This study investigates the socio-cultural barriers and educational aspirations of Meitei Pangal women in Manipur, a northeastern state of India. Despite consistent demographic growth and policy interventions, this Muslim minority, comprising 8.4% of the state's population, faces significant educational marginalisation, especially in higher education. Utilising census data from 1951-2011, socio-economic surveys, and qualitative focus group discussions across five colleges in Thoubal and two universities in Manipur, the research applies an intersectional framework to explore the interplay of patriarchal norms, economic constraints, and minority status in shaping educational trajectories. The findings reveal that while Meitei Pangal women possess strong educational aspirations, they encounter substantial structural barriers, including financial hardship, spatial segregation, gender-based social control, and inadequate institutional support. The study challenges narratives that attribute educational backwardness to religious conservatism, demonstrating that socio-economic factors are the primary impediments to educational advancement. This research contributes to academic discussions on minority education, gender equity, and regional development, while providing policy recommendations for targeted interventions.
Zakariya et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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