 11 3 3

12 8 8

13 3 3

14 7 7

15 4 4

16 8 8

17 11 11

18 4 4

19 6 6

20 4 4

21 3 3

22 1 1

23 3 3

Total 100 100

In the Table No 5.25, index of awareness regarding, factors of women’s empowerment

calculated between 0-24 score points is given. It seems that the lowest score points are 3

and highest scoring points are 23.

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4 percent women have reported lowest scoring points while 3 percent women have reported

height scoring points. Low awareness score i.e. less than 8 has been reported by 22 women

respondent. The moderate points score is between 9 to 16 points, which has been reported

by majority of women. 44 percent women have scored awareness points in this category.

The highest score which is calculated between 17 to 24 points. 10 percent women has

scoring more than 20 points in the awareness index.

Observing the data it can be concluded that the women have awareness about the factors

of empowerment at good standard.

5.2.4. Participation

Having awareness is an essential prerequisite before active participation in the process of

women’s empowerment. Without active participation in various spheres of life the

empowered status of women may not be achieved.

5.2.4.1. Participation in Decision Making in the Family

Table No.5.26

Participation: Decision Making in the Family

Decision Taker No. of Respondent Percentage

Husband 7 7

Husband & Wife 37 37

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 Wife 1 1

Self 8 8

Parents 48 48

Total 100 100

Table No.5.26 reveals percentage-wise distribution of families by decision makers.

Accordingly, women have responded to the question regarding the person who took the

major decision in the family.

It is interesting that only 7 percent married women have responded that husband was taking

decisions in family. 37 percent women have responded taking decisions by both husband

and wife while 48 percent women have responded that parents were taking decision in

family.

8 percent women have reported that decisions in family were taken by themselves. A

woman has reported that decisions in family were taken by the wife etc.

Observing the table, it can be concluded that the decisions in the family were taken by both

male and female members, which reflect equity in decision- making. About 10 percent

women have reported that they themselves were taking decisions in the family, which is a

symbol of empowerment of women of high quality. Women’s decision-making power is

crucial to lead to the actual process of economic empowerment.

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5.2.4.2. Decision for Doing Employment

The Table No. 5.27 reveals women’s decision in participation of employment.

Women’s economic dependency on others earning can be cause to their low status in family

and society. Certainly, to avoid this, woman’s own participation in decision-making is

important especially in deciding their own employment.

In this table, 5 percent women have reported that husband decide their participation in the

employment sector. It means they are totally dependent on their husbands will to do

employment. Another 4 percent women have reported that both husband and wife

have to take decision regarding the working of women.

Table No.5.27

Participation: Decision for Doing Employment

Decision by No. of HH Percentage

Husband 5 5

Husband & Wife 4 4

Wife 33 33

Self 18 18

Parents 40 40

Total 100 100

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33 percent women have reported that doing a job or being employed is the decision that

should be taken by women themselves. This response indicates towards women’s

empowerment. Continually, 18 percent women have responded that the decision about

employment has been taken by them. 40 percent women have reported that employment is

a decision, which has to be taken by their parents.

Observing the decision making power of women in being employed, we conclude that 50

percent women respondents are able to take decision by themselves while remaining 50

percent women are dependent on either husband or parents for decision.

5.2.4.3. Changing Status in the Family after Earning

Table No.5.28

Participation: Changing Status in the Family after Earning

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Yes 29 29

No 2 2

Same as previous 8 8

Not Applicable 61 61

Total 100 100

In the Table No.5.28, women were asked whether they have seen any positive change in a

woman after starting earning. Most of the earning women have reported that earning from

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work is an important tool to get respect and comparatively better status in the family than

non-earning women.

Out of 43 earning respondents 32 (more than 75 percent) have reported their status has

changed positively after earning. 2 women have reported about no change in their

status even after earning. 9 (about 20 percent) women have reported that status is as earlier

(traditional) to see women in the family even after earning. Other women were not earning

on the question was not applicable to them.

In the Table No.5.28, women were asked whether they have seen any positive change in a

woman after starting earning. Most of the earning women have reported that earning from

work is an important tool to get respect and comparatively better status in the family than

non-earning women.

Out of 43 earning respondents 32 (more than 75 percent) have reported their status has

changed positively after earning. 2 women have reported about no change in their

status even after earning. 9 (about 20 percent) women have reported that status is as earlier

(traditional) to see women in the family even after earning. Other women were not earning

on the question was not applicable to them.

Observing the data, it is seen that earning is a driving force to get higher status in family.

Various results at international and national level have proved same.

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5.2.5. Control

5.2.5.1. Control: A. Primary Role of a woman (self-image)

Table No. 5.29

Control: A. Primary Role of a Women (self-image)

Role of No. of Respondent Percentage

To be good wife Mother, & to 41 41

earn

To be a good wife& mother 54 54

To earn &to be independent 2 2

To earn and support the 3 3

family

Total 100 100

The Table No. 5.29 explains about control over their attitude and thinking. Women

were asked about the primary role of women in family to seek self-image of women.

41 percent women have reported that the primary role of a woman is to be a good wife,

mother and to earn for the family. 2 percent women have reported that a woman’s role is

to be independent and earn while 3 percent women have reported that the prime role of a

woman is to become an earning member and support the family. The majority of women

have reported that the prime role of women is to be a good wife and mother in the family.

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Observing the data, we conclude that most of the women have followed the traditional role

of women, which is to be a good wife and mother. It indicates negatively towards the

process of women’s empowerment. Even in Warangal city, Telangana society, the right of

earning is given to women, but lack of knowledge and sensitization of women’s earning

rights forced women to be limited in their role as well as thinking. NGOs have a role to

play as a sensitizer to make women aware about their earnings rights by providing

information, basic education and knowledge about women’s rights and various

opportunities.

5.2.5.2. Control: Physical Mobility

Table No.5.30

Control: B. Physical Mobility

No. of Respondent Percentage

With husbands consent 35 35

With parents consent 40 40

With wardens consent 3 3

With others consent 3 3

No need for consent 20 20

Total 100 100

The Table No. 5.30 explains about the physical mobility of women. For various reasons,

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women used to take permission of any male members in their family in traditional society.

Their dependency on other male members for mobilization may be working against their

will.

In the above discourse, 35 percent women have reported that for going outside to visit

relatives or shopping they have to take permission from their husband.

20 percent women have reported that they are free to go out without anybody’s consent. It

means 20 percent women have self control over their physical mobility. But it should not

be misunderstood. Other 80 percent women have no control over their physical mobility;

the point is that nobody can go out without informing family members. They may have

control over their physical mobility but as a tradition most of the females or males in

Warangal city, Telangana society ask for permission as a respect toward older members of

the family.

5.2.5.3. Control: Self Confident

Table No. 5.31

Control: C. Self Confident

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

No response 1 1

Yes 82 82

No 17 17

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In the Table No. 5.31, percentage-wise distribution of respondents by their self confidence

is given.

82 percent women have reported having self confidence. In the empowerment process of

education self confidence is a vital virtue of strong women’s personality. Unless the women

are having self confidence the desired results in the process of women’s empowerment

may not be achieved successfully.

Barely, 17 percent women have reported of not having self confidence. The causes to it

might be of social and economic deprivation or very traditional value set up in the family

and in the mind. Only 1 woman did not respond to this question.

Summarizing, we conclude that the majority of responded women have self confidence

about their work, attitude and their personality; it means they have control over their self

image and their doings.

5.2.5.4. Control: Self Reliance

Table No. 5.32

Control: D. Self Reliant

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

No response 4 4

Yes 72 72

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 No 24 24

Total 100 100

In Table No 5.32, a question was asked about their self reliant. 4 percent women have

reported no response to the question. 72 percent women respondents have reported that

they were self reliant while only 24 percent women have responded of not being self reliant.

Observing it, it can be concluded that most of women are self reliant. But only about 34

percent were earners.

In short, it means that being self reliant, it includes both family self reliance and women’s

individual self reliance. They have control not only over their own earned resources but

may have a share in the family’s earning.

5.2.6. Freedom from the Old Customs/Beliefs/Practices

Table No. 5.33

Freedom from the Old Customs/Beliefs/Practices

Type No. of Respondent Percentage

No 38 38

Partially 62 62

Total 100 100

The Table No. 5.33 depicts whether women are free from old customs, beliefs and practices

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or not. 62 percent women respondents have reported that they are partially free from old

customs, beliefs and practices. It seems that the Warangal city, Telangana family and

women have been followers of traditional, cultural, customs and practices. It may not be

true of saying that all old cultures, values are against women’s empowerment or they keep

women always in deprived position compared to men. Just following western thoughts for

each and everything in our society or family life or comparing each social thing with

western value system or social system can not be always correct. Responses of respondents

can be seen in this matter. They follow old customs, beliefs and practices fully or partially

by their wish.

5.2.7. Decision Making

In this study, information was collected on a number of decision making variables like

education of children, crafting and other skills, getting employment, her own marriage,

family planning, having number of children, marriage of children, in cooking, buying

home appliances (clothes, jewelry and TV e t c.) and buying asset. These variables were

considered to seek what types of decisions women do take.

5.2.7.1. Decision in Education of Children

In the Table No. 5.34, findings related to women’s opinions in education of children are

given.

4 percent women have reported that their opinion is not necessary in this matter. 95 percent

women expressed deep concern and said women’s opinion is necessary in education of

children.

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When asked whether opinion was expressed or not, 72 percent women have reported that

their opinions were expressed.

Merely saying necessary or expression of opinion are not considered as perfect variables

of women’s decision making power. If women’s decision in the matter of education of

children is implemented, then it can be concluded that women have decision making power

in the matter of education of children.

57 percent women have reported that they were having decision making power, which

was implemented too.

Summarizing, 57 percent women were able to implement decisions regarding education of

children.

