The condition of rural women in India is shaped by a complex interplay of economic, social, cultural, and political factors. Rural women constitute nearly half of the rural population and play a pivotal role in agriculture, household management, child-rearing, and sustaining community life. Despite their critical contributions, rural women often face systemic inequalities, limited access to education, healthcare, financial resources, and decision-making power, which affect their overall quality of life and empowerment. Economically, rural women are predominantly engaged in agriculture and allied activities, often as laborers or small-scale farmers. They participate in sowing, weeding, harvesting, livestock care, and other tasks essential for household sustenance. However, a significant proportion of their labor remains unpaid and unrecognized. Even when women contribute equally or more than men in farm work, land ownership and income generation are disproportionately male-dominated. Lack of secure land tenure and limited access to agricultural credit prevents rural women from asserting economic independence, leaving them vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. Seasonal migration of men for work sometimes increases the workload of women, making them responsible for both domestic and agricultural tasks without commensurate recognition or compensation. In terms of education, rural women face barriers related to poverty, traditional gender roles, early marriage, and lack of infrastructure. Literacy rates among rural women remain lower than those of men, and school dropout rates are higher due to socio-cultural expectations that prioritize domestic responsibilities over formal education. Limited education affects their employment opportunities, awareness of rights, health practices, and participation in governance. Similarly, healthcare access is inadequate. Rural women often encounter high maternal and infant mortality, nutritional deficiencies, and limited reproductive health services. Societal norms, inadequate health infrastructure, and financial constraints further compound these issues. Socially, rural women are subjected to patriarchal norms that restrict mobility, decision-making, and participation in public life. They experience gender-based discrimination, domestic violence, and in some cases, early or child marriage. Caste and class hierarchies exacerbate these inequalities, especially for women belonging to marginalized communities. Despite these challenges, rural women often form the backbone of community welfare initiatives, cooperative societies, and self-help groups (SHGs), demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness. Recognizing these challenges, the Government of India has formulated a range of policies, programmes, and legal frameworks aimed at improving the status of rural women. One of the significant initiatives is the Mahila Samakhya Programme, launched in 1988 under the Department of School Education and Literacy. It seeks to empower women through education,