EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN THROUGH MGNREGA: A PATH TO FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE: A REVIEW

Abstract

Since MGNREGA boosts female economic power across India while improving rural economic conditions it has become a transformative development since its implementation.   The MGNREGA social security program established in 2005 provides annual paid wage employment to families who perform manual labor without specialized skills for 100 days per year.   Rural women have experienced substantial positive changes through MGNREGA because it expanded their economic activities and financial development and autonomy.  The workforce welcomes millions of women due to MGNREGA's gender-sensitive rules which provide equal pay and on-site childcare facilities and require at least 33% female participation.  The rural female population has achieved better healthcare access and transformed traditional gender norms by gaining economic independence which led to improved household resources and increased school funding.   Through this method women can stay in their communities during seasonal periods because migration has decreased.  Gender-based socioeconomic research shows that MGNREGA supports women participants by creating higher self-esteem and enhanced household financial decisions and improved social engagement.   MGNREGA has brought positive outcomes but implementation problems include delayed wage payments and subpar execution in certain areas and insufficient work areas and cultural resistance to participation in some communities.  The program has built better community facilities and taught new skills but women face challenges when they try to transition from basic to advanced work.  MGNREGA needs updated policies to achieve its intended goals.  The program needs to enhance its training programs for women plus start awareness efforts and create better workplace environments alongside faster salary payments. The long-lasting impact of MGNREGA will grow stronger by strengthening connections between the program and rural business initiatives and microfinance possibilities and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).MGNREGA functions as a powerful tool to drive social and economic transformation while India pursues rural development that includes both genders.  Successful implementation along with ongoing policy changes about MGNREGA will eventually lead to improved financial freedom and labour market entry for rural women together with better gender equality across rural areas in India.