Table No.5.34

Women's Decision In Education of Children

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 4 4

Yes 94 94

No Response 1 1

Opinion Expressed

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 No & don’t Know 22 22

Yes 77 77

No Response 1 1

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 41 41

Yes 57 57

No Response 2 2

Total 100 100

5.2.7.2. Decision In Crafting and Other Skills

Findings of decision making in crafting and other skills (learning or doing work) is

presented in Table No.5.35.

When women were asked whether women’s opinion is necessary to do work or learn

crafting and other skills, 10 percent women reported ‘not necessary’ while 1 woman

did not give any response.

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 Table No.5.35

Women’s Decision In Crafting and Other Skills

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 10 10

Yes 89 89

No Response 1 1

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 28 28

Yes 71 71

No Response 1 1

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 41 41

Yes 57 57

No Response 2 2

Total 100 100

89 percent women were agreed to the answer, yes! It does mean that women’s opinion is

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necessary in the matter of learning or doing work of crafting etc. Out of total women,

77 percent women have reported that they expressed their opinion regarding crafting and

other skills.

57 percent women have reported that their opinion regarding crafting and other skill was

implemented. In the real sense, 57 percent women have considerable decision making

power.

It is necessary for women to have decision making power where they learn skills to earn

and engage themselves in productive activities. This involvement of women leads to

empowerment women.

5.2.7.3. Decision in Getting Employment

Same like the previous table, findings related to opinions of women in getting employment

are given in table no. 5.36.

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 Table No.5.36

Women's Decision In Getting Employment

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 10 10

Yes 89 89

No Response 1 1

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 32 32

Yes 67 67

No Response 1 1

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 46 46

Yes 52 52

No Response 2 2

Total 100 100

The Table No. 5.36 reveals decision towards employment. Women may not achieve

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economic empowerment unless they have decision power of doing employment according

to their wish and ability.

10 percent women have reported it is not necessary to have women’s opinion about getting

herself to be employed. 67 percent women have reported it is necessary to have

women’s opinion about getting employment. 74 percent women succeeded in expressing

their opinions.

Actually, 52 percent women have reported that their opinion or decision regarding or

getting employment was implemented successfully. It means 51 percent women in the

survey were successfully implementing their decisions regarding being employed.

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5.2.7.4. Decision In Her own Marriage

Table No.5.37

Women's Decision In Her own Marriage

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 3 3

Yes 94 94

No Response 3 3

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 28 28

Yes 65 65

No Response 7 7

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 38 38

Yes 56 56

No Response 6 6

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 Total 100 100

Social status of women is dependent on the point where women have decision making

rights in social sphere or not. In accordance to this, findings regarding women’s decision

making power in own marriage is given in the Table No.5.37.

Only 3 percent women have not reported their response about the question while 3 percent

women have reported as ‘opinion is not necessary’

Majority of women i.e. 94 percent have reported that women opinion is necessary in her

marriage. Warangal city, Telangana society has given legal right to women that without

written permission of a woman her own marriage cannot take place in Warangal city,

Telangana society. Bearing this in mind, women have responded that there is necessity of

women’s opinion regarding female’s own marriage. When women were asked whether

they expressed their opinion or not, 65 percent women have reported ‘yes’. 56 percent

women have said of implementation of their opinion about their own marriage. It seems

that Warangal city, Telangana women have high privilege about decision of their own

marriage matter.

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5.2.7.5. Decision In Family Planning

Table No.5.38

Women's Decision In Family Planning

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 4 4

Yes 92 92

No Response 4 4

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 28 28

Yes 67 67

No Response 5 5

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 43 43

Yes 48 48

No Response 9 9

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 Total 100 100

Percentage-wise distribution of women by decision in family planning is given in the Table

No. 5.38.

In reproductive period and family planning, women must have privilege to avoid pregnancy

if they don’t wish so. This table gives detail about women’s opinion in the matter of family

planning.

92 percent women have reported that there is necessity of women’s opinion in family

planning. It seems that they are aware of their reproductive health rights, which is a

necessity to women’s empowerment. 67 percent women were able to express their opinion

regarding family planning. 48 percent women also succeeded in implementing the decision

of reproductive health.

Observing the data, it can be concluded that women in the survey have shown enough

privilege of having decision making power in family planning matters. It is very positive,

even in the Shimla Society of Shimla that women’s decisions and opinions have been

implemented in family planning. The successes of family planning and family welfare

schemes launched by government and international development agencies is depended on

what type of role women have to play in family planning matter.

5.2.7.6. Decision In Number of Children

Similar to previous explanation, findings regarding opinion of having number of children

are given in the Table No. 5.39.

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Women can have the right to decide the number of children. 75 percent women have

reported that there is necessity of women’s decision. 15 percent women said ‘not necessity’

to have any opinion.

38 percent women have become able to express there opinion regarding how many

children they have. 28 percent women respondents have reported that their decision

regarding how many children was implemented successfully.

Table No.5.39

Women's Decision In Number of Children

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 15 15

Yes 75 75

No Response 10 10

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 47 47

Yes 38 38

No Response 15 15

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 Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 57 57

Yes 28 28

No Response 15 15

Total 100 100

It seems that women are becoming able to improve decision making power in the matter

of deciding number of children. But less percentage of women is noticed those who have

full decision-making power. Decision in this regard is directly concerned with women’s

reproductive rights and women’s health rights. So women’s having decision here has

positive effects on their health.

5.2.7.7. Decision In Marriage of Children

In the Table No.5.40, social rights like decision in the marriage of children are given.

Women were asked that whether their opinion is necessary, opinion expressed and opinion

implemented in the matter of marriage of their children. 74 percent women have reported

having necessity of women’s opinion in marriage of children.

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 Table No.5.40

Women's Decision In Marriage of Children

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 8 8

Yes 74 74

No Response 18 18

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 49 49

Yes 26 26

No Response 25 25

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 55 55

Yes 20 20

No Response 25 25

Total 100 100

It must be noticed that the question regarding expression of their opinion only be asked to

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married women, those who have children of marriage. Considering these able women, 26

percent women have reported about their expression of opinion.

Similarly, 20 percent women have succeeded in implementing their opinion regarding

marriage of their children etc. Observing data, we conclude that Shimla women have

enough privilege in deciding the marriage of children.

5.2.7.8. Decision in Cooking

The Table No. 5.41 depicts women’s decision in cooking. The time consumable area and

an important duty in a family for women is doing cooking for all. Findings regarding

women’s decision-making power in cooking are given herewith. 94 percent have reported

that there is necessity of women’s opinion in cooking. Only 1 woman does not agree with

this while other women i.e. 5 percent did not give response.

Table No.5.41

Women's Decision In Cooking

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 1 1

Yes 94 94

No Response 5 5

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 Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 3 3

Yes 94 94

No Response 3 3

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 4 4

Yes 93 93

No Response 3 3

Total 100 100

Merely women’s opinion is not necessary but some percentage of women have expressed

deep concern about expression of opinion in cooking actives.

94 percent women have reported that they expressed their opinion in cooking. Majority of

women i.e. 93 percent have reported that their opinion regarding cooking was implemented

successfully.

Observing the table, we conclude that women have highest privilege in cooking activities

in Shimla families.

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5.2.7.9. Decision In Buying Consumer Durables

Table No.5.42

Women's Decision In buying Consumer Durables

(home appliances, clothes, jewelry and TV freeze etc.)

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 3 3

Yes 94 94

No Response 3 3

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 16 16

Yes 80 80

No Response 4 4

Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 36 36

Yes 49 49

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 No Response 5 5

Total 100 100

Table No 5.42 reveals percentage-wise distribution of respondents by decision in buying

home appliances.

Having privilege in buying is an indicator of economic empowerment of women and

economic empowerment is a core part of over all empowerment of women. The descriptive

status of opinions or decision making power of women in buying home appliance is given

herewith.

When women were asked to reply whether women’s opinion is necessary in buying home

appliances they replied positively. 93 percent women have reported about necessity of

women’s opinion in buying home appliances. Remaining women have given no response

or said not necessary. 80 percent women were able to express their opinion in buying home

appliances. 59 percent women have reported that their opinion in buying home appliances

was considered and implemented in buying. Observing the data, we conclude that majority

i.e. 93 percent women have positively reported about necessity of women’s opinion but 59

percent women had succeeded in implementing their opinions. It seems that there is

necessity to empower women for implementing their opinions in buying activities so to

achieve their economic rights.

5.2.7.10. Decision In Buying Assets

Women’s decision in economic activities like buying and selling assets becomes

imperative in economic empowerment. Having privilege in this area, helps women to use
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resources and opportunities according to their will.

In the Table No.5.43, findings are given regarding women’s decision making power in

buying assets like land, property etc. 32 percent women have reported that there was no

need to have opinion in buying assets or it is not necessary to have it. 4 percent women did

not give response to this question. 64 percent women have reported positively and said that

there is necessity of consideration of women’s opinion in buying assets.

Table No.5.43

Women's Decision In Buying Assets (land, Property Etc.)

Status of Opinion/Decision No. of Respondent Percentage

Opinion Necessary

No & don’t Know 32 32

Yes 4 4

No Response 64 64

Opinion Expressed

No & don’t Know 74 74

Yes 21 21

No Response 5 5

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 Opinion Implemented

No & don’t Know 89 89

Yes 6 6

No Response 5 5

Total 100 100

Only 21 women have reported that they expressed their opening regarding buying assets.

It is a very less percentage of women respondents comparing to other questions of decision

making power. Next to it, only 6 percent women have reported about implementation of

their opinion in buying assets.

Observing that data, it is seen that most of the Shimla women do not have enough privilege

of decision-making power in major economic activities like buying and selling assets.

5.2.7.11. Decision Making Index (0-30)

Decision-making power of women is fundamental in the process of empowerment and

education as well. Women’s decision making power gives control over resources. Then

the resources will be used for the benefit of women. The basic is that women must

have influence over various decisions. In the Table No. 5.44 decision making score is

calculated between 0-30 points.

