Tribal Women Research Articles

Contribution of Tribal Women Farmers to the Agricultural Sector: A Study of Kandhamal District

This research offers a comprehensive socio-economic assessment of tribal women’s participation in agriculture across the Kandhamal District of Odisha. Employing a mixed-methods approach, it combines structured surveys (n=472), interviews, and focus group discussions to investigate how demographic characteristics, spatial dynamics, and institutional access influence women’s income, labor contributions, and livelihood resilience. Initial data analysis uses descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations to evaluate income patterns based on marital status, age, family size, education level, landholding type, and distance to market. Women residing within 2-3 km of markets report significantly higher incomes, underscoring the importance of geographic accessibility in rural livelihoods. Income disparities are further examined across blocks and farming types. Further, the study analyzes labor input (man-days), income per acre, and income per man-hour across crop types. Pulses and oil-seeds yield the highest returns, while paddy and turmeric are labor-intensive with lower productivity, indicating the need for crop diversification and labor-saving innovations. Keywords: Tribal Women, Farmers, Agricultural Participation, SDG

Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Women's Empowerment: A Case Study on the Tribal Women in Harichandanpur Block, Odisha

Entrepreneurship plays an important role for women's empowerment through improving finance, decisional authority, and social mobility. This study was based on finding out the effectiveness of entrepreneurship with respect to women's empowerment particularly among tribal females of Harichandanpur Block in Odisha. Through conducting a qualitative thematic analysis approach the research assesses the influence that institutional support self-efficacy, and socioeconomic factors have toward the entrepreneurial intents and success by tribal women. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with tribal women who were involved in micro and small enterprises. The results indicate that entrepreneurship offers economic stability and a sense of self-reliance, but the problems are that they have limited access to financial resources, inadequate market linkages, and socio-cultural constraints. The study further calls for the necessity of focused policy interventions, skill development programs, and improvement in access to institutional support towards improving the tribal women's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Such insights contribute toward deepening an understanding of entrepreneurship as a driver for sustainable empowerment of marginalized communities. Keywords: Women's Empowerment, tribal women, entrepreneurship, institutional support, self-efficacy, Odisha

Perspectives of women and community workers regarding maternal and newborn care among tribal areas of Maharashtra, India: a qualitative study

Background: Tribal populations are vulnerable; have lower health and social indicators as compared to the general population. The objectives of this paper were to know the awareness and perceptions about maternal and newborn care, treatment-seeking behaviour, constraints faced by reproductive age group women while accessing services and by the auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and accredited social health activists (ASHAs), while providing the services. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in two blocks of Palghar district (Dahanu and Jawhar) in Maharashtra, India from February 2021 to September 2021.Twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among three groups: Reproductive age group women (18-45 years), ASHAs and ANMs in the study area. A textual and contextual analysis was done manually with the help of the prepared FGD guide. Results: Majority of the women were aware of early registration and danger signs of pregnancy. They had certain misconceptions about diet in the postnatal period and consumption of iron and folic acid tablets. Prelacteal feeding was not practiced; exclusive breastfeeding and weaning practices were reported to be satisfactory. All three delays were reported by the women and the health care workers. Conclusions: Misconceptions related to MCH care and nutrition among tribal women can be addressed through health education messages. Infrastructure, facilities, manpower, and transport facilities need to be strengthened in tribal areas, especially below the subdistrict level. The study findings indicate the need to address three delays by the health authorities in the study areas to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

A Brief Review of Fluoride Exposure and Its Adverse Health Effects Among Tribal Children in India

