EMPOWERMENT OF DALIT WOMEN IN NORTH BENGAL: ISSUES, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS

In North Bengal, the empowerment of Dalit women is currently regarded as a significant social and developmental issue. Dalit women constitute a marginalized and deprived segment of society, simultaneously falling victim to caste-based discrimination, gender inequality, and economic vulnerability. The primary objective of this research paper is to analyze the current socio-economic status of Dalit women in North Bengal, identify their major problems and challenges, and highlight potential avenues for their empowerment. This paper is primarily based on secondary data, drawing upon various research reports, government statistics, books, and articles. The analysis reveals that Dalit women continue to face a multitude of challenges, including a lack of education, poverty, health issues, social discrimination, and violence. Concurrently, a patriarchal social structure, a lack of awareness, and the inadequate implementation of government schemes act as major impediments to their empowerment. However, in recent times, some positive changes have been observed through the expansion of education, the activities of Self-Help Groups, government initiatives, and the role played by non-governmental organizations. This paper demonstrates that the empowerment of Dalit women is achievable through proper planning, the effective implementation of policies, and increased social awareness; consequently, their development will accelerate the overall progress of society.