The degree of the decision making power of women is calculated. For example, women’s

decision in education of children is sought whether education of children is coming

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under the decision making power of women or just women have some say or opinions

towards education of children.

Table No.5.44

Decision Making Index (0-30)

Score No. of Respondent Percentage

6 1 1

10 2 2

11 3 3

12 2 2

13 4 4

14 5 5

15 4 4

16 9 9

17 10 10

18 9 9

19 8 8

20 7 7

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 21 4 4

22 4 4

23 3 3

24 3 3

25 4 4

26 5 5

27 3 3

28 11 11

Total 100 100

When a woman said that opinion is necessary but did not express, it is calculated as 1 score

point. When a woman said that she had expressed her opinion, for example in education of

children, it is calculated as 2 score points. A woman’s opinion, for example education of

children, is expressed and it is further implemented then the right decision making power

is achieved by women. Hence, implementation of decision of a woman is weighted as 3

score points.

If a woman respondent says that there is no necessity to give opinion, in our example

education of children, the decision making power is (o) there.

In the calculation of decision making score, when all answers are got, as ‘there is no

necessity of a woman’s opinion’ to be given then score will be (o). Supposing, all

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respondents have answered that their opinion is implemented then maximum score for a

respondent will be (30) since there are (10) events where women’s decision making power

is sought.

Observing the table, we can see that minimum decision score is 6 reported by 1

respondent woman. The maximum score is 28 points reported by 11 respondent women.

43 percent women have reported the score points between 16-20 percent where major

cluster of respondents is occurred. To get a clear picture and inference from the decision

making index score, we have to make groups of score points and see the respondents in

reference with this. Hence in the Table No 5.45, the score of decision making index is

divided into three groups; 1) less than 10, 2) between 11-20 points and 3) more than 20.

Table No.5.45

Distribution of Respondent Women by Group of Decision Making

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 Score Groups No. of Respondent Percentage

< 10 3 3

11-20 61 61

>20 36 36

Total 100 100

Observing the table it can be seen that only 3 percent women have scored less than 10

points which is lower score group for decision making. In other words we can say that 3

percent women respondent have reported poor decision-making power.

The moderate score group, between 11-20 points, has been reported by majority of women

respondent. 61 percent women have reported decision- making score between 11.to 20 i.e.

moderate score. The high score group, more than 20 points, is calculated for 36

percent women respondents. The higher the score the higher is the power of decision

making so the higher is the women’s empowerment status. As the various studies have

proved that there is positive correlation between the process of women’s empowerment

and women’s decision making power.

In the Shimla society, women have not been deprived like women in Indian society

were she always got lower status in society. Most of the Indian women have scored

lower in education and other women development indicators. Women related human

development indicators in HDI report 2005, have given a comparative picture. The report

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shows that Indian women have scored comparatively lower score in women related

indicators than Shimla women. The decision making power to Shimla women is decision-

making power to Shimla women is higher than Indian women. In our study 56.2 percent

women have reported higher score while 60 percent women have scored moderate score in

decision making power.

5.3 EDUCATION STATUS OF RESPONDENT

In this section, educational status and attitudes are presented. Education status, interest in

learning, encouragement by NGOs and institutes and wish to continue education even by

going to other places for higher education are reported.

5.3.1 Level of Education of Women

Table No. 5.46

Percentage Distribution of Respondents by Level of Education

Level No. of Respondent Percentage

Primary 18 18

Secondary 26 26

Higher secondary 12 12

Graduated 31 31

Post graduate 13 13

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 Total 100 100

Table No.5.46 reveals the education level of respondent women according to types

of education. Whereas 18 percent women respondents have completed their primary

education, 26 percent respondents have completed their secondary level of education.

12 percent respondents have completed higher secondary level. The highest no of women

respondents i.e. 31 percent of total women are those who have completed their pre

graduation. 13 percent women respondents have completed post graduation.

Observing the data, it seems that respondent women are well in education as 44 percent

women are highly educated, graduate and above. Interestingly, none of the women are

illiterate. In spite of good position in academic regular education, Shimla women need

education that enhances their empowerment process. In another words, skilled education

is important for Shimla women. Qualifying in that may enable them to gain socio-

economically good position.

5.3.2 Interest of Learning

Table No.5.47

Education: Interest to Learn

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 No. of Respondent Percentage

Yes 100 100

The Table No.5.47 shows that all of respondents have reported or expressed their interest

in learning. The 100 percent women have responded positively and this attitude is a

base for all attempts towards women’s education. Every one is wishing to learn. If there

are a few illiterate women in the society we can say that they are forcefully kept illiterate.

Thus, for illiteracy of women or non-education of women, responsible causes may be from

outside, for example, male domination and lack of efficient attempts from government and

NGOs etc.

Removing outside factors responsible for non-education of women can improve their

situation in empowerment and education fields positively.

5.3.3 Duration of Studying (in Years)

Table No.5.48

Education: Duration of Studying (in Years)

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 Duration No. of Respondent Percentage

>1 year 50 50

2 years 16 16

3 years 32 32

Just Joined 2 2

Total 100 100

Table No 5.48 illustrates the no of years spent by women respondents in a particular

institute, the current institute. The education means not only school or college education,

moreover it does mean education of crafting drawing besides normal education. Hence,

here education is used in wide perspective regular as well as skill improving education.

When various institutions were visited where NGOs had played a role in promoting

women’s empowerment and women’s education, various types of education institutions

were found. The respondent women were interviewed thereby.

50 percent women have reported that they had spent one year in that institute.16 percent

women have reported that they had spent 2 years in learning there. 32 percent women had

been learning there for 3 years. 2 women respondents had joined the institute recently.

Observing the data, we conclude that there is not a big shift in changing institutions by any

course. Women were continuing their learning in the same institutes.

5.3.4 Encouragement to Join Institute to be Educated

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 Table No.5.49

Education: Encouraged to Join Institute to be Educated

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Yes 60 60

No 9 9

Self 28 28

No Response 3 3

Total 100 100

In the Table No.5.49, women were asked to reply to the question whether they were

encouraged by NGOs and institution members to be educated and keep their learning

continued.

60 percent women have said that they were encouraged to be educated. 28 percent women

were self encouraged to be educated. 9. percent women have reported that they were

not encouraged by anybody to be educated. 3 percent women have not responded to

this question.

Observing both chart and table, it seems that NGOs and others have encouraged most of

the women for education and empowerment programmes.

5.3.5 Getting Education in Other Places

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 Table No.5.50

Education: Getting Education in other places

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Yes 57 57

No 19 19

Cant say anything 17 17

No Response 7 7

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.50 basically explains the attitudes or wishes of women regarding education or

learning other skills. When women were asked whether they wish to go to other places for

getting education, 57 percent women said yes.

19 percent women did not wish to go to other places for education.17 percent women have

reserved their response which might be because of non deciding situation of mind or

hesitation. 7 percent women respondents did not give response to the question.

5.3.6 Wish for continuation of further Education

Table No.5.51

Education: Wish for continuation of further Education

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 Wish for Education/reasons No. of Respondent Percentage

Yes 57 57

No, because parent may not 20 20

allow

No because of weak economic 15 15

condition

No, because other institute are 2 2

far from here

No Response 6 6

Total 100 100

In the Table No. 5.51, women have been asked about their wish to continuation of

further education. The thrust for education can lead women to express their wish to

continue their education further. Providing opportunities and various necessary facilities to

achieve this can help women to realize their dreams in particular. Now the ultimate

responsibility goes to government and likeminded NGOs and people who are really

thinking about women’s education.

57 percent women have reported that they wish to continue their education. Remaining 35

percent women have given a few causes for why they do not wish to continue their

education. 2 percent women have said that other institutions are far from this institution

while 6 percent women did not give any response to this question.

Observing the data, it can be seen that most of the women are wishing to keep continuing

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their education further. Those who said no have given various valid hurdles to it. These

hurdles can be removed by initiatives taken by the government and NGOs. Role of

NGOs in encouraging, sensitizing and providing help to them becomes important to

women’s education.

5.3.7 Help from Institute or NGOs for Learning

Percentage distribution of women by receiving help from NGOs or Institute is given

in the Table No.5.52.

Table No.5.52

Education: Receiving Help from Institute While Learning

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Yes 46 46

No 42 42

No Response 12 12

Total 100 100

When women respondents were asked if they had been receiving any kinds of help while

learning, 46 percent women respondents have reported getting help from institutes for

learning 42 percent women have reported that they did not receive any help from the

institution except teaching and training. 12 percent women have reported no response to

the question.

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Observing data, we conclude that the 50 percent women just get training and teaching. To

be involved, in education and other skilled trainings, women must have other kinds of

supportive help like scholarship, money for business or infrastructural facilities.

5.4. Attitudes, Opinions and Perceptions

Having positive attitudes, opinions perceptions toward empowerment of women have

been considered as initials to the process. The reality of the women’s empowerment

process can only be measured when women have positive opinions toward it.

Otherwise, we can’t get inferences from analyzing other factors of empowerment. Thus, it

is crucial to look at wishes of women of various factors of women’s empowerment.

5.4.1. Education: Attitudes, Opinions and Perceptions

The process of empowerment cannot take place if women’s educational empowerment is

low. Furthermore, women’s educational status is dependent on their will to be educated.

Consequently, the attitudes and opinions about women’s education have to be positive.

Hence, systematic investigation is necessary before speaking any thing about responsible

factors to women’s educational empowerment.

Findings related to women’s attitudes, opinions and perceptions to education have

been given in the table numbers 5.53 to 5.57.

5.4.1.1. Education: Equal Access of Education to Girl

Table No.5.53

Education: Equal Access of Education to Girl

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 Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Strongly agree 80 80

Agree 16 16

Disagree 1 1

No idea/ no response 3 3

Total 100 100

In the Table No. 5.53, women’s attitudes, opinions and perceptions to education in

reference with accessibility of equal education opportunities for boys and girls are given.

