Spatial disparities in women’s empowerment across districts of West Bengal: a composite index approach

Abstract Women’s empowerment is a central component of sustainable development and is closely linked to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality and empowering all women and girls. This study examines the spatial pattern and determinants of women’s empowerment across the districts of West Bengal, India. Using multidimensional indicators related to education, economic participation, health, mobility, and decision-making, a composite Women Empowerment Index (WEI) was constructed for 23 districts. The analysis is based on secondary data obtained from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) (2019–21), Periodic Labour Force Survey (2023–24), and the Census of India 2011. Indicators were normalized using the dimension index approach, and reliability was tested through Cronbach’s alpha. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), regression analysis, and spatial statistics such as Local Moran’s I and LISA were applied to examine underlying dimensions, key determinants, and spatial clustering. The results reveal significant inter-district disparities in women’s empowerment. Districts such as Kolkata and North 24 Parganas exhibit high levels of empowerment, while districts like Purulia and Uttar Dinajpur remain relatively disadvantaged. Spatial analysis indicates the presence of significant High–High and Low–Low clusters, suggesting strong regional dependence in empowerment outcomes. PCA results identify five underlying components explaining 86.5% of the total variance. Regression results highlight education, digital access, health services, and decision-making autonomy as significant predictors of empowerment. Further analysis using the Resource–Agency–Achievement framework demonstrates that women’s agency has a stronger influence on achievements than resources alone. The study underscores the need for region-specific policies focusing on enhancing women’s autonomy, education, and access to resources to achieve balanced gender development across districts.