CHAPTER-VI

IMPACT OF CAPACITY BUILDING

PROGRAMMES
ON BHIL TRIBAL WOMEN’S

6.1 INTRODUCTION
The affirmative actions initiated by the state and central government
in accordance to constitutional provisions towards Welfare and
Development of Tribal people have generated positive and encouraging
socio-economic changes among them. The tribal people in general and
women members in particular have been benefited from these affirmative
actions. Besides special provision; girls education, basic health services,
supportive and substitute services were planned and implemented into the
Tribal Areas. These interventions also helped the tribal women members to
integrate with the other [Link] not only help the tribal women in
general and the women belongs to Bhil Tribe in particulartohave exposers
to socio-cultural, traditional and economic integration. This would
motivate, create positive attitude and generate awareness towards their role,
role performance, rights, equality, liberty, freedom dignity and duties. The
Bhill women under study were assessed about the awareness and how far
they benefited out of the women empowerment programmes in Zhabua
district of Madhya Pradesh. The responses have been tabulated and
presented as follows:
6.2 Extent of Participation and Involvement into
Development Activities
6.2.1 Awareness about Govt’sWomen Empowerment
Programmes:

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 The Jhabua district is one of the Tribal population dominated and
backward districts of Madhya Pradesh. This has been attracted the attention
of policy makers, planners of Govt, Non-Government national and
international level agencies. Various interventions, programmes, schemes
are being implemented towards women empowerment during last two
decades. Hence the study revealed that how far these programmes are
known to Bhil tribal Women. The responses of the respondents are
presented in the following table 6.1
Table 6.1 Awareness of Government Policies and Programmes
meant for Women Empowerment
Respondent’s Response No. of
Respondents Percent
Yes 103 34.3
No 197 65.7
Total 300 100.0

The data presented in the above table 6.1 clearly indicate that these
interventions could not cover all the Tribal population. Majority 65.7%
Bhil women were unaware of these programmes hence could not receive
the benefits rest 34.3% were positive and were aware of the programmes
being implemented by the govt. and non-government agencies towards
women empowerment.
6.2.2 Awareness about Type of Programmes :

Table 6.2: Respondent’s Responses toward Type of

Programmesbeing implementedby Government Agencies in
their Area.

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 Respondent’s No. of
Responses Respondents Percent
Self Help Groups 100 33.3
UshakiranYojna 1 .3
Old Age Pension
1 .3
Scheme
No Response 198 66.0
Total 300 100.0

It is evident from the data presented in above table 6.2 that majority
66.0% women respondents could not name the Programmes / Schemes /
Activities being implemented by the government agencies in their areas.
This indicates that the publicity or proper information about these
programmes is not reaching upto the target groups hence deprived of the
benefits. Among rest of the respondents 33.3% could name the activity i.e.
Self Help Group which could attracted the women members towards
saving, thinking of their financial security and contribution towards their
families. These women were found to have gained confidence, come out of
hesitation, were interacting freely, their thoughts and vision towards well-
being of family members were clear, gained additional knowledge and
skills to express their views. It has also helped and encouraged them to
participate into the process of House hold decision making.
6.2.3 Type of Benefits
The data presented in table 6.3 shows that more 32 women availed
the facility of micro finance available through SHG. Very few 0.3% women
respondents were receiving the benefits under Old pension scheme and
same percentage of women respondents under study admitted that they

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were supported with nutritional food. Majority 67.0% respondents did not
respond the question.
Table 6.3 Type of Benefits Received by the Women Respondents
under different govt. programmes.
Type of benefits No. of Respondents Percent
Loan 97 32.3
Pension amount 1 .3
Nutritional food 1 .3
No Response 201 67.0
Total 300 100.0

6.2.4 Satisfaction about the Benefits under Govt. Programmes:

So far as benefits being received from govt. organization are
concerned only 36 women i.e. 12% women were positive and expressed
that they are being benefited from the welfare and development activities
implemented by the government agencies. Majority of the women
respondents responded negatively and expressed dissatisfaction about the
government programmmes. It clearly indicates the fact that the Bhil women
members were not happy with the benefits that they are getting under
different programmes run by the government agencies. It was also brought
into the notice by the women members that the quality and quantity of
benefits extended does not fulfill their requirement. The procedures and
formalities are difficult, money and time consuming which further affect
on their daily life. The responses of the respondents have been presented in
the following tableno. 6.4
Table 6.4 Respondent’s Responses towards the Satisfaction about
Benefit they received under GovernmentProgrammes

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 Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Satisfied 36 12.0
Not Satisfied 264 88.0
Total 300 100.0

6.2.5 Awareness and Participation into NGO’s Activities:

Besides government agencies the Non-Government Organizations
are also playing an important role towards welfare and development of the
Bhil women in the study area. It was observed that the Bhil women were
directly or indirectly involved, receiving some or the other benefits from
either government or non-government activities being implemented in the
areas. But they did not show much concern about from where the benefits
are reaching to them. As a result were unaware of the programmes,
activities, names of the agencies etc. It is clearly reflect from the data
presented in the following table 6.4 that majority of 81.7% respondents
could not name the NGO’s working in their area. About 18% women
respondents responded that NABARD is working for their economic
upliftment, and supporting their families. The responses of the respondents
have been presented in the following table 6.5.
Table 6.5 Non-Government Organization Working in the Study
Area.
Type of benefits No. of Respondents Percent
Prerna group 2 .7
Nabard 53 17.7
Not Known 245 81.7
Total 300 100.0

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 6.2.6 Impact of Government and Non-Government
Programmes on
Decision Making Capacities of the Respondents

The organizations working in the study area organizes awareness

generation, capacity building, skill development and training programmes
on different issues of women empowerment. It was learnt from interaction
and group discussions that most of the women members participate into
such programmes. This inculcate positive attitude, thinking, impart
knowledge required for their day to day life. It encourages them to think
differently and contribute towards well-being of their family members.
Thus it was examined that how far the respondents could avail these
opportunities, actively participated into it and whether it have had any
impact on their decision making capacity. The responses of women
respondents under study have been presented in the following table 6.6
Table 6.6: Respondent’s Responses towards Opportunities Availed to
develop their Decision Making Capacity from
Programmes Implemented by Government and Non-
government Organizations.
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Yes 97 32.3
No 203 67.7
Total 300 100.0

It is evident from the data presented in table 6.6 that considerable

percentage 32.3% of the respondents admitted that they could participate
into various activities organized by Government and Non-government
organizations. This has positive impact on their capacities and abilities;such

