Voices from the Margins: Gender, Caste, and Everyday Struggles of Women in Bihar

Name of Author : Dr. Shriya Sinha

Abstract: Bihar, often described through the lens of poverty and underdevelopment, also presents a complex and layered reality of gender relations shaped by caste, class, and everyday social practices. While policy frameworks and development programmes increasingly focus on womens empowerment, the lived experiences of many women especially those from marginalized caste backgrounds remain marked by inequality, silence, and resilience. This paper brings these voices to the forefront by examining the intersection of gender and caste in shaping the everyday struggles of women in Bihar. Drawing on existing studies, policy reports, and grassroots narratives, the paper explores how women navigate multiple forms of disadvantage in areas such as education, mobility, labour, health, and decision-making. It argues that gender inequality in Bihar cannot be understood in isolation from caste hierarchies, which continue to influence access to resources, social dignity, and opportunities. Women from marginalized communities often experience a double burden: structural exclusion rooted in caste and deeply entrenched patriarchal norms within households and society. At the same time, the paper highlights spaces of agency and resistance. From self help groups and local leadership roles to informal networks of support, women in Bihar are not merely passive victims but active participants in reshaping their social realities. Their everyday struggles reflect both constraint and courage, revealing a dynamic process of negotiation between tradition and change. By centering marginalized voices, this study seeks to move beyond generalized narratives of empowerment and instead offer a more grounded understanding of gender justice in Bihar. It calls for policies and interventions that are sensitive to intersectional realities and that recognize the diverse experiences of women across caste and social locations.

Keywords : Caste, Gender, Inequality, Bihar, Womens Agency.

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