Published Paper Details:

The present study uses a comparative method to explore the socio-economic and educational status of Muslim women in West Bengal. It reveals large gender gaps on virtually all three indicators of employment, earnings, and education between Muslim women and the rest of the women in the region. Unlike the other religious communities/groups settled in West Bengal; the Muslims, especially the Muslim women are reported to be behind the mainstream in every possible aspects of social development concerning its socio-economic standing, educational attainment, empowerment, political, the decision-making capacity etc. due to multifarious internal and external constraints. The research indicates low levels of socio-economic status of Muslim women, a situation which is still valid in West Bengal as they not only have low literacy rates, they also have high dropout rates with the lowest labour force participation. Cultural norms and economic hurdles further slow them down. Nevertheless, efforts from the government as well as numerous non-governmental organizations to increase their educational and economic opportunities are bearing fruit. This survey finds significant regional gender disparities in health, education, employment and empowerment among the Muslim women in comparison to the health status of other parts of country or Muslim population dominating regions, highlighting where effort should be made for designing targeted policies and interventions. The findings bring out the importance of education and economics empowerment for the improved well being and social status of the Muslim women of West Bengal.