Rural Development in Uttarakhand Concerning Women

Abstract

Rural women play a crucial role in Uttarakhand socio-economic development, yet they face persistent barriers that limit their full participation in economic and governance activities. This study examines women’s contributions to rural development, the challenges they encounter, and the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at their empowerment. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporates survey data from 500 women across five districts, 50 semi-structured interviews with policymakers and community leaders, and five focus group discussions (FGDs). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and regression models, were conducted to assess the relationship between education, financial inclusion, and women’s economic independence. The findings reveal that 62% of rural women are engaged in agriculture, but financial constraints (40%), restrictive social norms (25%), and limited education (15%) hinder their empowerment. SHG microfinance programs (80%) and NRLM (75%) were found to be highly effective, while initiatives like the Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana (45%) showed limited impact due to outreach issues. A strong correlation between education and income was observed, with women holding higher education earning up to ₹12,000/month compared to ₹2,000 for those without formal education. The research results demonstrate the necessity for specific policies that should enhance women's access to finance together with vocational training and their increased participation in PRIs. Desirable rural development outcomes in Uttarakhand require both gender-oriented policy changes and community-based strategies to handle systemic inequalities.