ABSTRACT:
This study assesses the educational attainment among Muslim women in Ketugram-I Block, Purba Bardhaman District, West Bengal, India. Despite government initiatives, Muslim women in the region face significant educational challenges due to socio-cultural and economic constraints. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data from a survey of 175 households and 677 residents. The findings reveal a concerning literacy rate among Muslim women, with 29.78% being illiterate. A notable gender gap exists in educational attainment, with males having higher completion rates at primary and graduation levels. However, female students have higher completion rates at upper primary and matriculation levels, indicating a positive trend in female education. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address illiteracy, promote completion of secondary and higher education, and provide opportunities for skill development. Government schemes like Kanyashree Prakalpa, Sabooj Sathi, and Student Credit Card Scheme have shown positive impacts, but sustained efforts are required to bridge the educational gap and empower Muslim women. The study underscores the importance of tailored policies and programs to support the educational attainment and empowerment of Muslim women in Ketugram-I Block.
Cite this article:
Md Aminuzzaman. Assessing Educational Attainment among Muslim women in Ketugram – I Block, Purba Bardhaman District (W.B). Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(3):208-4. doi: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00035
Cite(Electronic):
Md Aminuzzaman. Assessing Educational Attainment among Muslim women in Ketugram – I Block, Purba Bardhaman District (W.B). Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 2025;16(3):208-4. doi: 10.52711/2321-5828.2025.00035 Available on: https://rjhssonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2025-16-3-9
REFERENCES:
1. Bhog, D. Education and the Muslim girl child: Issues and challenges. Journal of Educational Planning and Administration. 2017; 31(1): 43-56.
2. Census of India. Population enumeration data. 2011
3. District Statistical Handbook. Purba Bardhaman District. 2014
4. Dreze, J., and Kingdon, G. G. School participation in rural India. Review of Development Economics. 2001; 5(1): 1-24.
5. Hasan, Z., and Menon, R. Unequal citizens: A study of Muslim women in India. Oxford University Press. 2004
6. Hussain, S. Contemporary Muslim girlhoods in India: A study of social justice, identity and agency in Assam. Routledge. 2019
7. Jain, R. Hijab controversy: Revisiting discourse on school uniforms. Sociological Bulletin. 2023; 72(4): 446-461.
8. Jeffrey, C., Jeffrey, P., and Jeffrey, R. Degrees without freedom? Education, masculinities, and unemployment in North India. Stanford University Press. 2008
9. Kabeer, N. Gender equality and women's empowerment: A critical analysis of the third Millennium Development Goal. Gender and Development. 2005; 13(1): 13-24.
10. Malik, A. Educational experiences and aspiration of Muslim women in India: Issue and challenges. Journal of Social Inclusion Studies. 2023; 9(1): 61-81.
11. Mukhopadhyay, C. C., and Seymour, S. (Eds.). Women, education, and family structure in India. Routledge. 2021
12. NSSO. Employment and unemployment situation among social groups in India. 2014
13. Patel, R. Community-based initiatives for girls' education: A case study of a non-governmental organization in India. International Journal of Educational Development. 2017; 53: 102-111.
14. Rahiman, R. Gender, religion and higher education: Strategies of Muslim women students in India. Sociological Bulletin. 2023; 72(4): 462-475.
15. Sachar Committee Report. Social, economic, and educational status of the Muslim community of India. 2006
16. Sen, A. Development as freedom. Oxford University Press. 1999
17. UNESCO. Education for All 2000-2015: Achievements and challenges. 2019