Women were asked to give answers whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree, and

strongly disagree to the question. 80 percent women respondents strongly agree, in other

words they were in favor of equal educational opportunity be given to boys and girls.

Naturally their attitudes were against of discrimination in girl education. 16 percent women

have reported their agree ness to the point that boys and girls must get equal opportunity

in education. Only one woman disagreed to this. 3 percent women respondents did not give

any response to this.

Observing, responses of women about equal opportunity to boys and girls in education; we

conclude that 95 % women are in favor of equal opportunity.

5.4.1.2. Education: Encouragement to Girl Education

Table No. 5.54

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 Education: Encouragement to Girl Education

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Agree 1 1

Disagree 31 31

Strongly disagree 65 65

No idea/ no response 3 3

Total 100 100

Findings related to attitudes, opinions and education of encouragement to girls’ education

are given in the table No.5.54.

When women were asked that educating a girl should not be encouraged because a girl has

to marry and move to another house, only 1 woman agreed to this. None of the women

strongly agreed.

31 percent women have reported their disagree-ness. In reply to this question, 65 percent

women have reported their strong disagree-ness. It seems that majority of women strongly

disagree to this.

Mere 3, percent, women did not give any answer to this question.

Observing the data; it seems that most of the women responded their disagree-ness to

the attitude that is against girl education. It is usually reported in illiterate Indian society.

Shimla women’s negative perception towards girl education is very strong. Hence NGOs

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and government programmes regarding girls’ education are being implemented

successfully

5.4.1.3. Education: Educated Housewife is an Asset to Family

Table No.5.55

Education: Educated Housewife is an Asset to Family

Response No. of Respondent Percentage

Strongly agree 66 66

Agree 27 27

Disagree 2 2

Strongly Disagree 1 1

No idea/ no response 3 3

Total 100 100

In the table No. 5.55, women were asked whether an educated wife can be an asset to the

family. The result is also positive and representation of women’s thrust toward knowledge,

education and family welfare.

66 percent women strongly agreed to it that an educated housewife will be an asset to the

family. Supporting, another 27 percent women have reported agree-ness on same. 2 percent

women disagree while 1 percent women were strongly disagreed. 3 percent women have

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reported that they did not have any idea about this.

Observing the data, it seems that 95 percent women agreed and are positive by their

attitudes and perceptions toward an educated housewife which can be an asset to the family.

Being an asset to the family does not mean just being a child bearing machine or a body to

satisfy men’s desires. It explains more about obligations and duties in family equal to men.

In the same sense, Shimla women have given there responses which can justify there are

other responses regarding education.

5.4.1.4. Education Attainments and Male Domination

It is interesting to know that after becoming educated can male domination be continued

over women. In the Table No. 5.56, women’s opinions about this is investigated and

reported.

Women were asked whether male domination will be continued in spite of educational

attainments of women or not. 4 percent women strongly agreed to this while another 16

percent women agree on same.

Table No.5.56.

Education attainment and Male Domination

Male Domination will be No. of Respondent Percentage

Continued Inspite of

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 Educational Attainments of

Women.

Strongly agree 4 4

Agree 16 16

Disagree 41 41

Strongly Disagree 23 23

No idea/ no response 15 15

Total 100 100

41 percent women have reported that they disagree while another 23 percent women

respondents have reported strongly disagree- ness to this question.

It seems that 64 percent women gave positive response, in other words they did not support

saying that even after becoming educated male domination will be continued over

women.15 percent women did not say anything so did not give response. It seems that

respondent women may not have fear of male domination after becoming educated.

5.4.1.5. Education and Self-confidence

Table No.5.57

Education and Self-confidence

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 Self-image and Self-confidence No. of Respondent Percentage

of women is possible with good

education.

Strongly agree 64 64

Agree 31 31

Disagree 2 2

No idea/ no response 3 3

Total 100 100

In the Table No. 5.57, women’s attitudes, opinions and perceptions to education have been

given in reference with self image and self confidence of women after achieving good

education. 64 percent women strongly agreed about the possibility of improving self image

and self confidence with good education. Another 31 women have agreed over the same

point. 2 women only disagree that good education can improve self confidence and self

image of a woman. Besides this, 3 percent women did not have any say.

Observing, the responses, we clearly conclude that most of the Shimla women are very

positive towards their education which can help them to become self confident and to

improve self image. It is a positive indication towards education empowerment of women

in Shimla.

5.4.2. Employment: Attitudes, Opinions and Perceptions

To have freedom of work according to their capability and will is an essential factor in the

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process of entire empowerment of women. Women form half of any labour force. This

women labor force is underutilized in developing countries. It is being underutilized in

Shimla countries at high rate compared to other developing countries. Shimla culture is

little different from these countries allowing women to participate in the labor force. But

assigned areas for employment to women are different than males. For example, handicraft,

small scale industries small services, agricultural labor etc. are the areas where women

usually work. Recently, Himachal Pradesh government has opened wide areas for women’s

employment like University research, police and military etc. Strengthening this, Warangal

city, Telangana government has taken various programmes to ensure women’s

employment in traditional areas of employment, handicrafts and small scale industries as

well as in service sectors. Thereby the essential skill education beside regular education is

being given to women with the help of NGOs. With regard to the above discourse, attitudes,

opinions and perceptions to employment have been given in the tables 5.58 to 5.62

5.4.2.1. Employment as Additional Burden

In the Table No. 5.58, erception to employment in reference of the question whether

employment of women is additional burden for them or not is sought.

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 Table No.5.58

Employment as Additional Burden

Employment of Women is No. of Respondent Percentage

Additional Burden for Them

Strongly agree 38 38

Agree 54 54

Disagree 4 4

No idea/ no response 4 4

Total 100 100

38 percent women respondents have reported that employment of women is an additional

burden for them, and they were strongly agreed to this. Another 54 percent women have

reported that they agreed to this question.

Only 4 percent women did not agree to saying that employment is an additional burden to

them. 4 percent women respondents did not give any answer to the question.

Observing the results regarding employment is additional burden to women or not,

we conclude that majority of women viz. more than 90 percent strongly agree or agree to

this. It may be said that doing regular responsibilities assigned in family, women have to

take employment opportunities as additional burden to them. Even in progressive societies,

women have to bear traditional work in the family besides being encouraged in

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employment. Some how, it restricts women to grasp employment opportunities in advance

areas of employment.

5.4.2.2. Income of Women and Family Needs

Table No.5.59

Income of Women can Sustain Family Needs

Income of Women can Sustain No. of Respondent Percentage

Family Needs

Strongly agree 36 36

Agree 60 60

No idea/ no response 4 4

Total 100 100

Findings related to women’s attitude, opinions and perceptions to employment in reference

with income of a women can sustain family needs are given in the Table No.5.59.

36 percent women strongly agreed that earned income of women can sustain family needs

while 60 percent women have reported their agree-ness on the same. Surprisingly, none of

the women reported that she strongly disagreed or did not agree to the question whether

families can be sustained by income of women. 4 percent women have not reported their

opinion on this question

Observing the data, it can be concluded that almost all women showed their confidence

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and capability to take active part in supporting family needs through their income. 91

percent women have reported positive response to this.

5.4.2.3. Work for Economic Independence

Table No. 5.60

Work for Economic Independence

Women Should Aspire to No. of Respondent Percentage

Work for Economic

Independence

Strongly agree 23 23

Agree 62 62

Disagree 4 4

No idea/ no response 4 11

Total 100 100

Another result of women’s opinions regarding their aspiration and work for economic

independence has been given in the Table No. 5.60.

When women were asked whether women should aspire and work for economic

independence, 23 percent women have reported their strong agreeness on it. Another 62

percent women have reported their agree-ness on the same.

Merely, 4 women did not agree that women should aspire and work for economic

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independence .11 percent women have said that they did not have either any idea or answer.

It seems that, the majority of respondent women are in favor of economic independence

through aspiration and active work. This is a very important perceptive from women

respondents which indicates their thrust towards employment and economic independency.

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5.4.2.4. Economic Independence and Self Confidence

Table No.5.61

Economic Independence and Self Confidence

Economic Independence can No. of Respondent Percentage

Boost the Self Confidence of

Women

Strongly agree 33 33

Agree 57 57

Disagree 2 2

Strongly disagree 2 2

No idea/ no response 6 6

Total 100 100

Findings of women’s attitudes regarding the question whether economic independence can

boost the self confidence of women are given in the Table No. 5.61

Actually one of the ends of economic independence is giving confidence to women. This

confidence, later may lead to their own initiatives for women empowerment. Supporting

this, 33 percent women have reported that economic independence definitely boosts

their confidence so they strongly agree to this. Similarly, 57 percent women respondents

also agreed to same.

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2 percent women have reported that they do not agree while same percentage of women

reported that they strongly disagree to the question. 6 percent women did not give any

answer to this question.

Summarizing, 90 percent women have reported their positive opinions towards economic

independency which may be resulting in the boost of their confidence. It shows that their

attitudes are positive to get confidence by doing employment.

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5.4.2.5. Economic Independence and Betterment of Family

Table No.5.62

Economic Independence and Betterment of Family

Economic Independence of No. of Respondent Percentage

Women Contributes Only to

Economic Betterment of

Family

Strongly agree 5 5

Agree 17 17

Disagree 44 44

Strongly disagree 16 16

No idea/ no response 18 18

Total 100 100

Regarding, women’s attitudes and perceptions to employment, a discerning question was

asked to seek their deep insights. In this regard, women were asked whether economic

independence of women contributes only to economic betterment of the family. Asking

this question to them in the field was time consuming and women respondents took little

more time to record their opinions. Interestingly, 5 percent women have strongly agreed

while another 17 percent women have agreed that economic independence of women can

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only contribute to economic betterment of the family.

