Women in Rural form the most productive work force in the economy of majority of the developing nations including India. More than 80% of rural women are engaged in agriculture activities for their livelihoods. About 20 per cent of farm livelihoods are female headed due to widowhood, desertion, or male emigration.
- As per the Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2021-22, agriculture had the highest estimated percentage distribution of female workers, ie. 62.9 %.
- A report by “The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy” shows the labour participation rate of rural women was only 9.92% in March 2022 as compared to 67.24% for men.
Challenges Confronting Rural Women Workers:
- Mechanization Impact on Rural Economy:
The infusion of advanced machinery into agriculture has significantly reduced the demand for labor, leading to fewer working days, often less than three months a year. This shift has compelled numerous rural women to migrate, seeking part-time employment in construction.
- Incomplete Data Representation:
The portrayal of women who cease searching for employment as having “dropped out” or “left the market” due to perceived job scarcity is misleading. Rather than being a choice, this reflects a compelling circumstance, adversely affecting the rural economy.
- Pay Disparity in Manual Labor:
In manual labor roles, women encounter pay disparity, receiving less than their male counterparts on a piece-rate basis. Notably, a project in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district underscored this issue, where women fell short of lifting the stipulated 3,000kg of mud daily, resulting in lower piece rates of ₹280 to ₹285 instead of ₹309.
- Educational Constraints:
Many women engaged in construction work are not officially registered as “Construction Workers,” rendering them ineligible for benefits from the Construction Workers’ Welfare Board. Formal, well-paying jobs are often allocated to individuals with higher educational qualifications, leaving women with secondary-level education limited to non-agricultural, construction, house care, and related roles.
- Limitations of MGNREGA:
While the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides a limited 100 days of paid labor on public projects annually, women workers must continually seek alternative income sources for the remaining period.
- Nutritional Deprivation:
Soaring prices of essential commodities have led to a considerable reduction in women’s consumption of vegetables and pulses. This nutritional deprivation is exacerbated by societal norms favoring boys in receiving relatively more nutritious food, perpetuating gender-based disparities.
- Financial Strain:
The earnings from various tasks, often lacking fixed rates, do not adequately compensate the labor input by women. Financial constraints and limited knowledge make them highly susceptible to falling into debt traps.
Initiatives for Upliftment of Rural Women Workers
1. e-Shram Portal:
Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the e-Shram portal aims to register 38 crore unorganised workers, including construction laborers, migrants, street vendors, and domestic workers. Registered workers become eligible for financial compensation in case of accidents.
2. Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP):
Introduced in 2011 by the Ministry of Rural Development, MKSP focuses on skill development and capacity-building programs for rural women. As part of DAY-NRLM, it imparts training on modern agricultural techniques and practices through community resource persons.
3. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY):
Implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2015, PMKVY offers short-duration skill training programs for rural youth and women, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) for wage employment.
4. Biotech-Krishi Innovation Science Application Network (Biotech-KISAN) Programme:
Initiated by the Department of Biotechnology, this program provides scientific solutions to farmers, particularly women in the northeast region, linking innovative agricultural technologies with small and marginal farmers.
5. Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
PMJDY has significantly enhanced the participation of rural women in economic activities. The campaign ensures access to financial services, including banking, savings, remittance, credit, insurance, and pension, in an affordable manner for rural women.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main challenges faced by Women in Rural India?
Women in Rural India often face challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. They also frequently encounter gender-based discrimination, lack of decision-making power, and limited mobility.
2. How do women in rural India contribute to their communities?
Despite facing numerous challenges, women in rural India play crucial roles in their communities. They contribute to agriculture, livestock management, and household chores. Additionally, many are involved in entrepreneurial activities, crafts, and small-scale businesses that sustain their families and local economies.
3. What initiatives are in place to empower women in rural India?
Various government and non-governmental organizations run initiatives aimed at empowering women in rural India. These include programs focused on education, skill development, access to healthcare, financial inclusion, and leadership training. Additionally, efforts to raise awareness about women’s rights and gender equality are ongoing.
4. How does traditional culture influence the lives of rural women in India?
Traditional cultural norms often shape the lives of rural women in India. These norms dictate gender roles, family dynamics, and societal expectations. While some traditions support and protect women, others can be restrictive, limiting their opportunities for personal growth and development.
5. What are some success stories of women in rural India overcoming obstacles?
Despite the challenges they face, there are numerous inspiring success stories of women in rural India. From becoming successful entrepreneurs to leading social movements, these women have defied stereotypes and shattered barriers. Their stories highlight the resilience, determination, and potential of women in rural communities.
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