Women In Odisha Research Articles

Problems and Prospects of Tribal Women Entrepreneurs in Kalahandi District of Odisha

In many developing countries, women are typically expected to contribute to the financial stability of their families only when it’s absolutely necessary. The less affluent the family, the more reliant they are on the income earned by women. It is crucial to make efforts to increase job opportunities to empower impoverished women to generate income. Numerous initiatives and programs have been initiated to encourage self-employment among women. In this context, it is essential to emphasize the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, regardless of their educational background. Various government agencies at the state and central levels, as well as non-governmental organizations, are actively involved in advancing entrepreneurship among women. The prevalence of women-owned businesses is on a sharp rise in nearly every country. In developed nations, women are widely recognized and hold prominent positions in the business world. However, women entrepreneurs in Odisha are encountering substantial challenges, including social and personal barriers, marketing obstacles, financial constraints, and production issues. Moreover, tribal women entrepreneurs face even more complex issues as times change. These additional challenges can be elaborated upon, including limited knowledge and experience, inadequate transportation infrastructure, liquidity and financial difficulties, low levels of education, a reluctance to take risks, a lack of self-confidence, a lack of ambition, family commitments, and financial constraints. Choosing the correct business opportunity for a venture can yield substantial rewards in the future. Initiating women-led businesses in tribal regions of Odisha can contribute to the enhancement of socio-economic conditions within these tribal areas. This paper aims to delve into the issue of fostering entrepreneurship among tribal women in Odisha and propose practical solutions to enhance the current state of tribal affairs. Additionally, it aims to align with the existing policy framework of the state for the betterment of the overall societal well-being.

Women Empowerment Level in Agriculture: A Study in Odisha, India

Women are not given the due record of credit for most of the work they do in agriculture and allied sector as per the present scenario. But according to global institutional study reports, empowering women in agriculture and providing economic gains to them can lead to a more equitable future for all. A study was conducted to ascertain the extent of empowerment of farm women in Odisha. Three districts of Odisha (Puri, Gajapati and Debagarh) were selected representing the three administrative zones (Northern, Southern and Central zone) with 100 women respondents from each district with a total of 300 sample size. Women empowerment has been assessed through their level of cosmopoliteness, access to information, mobility, media exposure, ownership of resources, access to technology etc. Index values have been calculated for each parameter and the average index has also been calculated. Besides, Mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression method were also applied for generalization of collected data. Results of the study indicated that the overall distribution of the sample regarding cosmopoliteness, mobility and media exposure was within medium to high level. Almost all the members found to have high level of access to information. But unfortunately, the distribution of sample regarding access to technology, ownership, membership and leadership was found at low level. The results also showed that selected socio-economic variables of the respondents had notable association with different parameters of empowerment.

ROLE OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN INFORMAL SECTOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY: UNDERSTANDING THE NEXUS IN THE CONTEXT OF ODISHA

During 1970s Keith Hart has coined the term informal sector. The casual laborers in the informal sector lack job security, their workplace is not government-registered, they disregard formal procedures, laws, and regulations, and their working hours are not set. They do not get benefits like provident fund, paid leave, and medical facilities. Indigenous resources are utilized in smallscale, family-owned businesses in the unofficial sector. Tribal women, who are primarily illiterate and among the poorest of the impoverished, enter this industry to make quick money. India is recognized by the International Labour Organization as the homeland of indigenous people. India is home to 705 different tribes, of which 62 are found in Odisha alone. These tribes are primarily involved in the unorganized sector of the economy. The primary informal sectors in which Odisha's indigenous women are employed are in mining and rural development projects as wage laborers, traditional farmers, and gatherers of small forest products. This paper tries to analyse how tribal women in Odisha contribute to the informal economy through age-old practices of environmentally sustainable activities. Furthermore, it tries to explore the issues and concerns they face while working in the informal sectors.

