Paper short abstract:

There are multiple cultural barriers and social evils that influence women which operate at every level of society. Dalit women face discrimation and exploitation based not only based on gender but also caste and poverty. The present study is based on gender and caste disparities.

Paper long abstract:

In India caste system is the living reality and in caste hierarchy Brahmins occupy highest whereas Dalit are those at the bottom of social hierarchy also engaged in all the low level occupations irrespective of the level of development of the society. Slums in India inhabited largely by the urban poor were earlier labeled as areas of despair signifying pessimism among those dwelling in them. Urban poor are not hopeful of a better future and they lack high ambitions and motives thus making them as frustrated and desperate as in earlier periods. The female population in the slum areas is oppressed in several ways but being a part of the Dalit Community makes their lives even more difficult. The present study explored that how the various socio-economic variables like education,occupation,age at marriage, the type of family, family planning practices etc. effect the women in these areas, a greater understanding of the problem in hand is likely to be obtained the findings. All women face discrimination & exploitation based on gender, caste & poverty. Apart from poverty, other contributing factors to poor health among the urban poor, is the low awareness and malpractice of ended health practices.