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as developed confidence, acquired skills, learnt to express thoughts
efficiently, couldovercome from the inferiority complexes and traditional
blind faiths. More than 67% respondents responded negatively according
to them either they were unaware of such activities, due to work load could
not get time or were not allowed to participate into these activities. This
clearly indicates that coverage of beneficiaries under such programmes
needs proper monitoring. Publicity and motivational talks through home
visits should be made by the functionaries of implementing agencies.
6.2.7 Participation into Community Based Organization
Community Based Organizations has an important role in
strengthening and building up of abilities and capacities among the women
members. This also inculcates cultural values extends opportunity for
women to share responsibility, interact with community people. In study
areas various CBO’s are formed and actively involved in implementing
different activities. The study found that among the women respondents
31% women were active members of different CBO’s like MahilaMandal,
Self-Help-Groups and holding up responsible positions too. Rest of the
69% women responded negatively. The details have been presented in the
following table no-6.7
Table: 6.7 Respondent’s Responses about Membership of
Community Based Organization
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Yes 93 31.0
No 207 69.0
Total 300 100.0

6.2.8 Awareness About CBO’s Activities:

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 The study further attempted to know type of activities being
organized by the CBOs. It was observed in the study area that many CBOs
were formed for preservation of socio-cultural norms and values which
mainly organizes prayers, Bhajan, celebration of festivals, organization of
community functions etc. Some CBO are also working in in the areas of
skill up gradation, income generation activities and financial support too.
Among these Self Help Groups are more familiar in the study area more
than 30.3% women respondents under study were member of such groups
and actively participated in its activities. They were contributing Rs.100
per month and from the collection were paying loans to its members. This
had an impact on both sides’first financial conditions of the members i.e.
one way they were saving and in other way helping the needy women
financially by granting loan at minimum rate of [Link] 2.0%
women respondents admitted that they were making saving 68% did not
respond to the question. The details have been presented in table 6.8.
Table 6.8 Type of Activities organized by Community
BasedOrganization
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Member of SHG’s & contributes
91 30.3
Rs. 100/- per month
Savings 5 1.7
Not applicable 204 68.0
Total 300 100.0

6.2.9 Participation in CBO’s Activities

The Bhil Tribal women work hard. Besides performing their

domestic duties they have to work for wages, assist their male partner in

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agriculture field, and also migrate with them from native place to work
places. Besides this, the Bhil tribal women are still bound to follow the old
family norms and traditions. This curtails their participation and
involvements into other social, community activities. They get less time to
participate into it.
Table 6.9 Extent of Participation by the Respondents into CBOs
Activities
Respondent’s
Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Regularly 42 14.0
Most Often 25 8.3
Sometimes 29 9.7
Rarely 11 3.7
Not Applicable 193 64.3
Total 300 100.0
The study revealed that how far the Bhil women member could spend
their time in participation of CBOs activities. Among the respondents under
study only 14% women respondents replied that they could participate into
CBO’s activities regularly, more than 8% viewed most often and about 10%
respondents could participate into the activities sometimes. More than 3%
felt due to their pre-occupations they rarely find time to participate into the
CBO’s activities. 64.3% respondents did not respond to the question. The
details have been presented in table 6.9
6.2.10 Expectations from CBO’s Activities
Community Based Organization are formed locally, the members are
known to each other hence there are more chances to interact and express
thoughts freely, there are more possibilities of co-operation, proper co-
ordination and maintenance of harmonious relations among the members.
In such group the members join with some expectations. Thus the study

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revealed the type and extent of fulfillment of those expectation by joining
the CBO’s as member. The responses of the respondents have been
presented in the following table 6.10
Table 6.10 Type of Respondent’s Expectation from CBO’s
Respondent’s Responses No. of
Respondents Percent
Get Assistance and Co-operation 65 21.7
Develop Confidence& Abilities 28 9.3
To support Family 4 1.3
To gain knowledge 3 1.0
No Response 200 66.7
Total 300 100.0

The data presented in table 6.10 shows that 21.7 % woman

respondents joined CBO’s for getting assistance and co-operation from the
members of their community. More than 9% women respondents expressed
that by interacting with the group members and holding responsible
positions they wanted to develop their personalities and abilities, 1.3%
joined the group with the expectation to support their family and 1.0%
women respondents expressed that by joining the CBO’s wanted to gain
knowledge.
6.2.11 Information and Encouragement to Join CBO’s
The Bhil tribal women being either illiterate or attended school
education did not aspire for responsible position at the community level.
They are hesitant, feel shy, consider inferior than male members and
continue to live under male domination. To get out of home and play an
important role by holding responsible position is unrealistic dream for most

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of the Bhil Tribal women under study. Thus the study made an effort to
identify the sources that inspired, motivated and encouraged them to be in
social life. The data collected from Bhil women respondents have been
presented in table no 6.11
Table 6.11 Respondents Responses towards Receiving Information
and Encouragement to Join CBO
Source of Information and No. of
Encouragement Respondents Percent
Husband 4 1.3
Friends and Relatives 46 15.3
Community people/ PRI Representative/
50 16.7
Officials
Not Applicable 200 66.7
Total 300 100.0

The data presented in table 6.11 highlights the fact that the
community’s, PRI Representatives, and Officials played an important role
in bringing out the women from the family bondages and giving them social
responsibilities. Majority 16.7 percent women respondents admitted that,
followed by Friends and Relatives who could motivate, inspire more than
15% respondents to join the social life through activities organized by the
CBOs. Only 1.3% women respondents admitted that they were encouraged
by their husbands.
6.3 Security and Self Defense Abilities among Bhil Tribal
Women
Due to male domination and traditional myths associated with role
and duties of women in a family, they are more prone to be the victims of

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torture, insult, use of abusive languages, beating and sexual and physical
assaults. It was observed and also pointed out by the respondents during
discussion that such incidents are common into their day to day life. They
just neglect it and cop up with the situation for maintaining harmonious
relations among the family members. When torture is sever and could not
cope up with it then she asks for help either from her parents or the
neighbors. The study revealed that when such incidence occurs then does
she or her parents go for legal assistance or not. If yes then how far they get
justice, and type of constraints difficulties she/her parents face etc. was
studied. The responses collected from the respondents have been presented
and discussed in the following tables.
6.3.1 Domestic Violence against Bhil Tribal Women
The data presented in the following table 6.12 shows that more than
36% women respondents reported that they were the victims of domestic
violence. Whereas more 63.7% did not respond to the question may be
because of fear of insecurity and there are possibilities of not having any
such incident. The details have been presented in the following table 6.12.
Table 6.12 Were you a Victim of Domestic Violence
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Yes 109 36.3
No Response / No 191 63.7
Total 300 100.0
6.3.2 Causes Domestic Violence against Bhil Tribal Women.
The Bhil women work hard, besides looking after the house hold
responsibilities, they were performing grazing and caring of cattle and in
agriculture they were found of performing tasks like weeding, hoeing,