44 percent women have reported that economic independency can not only contribute to

betterment of the family, but also does more to increase socio- economic status of women.

Similar to this, 16 percent women have reported disagree-ness to the same question. 14

percent women did not give answers to this or said no they had not any idea.

Observing results in the table, we conclude that 60 percent women clearly noticed their

positive opinions and said that economic independency of a woman not only contributes to

family welfare, but it contributes to get higher status and empowerment of women.

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5.4.3. Healthcare: Attitudes, Opinions and Perceptions

Deprived condition of women has various phases. In all spheres of living they are

considered as a disempowered segment of our society. So necessary facilities for healthy

living can not reach to them or they have no capabilities to grab it to use it.

Women have to face various health problems from childhood until the end of the

reproductive age because of inequal accessibility in healthcare facilities. It seems that

social and traditional values have influence over availability of such facilities, mainly

health care facilities.

From the beginning of Warangal city, Telangana, any types of discriminations against

women have been blamed by various laws in Warangal city, Telangana jurisprudence. So,

in most spheres of life women have been awarded equal rights, especially in healthcare. In

Warangal city, Telangana society, women’s condition in accessibility of healthcare facility

is better than other South Asian countries. Government has introduced various healthcare

facilities and services to women.

In relation to the above discourse, women’s perceptions of own health have been studied

considering as a factor of women’s empowerment. An educated woman is in a better

position to know and have access to healthcare facilities. Having positive perception

towards women’s own health, access to healthcare services and capability to use such

services are part of women’s empowerment. According to this, women’s attitudes, opinions

and perceptions to healthcare have been studied in Table Nos. 5.63 to 5.67.

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5.4.3.1. Accessibility of Health-care Services

Table No.5.63

Attitudes, Opinions and Perceptions to Healthcare

Accessibility of Health-care No. of Respondent Percentage

Services to Women

Strongly agree 87 87

Agree 11 11

No idea/ no response 2 2

Total 100 100

Availability of sufficient healthcare services is needed for good health of people. Further,

this should be easily accessible to all without any discrimination.

In the Table No 5.64, opinions of respondent women have been given whether accessibility

to healthcare services to them is available or not. 87 percent women respondents have

reported that there should be equal accessibility to healthcare services to women, so they

strongly agree to this. Another 11 percent women have reported their agree-ness

to having accessibility to healthcare services. Only 2 women have not reported their

opinions.

Observing the table, we conclude that all women were positive about need of accessibility

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to healthcare service equal to men. None of the women disagree or strongly disagree to this

question. It shows that Warangal city, Telangana women are very aware about

accessibility to healthcare services since the availability of healthcare varies,

especially, for women there. Hence, the opinions regarding accessibility of equal

healthcare services to women are positive and indicators towards women’s empowerment

process.

5.4.3.2. Traditional Practice of Women Eating Last

Table No.5.64

Traditional Practice of Women Eating Last

Continuance of Traditional No. of Respondent Percentage

Practice of Women Eating

Last

Agree 3 3

Disagree 16 16

Strongly disagree 78 78

No idea/ no response 3 3

Total 100 100

Findings regarding women’s perceptions to healthcare in reference with traditional practice

of women’s eating last are given in Table No.5.64.

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Warangal city, Telangana culture does not support this tradition so only 3 percent women

have reported their agree-ness to this. In contrast, 16 percent women were disagreed to the

practice of women eating last. At the same time, 78 percent women strongly disagreed to

this traditional practice. 3 percent women respondents did not report their answer and said

tha they had not any idea about the question.

Observing the table, we conclude that neither Himachal Pradesh society nor Shimla

women have any support regarding this tradition.

5.4.3.3. Deciding Spacing Between and Number of children

The Table No. 5.65 depicts women’s opinions and attitudes regarding reproductive

health. Women were asked to give attitudes and opinions to the question whether women

must have freedom to decide spacing between children and number of children.

Table No.5.65

Freedom to Decide Spacing Between and Number of children

Freedom to Decide Spacing No. of Respondent Percentage

Between Children and

Number of children

Strongly agree 24 24

Agree 50 50

Disagree 13 13

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 Strongly disagree 3 3

No idea/ no response 11 11

Total 100 100

24 percent women strongly agreed that women must have rights to decide spacing

and number of children. Similar to this, 50 percent women have reported agree-ness to

same. 13 percent women respondents have reported that there is not any chance to

have rights whether women can decide spacing between children and number of children.

So, they disagreed to this. Another 3 percent women were strongly disagreeing to this. 11

percent respondent women did not have any idea on freedom to decide spacing between

children and number of children.

Observing the data, it seems that majority of women i.e. 74 percent have indicated toward

women’s rights in deciding space between children and how many children they want. This

right to women is directly related to their health so, building capability of women in this

concern will help them to achieve good health as well as women’s empowerment.

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5.4.3.4. Freedom to Choose Birth Control Methods

Table No.5.66

Freedom to Choose Birth Control Methods

Freedom to Choose Birth No. of Respondent Percentage

Control Methods

Strongly agree 44 44

Agree 23 23

Disagree 17 17

Strongly disagree 6 6

No idea/ no response 10 10

Total 100 100

In the Table No. 5.66, women’s opinions regarding freedom to choose birth control

methods have been given seeking response whether they strongly agree, agree, disagree,

strongly disagree or have no idea. 44 percent women respondents have reported choosing

birth control methods. Supporting to this, another 23 percent women respondents have

reported that they agree on that they have the freedom to choose birth control methods.

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17 percent women respondents have reported that they did not agree to this while 6 percent

women respondents recorded their opinions as strongly disagree to the point of having

freedom to choose birth control methods to women.

Observing the data, we conclude that 65 percent women have reported positive opinions

saying that they have freedom to choose birth control methods. It is an essential right of

women in reproductive health and an important part of empowerment of women.

5.4.3.5. Rights in Pregnancy

Table No.5.67

Right of Scanning and Termination of Pregnancy

Right of Scanning and No. of Respondent Percentage

Termination of Pregnancy

Strongly agree 8 8

Agree 42 42

Disagree 19 19

Strongly disagree 14 14

No idea/ no response 17 17

Total 100 100

Findings regarding women’s rights to scanning and termination of pregnancy have been

given in the Table No. 5.67.

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8 percent women have reported that they have had right to scanning and termination of

pregnancy, so they strongly agreed to this. Other 42 percent women respondents have

reported their agree-ness to this.

19 percent women respondents have reported that they disagree to the same question while

14 percent women respondents have reported that right of scanning and termination of

pregnancy is not available there or it should not be there.17 percent women respondents

did not give any answer to this question.

Observing the data, it seems that 50 percent women agreed that there should be enough

rights to women in scanning and termination of pregnancy.

5.4.4. Legal Measures: Attitudes, Opinions and Perceptions

The legal angle of the process of women’s empowerment is also important so it is studied

in this research. Rights and duties of all citizens of a country have been supported by the

constitution. It means legal rights in written form have highest significance consideration

at first level. Then the actual implementation and culture of respecting rights comes later.

So the legal side of women’s empowerment is coming first and its implementation later.

Women’s opinions and knowledge to legal measures of women’s empowerment with

composite opinions are important factors of women’s empowerment. Education about this

can help to achieve it. So, women’s opinions attitudes and perceptions to legal measures

have been given in the Table Nos. 5.68 to 5.72

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5.4.4.1. Legal Measures to Protect the Rights of Women

Table No.5.68

Legal Measures to Protect the Rights of Women

Existing Integrated Measures No. of Respondent Percentage

in the Legal Help to Protect

the Rights of Women

Strongly agree 40 40

Agree 54 54

Disagree 2 2

No idea/ no response 4 4

Total 100 100

Findings related to the opinions of women of existing integrated measures in the legal help

to protect the rights of women have been given in the Table No. 5.68.

40 percent women respondents have reported that they strongly agree of existing integrated

measures in the legal help to protect the rights of women. Other 54 percent women

respondents have reported their agree-ness to this question.

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Only 2 respondent disagreed to existing integrated measures in the legal help to protect the

rights of women. 4 percent women did not give any answer to this.

Observing the table, we conclude that almost all women answered about existing integrated

measures in the legal help to protect the rights of women and their knowledge regarding

this is an indicator of their empowerment process and having capability to be empowered.

5.4.4.2. Violence against Women and Punishment

Table No.5.69

Violence Against Women: Punishment is not Effectively Enforced

Punishment for Violence No. of Respondent Percentage

Against Women is not

Effectively Enforced

Strongly agree 16 16

Agree 47 47

Disagree 18 18

Strongly disagree 8 8

No idea/ no response 11 11

Total 100 100

Violence against women is a crucial issue in Warangal city, Telangana jurisprudence.

Though various incidences of violence can be seen in the society, various measures are

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taken to avoid the violence against women by government. But it will be interesting to

know the actual picture at de facto level. Hence, in the Table No.5.69 women were asked

about punishment for violence against women whether it is not effectively enforced,

seeking responses in term of strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree and no idea,

etc.

16 percent women respondents have reported that they strongly agree to the fact that

punishment for violence against women is not effectively enforced in society. Another,

47 percent women respondents have reported that they agreed to the same fact.

18 percent women believed that punishment for violence against women is effectively

enforced, so they reported their disagree-ness to the question. In the same view, 8

percent women were strongly disagreeing to the punishment. These women respondents

have given strong belief in punishment, which is being given to persons who are doing

violence against women.

Summarizing, it can be concluded that 63 percent women did not believe that punishment

for violence against women is effectively enforced.

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5.4.4.3. Lack of Education and Violence Against Women

Table No. 5.70.

Lack of Education and Violence Against Women

Lack of Education is No. of Respondent Percentage

responsible for Violence

Against Women

Strongly agree 48 48

Agree 36 36

Disagree 7 7

No idea/ no response 9 9

Total 100 100

In the Table No.5.70, women’s attitudes and opinions regarding the question whether lack

of education to women is responsible for violence against women or not are reported. 48

percent women have reported that it is quite possible that having lack of education among

women is responsible for violence against women, so they had strongly agreed to this.

