ASSESSING THE ECONOMIC, POLITICAL, AND SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT OF TEA TRIBE WOMEN IN ASSAM

Abstract

Tea tribe women occupy a central position in Assam’s tea plantation economy, but paid work does not by itself establish empowerment. This paper examines their economic, social and political empowerment through Kabeer’s resources–agency–achievements framework using secondary literature. The evidence indicates an uneven relationship between participation and agency. Women’s labour provides an important economic resource, yet low wages, difficult working conditions, educational and health constraints, and limited political representation restrict the conversion of resources into wider choices. The paper argues that empowerment should therefore be assessed not only through employment or service access, but through women’s ability to exercise choice and achieve greater autonomy. Keywords: Tea tribe women, women’s empowerment, Assam, plantation labour, Kabeer, agency, resources, achievements.