Role of Financial Literacy in Driving Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth of Women in Odisha

Role of Financial Literacy in Driving Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth of Women in Odisha

Diversified Sustainable Income Generation Options For Rural Women in Odisha

Rural prosperity and women empowerment are the two sides of a coin. Promoting aquaculture and related enterprises among women holds immense potential for ensuring their livelihood and socio- economic empowerment. A study was undertaken in three villages namely Jaipur, Fakirpada and Paribasudeipur of Puri and Khordha districts of Odisha during the period 2012-13 to 2015-16. A random sample of 161 women from 10 Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) were selected as beneficiaries for disseminating ICAR-CIFA’s aquaculture technologies like carp seed rearing, carp culture (grow out), integrated fish farming, post-harvest technologies with value addition of fish and fish hydrolysate. The women were empowered with skill development in aquaculture and related enterprises. Due to frequent occurrence of natural calamities and environmental hazards, the women are forced to diversify their group activities in order to sustain their livelihoods. In the study area, women SHGs were encouraged to diversify their activities to mushroom cultivation, rice and vegetable cultivation, floriculture, mini-dairy, backyard poultry, mid-day meal preparation, coir work, etc. in order to strengthen their livelihood in a sustainable way. On the whole, the present paper explores different pathways for rural women to avail various opportunities in terms of multiple diversifications as Sustainable Livelihood (SL) options based on available natural resources, financial and human capital. Socio-economic impact of such changes on the beneficiaries was assessed and emerging issues were identified.

Socioecological risk factors associated with Malaria in Pregnancy in an endemic state of India: a retrospective study

IntroductionMalaria in Pregnancy (MiP) has significant adverse effects on both mother and fetus. Pregnant women in regions with unstable malaria transmission are three times more vulnerable to infection. This study...

Menstrual health and hygiene among Juang women: a particularly vulnerable tribal group in Odisha, India

BackgroundMenstruation is a normal biological process that all women go through, yet it is shrouded in secrecy, taboos, and even stigma in many societies. Studies have shown that women from socially disadvantaged groups are more likely to have preventable reproductive health issues and have less understanding of hygienic menstrual practices. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an insight into the most sensitive issue of menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices among the women of the Juang tribe, recognized as one of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG) in India.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach was carried out among Juang women in Keonjhar district of Odisha, India. Quantitative data was gathered from 360 currently married women to assess practices associated with menstruation and its management. In addition, 15 focus group discussions and 15 in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the views of Juang women on menstrual hygiene practices, cultural beliefs, menstrual problems, and treatment-seeking behaviour. Inductive content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, while descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests were used to analyse quantitative data.ResultsMost Juang women (85%) used old clothes as absorbents during menstruation. Distance from the market (36%), lack of awareness (31%), and high cost (15%) were cited as the contributing factors to the low level of sanitary napkin usage. Around 85% of women were restricted from participating in religious activities, and 94% avoided social gatherings. Seventy-one percent of the Juang women experienced menstrual problems, while only one-third of them sought treatment for their problems.ConclusionHygienic practices during menstruation are far from satisfactory among Juang women in Odisha, India. Menstrual problems are common, and the treatment sought is insufficient. There is a need for awareness generation on menstrual hygiene, the adverse effects of menstrual problems, and the provision of low-cost sanitary napkins among this disadvantaged, vulnerable tribal group.

Monitor to innovate with feedback loops: process evaluation protocol for an anemia prevention intervention.

Background: Digital process monitoring and evaluation tools designed to capture near-to-real-time intervention data paired with feedback loops have the potential to innovate intervention delivery. Objective: To describe how a multilevel social norms field trial (RANI) is using feedback loops to enhance intervention delivery. Methods: We use a mixed-methods process evaluation design to monitor the Reduction of Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) project; a three-year randomized control trial which aims to lower rates of anemia among women in Odisha, India. Surveys and structured observation monitor fidelity to implementation andacceptability ofimplementation activities among study participants. Quantitative data evaluates implementation dose, coverage, exposure, and reach of intervention activities, and qualitative data will delve more deeply into reasons for high or low functioning. Iron folic acid supplement supply and demand are also monitored for stock-outs. Data collected from 130 intervention villages is processed, visualized, and triangulated in near to real-time via Real-time Monitoring for Knowledge Generation (RPM4K), a locally developed software application. Data visualization products facilitate the examination of monitoring data to mitigate bottlenecks and identify and implement tweaks to our intervention delivery strategy on an ongoing basis. Discussion: Feedback loops facilitate timely course corrections. Feedback loops can also engender a shared understanding of ground realities for a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse team. Leveraging feedback loops, we identify opportunities to provide on-going supportive supervision for our community facilitators promoting joint problem-solving, and communication. Monthly media and hemoglobin level demonstration strategies are informed by participant engagement and acceptability. Stock-outs of iron folic acid tablets activate contingency plans to mobilize local stakeholders and advocate for timely resolutions. Unintended effects are monitored based on ongoing feedback from community facilitators. Conclusions: Documenting our processes can inform the future implementation or scale up of similar projects embracing feedback loops to iterate and innovate their intervention delivery.

