Impediments To Women’s Empowerment among the Santal Community in Bangladesh: Evidence from Gobindaganj Upazila

Women’s empowerment is widely recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive development; however, indigenous women continue to experience persistent social, economic, and political marginalization. This study examines the barriers to women’s empowerment among the Santal community in Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha District, Bangladesh. Guided by the theoretical perspectives of empowerment and intersectionality, the research investigates how gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic disadvantages interact to shape empowerment outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collected from 100 respondents through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with community members and local leaders.

Women’s Empowerment; Indigenous Women; Santal Community; Gender Equality

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