Name: Rukhiyat, Thippesh K
Country: India

Year: 2026
Volume: Volume-13, Issue-1 (January-June)
Page Number: 221-231
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20320808

Women labourers form a major part of the workforce in coffee plantations and contribute significantly to agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods. Despite their vital role, they often face poor working conditions, low wages, health risks, and limited socio-economic opportunities. The present study examines the occupational conditions and socio-economic empowerment of women labourers working in coffee plantations in Kodagu District from a social work perspective, with a focus on understanding the relationship between work conditions and empowerment levels. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical research design based on primary data collected from 50 women labourers using a structured interview schedule. Data relating to education, income, work experience, occupational safety, and participation in Self-Help Groups were analyzed using percentage analysis, cross-tabulation, Chi-square test, correlation, and regression techniques. The findings reveal a significant
relationship between occupational conditions and socio-economic empowerment. The Chisquare test indicates that occupational safety is significantly associated with empowerment levels (χ² = 6.87, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis shows a positive relationship between daily wages and empowerment (r = 0.62), while education also demonstrates a moderate positive association (r = 0.54). Regression results further confirm that wage levels, occupational safety, education, significantly influence empowerment. The study concludes that improving wages, ensuring safe working conditions, and promoting education and collective participation can enhance the socio-economic empowerment of women labourers in coffee plantations.