Agency VIS-A-VIS Vulnerabilities : Exploring the Practice of Agency among Indigenous Santali Women of Bangladesh

The Present paper is an attempt to highlight on some of the important features of the Santali women in Bangladesh. Santali people are known as one of oldest ethnic indigenous populations in Bangladesh, having their own religion background, and way of life. Their social solidarity, religion, and traditions as a divergent culture are at a stake today. Likewise, other indigenous community most Santali men as well Santali women are deprived from basic human needs. They have limited access to markets, productive services, education, health care, local government and employment opportunity. This lack of opportunities contributes to weaken family well-being, malnourishment, poor health and dejected educational attainment, lack of employment opportunities etc. Indigenous women including Santali women are the pioneer or proprietor of their cultural tradition. Various types of vulnerabilities attack their ethnic identity from several perspectives. Therefore, this paper is an attempt we have taken some initiatives to feel their vulnerabilities and to know their coping strategies to define own goals and act upon them.