📄 Abstract
Widowhood and single motherhood are important social and economic realities affecting women and children in rural Tripura. The death, absence or separation of a spouse may transform household responsibilities and place women in the position of primary caregivers and income providers. In many cases, widows and single mothers must manage food security, childcare, education, healthcare and household expenses without adequate economic resources or institutional support. Their difficulties are further intensified by poverty, limited employment opportunities, unpaid care work, restricted mobility, social stigma, inadequate access to property and difficulties in obtaining welfare benefits. These challenges are particularly significant in rural and indigenous communities, where households often depend on agriculture, informal employment, forest resources, livestock, handloom, handicrafts and small-scale trading. Geographical isolation, limited access to markets, poor transport facilities and low digital literacy can increase women’s vulnerability. This article examines the social and economic challenges experienced by widows and single mothers in rural Tripura and explores possible pathways towards their empowerment. The study adopts a qualitative and sociological perspective based on proposed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, participant observation and secondary analysis. The analysis is guided by feminist theory, social exclusion theory, the capability approach and the sustainable livelihood perspective. The article argues that empowerment requires more than welfare assistance. Sustainable empowerment must combine income security, skill development, access to credit, social protection, education, healthcare, childcare, legal assistance, property rights, collective organisation and participation in local governance. Self-Help Groups, Panchayati Raj Institutions and rural livelihood programmes can become significant platforms for strengthening women’s economic independence and social inclusion. Widows and single mothers should therefore be recognised not merely as vulnerable beneficiaries but as workers, caregivers, producers, entrepreneurs and rights-bearing citizens.
🏷️ Keywords
📚 How to Cite:
Twichangma Debbarma , WIDOWHOOD AND SINGLE MOTHERHOOD IN RURAL TRIPURA: SOCIAL, ECONOMIC CHALLENGES AND PATHWAYS TO EMPOWERMENT , Volume 11 , Issue 8, August 2026, EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD) , Pages: 126 - 132 , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra28898