Assessment of women's empowerment through participation in environmental conservation and micro finance : a case study of Phobjikha Conservation Area, Bhutan | |
| Author | Giri, Manju |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.GD-07-08 |
| Subject(s) | Women in conservation of natural resources--Evaluation--Bhutan Women in finance--Evaluation--Bhutan |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Gender and Development Studies, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. GD-07-08 |
| Abstract | In recent years, many countries have increasingly realized the importance of women's advancement and the need for their participation in development processes. As a consequence numerous national as well as international organizations have been established, to carry out a varied set of programs targeted at enabling women to become aware of their situation and of the potential for gaining relative economic independence together with improving their position in the household level as well as in the society at large. Phobjikha is home to a number of human settlements that are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between environmental conservation and fulfilling people's needs, which sometimes runs counter to sound environmental practices. The valley has approximately 500 households and a population exceeding 4000 people. At the same time, it is also an invaluable winter habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes (BNC). While one knows the ecological importance of the valley and its conservation, it is equally important to remember that the long term sustainability of any conservation program is not possible without the support and participation of local people. Effective participation is possible only when people are psychologically motivated and their basic welfare ensured. Of the various conservation activities being undertaken in Phobjikha, micro finance and micro enterprise for women has become increasingly popular as a poverty alleviation intervention and for the empowerment of women. This study was carried out with the intention of analyzing different practices and perceptions that men and women hold in terms of environmental conservation; and how women's involvements in environmental conservation activities and micro finance program have impacted their empowerment level. This study is based on both qualitative and quantitative information using tools such as household survey; key informant interview, participatory observation, focus group discussion and natural resource mapping. The findings of the study reveal that the communities of Phobjikha are aware about the importance of natural resources as well as the necessity of resource conservation activities but their knowledge is confined to visible impacts. The people's perception on the Black Necked Crane Conservation Program is positive but their participation in discussion and sharing ideas seems low. Although their participation is very low they perceive that they are getting some benefit from the program and are fulfilling their basic needs more easily than in the past. The micro finance programs under the women's group (PAPT) have brought positive changes in the life of rural women and their community and the society at large. It was also found that at the individual level, the women appeared to have gained significantly in terms of mobility, self confidence, widening of interests, access to financial services, building their own savings, competence in public affairs and status at home and in the community. However, NGOs can act as mediators in assisting the group in overcoming the bottlenecks, and their sustainability in the long run |
| Year | 2007 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. GD-07-08 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Gender and Development Studies (GD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Resurreccion, Bernadette P;Doneys, Philippe (Co-advisor); |
| Examination Committee(s) | Webb, Edward L.; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | NORWAY; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2007 |