Antecedents of Women Empowerment and Livelihood Among Rural Area - with Special Reference to the Chengalpattu District

Abstract

The term "empowerment" has become a key concept within development agencies, including international organisations and the United Nations, and has gained broader acceptance as a goal of development projects and programs since the 1990s. In India, the empowerment of women, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, has emerged as a primary focus of development initiatives. Women hold a pivotal position in society, playing critical roles not only in matriarchal communities but also in predominantly patriarchal societies. The well-being and future of children largely depend on their mothers, who often remain at home to oversee their health and education. This study stands out by focusing on the socio-economic conditions and empowerment of rural women labourers in Chengalpattu District. The research is empirical and employs a survey method, with primary data collected from rural workers in the district.