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harvesting and threshing. The Bhil women also work as labourers. Despite
of these she has to face discriminatory, dominating, exploitative behaviors
of the family members including her life partner. This results into domestic
violence against her.
In the study an effort has been made to identify the major causes
responsible for domestic violence against the Bhil women. The responses
sought from the women respondents under study have been presented in
the following table 6.13.
Table 6.13 Causes of Domestic Violence against the Respondents
under Study.
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Quarrels and Tensions due to
65 21.7
Heavy Drinking,
Arguments with mother in law 18 6.0
Behavior of Husbandunlikeness 24 8.0
Called dakan/witchcraft 2 .7
Not Applicable 191 63.7
Total 300 100.0

The data presented in the above table shows that majority 21.7% of
women respondents became victims of domestic violence that took place
due to quarrels and tensions due to heavy drinking, followed by Husband’s
non co-operative, dominating behavior and unlikeness and 6.0% women
respondents reported that they had arguments with their mother-in-law
which resulted into the domestic violence. The traditional practices
prevalent among the Bhil tribes such as witchcraft calling Dakan etc. also
is one of the root cause of domestic violence that took place in family. It
was admitted by 0.7% women respondents.
6.3.3 Efforts made by the Victims of Domestic Violence

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 After being victim of domestic violence, many women do nothing.
They just cry, think of their kids, their own security and keep on neglecting
those cruel acts, behavior she faced. Even sometime she harms herself and
makes an attempt to commit suicide. Such behaviors are commonly
observed among the women who are less privileged, do not have support
either from parents or from her husband, deprived of their rights, ignorance
of their own rights and protective, legislative measures. When such women
are brought out of the doors and imparted knowledge about their rights,
laws, protective measures, source of assistance available for them. This
would certainly have positive impact on the abilities of women. They get
motivated, encouraged and forced to stand against the act of domestic
violence. The study emphasized on assessing how far the respondents could
develop abilities, sharpened their knowledge and was making proper efforts
toward protecting their rights and seeking justice. In view of this the
responses collected from the respondents were tabulated and presented in
the following tables.
Table 6.14 Respondent’s Response about Making Complain against
the Incident of Domestic Violence
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Yes Complained to Parents 74 24.66
Did not report to any where 22 7.33
Reported in Police 13 4.33
No Response/ Not Applicable 201 67.0
Total 300 100.0

It is inferred from the data presented in above table that majority

24.66% women respondents who were victims of domestic violence
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informed their parents to seek assistance only. More than 7% women did
not take any action against the act. Only one respondent i.e.4.33% showed
confidence to go to police for complaining the case. Rest of the 67%
respondents did not answer.
6.4 Impact of Women Respondent’s Involvement in
Household Decision making Process

Active and effective involvement of Bhil Tribal women into

Household Decision Making process could be considered as one of the
major indicator of women empowerment. The study revealed that how far
the Bhil women respondents could develop confidence so as to establish
their individuality and influence the decisions to be taken by the male
dominated, traditional, families. In this regard the responses collected from
respondents have been tabulated and presented in the following tables.
6.4.1 Extent of Success in Influencing Household Decisions
The Bhil Tribal women by marking their presence as responsible
member of a Family;involved intoHousehold decision making. To make
the amicable family decisions the women members have to struggle, argue,
quarrel, face the arguments of other family members and satisfy them so as
to get their support to implement those decisions. During the process she
may have to face different challenges of taking into considerations the
different challenges; like individual liking, available sources to materialize
the decisions, technicalities and feasibility for proper implementation of the
decisions. With this in a view present study emphasized on far she
succeeded in her efforts and the other family members could co-operate her
was examined in the study. The respondent’s responses have been
presented in the following table 6.15

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Table 6.15 Extent of Success in the Efforts made by Respondents
towardsHouse HoldDecision Making
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
All Time 1 .3
Maximum Time 61 20.3
Few Time 195 65.0
Not At All 43 14.3
Total 300 100.0

So far as success in the efforts made by Bhil women towards house

hold decisions is concerned; it was found from the study that negligible
percent i.e. 0.3% could succeed always. They were accepted by their family
members; 20.3% respondents reported that they could succeed maximum
time because of some weaknesses or improper implementation and some of
the disturbing family members she did not succeeded otherwise many time
here decisions were taken into considerations by other family members.
Majority 65% women respondents were of a view that they made efforts
yet faced many challenges, arguments, lack of confidence, lack of
resources, non-cooperations from husband,in-laws etc. lead them to be
unsuccessful hence replied that they were succeeded few times. The details
have been presented in the above table 6.15.
6.4.2 Contribution towards Wellbeing of Family Members by
Involving into Household Decisions.

By involving into the decision making process respondent women

member may have thought of different issues such as economic, social,
educational, health, accumulation of wealth, care of young and old age
members of the family, fulfillment of each member’s expectations etc. It is

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only possible when proper co-operation and co-ordination among family
members is maintained. The thoughts expressed by women member is
respected and taken into consideration while taking house hold decisions.
It was observed from the study that the Bhil Tribal Women are still
struggling for establishing their identity as an individual member of the
family, she still feels dependent on male members. With such perceptions
and attitudes she still devotes herself to protect the interest of an individual
member of a family.
Table 6.16: Extent of Contribution made by the Respondents
towards Family Wellbeing.
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
To great extent 9 3.0
Very much 59 19.7
To some extent 220 73.3
Not at all 12 4.0
Total 300 100.0

Data presented in table 6.16 shows that majority 73.3% women

respondents felt that by involving themselves into the decision making
process they could contribute to some extent towards wellbeing of the
family members. About 20% respondents viewed very much contribution
and 3% reported that they contributed to a great extent.
6.4.3 Impact on Individual Family Members:

By nature women are more adjusting, kind and deals matter giving
serious thoughts. They aspire better life not only for her but for all family
members. Individual care, likings and disliking of the members are taken

