The condition of rural women in India is shaped by a complex interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and political factors. Rural women, who constitute nearly half of India’s rural population, are a significant force in agriculture, household management, and informal labor, yet their contributions often remain undervalued. Despite their central role in sustaining rural livelihoods, they continue to face numerous challenges, including gender-based discrimination, limited access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and social security. Traditional social structures, patriarchal norms, and caste hierarchies often confine women to domestic and agricultural work, restricting their mobility and decision-making power. Education among rural women remains a critical concern. Literacy rates among rural females are lower than those of males, resulting in limited awareness of rights, legal provisions, and opportunities. The lack of education also affects their participation in governance, agricultural innovation, and economic diversification. In addition to literacy, rural women often face high dropout rates from schools due to early marriage, household responsibilities, and financial constraints. Access to health care services is another major issue, with rural women suffering from inadequate maternal and child healthcare, poor nutrition, and higher rates of anemia and malnutrition. The prevalence of gender-based violence, domestic abuse, and social stigma surrounding reproductive rights further aggravates their vulnerability. Economically, rural women predominantly work in agriculture and allied sectors, including animal husbandry, forestry, and fisheries, as well as in informal labor markets. They contribute significantly to farm labor, often performing tasks such as sowing, weeding, harvesting, and post-harvest activities. However, their work is largely unpaid or underpaid, and women rarely own land or have secure tenure, which limits their bargaining power and access to credit and government schemes. Microfinance and self-help group participation have created pathways for income generation, yet systemic challenges such as gender bias, lack of market access, and limited financial literacy continue to hinder their full economic empowerment. Recognizing the challenges faced by rural women, the Government of India has formulated numerous policies, programmes, and laws aimed at promoting gender equality, social justice, and empowerment. One of the key legislative frameworks is the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005,