[14] SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF TRIBAL ILLITERATE WOMEN IN DHULE DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA: A STUDY OF EDUCATIONAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES
How to Cite the Article: Vanshree Ashok Baisane & Jagdish Shankar Sonawane (2026). SocioEconomic Status of Tribal Illiterate Women in Dhule District, Maharashtra: A Study of Educational, Economic and Social Challenges. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(7),180-200. https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i7.2026.180-200
Abstract
The socio-economic development of tribal women is an essential component of inclusive and sustainable rural development in India. However, tribal illiterate women continue to experience multiple forms of deprivation, including limited access to education, employment, healthcare, financial resources, and government welfare schemes. Dhule district of Maharashtra has a substantial tribal population, where illiteracy remains a major barrier to women's socio-economic empowerment. This study investigates the socio-economic status of tribal illiterate women in Dhule district and examines the factors influencing their overall development. The objectives of the study were to assess the educational, economic, social, occupational, and health conditions of tribal illiterate women, identify the challenges affecting their livelihoods, and evaluate the role of education, awareness, and government interventions in improving their quality of life. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 300 tribal illiterate women through a structured questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from government reports, books, journals, and census publications. The collected data were analyzed using percentage analysis and appropriate statistical techniques. The findings reveal that illiteracy significantly influences the socioeconomic condition of tribal women by restricting employment opportunities, income generation, health awareness, financial literacy, and participation in decision-making. Agriculture and agricultural labour remain the principal sources of livelihood, making households economically vulnerable. The study further indicates inadequate awareness of government welfare schemes, limited access to healthcare services, gender-based inequalities, and insufficient vocational skills. However, education, skill development programmes, self-help groups, and awareness initiatives have demonstrated considerable potential in improving women's socio-economic status and promoting empowerment. The study concludes that strengthening adult literacy programmes, vocational training, healthcare services, financial inclusion, and awareness of welfare schemes is essential for the sustainable socio-economic development of tribal women. It recommends integrated policy interventions involving government agencies, educational institutions, local self-governments, and non-governmental organizations to promote education, livelihood security, gender equality, and inclusive development in tribal communities.