Fluoride is naturally or anthropogenically present in varying amounts in water, soil, air, crops, and food. For humans, the recommended amount of fluoride in drinking water is 1.0 mg/L or 1.5 mg/L. When people are exposed to fluoride over a long period of time through fluoridated water or a fluoride contaminated source, it causes a variety of adverse health effects or fluorosis. Fluoride exposure not only causes deformed teeth and bones but also adversely affects the mental health of children during development, such as reduced learning and memory, reduced intelligence or low intelligence quotient (IQ), mental retardation, dementia, etc. The prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has also increased in children suffering from fluoride poisoning or fluorosis. In India, osteo-dental fluorosis is widely prevalent especially in tribal areas. Thousands of tribal men and women and their children suffer from fluorosis due to consumption of fluoridated water. Tribal children (<18 years) are more susceptible to fluorosis than their younger counterparts. Hence, tribal children are more severely affected by dental and skeletal fluorosis. In tribal villages of Rajasthan where fluoride levels in drinking water range between 1.5 to 6.0 ppm, >75% tribal children suffer from dental fluorosis and >17% from skeletal fluorosis. In villages where the fluoride level in water was found to be 5.0 ppm, 100% of the tribal children were found to be suffering from dental fluorosis. Limb deformities like genu-valgum and genu-varum were common among these children. In the country, tribal children of certain industrial areas are also found to suffer with chronic fluoride poisoning due to exposure to industrial fluoride emission or pollution. Fluorosis also causes anaemia, which can be more severe in tribal children suffering from sickle-cell anaemia and β-thalassemia, leading to premature death of children. This may also be a serious health problem in the country which needs more research. This communication briefly reviews the sources of exposure to fluoride, various toxic health effects of fluoride and prevention of fluorosis among tribal children in the country. It also highlights research avenues for further research studies. Through this review, the attention of the concerned departments has been drawn towards the problem of fluorosis among tribal children.

UNVEILING THE INTERSECTION OF FINANCIAL SOCIALISATION AND ECONOMIC EQUITY AMONG TRIBAL WOMEN: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

The present study performs a bibliometric analysis to investigate the connection between financial socialisation and economic equity among tribal women. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the existing literature on this subject, offering an in-depth examination of the trends, research gaps, key authors, and critical concepts in this field. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview that can inform and guide future research and support policymakers in prioritizing areas for further investigation to improve economic equity for tribal women.The analysis utilizes the Web of Science (WoS) database, ensuring the reliability of the data by including 777 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2024. To uncover meaningful patterns and insights, advanced analytical tools such as Bibliometrix (R package) Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer were employed. These tools helped identify key publication trends, leading sources, and key clusters related to financial socialisation and economic equity in the context of tribal women.This study provides valuable insights into an underrepresented area, shedding light on the complex intersection of financial behaviours and social inequalities. It outlines critical directions for future research, aiming to bridge the existing gaps and enhance the understanding of financial socialisation as a driver for economic equity among marginalised tribal communities.

Restricting indoor pollution with Organic Wool - "Futuristic Sustainable Interiors"

Background: Home textiles today are a significant source of indoor air pollution. Chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), commonly emitted from synthetic materials and finishes, contribute to poor air quality and pose health risks. Purpose: This paper highlights the hazards associated with synthetic fabrics and finishing processes in the home textile sector. It also seeks to propose sustainable alternatives that are both eco-friendly and culturally rooted. Methods: The study explores the traditional use of indigenous organic wool by the Gaddi tribe, a semi-nomadic community from the Himalayan region. Through design experimentation involving natural dyes and modern weaves, the potential of this wool in the commercial home textile market is examined. Results: The organic wool produced by the Gaddi community, using traditional spinning methods like the charkha and drop spindle, offers a viable alternative to synthetic textiles. The natural wool colors—black, ecru, and blended grey—are both aesthetic and sustainable. The use of this wool not only promotes better air quality but also supports rural livelihoods. Conclusions: Gaddi wool-based home textiles present a promising solution to reduce indoor pollution while generating employment for tribal women. Reviving these indigenous practices aligns with sustainable development goals and enriches the rural economy. Keywords: Indoor pollution, home textiles, Gaddi sheep wool, natural dyes

Determinants of cervical cancer screening acceptance among women in urban and tribal communities of Maharashtra, India: a cross-sectional study.

Although screening, treatment and HPV vaccination can prevent cervical cancer, 17.7% new Indian cases were still recorded in 2022. Illiteracy, undesirable attitudes, and ineffective screening services undermine the effectiveness of cervical cancer screening. We evaluated the knowledge (K), attitude (A) and practices (P) towards cervical cancer and their influence on screening acceptance among urban and tribal women of Maharashtra, India. A cross- sectional study was conducted among 500 urban and 500 tribal women, recruited to equally represent both populations. KAP data on cervical cancer was collected using a structured questionnaire. Participants received free cervical cancer screening. KAP scores were calculated, and their associations with sociodemographic factors and cervical cancer screening were assessed using logistic regression. Total 939 participants were enrolled. Considering both populations, total 530 (56%) participants were unaware about cervical cancer, 296 (72%) about its symptoms and 250 (61%) of risk factors. Common misconceptions were that only women with symptoms of cervical cancer (166, 18%), or a family history of cervical cancer (385, 41%) needed screening. Fear of pain, bad result and embarrassment were major perceived barriers. While 65 (6.85%) participants had previously undergone screening, 756 (81%) desired screening and 670 (71.40%) underwent screening. Although women had limited cervical cancer knowledge, their attitude for screening is favorable. Generating awareness and implementing socioculturally acceptable strategies is crucial for amplifying cervical cancer screening among vulnerable women.

