Women in Rural Areas: Challenges & Success Stories

Women in rural areas across the world face unique challenges that often go unnoticed. Despite significant progress in gender equality, rural women continue to struggle with issues such as limited access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and social mobility. However, many women have defied these obstacles and emerged as beacons of hope, transforming not only their lives but also their communities.

1. Limited Access to Education

Education remains a distant dream for many rural girls due to socioeconomic barriers, gender discrimination, and inadequate schooling facilities. Families often prioritise boys' education over girls’, leading to high dropout rates among young girls.

2. Healthcare Disparities

Rural women often lack access to basic healthcare services, including maternal and reproductive health services. Poor infrastructure, long travel distances to medical facilities, and a shortage of healthcare professionals exacerbate this issue, resulting in high maternal and infant mortality rates.

3. Economic Dependence

Many rural women are confined to unpaid domestic labour or agricultural work without financial independence. Limited access to credit, land ownership restrictions, and gender pay gaps hinder their ability to break free from poverty.

4. Social and Cultural Constraints

Deep-rooted patriarchal norms continue to suppress women’s rights and voices in many rural communities. Issues such as early marriage, domestic violence, and restricted mobility further hinder their progress.

Despite these challenges, countless rural women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, proving that change is possible.

1. Kalpana Saroj – From Poverty to Entrepreneurship

Kalpana Saroj, often referred to as the “original slumdog millionaire,” was born into a Dalit family in rural Maharashtra, India. Facing early marriage, domestic abuse, and extreme poverty, she took control of her life and became a successful entrepreneur. Today, she leads a multi-million-pound business, inspiring thousands of rural women to pursue financial independence.

2. Rebecca Lolosoli – Championing Women’s Rights in Kenya

Rebecca Lolosoli, a Kenyan women’s rights activist, established the Umoja Uaso Women’s Village, a sanctuary for women escaping gender-based violence. This self-sustaining village empowers women through handicrafts and agriculture, proving that unity and resilience can create change.

3. Bhan Sahu – A Grassroots Activist in India

Hailing from a small village in Chhattisgarh, India, Bhan Sahu overcame illiteracy and social barriers to become a powerful voice for women’s rights. She has worked tirelessly to educate women about their rights, helping them secure land ownership and economic opportunities.

We at Child Help Foundation (CHF) are committed to promoting gender equality by addressing challenges such as poverty, discrimination, and exploitation that often keep girls out of school. We work at the grassroots level to promote girl child education and are part of the national flagship programme, ‘Beti Bachao - Beti Padhao. Additionally, we provide skill development training in areas such as nursing, beautician courses, and fashion designing (tailoring) in various rural areas, enabling young girls and women to contribute to their family income and achieve economic empowerment. In Gulabigaon of Nashik, Maharashtra, we have allocated 10 shops to the women villagers for them to sell their handmade products. Through our programs, we have made a positive impact on more than one lakh people.

Empowering women in rural areas is essential for overall societal progress. Governments must invest in education, healthcare, skill development, and financial inclusion to uplift rural women. Additionally, promoting gender equality through policy changes and awareness campaigns can create lasting transformations.

The success stories of rural women demonstrate that with the right support and determination, change is possible. By breaking barriers and challenging norms, these women are paving the way for future generations to thrive. Their resilience is a testament to the power of empowerment, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable when women rise together.

You can make a difference in the lives of rural women by supporting girls' education, promoting skill development, advocating for women’s rights, and empowering women-led businesses. You can also contribute by donating, volunteering, or simply raising awareness about their challenges. Every effort, big or small, helps create a more equitable society where rural women can thrive. Join us in our movement today and be a part of the change!