Social Dynamics of Gender Role in Rice Value Chain and Decision Making in Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

The tribal women enjoyed more flexibility about mobility than the Muslim women in the study villages may due to
religious and social custom. However, despite higher flexibility about mobility, the tribal women were not
significantly empowered in decision making process than the Muslim women. A few women had registered
ownership on agricultural land in the study villages. Similarly, ownership of other household resources was male
dominated. There was wide variation in the participation of women in the farming activities between the Muslim
dominant and tribal villages. Although some women participated in the intercultural operations of non-rice crops,
homeyard crops and rearing livestock but men were extensively participated in the intercultural operation of rice
cultivation, and buying farm inputs and selling of marketable surplus in Mymensingh. However, the tribal women
were equally participated in the farming activities (cultivation and marketing) with male.