Socio-Economic Profile of Women Workers and Their Challenges in the Agriculture Sector Haryana

Resumen

Agriculture sector is always the backbone of rural livelihoods in India, with women forming a substantial contribution, however, an often the invisible segment of workforce in this sector. In Haryana, regardless of its agrarian prosperity, women agricultural workers continue to face structural inequalities, limited recognition and multiple socio-economic constraints. Against this backdrop, the present study examines the socio-economic profile and challenges faced by women workers in the agricultural sector of Haryana. The main objective of the study is to analyze the socio-economic and demographic conditions of women agricultural workers and to identify the structural, economic and gender-based challenges affecting their livelihoods. It also seeks to suggest suitable social work and policy interventions for their empowerment. The study adopts a descriptive-cum-exploratory research design. Primary data were collected from 320 women agricultural workers through a structured interview schedule and direct observation, supplemented by secondary sources such as books, journals and government reports. The findings reveal that most respondents belong to the middle-aged group i.e. up-to 40 years, are married, possess low educational attainment and live in nuclear and low-income households. A large proportion depends on agricultural labour and daily wage work, indicating economic vulnerability and limited asset ownership. Major challenges identified include seasonal unemployment, poor implementation of social security schemes, patriarchal restrictions, low wages, lack of job security and inadequate working conditions. The study concludes that women agricultural workers in Haryana face multidimensional deprivation shaped by gender inequality, poverty and structural constraints in rural employment. It is suggested that ensuring year-round employment, strengthening skill development, improving access to education and social security, enforcing equal wages and promoting women’s access to resources are essential for their upliftment. The study emphasizes the need for integrated policy measures and social work interventions to enhance their socio-economic status, training and ensure sustainable empowerment in the agricultural sector.