Abstract:
Using data from the India Human Development Survey (2005, 2012) the study explores the impact of village transportation conditions on women’s participation in non-agricultural work. Findings show that access by roads and frequent bus services positively influence men’s and women’s participation in non-agricultural work. Similar effects are found for women and men. The positive impact of transportation infrastructure on women’s non-farm employment is stronger in communities with more egalitarian gender norms. Other research shows that the earned income from non-farm work boosts women’s control over resources, decision making power, and child welfare.