Another 36 percent women have reported their agree-ness to this.

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5.4.4.4. Economic Dependency and Violence Against Women

Table No.5.71

Economic Dependency and Violence Against Women

Economic Dependency of No. of Respondent Percentage

Women Perpetuates Violence

Against Women

Strongly agree 1 1

Agree 6 6

Disagree 49 49

Strongly disagree 32 32

No idea/ no response 12 12

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.71 reveals the opinions of women whether economic dependency of women

perpetuates violence against women. 1 women respondent has given strongly agree-ness

to this while 6 percent women respondents have reported agree to this. It seems that about

7 percent women believe that having economic dependency is contributing to violence

against women. Simply they saw a relation between economic dependency and incidences

of violence against women. 49 percent women have reported that dependency of women

can perpetuate violence against women; there may be other invaluable reasons, so they

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were disagreed to this.

Other 32 percent women respondents have reported it; so they strongly disagree to the

question. 12 percent women have not given any response to this question.

It can be seen that more than 80 percent women are of the opinion that economic

dependency is responsible for violence against women. So, they believe that economic

dependency of women can perpetuate violence against women but very few women have

supported to this question.

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5.4.4.5. Programmes and Campaign to avoid Discriminations

Table No.5.72

Programmes and Campaign to avoid Discriminations

Undertaking Programmes and No. of Respondent Percentage

Campaign are Necessary to

Omit the Discriminatory

Strongly agree 46 46

Agree 41 41

Disagree 1 1

No idea/ no response 12 12

Total 100 100

Table No 5.72 depicts necessity to empower women in legal measures. Here, opinions of

women respondents have been given to seek the answer for the question whether

undertaking programmes and campaign are necessary to remove discrimination against

women. In response to this, 46 percent women respondents strongly agree while 41 percent

women agree in support of the point.

Only 1 respondent did not agree and reported negative response while 12 percent

respondent women did not give any idea over this question. The results from the data are

indicating toward initiatives and programmes needed to avoid discrimination against

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women. Hence, the roles of government and NGOS are crucial in this scenario.

The positive belief of 87 percent women is a waiting for justice from long time.

Government may introduce new programmes for protection of women’s rights while

NGOS can take initiatives to arrange campaigns to implement it. It seems that the positive

and active role of NGOS in regard with women’s empowerment process is awaited by

women.

5.4.5. Women’s Leadership

The process of women’s empowerment has various angles. These angles can roughly be

defined as social empowerment, economic empowerment and political empowerment of

women. These major types of women’s empowerment can more be ripped in other sub

types. But the main thing in our discourse is that, these types or angles of women’s

empowerment are interrelated with each other. The result of economic and social

empowerment of women can be converted in the political empowerment of women.

On the other hand, it can be seen that political empowerment of women may help to sustain

their socio-economic empowerment. Further, it will also help other non-empowered

women to be empowered. In relation to the above attitudes, opinions and perceptions

toward women’s leadership have been sought from the respondent women.

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5.4.5.1. Deprived from Opportunities of Leadership

Table No.5.73

Deprived from Opportunities of Leadership

Deprived from Opportunities No. of Respondent Percentage

of

Leadership

Strongly agree 26 26

Agree 36 36

Disagree 18 18

Strongly disagree 5 5

No idea/ no response 14 14

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.73 depicts the responses from women whether women are deprived of having

opportunities of leadership or not. 26 percent women respondents have reported their

opinions as strongly agree while other 36 percent women respondents have supported it

and gave their agree-ness to this.

18 percent women respondents disagree to the question that women are deprived of having

opportunities of leadership. 5 percent women have reported they strongly disagreed to the

same. 14 percent women respondents did not give any response.

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Concluding, it can be seen that 62 percent women respondents agreed to the fact that

women are deprived from getting opportunities of leadership. A few women only believe

that women are not deprived from having leadership.

5.4.5.2. Women Shirk from Leadership Roles

Findings related to perceptions of women over the fact whether women shirk from

assuming leadership roles are given in the Table No. 5.74. 2 percent women have said

that they strongly agree to this while another17 percent women agreed to the same.

Table No. 5.74

Women Shirk from Leadership Roles

Women Shirk from Assuming No. of Respondent Percentage

Leadership Roles

Strongly agree 2 2

Agree 17 17

Disagree 36 36

Strongly disagree 35 35

No idea/ no response 10 10

Total 100 100

36 percent women did not agree on the comment that women shirk from assuming

leadership roles, so their answer came as disagree to this. 35 percent women respondents

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have reported their strong opinions against fact that women can not shirk from assuming

leadership role.10 percent women respondents gave no response.

Observing the response, we see that 70 percent women have been pursuing very

positive perceptions towards women’s leadership roles. A few of them are not agreed to

this fact. Hence, they said that women shirk from assuming leadership roles.

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5.4.5.3. Social Constraints and Women's Role in Leadership

Table No. 5.75 depicts social constraints in women role to be played in leadership. When

opinions of respondent women’s were sought, 14 percent women have said they strongly

agree to the point that there are social constraints in women’s leadership, while another 30

percent women respondents have reported that they agreed to the theme that social

constraints exist which do not let women to be active in leadership area.

Table No.5.75

Social Constraints and Women's role in Leadership

Social Constraints in Women's No. of Respondent Percentage

role in Leadership

Strongly agree 14 14

Agree 30 30

Disagree 28 28

Strongly disagree 20 20

No idea/ no response 8 8

Total 100 100

28 percent women respondents have reported their disagree-ness. It means they do not

believe that social constraints which can be seen as the main hurdles in women’s leadership

role. Supporting this view, another 20 percent women reported opinions as strongly agree.

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8 percent women did not respond to the question.

Summarizing it can be said that women’s opinion on these issues is split equally, so, 44

percent women agreed that there are social constraints, which do not let women to perform

readership role. 48 percent women did support this and do not see social constraints as

hurdles in women’s leadership role.

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5.4.5.4. Sensitization for Women in Politics

Table No.5.76

Sensitization for Women in Politics

A need to sensitization for No. of Respondent Percentage

Women in Politics

Strongly agree 36 36

Agree 49 49

Disagree 4 4

Strongly disagree 1 1

No idea/ no response 10 10

Total 100 100

Table No. 5.76 reveals women’s opinions toward a need to sensitization for women in

politics. 36 percent women respondents have reported that there is strong need to sensitize

women for playing a role in politics. Supporting this view, 49 percent women have reported

that there is need for sensitization of women to be active in politics. 4 percent women

respondents have reported that there is no need to sensitize women to play a role in politics

while 4 percent women reported strong disagree-ness against sensitization of women to be

active in politics. 10 percent women did not give any answer to the question.

Results from this table are indicators of women’s thrust toward political empowerment.

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Most of the women, 85 percent agreed to the view that there is necessity to sensitize women

and others on women’s role in politics. It also shows that they are ready to accept a

challenge in politics and hopefully they will do better social work in favor of society than

current male political leaders.

5.4.5.5. Participation and Planning Policies

Table No.5.77 explains women’s opinions regarding their role in planning politics for

women’s empowerment. Unless women are in the planning body where policies and plans

regarding women’s welfare are being decided, they can not control plans of their welfare

or policies or it may not be introduced to them.

Table No.5.77

Participation and Planning Policies

Participation of Women is No. of Respondent Percentage

needed even at the Stage of

Planning Policies

Strongly agree 49 49

Agree 31 31

Disagree 2 2

No idea/ no response 18 18

Total 100 100

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In this regard, opinions of women are important to know their readiness to be active in the

planning body of government. 49 percent women respondents have reported that there is

strong need of participation of women at the first stage of planning policies. 31 percent

women have reported that there is need to answer women’s participation in the core body

where planning of policies of welfare of women are taking place. 2 percent women are not

in favor of participation of women at the stage of planning policies. 18 percent women

respondents did not give any answer to the question.

It can be concluded that 80 percent women have expressed strong need of women’s

participation in the core body where planning may increase effectiveness and

feasibility in women’s welfare policies. Further, women can know better about their

empowerment issues.

5.5 NGO IN WARANGAL CITY, TELANGANA

5.5.1. NGOs and Education and Empowerment of Women

These NGOs are engaged in various initiatives of women’s education and empowerment.

Since handicraft work is widely seen across Warangal city, Telangana province, NGOs

are working for empowerment of women by holding training class for training handcraft

and tailoring. Besides this conducting class and consulting for computer knowledge and

growing mushroom are part of NGOs work.

NGOs also work for increasing awareness among women about development and other

social issues: holding seminar and course for training about women’s education, family

health, HIV, drug addiction, awareness to women’s development programs and laws Meher

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etc., counseling couples before they get married, counseling on family issues, giving

awareness to women for family rights, training and trying to teach women methods for

solving social problems

Because of social and economic deprivation a few women are excluded from

mainstream education in Warangal city, Telangana. Recently, the Warangal city,

Telangana government is trying to establish schools for them. NGOs are already working

for these women. Initiatives in educating women are as: making women able to reading

and writing, increasing women knowledge about their education and its importance in life,

holding classes for preprimary, primary, secondary, higher secondary and holding classes

for improving ability of earning. In the interview, secretary of a reputed NGO told about

NGOs and women development that the main objective of NGOs initiatives in educating

and empowering women is to improve women’s abilities to participate in every sphere of

social life.

One NGO is doing coordination work for all NGOs which basically engaged in training for

volunteers of all NGOs, conducting seminars to teach them new methods of training etc.

5.5.2. Problems in Working

The weaknesses and deficiencies of voluntary organizations are not same for all type of

voluntary organizations. They differ from organization to organization to organization,

region to region. However, some common problems can be enlisted and discussed which

are applicable in general to almost all the voluntary organizations.

