Women and Child : A Paradigm for Rural Development

Contents: Preface. 1. Women\'s Role in Rural Development. 2. Policy for Child Development and Protection. 3. Community Development in India: An Overview. 4. Integrated Rural Development Programme. 5. Approaches of Women\'s Rural Development. 6. Struggle for Social and Rural Development of Women. 7. Rural Development Policy of Women. 8. Women\'s Organizations: Status and Functions. 9. Women\'s Participation in the Labour Force. 10. Child Labour and Right to Education: A Contradiction. Bibliography. Index.

The role of women in development is most intimately related to the goal of comprehensive socio-economic development and is a strategic question for the development of all societies. Any development strategy which neglects the need for enhancing the role of women cannot lead to comprehensive socio-economic development. The point of departure is to recognise the role of women as a dynamic factor and a valuable asset for the overall process of development-it is not a burden or cost nor a mere humanitarian concession to a disadvantaged group. Child labour is a significant problem in India. The prevalence of it is shown by the child work participation rates which are higher in Indian than in other developing countries. The major determinant of child labour is poverty. The book deliberates upon the appropriate measures that ought to be taken regarding women so that an era of equality dignity esteem, self-respect and self confidence dawns upon the Women and Child. (jacket)