20
4.2.4 Decision-making Role in the family
It is widely recognized that women play a significant role in the progress and development of any
nation. Unfortunately, in many underdeveloped and developing countries, women’s involvement is
limited due to entrenched traditional values and negative actions from their families and society as a
whole. There is a prevailing belief that women are less capable than men, which greatly hinders their
participation in various aspects of life, relegating them primarily to domestic responsibilities. It is a
known fact that women possess all the necessary abilities to make and execute important decisions,
but they often lack the empowerment required to play an active role in decision-making processes.
The position of women in society is indicated by their legal entitlements, educational opportunities,
health, well-being, employment opportunities, and participation in decision-making processes.
Various societal, cultural, and religious beliefs have led to the enactment of biased laws and the
perpetuation of discriminatory practices that hinder women from fulfilling their rightful roles in both
society and the economy. In many traditional and developing countries, persistent discrimination
against women, from a very young age to old age, has consistently hindered their access to education,
opportunities for income generation, and economic independence. This discrimination has, in turn,
led to a decline in their societal standing.
In addition to women’s role in strengthening a family financially, they also perform significant home-
making duties and fulfils various important responsibilities according to their socio-economic status.
As members of a family and as parts of society, women are involved in various professions with various
natures, which are governed by different factors (Reddy & Narayan, 1987). In many important social
commitments, such as marriage decisions, dowry issues, selection of the male partner, education of
children, expenses and overhead management of marriage etc., the contribution of women is
significantly high.
According to a study on “Women Empowerment: A Key to Human Development,” Barkat (2008), it
was noted that ordered women empowerment can only be obtained by enriching their social as well
as economic position. This can be materialized only via taking or implementing several important
economic and social policies in line with the full growth of women. In addition, it is also very crucial to
help them recognize the fact that they have the perspective to be resilient personalities.
Sharma (2007), has noted that women empowerment is commonly associated with women’s struggle
for social justice and equality. This has proved to be disadvantageous in disregarding women and also
implanted negative changes in the direction and nature of society. In order to gain the capabilities of
decision making and fulfilling them with substantial knowledge, self-respect as well as full confidence,
the empowerment is considered to be a strong approach. Maral & Kumar (2017), suggested that
women’s role is an essential constituent which develops the human structure of family and society.
The inclusive development of society and nation greatly depends upon women’s participation in the
majority of the socio-economic and political activities.
In a study, Das (2011) reported different limitations of women empowerment in Karbi tribes of Assam,
which are related to societal, political, economic, technical and spiritual. He also mentioned that ‘lack
of knowledge about new technology and information is one of the key reasons responsible for the
deprived women empowerment in this community.
Pandey & Rai (2017), explained that women empowerment is essential for sustainable economic
growth and reduction of poverty in developing countries. Although women’s empowerment is not a
sufficient condition, it is still a necessary condition for the development process. Economically
empowered women play a more active role in household decision-making, with greater bargaining
power and increased spending on education and development.