Double Oppression and Women Leadership: Unveiling the Social Representation of Bhilala Tribal Women in Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh, India

The caste system in India, shaped by a multidimensional oppression system that distinguishes people based on inheritance, social hierarchy, occupation, and exclusion. Government policies further influence the degree of social interaction within this system. This derogatory social practice has made the state of tribal communities in India, more complex and multifaceted. Tribal communities are among the most disadvantaged groups in the country combined with the instances of high poverty rates, limited access to education, health issues, lack of economic opportunities and alienation, cultural and linguistic erosion.

Looking deeper into the problems, we glare at the plight of women in tribal communities, the double oppression faced by them, refers to the experience of facing two intersecting forms of discrimination or marginalization. It highlights how tribal women are oppressed not only because of their tribal identity but also because of gender. This concept, discussed within intersectional feminism, which examines how different forms of oppression overlap and compound each other. This study delves into the convergent experiences of Bhilala tribal women in Malwa region, where they face dual oppression as women and as members of a marginalized tribe. Despite their significant contributions to their communities, Bhilala women are often deprived of their rights to education, excluded from decision making process and leadership positions. Through qualitative approach, this research reviews the social representation of Bhilala women, examining the ways in which they manoeuvre and resist the structural barriers that hinder their participation in leadership roles. The study reveals the conjugative web of gender, caste, and tribe in shaping their experiences of oppression and empowerment. By centring the voices and perspectives of Bhilala women, this research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersectional nature of oppression and to inform strategies for promoting inclusive leadership and social change in tribal communities.