Status of Women in Manipur: A Comparative look

Abstract

The present study is intended and undertaken in Manipur, a North-Eastern state of India. The study is based on secondary data collected from Census reports. As per the Census 2011, North-Eastern States having 45.59 million population, shares about 3.77% of National figure. The region continued to share about 3.80% of country's total female population (585.65 million) too. Decadal growth rate (SGR) of female population is slightly above (2.2% during 1991–2001 and 1.79% during 2001–2011) that of male (2.12% during 1991–2001 and 1.72% during 2001–2011) in India. Similarly growth of female population is outpassing the growth of male population in the Manipur with a clear cut margin (2.56 against 2.34% in 1991–2001 phase, 1.95 against 1.81 during 2001–2011 phase). The state shares about 5.97% of total population and 6.06% of female population of North-East. Share of female worker to the total worker is around 39% in Manipur but in National figure is sometimes less and around 25% over the decades. The percentage of female cultivator (37.9), household industry worker (14.1) and other worker (34.5) in the state are high compare to the national figure. The female literacy rate in the state is increasing with 39.6% (Census,1991) to 73.2% (Census,2011). Manipuri women's role in the socio-economic and cultural life is significant. They also do all the buying and selling of goods in the market. Women dominate the markets in the rural and urban areas. They are greatly involved in the agricultural and allied activities. There is also rise in the number of women entrepreneurs and women self-help groups. The numbers of working women in different sectors are increasing. Therefore women has to be given due honour for their service (to the Nation, to the family). Land records should be in the name of the women for giving due access to the farm family resources. Women have to be protected against rather discriminating treatment from their male. For the development of any society the status of women is a key factor determining progress.