The state of Jharkhand was carved out of southern Bihar on November 15, 2000 essentially as a 'tribal state'. Economic growth was seen as the path to meet the goals of poverty alleviation and equity for the substantial tribal population left out of the post-independence mainstream development story in India. This has led to violent conflicts over land, mineral wealth and other natural resources, increasingly alienating the tribals. It compels us to think of Jharkhand's development in terms of conflict sensitive development which by its very nature is intrinsically linked with political empowerment.
Left Wing Extremism' (LWE), as the Government of India describes it, has swept across the state and while the impact has not been uniform, no district in Jharkhand is completely free from its larger impact. Women have been caught between armed state and non-state actors. Their plight, the conditions under which they can and do exercise agency in the midst of this conflict and tension that is often violent in nature, has not received systematic attention. This research study conducted by PRIA on the key issues and challenges women in conflict zones face was an attempt to plug this gap by breaking the silence around women, particularly tribal women.
Objectives
The participatory research facilitated a critical analysis of the multiple vulnerabilities tribal women face in Dumka and Jamtara districts. Using participatory research methods, the barriers in accessing education and health services, in particular the effect of the conflict, were analysed. Suggestions for ensuring more effective and equitable access to quality health and education services were made.
The study specifically focused on:
Geographical spread
Ten sample villages covering both Dumka and Jamtara districts of Jharkhand state
Key areas/components
Key outputs
Learnings
This participatory research intervention in 10 tribal villages of Dumka and Jamtara districts has helped in collectively exploring the multiple vulnerabilities faced by tribal women. Their vulnerabilities are a result of their poor economic and education status, their tribal and gender identities, and living in a hostile geopolitical as well as socio-political environment. The study has shown how multiple vulnerabilities work in tandem with the systemic, capacity and context barriers of service providers to deny access of timely and quality development services to tribal women, thereby creating a viscous circle of vulnerability.
This research reinforces PRIA's learnings from its work in other areas that there is lack of interest in implementing the PESA Act, marginalization of the tribal community continues and women's marginalization affects their access to service delivery. The participatory research methodology used by PRIA is a powerful tool in helping to empower the vulnerable and marginalized.
The participatory nature of this research has facilitated both the tribal women and service providers to explore multiple, integrated solutions to address the multi-level barriers, and has helped them think of possible ways forward to break the vicious circle of vulnerability. The study findings reiterate the need for serious efforts and commitment by the government to effectively implement the different development schemes for tribal communities and tribal women. Greater gender and conflict sensitivity is required in planning and execution of all development projects in Jharkhand whether by the government or by civil society organizations. Greater understanding on part of the government and civil society organizations on how to work with women, traditional structures and local capacity models to facilitate greater political participation of women in PESA governed scheduled areas, including their roles in conflict resolution, is necessary. Better convergence between government departments in implementing the letter and spirit of PESA, especially the provisions that delineate community rights for women, is also required.
Year/Period : 2012-13
Client
Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India