185
care of by the women more effectively than male members. This keeps all
the family united and makes them to bind together and creates not only
harmonious relations among the family members but also encourages them
to be progressive, carrier oriented, and work for the common goals. The
Respondents under study were assessed with a aim to how far they could
make changes within their families and it’s members. The responses of the
respondents have been presented in the following table 6.17
Table 6.17 Impact ofWomen Member’s Involvement into House
Hold Decisions on Family member
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Peace in family 80 26.7
Marriage 71 23.7
Children take education 45 15.0
Construction of house 14 4.7
Proper management of
45 15.0
household responsibilities.
Minimized tensions and
arguments among the family 45 15.0
members.
Total 300 100.0
Data presented in the table no 6.17 shows that there is a positive
impact on of the women members involvement into decision making
process. It is evident that more than 26% respondent’s could maintain
peaceful life for their family members, 23.7% women respondents found
proper partner for marriages of their family members and made arranged
marriages without any difficulties. About 15 % respondents reported that
they motivated their family members towards education of their children
and put them into schools, 4.7% percen of women members thought about
construction of their houses and managed to make the other family
members to realize importance of construction of house accordingly
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decision was taken and initiated the work. Equal distribution of
responsibilities was done and each individual member of the family was
forced to perform his/her duties seriously without any arguments, that’show
15% of women members reported that they could make proper management
of household responsibilities. The details have been presented in the above
table 6.17.
6.4.4 Feeling of the Respondents when their Decisions are Accepted
and Respected.

Data presented in the table 6.18 shows that majority 87.3 % woman
respondents felt secured and respected when they involved in decision
making process and their views were taken into consideration and amicable
decisions were taken by the family members followed by 11.3% women
respondents who expressed self- satisfaction over their involvement into
the decision making [Link] details have been presented in the
following table 6.18.

Table 6.18 Feeling of the Respondents when their Decisions are

Accepted and Respected
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Self-satisfaction 34 11.3
Feel Secured and Respected 262 87.3
Not applicable 4 1.3
Total 300 100.0

6.4.5 Respondents Responses about quality of their Decisions.

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 Generally women are underestimated, considered inferior, their
abilities were doubted but given a chance they proved to be the best. Those
women could get a chance to participate in the Household decision have
proved to be the best. So far as Bhil tribal women are considered the study
found that majority 55% women considered to some extent their decisions
were poor, they could have taken better decisions. It shows that despite of
success the women were considering their decisions poor. This indicates
the readiness to accept lacunae and like to improve them. Such realization
would improve the quality of decision to be taken by the women member
in future. It is also found from the study that considerable percentage 16.3%
women were confident and considered their decisions were properly taken
matching with the requirements of the family. There was not any draw back
it worked and results were as per the expectations. Hence they were happy
with their decisions. The details have been presented in the following table
6.19

Table 6.19 Feedback about the decisions taken by the Respondents

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Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Decisions were Poor 86 28.7

To some extent Decisions

165 55.0
were Poor

Decisions were Proper and

49 16.3
fetched expected Results

Total 300 100.0

6.4.5 Respondents Perceptions about Ineffective and Poor Dcisions

The Household decisions taken by the respondent were considered
as poor or to some extent poor. The study further explored that why the
decisions were considered to be poor or to some extent poor. The
respondents perceived various factors responsible which acted as barriers
in implementing the decisions. The details of the responses have been
presented in table 6.20
Table 6.20 Respondents Perceptions about Ineffective and
Poor Decisions
Respondent’s Responses No. of Respondents Percent
Male tendency 64 21.3
Superstations 27 9.0
Cultural norms 58 19.3
Prevention from being
7 2.3
politician
Illiteracy 94 31.3
Not applicable 50 16.7
Total 300 100.0

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 It is evident from the data presented in table 6.20 that Illiteracy was
found to be the major drawback in decision making process. Majority
31.3% respondents experienced difficulties due to either illiteracy or low
educational status. Lack of education certainly has adverse impact on
abilities of a person. Ignorance of facts and figures, procedures,
programmes and policies, inability to read or write is common among
illiterate or low educated people. Thus it affected on their decision making
capacities also. Another important factor which lead women’s decision to
be inferior is Male domination mentality which was faced by 21.3% women
respondents. Another factors which made their decisions inferior were
socio-cultural norms (19.3%), Superstitions (9.0%) , the women
respondents were prevented from participation into local level politics
(2.3%) this also affected on the decision taken by the women members of
the family.

**********

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 CHAPTER- VII
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
Introduction

Decision making in the family is a critical element in the status of

family members, because it involves the allocation of resources and the
distribution of roles within the family. Participation of women in the
decision making process in the family is a strong indicator of their position
in terms of equality with men. Family Decision making is a process that
can be filled with tension, extremely pleasant and rewarding both or
somewhere in between. In the decision making process, families can
address the differences among members and negotiate their needs for
closeness and independence.(Galvin and Brommel 2000)Women’s
decision-making power in family is direct relationship with women’s self-
efficacy, their socioeconomic level, life experiences, self character, status
in self-family and community’s perceive role of women in family. It need
high self-efficacy, knowledge, experience, capability and risk take. So,
process of decision-making both female and male leads stress and anxiety.
Therefore, it is assumed that women are not equal level person with spouse
respect decision-making in family. Women’s obey decision decrease
women’s self-esteem. This conclude that they feel inadequate themselves.
Those women feel self ineffective and inadequate in family decrease both
their marital and life satisfaction.
The status of women in a society is a significant reflection of the
level of social justice in that society. Women’s status is often described in
terms of their level of income, employment, education, health and fertility
as well as their roles within the family, the community and society. In tribal
191
communities, the role of women is substantial and crucial. Social status of
tribal women in all about subordination or subjugation and is primarily
characterized by what is called a ‘triple’ burden of productivity,
reproductivity and domestic labour. Although they lack control of material
and social resources, their contribution to subsistence economy give them
important and irreversible position. However, there are certain domains in
which men continue to dominate, as is culturally required. Moreover,
community still is in the hands of men. There is kind of duality observable
here. Men dominate in public, in social and religious affairs, and continue
to play the role of the head of the family and breadwinner, (Bhasin, 1991).
. Among Bhil tribes, birth of a girl child is not looked upon, because
they are considered as economic assets. The women are encouraged to
participate in all agriculture operations; they work in all sectors of
indigenous cottage industries, tribal arts & production of articrafts. But they
are not free to take their own decisions as per their convenience,
requirements, or wish. Thus women’s involvement is limited to discharging
her duties only and is not free to enjoy their rights. It proves from the study
conducted by R.C. Swarankar that 76% respondent say that decision
regarding education of children is taken by male, economic issues are
decided solely by the men in 70% cases.
The family norms, values, traditions prevent them from participating or
arguing on any of the issues of her concern. This would have negative
impact not only on her personal growth and development but also on
harmonious relation among the family members. The women are bound to
surrender and work under the control of male dominated society. If at all a
women does not obey or follow the household decisions taken by the male

