Autonomy and Decision-making Ability Among Gujjar Women of Kashmir: A Study of Khan Sahib Tehsil in District Budgam

The present study investigates the level of empowerment among tribal women in terms of their participation in the decision-making process and to identify the factors that affect their level of participation. Fifty women from the Gujjar community of Kashmir Valley were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The interview and case study methods were employed for collecting data from the potential participants. The study revealed that tribal women's right to make decisions was confined to minor household issues only. A significant positive correlation was also noted among family size, type of family, age, level of education, employment status and participation of the tribal women in decision-making.