Rural Women and Agricultural Work: Contribution, Recognition, and Rights

Abstract

Rural women play a vital but often unrecognised role in agricultural production, particularly in developing countries where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods. This research explores the contribution of rural women to agriculture, the barriers they face in gaining recognition, and the challenges related to their rights, such as land ownership, wage parity, and access to social security. This study aims to highlight the economic and social contributions of rural women, identify the structural barriers that limit their empowerment, and propose policy interventions to enhance their well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws upon secondary data from global and national reports (FAO, ILO, Government of India), field observations and structured interviews with 200 rural women across Sirsa. The findings reveal that while rural women are involved in nearly all aspects of agricultural work, they remain marginalised in decision-making and land ownership. Wage disparities of 30–40% exist between men and women performing similar tasks, and only a small fraction of women are aware of government schemes. The paper concludes by advocating for land rights, access to credit, gender-inclusive policies, and cooperative models to improve the socio-economic standing of rural women.