192
members then she is prone to be the victim of domestic violence. In such a
situation dream of women empowerment may remain as a dream only.
Family is defined by sociologist as a group of people bound together by
blood, marriage or adoption. Therefore a family consist of parents (bound
by marriage) and children ( bound by blood or adoption) The family
consists of man and wife having one or more children. Man and women in
meeting their managerial problems in the home are constantly faced with
situations that require decisions and action. There are big and important
decisions in the family life which require group action and deliberation and
need more time and thought. On the other hand there are other habitual
decisions which require individual action and are completed quickly.
Decisions making is a process consisting of the activities which results in
the choice of an alternative or the commitment to a course of action.
Decision making capacity of a human being is one of those criteria which
distinguish human being from other species.
Women are traditionally less involved in decision making at all levels.
Their important role is not recognized and therefore, still not accepted in
decision making. The share of women in community decision making
structure is still very low and their participation is mostly stressed by male.
Women play a crucial role in the economic welfare of the family. Women
perform different tasks depending on their socio-economic structure,
number of people in the family the nature of professions they are involved
in and many other factors(Reddy &Narayan,1987) without the active
participation of women and incorporation of women’s perspective at all
levels of decision making, the goals of equality development & peace
cannot be achieved.(Karl 1995)

193
It is acknowledge fact that women’s role and status to large extent are
determined by the nature of the household itself. Joint family is one of the
basic characteristics of Indian family. A historical system of authority was
distinctly specified. In this hierarchy age sequence and male domination
were most effective inscriptive criteria.
The older generation had authority over the younger generation. The
eldest male member was the acknowledged head of the family. His
authority was absolute. Since authority was vested in him, he made all the
important decisions, with or without consultation of other adult members
in the family. His decision was binding and final. The female member was
allotted subordinate position to men. She had to serve her husband and the
family members. As river merges into sea losing its existence, She was
expected to loose her individuality after marriage and had to depend on her
husband. She had no say regarding the decisions concerning major family
problems, nor had she any power to decide with regard to her own
children’s welfare. Regarding the authority structure of the joint family and
the status of women A. D Rosswrites “In the family women were
theoretically allotted a subordinate position to men. The wife of the eldest
male member usually grand mother had a clear position of authority as head
of the domestic side of the household . Important household matters were
controlled by grand mother, but day to day routine matters were completely
under grandmother control. She administered the household, supervised or
did the cooking and saw that the children were properly cared for.” 3The
status of the other women in the household was determined by the status of
their husbands and the length of time they had lived in the family. They
were completely under the control and supervision of the eldest female
member of the family.
194
Findings

Profile of Women Respondents

1. Women’s decision-making power in family has direct relationship

with women’s self-efficacy, their socioeconomic level, life

experiences, self-character, status in self-family and community’s
perceive role of women in family. It need high self-efficacy,
knowledge, experience, capability and risk take.
2. Women status is measured in terms of her level of employment,

income, education, health as well as decision making role she plays

within the family, community and society. Women bear almost all
responsibility for meeting basic needs of the family, yet are
systematically denied the freedom of action they need to fulfill this
responsibility.
3. Majority 65.3% women respondents were in the age group 22 to 35

year. The second largest age group was 36 to 45 years, which 26.7
% women respondents. The third and fourth age group is very less as
compare to the first two age groups.
4. So far as Educational Status of the women respondents is concerned

it was found that majority 64.7% of the respondents were illiterate,

20.3% studied upto lower primary and 4.7% upto upper primary
Level. Only 5.0% and 3.7% could complete their studies uptohigh
school and matriculation respectively. Very few i.e. 1.7% women
respondents were found to be graduates. Lower educational status of
Bhill women clearly indicates that practice of early marriages is still
prevalent among them which systematically keep them away from
the opportunity of education.

195
5. Nuclear Families were common among the Bhil Tribes in the study

area. Majority 76.3% women respondents were living in nuclear

families and only 23.7% of them reported that they are living in joint
[Link] is because of the problem of employment in the area
that forces them to leave their birth places and hunt for employment
in nearby villages, towns and other big cities.
6. Besides performing their regular household chores Bhil Tribal

women under study were contributing economically by engaging

themselves into the agriculture based jobs likeploughing, digging,
sowing, and transplanting, weeding, harvesting, threshing,
winnowing and storing food grain. Majority 84.7% women worked
as agriculture labour and performed those activities. Only 2.67%
women respondents reported that they work as government
employee that too as either AnganwadiWorker or Class IV employee
in Govt. school etc. Negligible percentage 0.3% ofwomen
respondents were found to be engaged in self-employment.
7. Majority 33.3% women respondents earned between Rs.3000-4000,
18.7% women respondents could earn between Rs.1000-2000.
Considerable per cent of women respondents i.e. 10.7% admitted
that they were earning between Rs.4000-5000 per month. More than
28% women did not disclose their earning, they just replied that they
were housewives and do not have their own [Link] is inferred
from the study that irrespective of their educational attainments the
bhil tribal women were performing physical work at par with their
men counterparts and supporting their families financially.

8. It is inferred from the study that despite of women’s economic

contribution towards accumulation of wealth she could not claim that

196
 as right. It is obvious from the information provided by more than
90% respondents that they do not have saving account in bank, nor
do they own any property such as house, agriculture land, housing
plot etc. But about 60% women respondents reported that they have
their own Jewelry only.
9. The families of the respondents were having land, House, Jewellery,

animals, TV, LPG, Stove, Cow dug and woods. Whereas very few
families were possessing items like Fridge, Washing Machine and
Mixer.
10. Majority of women respondent 68.67% suffered from one or the

other sickness. Twenty Nine per cent women respondents reported

that they suffered from fever, 24 % were anemic, 15.3% suffered
from communicable disease and 0.3 per cent were of the view that
they were the victims of witch craft.
11. Government Hospitals in the area were the main source for treatment
51 % women respondents go for treatment into government hospitals
only. 6.3 % women respondents took treatment from Private
Hospital. The practice of getting treatment from Sadhu/Baba was
still prevalent in the study area. About 5% women respondents
believed in Sadhu/baba and hence go to them for treatment.

12. The study revealed that among Bhil tribes the husband of women had

shown deep sensitivity towards their wife’s health. Majority 47%

women respondents expressed that during their sickness their
husbands took to hospitals for treatment. Whereas considerable
percentage 14.7% of women reported that they had to go to hospitals
without any escorts. The family members did not either co-operate
or help them during sickness. They had to take care of themselves.