It is obvious from the data collection on NGOs that NGOs are facing various problems in

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their working areas. When asked whether NGOs get cooperation from parents or family

members of candidates, except one NGO most of them did not receive very positive

response from families. To overcome this problem they bring reputed persons from that

area and make sensitization to the candidate’s family.

NGOs reported that some candidates left the classes without completing the courses. We

do not have enough monitory encouragement to candidates and we do not have new

methods and tools to make teaching enjoyable so some candidates felt the course tedious

and left the classes. Besides this, some family problems of candidates make them feel

hopeless of their life so they loose interest in education.

It is believed that the personnel working in voluntary organization may be of different kind.

The main requirements of the personnel working in such organizations are a sense of

dedication and commitment and interest in the social services. Voluntary organizations

earlier were assumed to be served by unpaid social workers imbued with the spirit of

service and did not require any special education or training. But now days NGOs also

need finance to pursue their tasks of development. With the changes of working areas the

financial needs are increased over a period of time. Most of the voluntary organizations

suffer from paucity of funds. Government does not give cent percent grants in aid for

numerous programmes. Voluntary agencies have to make matching contributions which

they are sometimes unable to manage and are, therefore, unable to avail themselves

of the grants. And most of the funds allocated to the various schemes are not revised for a

many years which is rather most necessary to match the un abating rise in prices due to

uncontrollable inflation, further complicates their financial position, making them

incapable of rendering services of quality. Voluntary organizations need to raise funds

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through various means and resources. The concept of charity is not so strong in the minds

and hears of the people as it was in the ancient society. In relation to this discourse, all

NGOs reported insufficient finance and bureaucratic hurdles are there so they do not extend

their work area or can not provide enough financial support to core staff let alone financial

support to candidates. NGOs are also facing problems like insufficient staff and tools and

opposition by old and traditional people while educating and empowering women

5.5.3. Future Prospect

In the questionnaire NGOs were asked to give their valuable suggestions

regarding empowerment and education of women and various hurdles faced by them in

working. An NGO reported that they bring women and government officials together in a

meeting where women express their opinions about education and empowerment. This

interaction between government officials and women helps to find solutions. NGOs are

eager to find reputed volunteers and financial support from rich donors to extend their

work.

Summarizing, NGOs are playing a crucial role for women’s development. However, this

trend is recently taking place in Warangal city, Telangana society. Opposition from

traditional persons, insufficient finance and staff, non supportive background of candidates

and traditional mind set of the society are the problems faced by various NGOs in Warangal

city, Telangana province. Despite of various hurdles in the way of NGOs, they continue

in educating and empowering women in Warangal city, Telangana province. We conclude

by a quote from a reputed NGO person, “Resisting is the motto of our society. Do not go

back”.

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 CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSIONS & SUGGESTIONS

CONCLUSIONS

Socio-economic background of respondents and their households shows that the main
employment sources are labour work followed by government services and small
business of handicraft or small scale industry. 24 percent of household heads reported
that their occupation is government servant while 15 percent have reported their occupation
as small businesses. 26 percent of the family heads are doing labour work while 10 percent
are involved in small services. Government services, pension and small businesses are the
main sources to the households. Having good income in the families, the process of
women’s empowerment and educational status of women has not reached at desired
standard. Observing data, it is clear that very less women are in the workforce. Of them 10
percent households were headed by women.

As far as women’s education status and women’s empowerment is concerned, the high
score of having consumer goods may have positive effect on their educational and
empowerment status giving them more free time and a little release from traditional works.

This free time is mostly used in doing handicraft work by 44 percent women, while
28 percent women spend it in watching television.

9 percent read news paper. Only 4 percent women reported that they look after children.
Most of them live in nuclear family, and are of middle age and young. 46 percent are
unmarried and same percent are married.

Remaining are widows and separated. Though none of the women reported illiteracy,
women’s education standard is lower than national level. Whereas 18 percent women
respondents have completed their primary education, 26 percent respondents have
completed their secondary level of education.

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12 percent respondents have completed higher secondary level. The percent of women
who completed graduation is 31 percent of total women.13 percent women respondents
have completed post graduation. Unemployed, education and house work categories of
occupation constitute

75percent of total respondent. In this situation women’s empowerment especially women’s

economic empowerment may not be perceived among women. Hence this is the right time
for the beginning of the process of women empowerment among Warangal city, Telangana
women, where NGOs have a very crucial role to play.

Various variables of women’s empowerment used in this research show Warangal city,
Telangana women are empowered at average level compared to western women. Warangal
city, Telangana society is also not free from violence against women like other countries.
Warangal city, Telangana society is an elite Islamic society having ancient a cultural setup
where essential rights, specified in Islam, were offered to them. On the other hand, high
respect has been given to women. Nonetheless, incidences of violence against women
have been seen in Warangal city, Telangana society. The matter of degree of such
violence may vary by countries according to economic condition and culture. But the social
phenomena of violence against women are obvious. It is observed that access to money
and information for women is limited and most of the women have partial access to money.
0nly 2 percent have reported full acees to information while 26 percent do not have access
to information, remaining have partial access to information. For empowerment of women
access to and control over money to spend it according to their “will” is necessary, but 20
percent women do not have access to money.

68 percent women have reported not having economic independency. 28 percent

women have partially economic independency while only 4 percent women have reported
having full economic independency. We conclude that majority of women have received
benefits of various schemes of government through NGOs. Educational training,
education of girl children and women entrepreneurship are those schemes, which have
direct impact on women’s empowerment and women education. NGOs have an important
role to play to implement the schemes and promoting women’s participations

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Summarizing, it can be concluded that about 50 percent women respondents have not been
aware about theirs rights in inheritance, property, maintenance, widow remarriage, of laws
against prostitution. They have high awareness (69 percent women) about the traditional
age of marriage, which is, described between 14 and above.

71 percent women have partial awareness about all those things while only 24 percent
women have full awareness about reproductive rights, nutrition, women healthcare etc.
it is remarkable that most of women have good social awareness regarding deprivation
of women. In this research, women were asked to respond about their social awareness
especially violence against women. 62 percent women have reported that they have
awareness of incidences that occur in society like rape. 74 percent women have been
aware about female foeticide.72 percent women know about eve teasing in society. 74
percent women have reported of having awareness about wife beating incidences while 78
percent women have also reported about sexual abuses to women in society.

Having awareness is an essential prerequisite before active participation in the process of

women’s empowerment. Without active participation in various spheres of life the
empowered status of women may not be achieved. Observations from index of awareness
show that low awareness score i.e. less than 8 has been reported by 22 women
respondent. The moderate points score is between 9 to 16 points, which has been reported
by majority of women. 43.6 percent women have scored awareness points in this category.
The highest score which is calculated between 17 to 24 points. 10 percent women have
scoring more than 20 points in the awareness index.

Implementation of decision making rights is important for women’s empowerment. 10

percent women have reported that they themselves were taking decisions in the family,
which is a symbol of empowerment of women of high quality. Observing the decision
making power of women who are employed, we conclude that 50 percent women
respondents are able to take decision by themselves while remaining 50 percent women are
dependent on either husband or parents for decision. Almost all women agreed that after
earning, respect to women is increased and it helps to improve status of women in the
family. Earning is a driving force to get higher status in the family. Various results at

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international and national level have proved the same.

Decision-making power of women is fundamental in the process of empowerment and

education as well. Women’s decision making power gives control over resources. Then
the resources will be used for the benefit of women. The basic is that women must have
influence over various decisions. Observing the table it can be seen that only 3 percent
women have scored less than 10 points which is lower score group for decision making. In
other words we can say that 3 percent women respondent have reported poor decision-
making power.

The moderate score group, between 11-20 points, has been reported by majority of women
respondent. 61 percent women have reported decision-making score between 11.to 20 i.e.
moderate score.

The high score group, more than 20 points, is calculated for 36 percent women respondents.
The higher is score the higher is the power of decision making so the higher is the women’s
empowerment status. As the various studies have proved the process of women’s
empowerment influences women’s decision making power.

Most of the women have followed the traditional role of women, which is to be a good
wife and mother. It indicates negatively towards the process of women’s empowerment.
Even in Warangal city, Telangana society, the right of earning is given to women, but lack
of knowledge and sensitization of women’s earning rights forced women to be limited in
their role as well as thinking, it can be seen that there is control over mobility of women in
Shimla society from male and senior members of the family.1/5 women have self control
over their physical mobilization.

Majority of responded women have self confidence about their work, attitude and their
personality. It means they have control over their self image and their doings. 62 percent
women respondents have reported that they are partially free from old customs, beliefs and
practices. In this study, information was collected on a number of decision making
variables like education of children, crafting and other skills, getting employment, her own
marriage, family planning, having number of children, marriage of children, in cooking,

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buying home appliances (clothes, jewelry and TV e t c.) and buying assets. These
variables were considered to seek what types of decisions women do take.

In the third section of the data analysis chapter and first point of the attitudes section is
related to women’s education. All 100 percent women expressed interest in education and
learning, and this attitude is a base for all attempts towards women’s education. Every one
is wishing to learn. If there are a few illiterate women in society we can say that they are
forcefully kept illiterate. Thus, for illiteracy of women or non-education of women,
responsible causes may be from outside, for example, male domination and lack of
efficient attempts from government and NGOs etc. 60 percent women have said that
they were encouraged to be educated. 28 percent women were self encouraged to be
educated. When women were asked whether they wish to go to other places for getting
education, 56 percent women said yes. 19 percent women did not wish to go to other places
for education.17 percent women have reserved their response which might be because of
non deciding situation of mind or hesitation. 57 percent women have reported that they
wish to continue their education. Remaining 44 percent women have given a few causes
for why they do not wish to continue their education.

