Empowerment of dalit women in Punjab with special reference to district Jalandhar role of the state 1947 2009

Abstract

Research work Empowerment of Dalit Women in Punjab with Special Reference to District Jalandhar: Role of the State (1947-2009) undertakes the study of Dalit women in district Jalandhar. It aims to cover various nuances of empowerment among Dalit women with an assumption that the latter is doubly oppressed owning to their gender and caste status. The work involves historical understanding regarding the composition of Dalit identity while locating women in it. Dynamics of both Dalit and feminist movements are historically analysed while fusing it with field work to substantiate the historical understanding with ground realities. On one hand, government policies and its implementation are surveyed to witness its impact, on the other hand, the questionnaire is prepared and Dalit women are made respondent to comprehend their level of understanding towards government policies. The work has also taken dynamics of cultural assertion through literary compositions in the form of devotional hymns and general singing which has infused the spirit of assertion and confidence while linking the struggle of Dalit women in the general understanding of Dalit movement. Such efforts have created symbols of feminine identity among the women where the identity of Daughter of Dr. Ambedkar is celebrated and sung. At the same time, the present research work has highlighted the gaps between the cultural assertion, economic and political empowerment of Dalit women where less than 20% of respondents have property assigned to their names and no Dalit women MP/MLA has won from the region. So this work brings forth the submission that Dalit women in Jalandhar region are undergoing cultural assertion whereas their participation in the political and economic scenario is still far from satisfactory.