Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies

Background: Educational attainment and aspirations among women in forest-village communities are insufficiently documented at the local level. This study describes Rabha women’s educational profiles in Mendabari and examines examples of educational and career aspirations.

Methods: A 2021 household enumeration covered 120 Rabha households (511 residents), including 236 women aged seven years or older. Educational profiles were described using counts and percentages. In 2023, interviews with eight purposively selected women aged 18–30 years, identified through referrals and with at least secondary education, provided illustrative accounts. Statewide Census of India data from 1991, 2001, and 2011 were used as historical context rather than as a longitudinal series for the village.

Results: Of the 236 village women aged seven or older, 66 (28.0%) were recorded as not literate, 86 (36.4%) had completed elementary-level schooling, 66 (28.0%) were classified in the middle attainment category, and 18 (7.6%) had reached graduation or above. All 18 women in the highest category were aged 21–35 years; 17 were aged 21–30. The eight interviews illustrated aspirations relating to further study, public service, design, employment, and educational opportunities for children. Digital resources featured in selected accounts but their community-wide effects were not measured.

Conclusion: The enumeration documents variation in completed schooling across age groups, while selected case accounts illustrate diverse aspirations among educated young women. The evidence is descriptive and village-specific; it does not establish a causal increase in aspiration, programme effects, or the emergence of new social strata.