197
13. It is commonly perceived that mother-in-law dominate and plays an

important role in taking decisions with regard to family matters.

Therefore it is mandatory for the women of young age especially the
daughter-in-laws to follow her and maintain good relations so as to
get support, protection, and encouragement from her. In this regard
very few 12% of respondents under study informed that they were
having very good relations with their mother-in-laws and majority
57% women rated their relations as good& 29% as [Link] 3%
of themclearly replied that they did not have good relations with their
mother-in-laws.
14. Harmonious relations with head of the family or father-in-law of

women respondents facilitate and ensure their participation in the

house hold decision. The study found that majority 65% women
respondents were having good relations with head of the family or
Father in-law 26% respondents reported that they were having
average relations with their father-in-law, 8% of the women have
very good relations with their father-in-law and only 1% of the
women admitted that they had hard or not good relation with their
father-in-law. It is inferred from the study that the Bhil women have
encouraging environment into their families which facilitates
establishing their individual identity.

15. Strong bondages among the Husband wife relations reflects smooth
functioning of the families and sharing of responsibilities equally,
care, respect and support for each other, minimum space for any
conflicts which gives rise to tension and family disturbances. In the
study area it was found that majority 72% of the women have very
good relation with their husband, 25% of the women felt that they
198
 have good relation with their husband and below 1% of the women
have average relation, 1% of the women were found to be having
hard relation with their husbands.
16. The practice of old redundant traditions adversely effect on the
dignity and identity of women. It also act as barrier in gender
equality, some practices are bound to be followed by women member
only. In the study area it was observed that practice of Pardha
System, Tatoo making and Traditional way marriages was found to
be more common.

Patterns of Decision Making

17. It is ascertained from the study that women were free to take their
own decisions for maintaining their health and sorting out it’s related
issues. Which further supported by their husbands. The practice of
taking common decisions with mutual consent by the spouses was
prevalent among the Bhill tribes. In such matters the women not only
received support from their husband but also from other family
members too. Sometimes or in an emergency cases husband takes his
own decision and rush to hospital which shows strong attachments
between husband and wife. Negligence by family members towards
ill health of the women respondents was not reported by any of them.
This clearly indicates the fact that there are attitudinal changes and
sign of strong positive inter-depandary relations among the Bhil
tribal families.
18. Decisions with regard to major purchases like Plot, Land, any
movable and immovable assets for the family were taken by mutual
consent of the family members. In this process the women members
also participate and contribute substantially. Majority women
respondents reported that the decisions on such issues are taken by
both i.e. Husband and Wife. Very few women members reported that
they take decisions independently on such matters. Thus the findings
of the study indicates that among the Bhil Tribes discrimination on

199
 the basis of gender is minimizing, women members receives equal
treatment and respects, their views are considered for such important
matters.
19. It was foundfrom the study that very few 6.3%Bhil tribal women,
besides household chores were enjoying theadditional
responsibilities of purchasing items required to fulfill their daily
needs. They were free to go to market for purchasing items of their
choices either for preparation of meals or for fulfillment of the
requirements of other members of households. But the percentage of
such women was found to be lower as compared to the women who
replied that they go for purchasing along with their
[Link] 74.0% women respondents replied that on
weekend they visit weekly hats in nearby towns along with their
husband to purchase items required for fulfillment of daily needs.
From the study it is inferred that women are still dependent on their
husband without his consent or him as escort they are not allowed to
go to market for purchasing materials required to fulfill their needs.
More than 14.3% women respondents replied that the purchasing of
materials required for fulfillment of day to day needs is done by their
husbands only. The women are required to manage out of the
materials provided by their husbands. It was also brought into the
notice by 5.3% women that they go to purchasing with any other
family members.
20. With regard to decisions related to visits to relatives were taken by
Husband and Wife with mutual consent. More than 31% women
respondents were of the view that such decisions were taken by their
husbands only. They did not involve in such decisions and obey the
decisions taken by them either the decisions are in favor or against
the women. 4.7% women were of a view that they were involved in
taking decision along with some other family members. This could
be inferred from thestudy that Bhil tribal women members were
allowed, their views are taken into consideration but final decisions

200
 are made by the head of the household or male member of the family.
It was also observed that lower educational status of the women
members could not influence decision making practices prevalent
among the Bhil tribals.
21. The study revealed that the family members of Bhil Tribal women
were sensitive towards women’s health and could extend care and
treatment available in their area. The traditional way of treatment
like- Jadibuti, going to priest, worshiping god & goddess, sadhu
baba, Black magic,Local vaid etc. was found to be common among
the Bhil Tribes. Beliefs, acceptance and accessibility of medical
facilities are on increase in the area as a result have created space for
arguments between old, traditional rigid minded andthe people who
realizing the advantages and disadvantages of prevalent traditional
way of treatment and want to go for the modern way of treatment. In
such situation very few 2.0% women could take decisions about their
ill health independently. Whereas in remaining 98% cases
involvement in taking decisions for treatment 2% women with other
family members took decisions about their ill health. Majority of the
respondents 67.3% were of a view that the decisions with regard to
ill health of women are being taken jointly by the women and her
husband. In case of 28.3% women respondent’s decisions about their
health have been taken by their husband only.

Extent of Women Involved in Taking Decisions

22. It is found from the study that after marriages Tribal women could
not decide about the number of children she should have. This could
be attributed to ignorance, early marriages, dependence and male
domination and also the cultural values of the family. Some positive
change due to awareness through education, health workers, and
developmental intervention women are thinking of deciding how
many time they should bear the burden of pregnancy. It is evident
from the information provided by the respondents that only 15.0%

201
 respondents involved to a great extent in deciding it. Whereas 57.7%
women admitted that their involvement in deciding number of
children was to some extent and 19% women respondents reported
that they did not involve in deciding the number of times she should
undergo pregnancy.
23. Bhil women are playing important role in using contraceptive for
birth control. The women due to early marriages, shyness, lack of
awareness about the contraceptives and hesitation to speak off, have
open discussion with their sex partners could not get involved into
deciding use of contraceptives. But now with increased awareness
towards their health, contacts with other society, interaction with
educated people and government officials the tribal women have
developed positive attitude towards birth control hence making
efforts in this direction. In the study 1.7% women respondents
reported that could take decision in the process their involvement
was to a great extent, 13.0% were of a view that they were involved
to some extent, 30.3% reported occasionally they express their views
about contraceptives before their husbands and made them to use
contraceptives. Yet majority 55.0% Bhil women respondents
admitted that they did not involve themselves in taking decision on
using contraceptives.
24. Small family norms were found to be unfamiliar among the women
respondents under study. Majority about 94% women respondents
did express their views that they were not at all involved in making
decision with regard to Family Planning. Only 1.0% respondents
reported that they insisted their marriage partners to have family
planning hence they motivated and made them to adopt small family
norms hence considered their involvement into this decision to a
great extent, 3.3% to some extent and 2.0% occasionally.
25. The Bhil Tribal women under study aspire for better life for their
children. Realizing the fact that education is the only way out for
better life of their children, they showed deep sensitivity and concern

