Gender Inequality in Family Planning Practices among Tribes in Telangana - An Empirical Study

B. Pragna Rathore, B. Suresh Lal, Saradha Ajmeera

Abstract: The present study emphasises gender inequality among Banjara tribal women in Contemporary Telangana. Traditionally, women are marginalised, poorer and deprived than men. They face inequality in terms of their basic needs and rights. Against this backdrop, this study examined all study participants who were Hindu and belonged to Banjara ethnicity; 58.3% were illiterate; 58.4% were in the fertility age group; 91.7% followed the nuclear family system; and 58.3% had below - three family members.75% of the respondents had pucca houses, and all of them were provided with toilets and electricity facilities.66.7% of respondents work as farmers, and 33.3% earn more than $40, 000 annually. Only 16.6% of men were currently using contraceptives; another 83.4% never used any methods. Apprehension of side effects, spouse disapproval and inconvenience to use were reported as three common reasons for never using contraceptives.87.5% of tribal families want male - preferred children, and 83.3% of women have undergone sterilisation.83.3% of women were forced into family planning by either the head of the family or their husband. Overall, the unmet need for family planning was 50%, and the age of the women, socioeconomic status, and type of family were significant predictors.

Keywords: Gender inequality, family planning, tribe and Telangana