GENDER GAP IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN NEPALI COMMUNITIES OF ASSAM

Nepali society is a patriarchal society in which women are generally dominated by men. As such, it is widely believed that production activities are mainly carried out by men and those of the house hold are performed by women. Gender issue is an important factor in studying the socio economic status of women in Nepali community of Assam. Educational attainment, decision making role of women in both individual and societal level in Nepali societies are not at all satisfactory. In this study an attempt has been made to study the social status of Nepalese women in Dhemaji district of Assam. The work participation rate among the women of the study community is very poor. Majority of the women workers practice agricultural and cattle rearing which do not upgrade their status in the society. This research work tries to measure the magnitude of assimilation of the Nepali community with the local community. The study was carried out intensively and extensively at the micro-level. The study gave a picture of gender gap situation in the Nepali society of Dhemaji district and few important causes of gender disparity in higher education were also given.