202
 towards their children’s education. In this regard about 33.0 %
women respondents influenced their family members and forced
them to take decisions as per her wish and succeeded in [Link] they
considered their involvement into the decisions with regard to their
children’s education was to a great extent, 40.0% were of a view that
to some extent and 17.3% were occasional.
26. Decisions with regard to age at marriage, selection of suitable
partner, socio-cultural norms of both the families and financial as
well as other requirements to be fulfilled are important in which the
Bhil Tribal women are free to express their views and influence
common decision. Accordingly it was found from the study that
women are actively participating and marking their presence in such
decisions. This clearly shows that the Bhil tribal women are itching
for creating their identity as an individual. As a result about 90%
women respondents accepted that they are making efforts in this
direction. Out of these 10.0% feel that they are greatly involved,
60.0% may have been facing constraints in achieving their dreams
hence feels that they are succeeded in influencing such decisions to
some extent and 18.3% experienced occasionally success.
27. It has been observed that disputes in a family of the Bhils have been
a regular activity on one or the other indispensible matters such as
consumption of alcohol being tradition and culture of the Bhil tribes,
unnecessary expenses on visitors, property matters, doubts on
behaviors of the women members, indebtedness and exploitation at
the hands of the land lords and money lenders etc. These disputes are
being resolved by male members only. But women members of the
family are also intervening in the matters and bringing out amicable
solutions irrespective of adverse situations. In such situations the
involvement of women have been observed in the study area. The
information provided by the Bhil tribal women respondents shows
that majority 45.0% respondents intervene in the disputes
occasionally and sort out the issues, 39.7% replied that they are

203
involved in it some extent and 3.% of them reported that their
involvement into such activities is to a great exten.

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204
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 Appendix
CASE STUDIES
1. [Link]
Thirty three years old Smt. Demabai belongs to Bhil Tribe. She hails
from Chandragarh village in Petlawad Block of Jhabua district, Madhya
Pradesh. At young age i.e. at 4 years of her age Smt. Demabai had paralysis
which resulted into amputation of her legs. She became permanent
disabled. With such disability Smt. Demabai irrespective of her
unfavorable family and Physical conditions attended schoolupto 8 th
standard. She failed in 8th standard hence her parents withdraw from the
school and made her to marry with a person who is also disabled. She got
married at 13years of age with a disabled boy hailed from nearby village
and studied upto 12th Standard.
After marriage Smt. Demabai was residing with her parents for two
years. She realized that she is married and has to stay with her husband and
in-laws. Despite of her disabilities and parent’s wish she took a decision to
go to her husband’s place and stay with them. Husband’s family was a joint
family consisting mother, father, elder brother, elder brother’s wife and
their kids and unmarried younger brother. It was a challenge for Smt.
Demabai to adjust in a new environment, new family members, and face
the problem of disability. Economic condition of her husband’s family was
not good, he was unemployed elder brother and a small peace of
agricultural land was the only source of earning for the family.
Since Smt. Demabai started living in the husband’s joint family, she
was facing different constraints at Individual as well as at the family level

211
that includes- health, financial, adjustment with the other family members,
her own and her husband’s idealness and dependency on other family
members etc. In mean time she gave birth to two kids their up-bringing and
education was the major challenge before her. On a whole situation became
more [Link], disability and unfavorable conditions in
the family were the major problems to be faced by Smt. Demabai.
Smt. Demabai neither lose confidence nor stopped her efforts. She
discussed the problem with her in-laws, took them into confidence. Then
motivated her husband, other family members to face the situation
confidently and bring out proper solution for the well-being of all the family
members. The initiative made by Smt. Damabai was taken positively. With
the consensus of all the family members she took decision to work for
earning, and made other members to cultivate the agricultural land owned
by the family in a proper way. Accordingly along with her family members
she started efforts. Smt. Demabai succeeded in her efforts within one or two
months and got a Job as Anganwadi Worker which fetched her monthly
income of Rs. 2000/- The other family members including in-laws and her
brother in-laws made serious and honest efforts into their agricultural land
that enhanced the financial condition of the family. As a result Smt.
Damibai put her both the kids into a good school, harmonious and co-
operative relations among the family members were established, all the
biasness and hatred attitudes were removed and today the family is
satisfied, happy and gives all the credit to Smt. Damibai.

