This volume covers the state of West Bengal and highlights the nature of the challenges ahead in dealing with issues relating to neglected and deprived women. It also looks back at the successes of the past that can help in confronting these challenges.
Among the issues discussed are: demography; health and nutrition; economic empowerment; education; political participation; law and violence; culture and tribal women.
The analysis of macro data is supplemented by revealing micro studies that focus on the participation of girls from the scheduled castes and tribes in professional education; the status of women with respect to work; political participation of women; and the status of rural women artists in West Bengal. Based on field surveys and a study of cultural trends, this valuable qualitative section offers rare insights into the lives of women in West Bengal.