Utilization rate and associated factors of ANC care services among Santhal tribe women of Jharkhand, India—A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Santhal tribe is one of the largest tribal groups in India. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of sufficient data regarding their use of prenatal care services. Therefore, this study aims to assess the knowledge, and utilization rate of ANC services and determine the factors associated with the ANC utilization among the Santhal women. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study using a mixed method approach was conducted in Gomia block, Bokaro district, Jharkhand, India. Women aged 18-49 years, who had experienced childbirth, and were residents of selected villages were considered eligible. The Categorical data were presented in frequency and percentage. The association of categorical data was summarized in the Chi-square test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the direction of the relationship between the variables. FGDs were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Results: A total of 269 tribal women were surveyed. Iron and folic acid tablets were the most utilized and known service, received by 86.2% of women. In total, 61.2% registered their pregnancy during the first trimester and 78.4% received the required tetanus toxoid (TT) injection. Only 6.7% knew the ideal timing for ANC registration and 5.2% knew about the need for two doses of TT injection. ANC knowledge among women and the husband’s education was found as significant determinant of ANC utilization. Lack of accessibility, affordability, trust, and availability of services appeared as significant barriers to ANC utilization. Conclusion: The uptake of antenatal services among women of the Santhal tribe is comparable to both state and national averages. However, there is a noticeable gap in knowledge concerning key components of antenatal care. Addressing these gaps through targeted interventions is crucial.

Empowerment through Education: An Analysis of Tribal Welfare Policies for Women in Jammu & Kashmir

This research examines the empowerment of tribal women in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates the socio-economic, educational, and political impacts of government-led initiatives such as the Umeed Scheme and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The findings highlight significant progress in financial independence and community participation. However, challenges remain in political empowerment and education access. The study recommends targeted interventions to address these gaps.

Navigating Marginalization: A field study on the livelihood struggles of Tribal women in Kerala

This paper examines the lived realities of tribal women in Wayanad, Kerala, against the backdrop of systemic socio-economic exclusion. Despite progressive legislation and welfare schemes intended to uplift tribal communities, the implementation often falls short at the grassroots level. Through field-based qualitative research involving 150 tribal women, this study captures the intersectional challenges faced by communities such as the Paniyas, Adiyans, and Kurichyas. It highlights critical issues such as land dispossession, declining forest access, inadequate healthcare, poor financial inclusion, and persistent gender-based vulnerabilities. Importantly, the study foregrounds women’s agency and their role in sustaining families through forest-based livelihoods, despite institutional apathy. The analysis of existing government schemes like MGNREGS and AMSY reveals significant gaps in awareness, accessibility, and impact. However, the research also presents hopeful examples of community-led resilience through self-help groups and informal cooperative networks. The paper aims to provoke a discussion around rights-based, gender-sensitive, and participatory policy reforms that can ensure more equitable development outcomes for marginalized indigenous populations.

An Investigation of Nutritional Deficiency Among Tribal Women in Bundelkhand Region

Environmental factors such as geography (mountains, plateaus, plains, and deserts) and cultural variances in habits, traditions, diet, and dietary taboos influence regional variations in human health. India has diverse diseases due to the complex interplay between humans and their environment. Nutritional inadequacies have resulted in the deaths of tribal women in recent years. The primary cause of such widespread death is severe malnutrition, but people's social and physical circumstances have a significant impact on their health. Malnutrition and infection have a physiological synergy that has long been acknowledged but has yet to be incorporated into many developing countries' healthcare policies. This study aimed to determine how various socio-demographic factors influence nutritional status among reproductive women from Scheduled Tribes. Furthermore, to comprehend the spatial variance of nutritional status among Scheduled Tribe women in the current situation. A methods approach was used, with quantitative data collected from 120 household-level interviews based on a one-day food consumption recall. The age, gender, and employment of household members are used to calculate nutrient-specific adult equivalent scales and norms for each family. Food intake is transformed into nutrient-specific consumption. A type of measurement is used to calculate household-specific nutritional deficiency. The chi-square test examines the link between nutrient deficits and dietary types consumed. Food items consumed by pregnant and nursing mother families are compared to all households, as well as a typical menu. A household's nutritional inadequacies are inversely related to the number of food categories consumed.

