Towards Inclusive Progress: A Comprehensive Inquiry into the Socioeconomic Status and Empowerment of Tribal Women in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Kathua District, located in the Jammu and Kashmir region, is home to significant populations of Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. These tribal groups, traditionally nomadic, have been facing increasing socio-economic challenges due to changing political dynamics, land encroachment, and socio-cultural shifts. Tribal women within these communities are particularly vulnerable, grappling with layered forms of marginalization that stem from their gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Hence, this research critically examines the multifaceted challenges faced by Gujjar and Bakarwal women in the Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir, with a focus on their socio-economic marginalization and political exclusion. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the study explores the intersection of gender, ethnicity, and tribal identity, scrutinizing how these factors collectively shape the empowerment trajectories of these women within patriarchal and state structures. The research methodology is anchored in both primary and secondary data, with a sample size of 100 respondents across two blocks—Kathua and Hiranagar—chosen through probability sampling. Five villages from each block were surveyed, with 10 households selected per village. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating qualitative insights from structured interviews alongside quantitative analysis. This study goes beyond the descriptive to critically engage with existing empowerment initiatives, revealing the systemic gaps in policy implementation and their implications for tribal women's agency. The research offers a nuanced critique of current development frameworks, advocating for context-specific, culturally sensitive interventions that align with the lived realities of Gujjar and Bakarwal women. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, aiming to foster more inclusive and transformative pathways toward their empowerment in both socio-political and economic spheres.