Monitor to innovate with feedback loops: process evaluation protocol for an anemia prevention intervention

Background: Digital process monitoring and evaluation tools designed to capture near-to-real-time intervention data paired with feedback loops have the potential to innovate intervention delivery. Objective: To describe how a multilevel social norms field trial (RANI) is using feedback loops to enhance intervention delivery. Methods: We use a mixed-methods process evaluation design to monitor the Reduction of Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) project; a three-year randomized control trial which aims to lower rates of anemia among women in Odisha, India. Surveys and structured observation monitor fidelity to implementation and acceptability of implementation activities among study participants. Quantitative data evaluates implementation dose, coverage, exposure, and reach of intervention activities, and qualitative data will delve more deeply into reasons for high or low functioning. Iron folic acid supplement supply and demand are also monitored for stock-outs. Data collected from 130 intervention villages is processed, visualized, and triangulated in near to real-time via Real-time Monitoring for Knowledge Generation (RPM4K), a locally developed software application. Data visualization products facilitate the examination of monitoring data to mitigate bottlenecks and identify and implement tweaks to our intervention delivery strategy on an ongoing basis. Discussion: Feedback loops facilitate timely course corrections. Feedback loops can also engender a shared understanding of ground realities for a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse team. Leveraging feedback loops, we identify opportunities to provide on-going supportive supervision for our community facilitators promoting joint problem-solving, and communication. Monthly media and hemoglobin level demonstration strategies are informed by participant engagement and acceptability. Stock-outs of iron folic acid tablets activate contingency plans to mobilize local stakeholders and advocate for timely resolutions. Unintended effects are monitored based on ongoing feedback from community facilitators. Conclusions: Documenting our processes can inform the future implementation or scale up of similar projects embracing feedback loops to iterate and innovate their intervention delivery.

The G-NORM Scale: Development and Validation of a Theory-Based Gender Norms Scale

Gender norms are increasingly recognized as important modifiers of health. Despite growing awareness of how gender norms affect health behavior, current gender norms scales are often missing two important theoretical components: differentiating between descriptive and injunctive norms and adding a referent group. We used a mixed-methods approach to develop and validate a novel gender norms scale that includes both theoretical components. Based on qualitative data, the theory of normative social behavior, and the theory of gender and power, we generated a pool of 28 items. We included the items in a baseline questionnaire among 3,110 women in Odisha, India as part of a cluster randomized controlled trial. We then ran exploratory factor analysis which resulted in 18 items. Using a second wave of data with the same sample, we evaluated psychometric properties using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The analysis resulted in two subscales with nine items each, “descriptive gender norms” and “injunctive gender norms.” Both subscales represent high internal validity with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.81 and 0.84 and the combined scale has an alpha of 0.87. The G-NORM, gender norms scale, improves on existing measures by providing distinct descriptive and injunctive norms subscales and moving beyond individual attitudes by assessing women’s perceptions of community-level gender norms.

Dead or Alive? Odishan and Appalachian Mountains as Partners in Activism

Mountains may be simultaneously viewed through multiple logics—sacred or secular, dead property to be commodified or living and powerful community members, for example—unless and until one of those logics is used to destroy them. We compare the way these logics figure in environmental justice movements in Odisha, India and the Appalachian region of the United States. In the first example, mountains—considered sacred and alive—have served as partners in a successful movement by Dongaria Kondh women in Odisha to stop the destruction of the Niyamgiri hills through aluminium mining. In the second example, while there are competing logics that include views of mountains as sacred in the United States, a capitalist logic through which mountains are considered dead and without a role in acting on their own future has prevailed in extensive coal mining through the destructive method of mountaintop removal.

