Women, Participation and Development: A Case Study from West Bengal

Abstract

The importance of Women's Organisations for bringing women within reach of the development process is a recognised policy for women's development in India.  However, nature and functional role of such organisations were not always clearly defined. In recent years, it was increasingly being felt that such grassroot organisations with certain definite objectives and roles can serve as key instruments for mobilising women to develop their economic activity in an organised manner - by ensuring access to needed development inputs and to strengthen women's voice in development decisions and in the political process.