Gender Development And The Status Of Tribal Women: A Case Study Of Telangana State

Abstract

The scheduled tribes (Tribal) constitute, according to 2011 census about 9.3 % of the total population in Telangana. Moreover, this tiny southern state presents a bewildering collection of tribal groups. Out of the 9(Nine) enlisted tribes found in the state, (i.e, Lambada,Koya,Gond,Yerukala,Pardhan,Kolam,Chenchus,KondaReddi and Thota) are regarded as the original settlers. In tribal communities, the role of women is substantial and crucial. They constitute about half the total population, but in tribal society women are more important than in other social groups, because they work harder and the family economy and management depend on them. Even after industrialization and the resultant commercialization swamped the tribal economy, women continued to play a significant role. Mostly women and children do collection of minor forest produce. Many also work as laborers in industries, households and construction, contributing to their family income. However, tribal women are still marginalized and deprived group in Tribal society. Gender equality among tribal groups is a complex phenomenon that needs to be addressed in the context of various issues of tribal life. The Gender dimension of the tribal communities of India also has a bearing on the need for tribal development. This Research work focuses on the nature and dimensions of change in the lives and status of tribal women in Telangana and  also focuses how the Socioeconomic changes during the last few decades have introduced new gender and class issues into the purportedly egalitarian society of the Tribal’s.