Monitor to innovate with feedback loops: process evaluation protocol for an anemia prevention intervention

Background: With the proliferation of the digital age, information and communication technologies paired with feedback loops have the potential to innovate process evaluations. Objective: To describe how a multilevel social norms field trial (RANI) is using feedback loops to enhance intervention delivery. Methods: We use a mixed-methods process evaluation design to monitor the Reduction of Anemia through Normative Innovations (RANI) project; a three-year randomized control trial which aims to lower rates of anemia among women in Odisha, India. Surveys and structured observation monitor fidelity to implementation and receptivity to implementation activities among study participants. Quantitative data evaluates implementation dose, coverage, exposure, and reach of intervention activities, and qualitative data will delve more deeply into reasons for high or low functioning. Iron folic acid supplement supply and demand are also monitored for stock-outs. Data collected from 130 intervention villages is processed, visualized, and triangulated in near to real-time via Real-time Monitoring for Knowledge Generation (RPM4K), a locally developed software application. Data visualization products facilitate the examination of monitoring data to mitigate bottlenecks and identify and implement tweaks to our intervention delivery strategy on an ongoing basis. Discussion: Feedback loops facilitate timely course corrections. Feedback loops can also engender a shared understanding of ground realities for a geographically dispersed and culturally diverse team. Leveraging feedback loops, we identify opportunities to provide on-going supportive supervision for our community facilitators promoting joint problem-solving, and communication. Monthly media and hemoglobin level demonstration strategies are informed by participant engagement and receptivity. Stock-outs of iron folic acid tablets activate contingency plans to mobilize local stakeholders and advocate for timely resolutions. Unintended effects are monitored based on ongoing feedback from community facilitators. Conclusions: Documenting our processes can inform the future implementation or scale up of similar projects embracing feedback loops to iterate and innovate their intervention delivery.

Educational Status of Women in Odisha

Educational Status of Women in Odisha

Identifying Risk Factors for Lower Reproductive Tract Infections among Women Using Reusable Absorbents in Odisha, India

A large proportion of women in Odisha, India, use reusable absorbents to manage their menstruation. Yet, the risk factors for lower reproductive tract infections (RTIs) related to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) have not been studied among reusable absorbent users. Women of reproductive age attending one of two hospitals from two different cities in Odisha during two separate study intervals were recruited for the study. Laboratory diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) were conducted. A questionnaire was used to collect information on MHM practices, water, sanitation, and socio-demographic factors. Among the 509 women who used reusable absorbents, 71.7% were diagnosed with at least one infection. After adjusting for confounders, women with BV were more likely to identify as being a housewife (aOR: 1.8 (1.1–2.9)). Frequent absorbent changing was protective against BV (aOR: 0.5 (0.3–0.8)), whereas frequent body washing increased the odds of BV (aOR: 1.5 (1.0–2.2)). Women with VVC were more likely to be older (aOR: 1.6 (1.0–2.5)), live below the poverty line (aOR: 1.5 (1.1–2.2)), have a non-private household latrine (aOR: 2.2 (1.3–4.0)), dry their absorbents inside the house (aOR: 3.7 (2.5–4.5)), and store absorbents in the latrine area (aOR: 2.0 (1.3–2.9)). Washing absorbents outside the house was protective against VVC (aOR: 0.7 (0.4–1.0)). This study highlights the importance of improving MHM practices among reusable absorbent users to prevent lower RTIs among women reusing menstrual materials in Odisha.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Including Preeclampsia/Eclampsia in Women of Odisha, an Eastern Indian State

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension Including Preeclampsia/Eclampsia in Women of Odisha, an Eastern Indian State

Impact of Development-induced displacement on the Tribal community, with special reference to the women in Odisha

Anti-displacement movements are one of the burning issues in the current global scenario. Global south has been experiencing such widespread resistance since the inception of its anti-colonial struggle. Gender in this context has played a crucial part to make it a large-scale mass movement, as the women bear the brunt of displacement. It is chiefly because they have economic independence as they have customary rights over the communal property resources. Displacement has caused mental trauma for the adivasi women who end up being prostitutes to eke out livelihoods. In this background the present article seeks to explore the impact of development-induced-displacement on the adivasi women of Odisha and analyses their struggle for survival from a socio-historical point of view. The research is based on data collected during the field survey employing a stratified simple random sampling method. The objective of the present research is to understand the changing pattern of livelihood of the adivasi women before and after displacement and how they are coping with the mental trauma caused by their dispossession. In theory, it is believed that the adivasi women enjoy a greater autonomy than their non-adivasi counterparts. But the primary outcome of the research shows that, in the wake of neo-liberal economy, increasing risks of life and deteriorating standard of living due to evictions causing serious problems like loss of assets, alcoholism, wife-battering, and domestic violence. Therefore, the research attempts to analyse the plight of the adivasi women suffering due to the onslaught of destructive “development” and thus taking part in many ongoing movements against displacement.

