Gender disparities and women’s access to resources in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

The socio-economic status of women varies across the regions of India and this gap in access to resources and opportunities is clearly visible in the Indian society. This study aims to investigate the gender disparity and the resources available to women in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The primary area of focus of the study is education and employment, health infrastructure and banking facilities. Secondary data has been gathered from government sources including Census of India, Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Statistical handbook of Uttarakhand and economic survey reports and banking reports. Simple statistical analyses such as percentages and comparative analysis have been adopted to interpret it. Findings showed that there was a tremendous improvement in the literacy rate and in women's labour force participation rates over time. The female literacy increased from 42.54 % in 1991 to 69.61 % in 2011. Likewise, through financial inclusion initiatives and growing institutional assistance, women's access to employment has also improved. The participation of women in employment has also improved because of financial inclusion initiatives and strengthening of institutions. But there remains a disparity in gender and regional inequity within districts. The educational and health facilities are comparatively good in hilly areas like Almora and Nainital and still there are some limitations in healthcare facilities and banking systems in some districts like Champawat and Bageshwar. In conclusion the study has pointed out that although the socio-economic conditions are gradually improving, women in the Kumaun region is still deprived from access to productive resources, employment opportunity and institutional facilities.