Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

This research paper examines the gendered impacts of male out-migration on rural women in Uttarakhand, India, focusing on shifts in workload, livelihood patterns, and empowerment dynamics. The study reveals that male out-migration, driven by limited economic opportunities in rural areas, has led to a significant increase in women's responsibilities, encompassing agricultural labour, household management, and livestock care. Despite their expanded roles, women face persistent challenges such as limited access to resources, entrenched patriarchal norms, and minimal decision-making autonomy. Quantitative analysis of national and state-level data (2011-2021) highlights a rising workload for women in migrant households, with daily work hours increasing from 6.5 to 7.1, alongside a decline in agricultural participation. Qualitative insights underscore the dual-edged nature of empowerment, where women gain financial control but remain excluded from major household decisions. The study employs the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to analyze these dynamics and proposes policy interventions to address structural barriers, including land rights, childcare support, and skill development. Findings emphasize the need for gender-sensitive policies to transform women's increased responsibilities into meaningful empowerment, ensuring sustainable rural development in Uttarakhand.