The concept of feminization of poverty refers to the growing disproportionate representation of women among the poor and the increasing severity of poverty experienced by women, particularly in rural areas. In the context of rural India, this phenomenon is deeply rooted in historical, socio-cultural, economic, and institutional structures that systematically disadvantage women in access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power. Poverty in rural India is not merely an outcome of low income but a multidimensional condition shaped by unequal land ownership, limited employment opportunities, lack of education, poor health outcomes, and restricted access to natural resources, all of which affect women more intensely than men. Rural India is predominantly agrarian, and land remains the most critical productive asset. However, women’s access to land is highly constrained due to patriarchal inheritance practices, customary laws, and social norms that prioritize male ownership. Even when legal provisions exist to ensure women’s land rights, their implementation remains weak. As a result, rural women often work as unpaid family laborers or as marginal agricultural workers without security of tenure or control over output. This lack of asset ownership significantly contributes to the feminization of poverty, as landlessness limits women’s ability to generate sustainable livelihoods, access credit, or invest in productive activities. Another key dimension of feminization of poverty in rural India is women’s concentration in low-paid, informal, and insecure forms of employment. Rural women are overrepresented in subsistence agriculture, daily wage labor, forestry, animal husbandry, and collection of non-timber forest products. These activities are often seasonal, physically demanding, and poorly remunerated. Wage discrimination further exacerbates the problem, as women are paid less than men for similar work. The absence of social security, maternity benefits, and legal protection makes rural women more vulnerable to economic shocks such as crop failure, illness, or environmental degradation. Education and skill development play a crucial role in shaping poverty outcomes, yet rural women face significant barriers in accessing quality education. Gender bias in household resource allocation often results in lower school enrollment and higher dropout rates for girls, especially in economically disadvantaged families. Early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and lack of educational infrastructure further limit educational attainment. Low levels of education restrict women’s access to skilled employment and information, reinforcing intergenerational cycles of poverty. Inadequate literacy also reduces women’s capacity to engage with institutions, claim rights, and participate effectively in local governance related to natural resource management. Health and nutrition are closely linked to poverty, and rural women in India experience a disproportionate burden of malnutrition, anemia, reproductive health issues, and limited access to healthcare services. Poor health reduces women’s productivity and increases household vulnerability, as women are primary caregivers responsible