Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Study area. 3. Approach and strategy for women's empowerment. 4. Socio-economic profile of the sample households. 5. Social legislation and women's empowerment. 6. Views of male folk towards women's empowerment. 7. Status of women : lesson from the field. 8. Level of empowerment. 9. Policy recommendation. Bibliography. Index.

"Women, as a separate target group, account for 407.8 million (including girl children) as per 1991 census and constitute 48.1 percent of the country's total population are still now have-nots even among the have-nots, because historically and traditionally women are denied the vital rights of taking decision and share in her family income. Women in whichever economic class, are thus completely dependent on men, resulting in their lack of bargaining power even in matters of marriage, divorce and remarriage etc. not to speak of the absence of any rights whatsoever in matters related to land, other properties and her personal or family income. The principles of gender equality and equity and protection of women's rights have been the prime concerns in Indian thinking right from the days of independence. It is a myth or reality.

In search of this, the author made a research investigation in three states namely Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal. The present book entitled "Empowerment of Rural Women" is the outcome of that study which brought out many more issues related to "Women Empowerment" and finally recommend a set of policy guide lines which is responsible for strengthening the process of women's empowerment. The book will be helpful for those who are specially working in this particular field." (jacket)