The relationship between attitudes towards pregnancy and contraceptive continuation: Results from a longitudinal study of married women in India

To understand the relationship between pregnancy intentions and contraceptive use, a growing body of research has begun to examine various domains of women's attitudes towards pregnancy, acknowledging that these attitudes may contradict one another, and women may be ambivalent. This study examines pregnancy ambivalence and assesses the relationship between attitudes towards pregnancy and contraceptive continuation after nine months among a sample of women in Odisha and Haryana, India. Data come from a longitudinal study of married women age 15–49 who began using a modern reversible method of contraception at the time of study enrollment. To assess their cognitive attitudes (beliefs/knowledge) towards pregnancy, women were asked “how important is it you to avoid a pregnancy now?” To assess their affective attitudes (feelings/emotions), women were asked about their agreement with the statement: “If I found out I was pregnant in the next several weeks, I would be happy.” A joint, 4-category measure combining these cognitive and affective attitudes towards pregnancy was created to measure concordance and ambivalence in attitudes towards pregnancy. Multivariate random-effects logistic regression models were employed to examine the relationship of these two measures with method-specific contraceptive continuation nine months later. Two models were conducted, one with the two attitude variables included independently and the second with the joint, 4-category measure included. Results showed that affective and cognitive attitudes were both significantly associated with continuation, but that there were no significant differences between those that were ambivalent and those whose attitudes were concordantly anti-pregnancy. This study suggests that attitudes towards pregnancy are multifaceted and both cognitive and affective attitudes towards pregnancy may play an important role in contraceptive use in India.

Survival with Sustainability: Women and Changing Forest Dependent Livelihoods Among the Kandhas of Odisha

The Dongria Kandha women in Odisha are experiencing systematic resource inequalities in relation to rights and control over their forests and its resources due to the intervention of various state and non-state actors. The study uses the in-depth interview method to analyse the emerging changes and alternate strategies utilised by the Dongria Kandha women to deal with the changing consequences. The study found that a revival of ecological knowledge helped Dongria women to achieve self- determination over their food systems. Further, securing forest rights can help women to sustain forest biodiversity.

Utilization of soft type wild jackfruit as fruit leather : a step towards economic security of the tribal women in Odisha

Utilization of soft type wild jackfruit as fruit leather : a step towards economic security of the tribal women in Odisha

Frequency and determinants of health care utilization for symptomatic reproductive tract infections in rural Indian women: A cross-sectional study.

IntroductionThe public health burden of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among women in rural areas of low-income countries is poorly addressed because health care seeking for treatment of RTIs is inadequate. There are gaps in knowledge about whether low care seeking behavior stems from challenges in accessing health care versus women's recognition of and response to RTI-specific disease symptoms. We aim to identify determinants of care seeking behavior and analyze the difference in utilization of health care resources in response to symptoms of an RTI versus non-RTI disease symptoms in rural India. This will aid in the design of interventions that promote RTI care seeking behavior.MethodsOur analysis uses data from a cross-sectional, population-based surveillance survey among rural, non-pregnant women in Odisha, India, from 2013–2014 (n = 3,600). We utilized bivariate logistic regression to determine the degree that certain determinants are associated with a woman’s likelihood to seek RTI treatment, and chi-Squared tests to assess for differences in health care resources used for non-RTI versus RTI symptoms.ResultsMarried women were significantly more likely to seek health care for RTI symptoms (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.2–3.0) while unmarried adolescents were less likely to seek treatment (OR = 0.4, CI: 0.2–0.6). There was no association between RTI health care seeking with education level, belief about whether symptoms can be treated, or poverty. The majority (73.8%) of women who did not seek treatment for RTI symptoms reported not seeking treatment because they did not know treatment was needed. Women utilized formal health care providers at a higher rate in response to RTI symptoms than in response to their most recent symptoms of any kind (p = 0.003).ConclusionsCommunity-based reproductive health education interventions are needed to increase health care seeking behavior for RTIs in rural Indian women. Interventions should target unmarried women and focus on both sexual health education and access to care.