Gender Differences in Work Participation and Decision Making in Agricultural and Non- Agricultural Activities in Sikkim

Abstract

The present study analyses the gender differences in work participation and
decision making in agricultural and non-agricultural activities in Sikkim. A comprehensive
survey was undertaken by using multi stage random sampling method to collect data from
four different villages in Sikkim viz. Upper Legship village from Rabong block, South district
comprising of 46 households; Bop village from Chungthang block, North district containing
25 households; Nazitam village from Martam block, East district constituting of 79
households and Lagay village from Gyalshing block, West district comprising of 62
households. . It was found that women in the sample villages in Sikkim participated in
agricultural as well as non-agricultural activities at par with her male counterpart. There was
not a single activity, which was absolutely dominated by male or female in the agricultural
sector however slight variation was observed in work participation. Ploughing, the activity,
which in earlier times, were completely dominated by men had been taken up by the women
in few pockets as per the survey report undertaken by the researcher. On the other hand,
insignificant variation was found in gender work participation in the livestock economy; in
non-agricultural activities, there was an enormous gender division of work which was not a
good representation. While observing the gender decision making in agriculture,
livestock/animal husbandry and in general, religious, social and family affairs, it was
governed by men except in child’s education, child nurturing, house decoration and in taking
marriage decision it was controlled by the women. Better education system focusing on girl’s
education would help in reducing such gaps. Awareness and training programmes from
government’s side would add to its advantage.