Assessment of Self-esteem and Perception towards Gender Role and Responsibility among women residing in Tribal area in Raigad District

Abstract

Introduction: Empowerment of Women is about helping them to stand on their own feet, help them take decisions in their life without any restriction. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are two sides of the same coin. Hence the aim of this study was to assess the self-esteem and perception towards Gender Role and Responsibility among women residing in tribal area in Raigad district, Maharashtra. Methodology: The study adopted survey method design to collect data from 81 participants. Total enumeration method was used. Likert scale had been used to collect data. Data was analysed by using measurements of univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics. Result: The result revealed that majority (65%) of women belong to the age group of 19-28years, early married life. Self-esteem score among illiterate women was better than the literate. 82.7% women were having good self-esteem. Age group and personal income had a significant association with self-esteem. Majority (69.1%) of participants found with satisfactory score of perception towards gender role and responsibility. There was significant association between self-esteem and gender role and responsibility among women. Discussion: Age and personal income had a significant association with self-esteem among women residing in Dodhani tribal area in Raigad district. Higher the education level achieved women more likely to have good perception towards gender role and responsibility. Also, women who had female children were more likely to have better perception towards gender role and responsibility score than those who do not or with only male child. There was significant association between self-esteem and gender role and responsibility among women. The study forecast with age arise maturity and financial independence which leads to self-esteem and perception towards gender role and responsibility can be improved. They need to be empowered with motivational speech and help to develop self-esteem. Long term multi-strategy action-oriented studies are recommended for improvement in perception of gender role and responsibility among men and women in different settings.