Author(s):
Irfan Rasool, Sourabh Vyas
Email(s):
irfhafix093@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2454-2679.2026.00016 
Address:
Irfan Rasool1*, Sourabh Vyas2
1Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
2Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 14,
Issue - 2,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
This empirical investigation explores the socio-economic and political determinants of tribal women’s empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing on rigorously collected quantitative and qualitative data from 320 tribal women across Rajouri, Kathua, Anantnag, and Poonch. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach and validated indices, the research examines the impact of variables such as education, household income, membership in Self-Help Groups (SHGs), political participation, and agency-related behaviors on overall empowerment. Statistical analysis—including multiple regression, ANOVA, effect size estimation, and chi-square testing—reveals that education, SHG engagement, and political involvement significantly strengthen empowerment outcomes, while illiteracy, patriarchal gender norms, and limited resource access continue to impede progress. Government interventions like SHGs and reservation quotas are associated with improved economic confidence and agency, but true authority and policy influence remain elusive for many tribal women. The study underscores the urgent need for holistic, culturally sensitive interventions—spanning education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and political training—to realize the full empowerment potential of tribal women in Jammu and Kashmir. Findings not only inform policy but also enrich the ongoing scholarly discourse on gender, development, and social justice in marginalized communities.
Cite this article:
Irfan Rasool, Sourabh Vyas. Determinants of Empowerment: Evidence from Tribal Women in Jammu and Kashmir. International Journal of Advances in Social Sciences. 2026; 14(2):75-8. doi: 10.52711/2454-2679.2026.00016
Cite(Electronic):
Irfan Rasool, Sourabh Vyas. Determinants of Empowerment: Evidence from Tribal Women in Jammu and Kashmir. International Journal of Advances in Social Sciences. 2026; 14(2):75-8. doi: 10.52711/2454-2679.2026.00016 Available on: https://www.ijassonline.in/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-14-2-1
REFERENCES:
1. Ahmad, I., Israr, S., Khan, M., and Kaur, P. Socio-economic and educational status of tribal (Gujjar and Bakerwal) of Jammu and Kashmir: An overview. International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies. 2015
2. Sinharoy, S.S., McManus, S., Conrad, A., Patrick, M., and Caruso, B.A. (). Development and validation of measures of women’s empowerment in relation to urban sanitation. Environmental Science and Policy. 2023; 148: 102–118.
3. Padmavathi, K., and Devi, M.R. An analysis of the empowerment of Indian tribal women through education. International Journal of Reviews and Research in Social Sciences. 2024; 8(16): 91-98.
4. Imran Pasha, B.S.D. Empowerment as an indicator of development of tribal women in India. International Journal of Scientific Research. 2017; 6(11): 153–157.
5. Qasba, N., Wani, T. A., and Bhat, Y. A. Women’s empowerment through self-help groups: A study of UMEED Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir. International Journal of Rural Management. 2016; 12(2): 163-178.
6. World Bank (2023). Gender analysis and empowerment: India country gender assessment.
7. Mal, S., and Khatun, S. The status of women among the tribal communities of West Bengal. Research Journal of Humanities Social Sciences. 2022; 13(1): 1-8.
8. Irshad Nazeer. Impact of Globalization, Liberalization and Privatization, Redefining the Role of Business Education: A Mission for a Better Global Society. Asian J. Management. 2012; 3(2): 109-113.
9. Pingle Shubhangi G., Lahiri Moon Moon, Jain Nanda S. Applying ‘Total Quality Management’ Concept in Academics in context to higher educational system in rural region Case Study of Shirpur Taluka, Dist. Dhule (M.S.) India. Asian J. Management. 2012; 3(3): 134-138.
10. Shailendra Kumar Gupta. The Study of Government Initiatives Schemes towards Skill Development and Vocational Education in India. Asian J. Management. 2015; 6(3): 193-199.
11. Prashant Tukaram Mahajan, Suresh Baliram Golahit. Engineering A Woman: Marketing Opportunities and Challenges in India. Asian J. Management. 2017; 8(4): 1008-1018.
12. Chowdhury, M.Z., Khan, N., and Haque, M. Construction of women's empowerment index for Bangladesh. BMC Women's Health. 2024; 24, Article 1123. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-024-1123-1
13. Khan, A. D., and Khan, S. Socio-Economic Status of Scheduled Tribe (Gujjars) and Impact of Various Government Schemes on their Livelihoods. TRIFED Research Reports. 2020
14. Das, G. Autonomy and decision-making role of tribal women (M.A. thesis). NIT Rourkela. 2015
15. Sahu, M. Empowerment of tribal women: A sociological study. International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts. 2022; 10(3): 506-521.