Societal Reflections through Gender Lens: An Examination of Kamala and Kanyadaan

Vijay Tendulkar’s plays Kamala and Kanyadaan serve as powerful critiques of societal structures through the lens of gender inequality. This paper examines how Tendulkar employs these works to reflect the systemic oppression, exploitation, and marginalization faced by women in Indian society. In Kamala, the protagonist Jaisingh Jadav exploits both his wife Sarita and Kamala, an uneducated tribal woman, for personal and professional gain, exposing the dehumanization of women within patriarchal institutions such as marriage and journalism. Similarly, Kanyadaan explores the intersections of caste and gender, depicting the struggles of Jyoti, a Brahmin woman who marries a Dalit man, Arun, only to confront domestic violence and societal backlash. Both plays highlight the transformation of female characters from passive victims to assertive individuals, challenging societal norms. Through a feminist critique, this study underscores the persistence of gender deformity, caste hierarchies, and institutional failures in contemporary India. The analysis reveals Tendulkar’s vision of societal reform, advocating for equality and justice. By dissecting themes of subordination, emancipation, and resilience, this paper contributes to understanding the intersectional dynamics of gender, caste, and power in modern Indian drama.

The assessment of health risk among biomass smoke exposed rural tribal women and its effect on blood platelet activities

The assessment of health risk among biomass smoke exposed rural tribal women and its effect on blood platelet activities

The Rise of Modern Political Institutions in Tseminyu and the Role of Rengma Civil Society in the Demand for a Separate Rengma District

This study examines the emergence of modern political institutions in the Tseminyu sub-division and the pivotal role played by Rengma civil society in advocating for a separate Rengma district. In the Tseminyu context, modern political institutions refer state-recognized administrative bodies, electoral systems, and representative governance structures such as the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), elected village councils that have gradually replaced traditional village councils and customary leadership rooted in clan authority and oral traditions. Their establishment reflects a broader shift from indigenous self-regulation to formalized, state-integrated political systems. The research explores how Rengma organizations—particularly tribal councils, student unions, and women’s bodies—have played a dual role as cultural custodians and political advocates. Their persistent mobilization for district status is understood not only as an administrative demand but as a call for historical recognition, political inclusion, and protection of identity. Drawing from oral histories, archival records, and field-based narratives, the study highlights the community’s negotiation with state mechanisms while maintaining internal cohesion. Rather than treating political modernization as a top-down process, this work highlights the agency of Rengma civil society in shaping political structures from below. The movement for a separate district is presented as an assertion of self-determination and localized governance, rooted in both memory and strategic activism. In doing so, the study contributes to broader discussions on tribal political agency, decentralized governance, and the dynamics of state-tribe relations in Northeast India.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and its Effectiveness: A Qualitative Study of Mayurbhanj District of Odisha

This qualitative study examines the awareness, adoption, and impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on tribal women in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. Using a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) methodology, the study collected data from diverse stakeholders, including LPG distributors, sarapanch, head of the tribal family and tribal female households and beneficiaries. The findings reveal four key themes: Economic and practical barriers, Adoption and utilization of LPG, Impact of PMUY, and Sustainability and long-term use. The findings highlight four key themes that hinder consistent LPG usage: Economic barriers (high refill costs, subsidy delays, and reliance on biomass), adoption challenges (awareness gaps and cultural preferences), impact (increased access to LPG but inconsistent usage), and sustainability (reliance on traditional fuels due to lack of continuous support and education). The study concludes that PMUY has empowered tribal women with cleaner cooking solutions, but economic, cultural, and knowledge barriers limit its full potential. The study findings reveal both the potential benefits, and the persistent challenges associated with LPG adoption, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to enhance the program’s effectiveness. The financial implications of regular LPG usage often force households back to traditional biomass fuels. This aligns with existing literature that underscores the importance of affordability in energy transitions, particularly in low-income settings where financial constraints are prevalent. Recommendations include targeted educational awareness, better subsidy systems, and income-based pricing to improve adoption and sustainability, offering valuable guidance for policymakers to enhance PMUY’s impact on marginalized communities.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHALLENGES OF THE KATTUNAYKKAN TRIBAL WOMEN IN WAYANAD DISTRICT, KERALA

