The Role of Tharu Women in Household Decision-Making: A Socio-Cultural Perspective

Abstract

This study explores the role of Tharu women in household decision-making from a socio-cultural perspective of Birendranagar, Surkhet. Despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing gender equality, women’s participation in household decision-making remains limited due to deeply rooted patriarchal norms, unequal access to resources, and socio-cultural constraints. The study aims to examine how socio-cultural and economic factors influence the decision-making roles of Tharu women within their household. A descriptive and analytical research design was used based on primary data collected from 50 married Tharu women through structured questionnaires and observation. The findings show that Tharu women are actively involved in household work, agriculture, and income-generating activities, but their independent authority in major decisions remains limited. Men continue to have greater influence over decisions related to household, leadership, property, income, and expenditure, while some decisions are made jointly, by husbands and wives. The findings indicate that women’s participation in household activities and income generation does not necessarily result in equal decision-making power. The study concludes that improving women’s education, economic opportunities, access to resources, and property rights is important for strengthening their household decision-making power and promoting gender equality among Tharu women.