International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development

Rural women in India continue to face multiple socio-cultural, economic, educational, and political barriers that limit their participation in development and governance. Despite constitutional provisions and reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), challenges such as patriarchal norms, low literacy, proxy leadership, limited access to resources, and inadequate digital skills hinder their empowerment. The Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA), a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at strengthening PRIs, provides significant pathways to enhance women’s leadership, participation, and decision-making at the grassroots level. Through targeted capacity-building programmes, digital literacy initiatives, inclusive Gram Sabhas, and convergence with rural development schemes, RGSA fosters gender-sensitive and participatory governance. This paper examines how RGSA addresses key barriers faced by rural women and explores the extent to which RGSA interventions create opportunities for empowerment, autonomy, and meaningful engagement in local governance. The study highlights the transformative potential of RGSA in promoting women-centric development and strengthening their role in community planning and administration.

Shafi Jan, Shafqat Salam, Zahida Jan,"Barriers and Pathways to Empowerment Among Rural Women in India with Reference to RGSA" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(2): Page(1746-1750) Mar-Apr 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.