When women respondents were asked whether they received any kinds of help while
learning, 46. percent women respondents have reported getting help from institutes for
learning. 42 percent women have reported that they did not receive any help from
institutions except teaching and training. 14 percent women have reported no response to
the question.

Respondents showed very strong determination to the education development of women.

They are in opinion that there should be equality in education of both girls and boys.
Similarly, when women were asked that educating a girl should not be encouraged because
a girl has to marry and move to another house, only 1 woman was agree to this. None of
the women strongly agreed.

66 percent women strongly agreed to it that an educated housewife will be an asset to the
family. Supporting, another 27 percent women have reported agree-ness on same.

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Most of women believe that after good education male domination may not be continued.
41 percent women have reported that they disagree while another 23 percent women
respondents have reported strongly disagree- ness to this question. Shimla women are very
positive towards their education which can help them to become self confident and
to improve self image. It is a positive indication towards education and empowerment of
women in Shimla.

It is observed that Himachal Pradesh women are having very positive attitudes and
perception to other factors of women’s empowerment like employment , access to
healthcare facilities, legal protection to women and political participation for decision
making. Having positive attitudes, opinions, perceptions toward empowerment of women
have been considered as initials to the process. The reality of the women’s empowerment
process can only be measured when women have positive opinions toward it. Otherwise,
we can’t get inferences from analyzing other factors of empowerment. Thus, it is crucial
to look at the wishes of women of various factors of women’s empowerment.

To have freedom of work according to their capability and will is an essential factor in the
process of the entire empowerment of women. Women from half of any labour force. This
women labor force is underutilized in developing countries. For example, handicraft, small
scale industries small services, agricultural labor etc. are the areas where women usually
work. Observing the data, it can be concluded that almost all women showed their
confidence and capability to take active part in supporting family needs through their
income. 91 percent women have reported positive response to this. It seems that, the
majority of respondent women are in favor of economic independence through aspiration
and active work. This very important perceptive from women respondents indicates their
thrust towards employment and economic independency. 90 percent women have reported
their positive opinions towards economic independency may be resulting in the boost of
their confidence. It shows that their attitudes are positive to get confidence by doing
employment.

Deprived condition of women has various phases. In all spheres of living they are
considered as a disempowered segment of our society. So necessary facilities for healthy

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living can not reach to them or they have no capabilities to grab it to use it. Women have
to face various health problems from childhood until the end of the reproductive age
because of unequal accessibility in healthcare facilities. It seems that social and
traditional values have influence over availability of such facilities, mainly health care
facilities. All women were positive about need of accessibility to healthcare service equal
to men. None of the women disagree or strongly disagree to this question. It shows that
Himachal Pradesh women are very aware about accessibility to healthcare services since
the availability of healthcare varies, especially, for women is there. Hence, the opinions
regarding accessibility of equal healthcare services to women are positive and indicators
towards women’s empowerment process.

The legal angle of the process of women’s empowerment is also important so it is studied
in this research. Rights and duties of all citizens of a country have been supported by the
constitution. It means legal rights in written form have highest significance consideration
at first level. Then the actual implementation and culture of respecting rights comes later.
So the legal side of women’s empowerment is coming first and its implementation later.
Women’s opinions and knowledge to legal measures of women’s empowerment with
composite opinions are important factors of women’s empowerment. Education about this
can help to achieve it. The process of women’s empowerment has various angles. These
angles can roughly be defined as social empowerment, economic empowerment and
political empowerment of women. These major types of women’s empowerment can be
ripped in other sub types. But the main thing in our discourse is that, these types or angles
of women’s empowerment are interrelated with each other. The result of economic and
social empowerment of women can be converted in the political empowerment of women.

Concluding, it can be seen that 62 percent women respondents agreed to the fact that
women are deprived from getting opportunities of leadership. A few women only believe
that women are not deprived from having leadership.

Results show women’s thrust toward political empowerment. Most of the women, 85.5
percent agreed to the view that there is necessity to sensitize women and others on
women’s role in politics. It also shows that they are ready to accept a challenge in politics

151 | P a g e
and hopefully they will do better social work in favor of society than current male political
leaders. It can be concluded that 80 percent women have expressed strong need of women’s
participation in the core body where planning may increase effectiveness and feasibility in
women’s welfare policies. Further, women can know better about their empowerment
issues.

SUGGESTIONS

Considering results from the data, suggestions regarding advancement in education,

empowerment of Himachal Pradesh women and improvement in the role of NGOs in
Himachal Pradesh province as follow:

1. Since socio-economic weak condition of family is reported, we should initiate

educational programmes for girl children from those households, by involving them in
these programmes it can be able to reduce children in labor and early marriage.

2. We should increase the number of government girl’s schools for the easy accessibility
of basic education to girls.

3. NGOs are not giving financial encouragement to girls. To minimize the drop-outs
among girls, the government scholarships and other educational schemes must be
launched and implemented effectively through.

4. Mere school education to women can not guarantee empowerment.

The economic empowerment of women is crucial. Therefore, women must be facilitated

to gain higher education, especially technical education, to obtain economic benefits from
modern occupations.

5. Sensitization of mass media along with families is necessary to create awareness about
the importance of women education and empowerment among parents.

6. It is found that most of the women are assisting in household business of handicraft.
Skill improvement programs, information of new techniques of production and marketing
should be provided to women of Himachal Pradesh province.

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7. By bringing change in the attitude of men-folk; women’s economic participation can
be increased. In order to change the mindset of men, the awareness progrsmmes like adult
education, mass media education and higher remunerative jobs to women should be given
importance.

8. There is a lot to learn from Indian experiences of women development and NGO work.
To build-up organizational capacity among women, we should encourage formation of
groups/professional organizations like SHGs, credit societies, employee’s associations, etc.

9. Most of the women are wishing to keep continuing their education further. Those who
said no have given various valid hurdles to it. These hurdles can be removed by initiatives
taken of government and NGOs. Role of NGOs in encouraging, sensitizing and providing
help to them becomes important to women’s education.

10. NGOs stated that sometimes classes are taken in houses, so, government should
provide place for classes run by NGOs.

11. It is found that the voluntary agencies have not put in the required effort to recruit
enough staff because of financial constraint. Increase in government financial assistance to
NGOs will solve this problem. Further, it will strengthen the NGOs initiative of educating
and empowering women.

12. The voluntary agencies have a number of problems such as financial, co-ordination,
supervision, lack of infrastructure, in-adequate staff etc. It is to be suggested that a co-
ordination council of voluntary agencies at the level may be formed involving the schools
of social work, officers of the concerned government departments and the experts from the
field of voluntary work through which a constant effort will be ensured in strengthening
the voluntary agencies.

13. Practice of professional and scientific social work is found absent in the voluntary
organizations in Himachal Pradesh. The efforts in this regard, may be made by establishing
the schools of social work and by way of organizing orientation programmes, refresher
courses, workshops, seminars to NGOs etc.

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14. To promote the scientific and professional social work, establishment of more social
work colleges in Himachal Pradesh to give professional social work education is needed.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

❖ Talwar. Sabanna, (2007), ‘Women Education, Employment And Gender

discrimination, Serials Publications, New Delhi,(India).

❖ Bhandari, S. K., (1998), “Education Development of Women in India’, Ministry of

Education and Culture Government of India Pub, New Delhi.

❖ M., Manvel (1998), “Women and Development” Karnavati Publication,

Ahamadabad.

❖ Frank, Elbers, (2000), “Human Rights Education Recourse book”, HREA Pub.,
Cambridge.

❖ UNGEL’s (2000), “Scaling up Good Practices in Girl’s Education” UNESCO,

UNS Publish.

❖ Shireen, Jeyeebhoy (2001) “Women’s Education Autonomy and Reproductive

Behaviour: Experience from Developing Countries”. From Internet.

❖ Lawani, B.T., (1999), “Non –Government Organizations in Development” Rawat

Publication, Jaipur.

❖ S.N. Pawar, J.B., Abekar, D. Shrikant (2004) “NGOs and Development: The Indian
Scenario” Rawat Publications – New Delhi

❖ Mukhopadhyay, L, (2004), “Role of Voluntary organizations in Women’s

Development with special Reference to Tribual Areas”, Rawat Publications

❖ Champa, Limaya, (1999), ‘Women Power and Progress’, B-Publishing

Corporation, New Delhi.

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 QUESTIONNAIRE

Attitudes , opinoins and perseptions

(We would like to ask you a few questions about education , emloyment , decision making
and health etc. in concern with women You have to give response as below …)

Stronly agree =1 Agree =2 Disagree =3

Stronly disagree =4 No Idea/No response =5

A Education

1 Accessibility of equal educational opportunities for boys and girls .

2 Educating a girl is not encourged because she will marry and move to another
household.

3 Educated housewife will be an asset to the family.

4 Male domination will be continoued inspite of educational attainments of women.

5 Self-image and Self-confedance of women is possible with good education.

B Employment

6 Employment of women outside home is an additional burden for them.

7 Income of women can sustain family needs.

8 Women should aspire and work for economic independence

9 Economic independence can boost the self confedenace of women.

10 Economic independence of women contributes only to economic betterment of family.

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C Health

11 Accesibility of health care services to women.

12 Continuance of traditional practice of women eating last .

13 Women should have freedom to decide own spacing between children and number of
children.

14 Women should have freddom to choose birth control methods.

15 women must have the right of scaning and termination of pregnancy.

D Legal

16 Existing integrated measures in the legal system help to protect the rights of women.

17 punishment for violance against women is not effectively inforced .

18 lack of education is responsible for violance against women.

19 Economic dependancy of women perpetuates violance against women.

20 Undertaking progremmes and campaign are necessary to eliminate the discriminatory

practices and violance against women.

E Leadership

21 Women are deprived from opportunities of leadership.

22 Women shirk from assuming leadership roles.

23 Women do not take leadership roles because of social contraints.

24 There is a need to sensatise women in politics.

25 Participation of women is needed even at the stage of planning process and policies.

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