An Empirical Analysis of Women Empowerment within Muslim Community in Murshidabad District of West Bengal, India

Women empowerment is a contemporary issue for developing countries like India. The rates of women empowerment are in a vulnerable condition within the largest Muslim minority community of India. In this paper, an attempt has been taken to present an empirical analysis of Muslim women empowerment within purposively selected Murshidabad district of West Bengal regarding the highest concentration of Muslim people (63.67%) all over the country. For showing the multidimensional aspects of women empowerment, a Cumulative Empowerment Index (CEI) has been constructed using 22 key indicators that act as explained variables covering four dimension of women empowerment, i.e. control over economic resources, control over household decision making, women’s mobility and political awareness. Nine explanatory (independent) variables have also been selected as determinants of women empowerment (CEI). Based on the multiple regression results the study finds statistically significant impact of accessing any type of media, family structure, family headship, household income, paid work and duration of marital life on Cumulative Empowerment Index of Muslim women at the study area. It concludes that active participation of GO’s and local NGO’s in bringing change of traditional beliefs of Muslim family and gaining awareness about women’s rights and practices can accelerate the women empowerment process within Muslim community of Murshidabad district. Keywords: Women empowerment, Cumulative Empowerment Index, Muslim community, Multiple regressio