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Generally speaking, there is an extremely minimal presence of Dalit women in corporate spaces, which by itself is a huge challenge. Unlike the public sector, no affirmative action policies in India mandate the recruitment of Dalits or Dalit women in the private sector. A study conducted in 2010 by the Centre for Social Equity & Inclusion in New Delhi found that while Indian economic reforms (that started in 1991) did result in an increased employment for educated Dalit women (EUDW) in private companies, it did not necessarily ensue higher wages, security of employment, or better welfare. Only 10% of EUDW in the sample studied had income over rupees 9,000 per month (33% had incomes between rupees 4,500 and 6,500; 30% between rupees 3,000 and 4,500; and 22% less than rupees 3,000). When cross-tabulated with their academic qualification, the study found that there was a severe mismatch – 64% of Dalit women graduates and above, with vocational, diploma, or certificate, were earning only between rupees 3,000 and 6,500 per month. This is undoubtedly an extreme disparity when compared to non-Dalit female counterparts.
Read the full article in GenderIT.org .