This study explores the socio-economic conditions and developmental challenges faced by the Kattunaykkan tribal community in Wayanad district, Kerala, with a specific focus on adult women. Recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the Kattunaykkan inhabit forest-fringe areas and remain socio-economically marginalized despite various welfare interventions. Based on primary data collected from 150 tribal households in Noolpuzha and Ambalavayal panchayats of Sulthan Bathery taluk, the study examines demographic distribution, educational levels, occupational patterns, health status, and access to healthcare. The findings reveal widespread illiteracy, high dependence on unpaid family labour, prevalence of acute and chronic diseases, and delayed medical treatment-seeking behaviour. These socio-economic and health-related deprivations highlight persistent structural inequalities and call for targeted, culturally sensitive policy interventions that promote inclusive development, especially for tribal women. Keywords: Kattunaykkan Tribe, Socio-Economic Conditions, Tribal Women, Health Disparities, Education, PVTG, Inclusive Development

Development & validation of a health awareness booklet: "Reproductive health schemes for tribal women of Jharkhand" a study protocol.

Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI) CTRI/2024/03/063824.

Costume and Culture: Indigenous Tribes of the Himalayas

The unique landscape of the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand is home to several tribes such as Rajis, Shauka of Johar Valley and Rung of Darma Valley each with its own distinctive culture. These hill tribals have deeply depended on the ecosystem for their sustenance as they practised transhumance. For centuries, weaving garments from local wool has been a traditional practice among many tribal women in the Himalayan region, showcasing their artistic skills and heritage. The traditional costumes of these tribes have a charm which remained unchanged over the decades. The clothing of these tribes served not only as practical attire but also as expressions of identity, culture, and status within the community. As social advancements beckoned, most of these tribes migrated leaving behind the echoes of their existence in Kumaon. At present, the old women of the Shauka and Rung communities are still fond of weaving, but the current generation’s takers are few. The Internet epoch may have confused the researchers; hence this study aims to document the traditional costumes of the Shauka and Rung tribes of the Pithoragarh district for posterity achieved through comprehensive research, fieldwork, and engagement with members of these communities.

Status of Tribal Women in the Chota Nagpur Region: An Analytical Study of Life, Livelihood and Land Ownership

This research article explores the socio-economic status and challenges faced by tribal women in the Khunti district of Jharkhand, a part of the Chota Nagpur region. Using a holistic lens, the study investigates various aspects, such as education, employment and access to resources, to understand the issues of tribal women in this region. The research methodology involves a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including primary surveys as well as secondary data. Data collection techniques such as purposive sampling and structured questionnaires are employed to gather information from tribal women, community leaders and other stakeholders. For primary results, a sample of 350 tribal women is selected as the population of the study. The findings reveal several significant trends and patterns. Despite government initiatives aimed at promoting women’s empowerment and development, tribal women in Khunti continue to face multiple challenges, including limited access to education, low participation in the formal workforce and sociocultural barriers. Furthermore, the study highlights the intersectionality of gender with other axes of marginalisation, such as caste, class and ethnicity, which exacerbate the vulnerability of tribal women. Issues such as drought and lack of land ownership rights further compound their socio-economic disadvantages. The article concludes with recommendations for policy interventions and grassroots initiatives to address the systemic inequalities faced by tribal women in Khunti. At large, the research underscores the urgent need for a multidimensional approach to empower tribal women in Khunti and ensure their full participation in the socio-economic development of the region. By addressing the root causes of gender disparities and promoting gender-sensitive policies, stakeholders can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable society for tribal women.

Gender, Ecology and Autobiography: Unpacking of C.K. Janu’s Mother Forest

The present study employs an eco-feminist perspective to analyze the relationship between environmental exploitation and gender oppression in Indigenous contexts by examining C.K. Janu’s autobiography Mother Forest: The Unfinished Story of C.K. Janu. Janu, a Kerala-based Adivasi activist and leader, offers important insights into the close relationship between tribal women’s identities and their forest ecosystems. Through her depiction of the mutually beneficial interaction between Adivasi women and the environment, Janu’s life story undermines prevailing patriarchal and capitalist narratives, as this study reveals. With a special focus on land rights concerns, traditional ecological knowledge, embodied resistance, and cultural preservation, the analysis shows how environmental deterioration and the marginalization of Indigenous women are similar. Janu’s autobiography documents the simultaneous colonization of women’s bodies and forest areas, becoming a potent counter-narrative that promotes gender equality and environmental justice. This study adds to the growing body of research on Indigenous eco-feminism by elevating underrepresented perspectives and emphasizing the value of forest sovereignty for Indian tribal people’s cultural survival and female empowerment.