Gender Disparity in the Wages of Agricultural Labour in Tamil Nadu

<p>The agricultural sector in Tamil Nadu plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy, employing millions of workers, a significant portion of whom are women. Despite their essential contribution, gender-based wage disparity remains a persistent issue. This study explores the wage differences between male and female agricultural labourers in Tamil Nadu, using primary data collected from surveys and interviews with workers across several districts, along with secondary data from existing research. Findings indicate that women earn considerably less than men for similar tasks, despite contributing equally to agricultural production. The paper highlights the socio-cultural, economic, and legal factors driving this disparity and discusses potential strategies for achieving gender parity in agricultural wages.</p>