2. Smt. Fudibai
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 Forty Two year’s SmtFudibai born in a poor Bhil family. She is the
eldest daughter among six siblings. Her parents worked as daily wage
earner and had some domestic animals like cow and goats. Being a eldest
daughter Fudibai had to take care of her younger siblings and the domestic
animals at the age only. She had urge to be educated, dreams to attend
school as the others were attending but the extra burden of household
responsibilities and poor financial conditions deprived her from the right to
be [Link] was active, vocal, and use to mix up with all people. That
removed hesitation, inferiority complexes and developed better vocabulary,
conversation, analytical, and leadership abilities.
Fudibai got married at the age of 13 years. The in-laws family was a
joint family. More than 8 members were residing in the family. Her
husband was working in a bank. Due to additional responsibilities at in-
laws family she could not get an opportunity to make proper use of her
inbuilt abilities. Despite of her wish Smt. Fudibai was forced to follow old
redundant family traditions and rituals, like not allowing her to go out of
home, not interacting with other male members, putting purdah on face,
practicing blind faiths etc. She was against all these but being a daughter
in-law could not oppose [Link] the time passed awayshe had three kids
including one daughter and two sons hence decided to fulfill her dream by
educating them. At the same time she decided to abandon the old traditions
rituals that are constraint in family progress.
Smt. Fudibai with these aims started working on it. Discussed with
all the family members and motivated them, showed readiness to take
responsibility of children’s education. She also expressed wish to be in
social life, interact with other community people, involve in community
functions, and community development activities. After rigorous
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arguments, and discussions, the family members agreed and permitted her
to involve into social, and community activities.
Both decisions of Smt. Fudibai were taken positively by the family
members and co-operated her.
In a short period with her inbuilt abilities to convince people, give
proper solutions and suggestion, helping nature she became more familiar
among them. SmtFudibai always dealt with the issues of common
importance hence people also started believing her adopting the solutions.
During PRI,s elections the community people made her to contest the
election and she got elected with majority of votes. Smt. Fudibai was more
concern about her children’s education she could manage all the facilities
and requirements of their education. Her two sons got higher education and
now in govt. Job and daughter has completed master’s Degree. SmtFudibai
second time contested the election of Village Sarpanch and got again
elected with majority of votes. Her family members are happy with her
achievements and expressed that her vision and decision was proper and
accordingly she worked very hard achieved her goal.
3. Smt. Shanti Bai
Smt. Shanti bai, age 27 hails from RupaPada, district Jhabua. Born
in tweens, parents were not financially able to rare both the kids. So Smt.
Shanti Bai was sent her to maternal uncle. Smt. Shanti Bai was brought up
by maternal uncle, she studied upto10th class and got married to a person
who was habitual of drinking alcohol. The family consisted of more than
eight members including in-laws, two sons, their wives, and [Link]
created unrest among the family members. Use of abusive languages,
beating, torture, on small issues was a regular activity. The financial
condition was also not good, all the family members were living in hand to
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mouth situation. Some time they use to have meal once a day only. Male
dominated female members of the family. Hence female of the family could
not take any action against the male members. Most of the family members
were suffering from one or the other ailment.
Smt. Shanti bai, being educated upto high school did not like the un
healthy environment in her newly married home. She was disappointed,
and wanted to leave the home. But it was not possible for her so decided to
improve the conditions at home only. The domination of male members,
their non-progressive thoughts, elder women’s support to the male
members, economic and health conditions of the family etc. were the major
challenges before her. Initially when she interfered into the family matters
then she was neglected, abused, underestimated, sometimes she was beaten
up by her husband.
Smt. Shanti baiwas aware of her rights, she argued, quarreled, and
threatened the family members for making complain against them. Many
times she went out for complain but did not do so. She realized that only
she can make changes into the family. So she started making efforts. First
she thought of establishing her identity and dignity among the family
members. Very diplomatically she started taking care of individual
member. She made them dependent on her. After laps of some period
everyone in the family was giving respect and attention towards the
thoughts expressed by her. That’s how she became famous and loved one
among each family members. Smt. Shanti bai utilized this opportunity to
change the drinking habits of male members. Accordingly she raised the
issue infront of the male members of the family, they hesitated, but agreed
not to drink liquer. Today the male members of the family are out of the
addiction, they realized their mistakes, became progressive and started
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involving into constructive activities. The young members of the family
were put into the school and after coming back from the school the elder
members were made to take studies of the children.
4. Smt. Kamlibai
Smt. Kamlibai reside in a remote tribal village of Jhabua district. She
is 35 years old, studied upto 5thstd, married at the age of 13 years. Now she
has 4 children two daughters and two sons. Kamala bai and her husband
continuously migrate for work to the town of Gujarat. The family neither
has agricultural land nor proper house to live in at their village. The family
stayed in a hut, having old dilapidated kuchha house at their village.
Smt. Kamlibai was worried about her children’s carrier, their
education. She also wanted to construct the house. Frequent migration for
work was affecting on education of her children. Her husband did not show
much concern about the children’s education. In-laws and other family
members were staying in separate hut so they also were not concerned
about the family members hence did not co-operate. Financial condition of
the family was not good so as to put the children into Hostels and make
them study.
Smt. Kamlibai thought not to migrate further for work. Her husband
reacted violently to it; they were having quarrel arguments over the issue.
This created tension, unrest among the family members. Smt. Kamlibai’s
husband was thinking that as the children will grow up. They will also
migrate with them for work and support the family financially but she did
not agree to it. Forcefully she decided to stay back with her children at
village and put them into school. Accordingly she made her husband to
migrate alone. By staying back Smt. Kamlibai, started working in
agriculture fields, graze the domestic animal, and put her children into
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government school. She made her children to study. For their education
Smt. Kamlibai took all the pains, worked hard, as the time passed away her
husband also realized that Smt. Kamalibai’s decision was proper, and
started supporting and co-operating her. Today all the four children have
completed graduation, out of them two have government job, they have
constructed their house, Smt. Kamlibai’s husband has stopped migrating
for work to towns. The family status also improved.
5. Smt. Sukhiyabai
Fifty years Smt. Sukhiyabai hails from Jhabua district of Madhya
Pradesh. She could not attend school as her parents expired at young age.
She was born and brought up by her grand-parents. Financial conditions of
grandparents was very poor, there was no earning member in the family.
At old age her grandparents were not able to work as daily wage worker.
The condition was becoming worsened day by day. The community people
and neighbor extended help, use to provide raw materials to eat. Begging
was the only option for Smt. Sukhiyabai. She begged for survival upto the
age of 10 years and fed her grant parents. At the age of 11 both the
grandparents expired leaving her alone. Smt. Sukhiyabai did not have any
support, As she was growing up she was facing the problems like
eveteasing, physical and sexual exploitation from male members. The life
for Smt. Sukhiyabai became difficult at her village. With such condition
she got an opportunity to visit the traditional functionBhagoriya. Where she
met with a boy and both decided to marry. She did not have any thing to
pay as the practice prevalent among Bhil tribe. The boy agreed to it and
took her to his home. Without any thing to pay and not having any relatives,
the parents of the boy did not accepted her as his wife. Looking at the

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condition of Smt. Sukhiyabai the community people convinced the parents
of the boy to accept her as their daughter in-law.
Started living with her husband and in-laws, but had to face
humiliation, mental and physical torture she bared all this as she did not
have any alternative. As the time passed away she had two kids. Yet there
was no improvement in the behaviours of the family members. Smt.
Sukhiyabai came into the contact of a nurse who use to visit for medical
aids to the people at her village. Smt. Sukhiyabai narrated the incidents that
are taking place every day at her home. The nurse suggested to have faith
in yourself and do not tolerate the miss behavior of the family members.
Smt. Sukhiyabai decided to behave according to suggestions of the
nurse. She started arguing and opposing the family members for their
misbehaviours. Her arguments, oppositions were not accepted by the
family members. She was not respected, understood. Her existence as a
family member was not accepted, as a result Smt. Sukhiyabai was thrown
out of her home. Thus it was not easy for her to get involved into the house
hold decision making process. Her husband also did not co-operate with
her. Smt. Sukhiyabai failed to involve herself into the decision making
process of the family. She did not had any alternative to survive so again
came back to the home and surrendered herself. She agreed to stay with
them as per their wish and follow the traditions, rules and regulations of the
family, cope up with male domination etc.

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