The Impact of the Feminization of Agriculture on Santal Women in Northern Bangladesh: An Application of Qualitative Study

This study explores the growing feminization of agriculture and its impact on Santal women in northern Bangladesh. Traditionally involved in unpaid family labor, women are increasingly participating in formal agricultural work, driven by factors such as male migration, economic necessity, climate change, and social transformations. Despite this shift, limited research has examined Indigenous women’s specific experiences in agriculture. To address this gap, the study conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with Santal women in rural communities. Findings reveal that traditional gender norms still dominate decision-making, with men often determining women’s roles in farming. However, male outmigration for off-farm work has resulted in women assuming greater responsibility for agricultural tasks. Many Santal women also engage in seasonal wage labor to support their families, though they frequently face wage discrimination. The study highlights the crucial role of Santal women in sustaining household economies and driving agricultural productivity, despite structural inequalities. Guided by intersectional feminist theory, the study critically examines how gender, ethnicity, and class intersect to shape the lived experiences and labor roles of Santal women in rural agricultural systems. Their expanding participation marks a significant shift in rural labor dynamics and underscores the need to recognize Indigenous women’s contributions in both policy and practice.