Social Challenges Faced by Women Laborers in Rural Haryana

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Page: 674-679

Sushma Devi, Jatesh Kathpalia, Rashmi Tyagi, and Rijul Sihag (Department of Sociology College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana)

Social problems faced by women remain a critical concern globally, affecting their ability to achieve equality in various spheres of life. This study examines the social problems faced by women laborers working in agriculture and allied activities in the districts of Sirsa and Bhiwani, Haryana. Data collected from 120 women laborers revealed a significant prevalence of social challenges. Weighted Mean Scores (WMS) highlighted key issues, with access to medical assistance being the most pressing concern in Sirsa district (WMS: 2.95) and the perception that men should earn higher wages ranking highest in Bhiwani district (WMS: 2.95). Other critical challenges included hesitation to work with male colleagues, job insecurity, gender-specific roles, and workplace discrimination. In Sirsa, problems such as restricted tasks allowed due to menstruation and lack of childcare services were prominent. Similarly, in Bhiwani, workplace adjustment difficulties, job insecurity, and inadequate holiday benefits were notable. Overall, 48.33% of women laborers experienced high levels of social problems, while 31.67% faced moderate challenges. These findings emphasize the need for policies addressing workplace inequalities, enhanced access to healthcare and childcare services, and broader societal support to improve the lives of women in agricultural sectors.