Name: Venkatesha Prasanna P K
Country: India

Year: 2026
Volume: Volume No: 13, Issue No: 1, Year: 2026
Page Number: 435-444
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20700365

The present study titled “Occupational Conditions and Socio-Economic Empowerment of Women Labourers in Coffee Plantations in Kodagu District” examines the working
environment and empowerment status of women engaged in coffee plantation activities. The study is conducted in the coffee-growing regions of Kodagu district, Karnataka, with a sample size of 50 women labourers selected through a structured dummy dataset-based analytical approach. The main objective is to assess occupational conditions, socio-economic status, and their relationship with empowerment levels. The methodology adopted is descriptive and analytical in nature, using a five-point scale to measure occupational conditions and socio-economic empowerment indicators. Key variables include wages, working hours, occupational health risks, safety measures, housing conditions, and social participation. To test the research hypothesis, Pearson correlation analysis and t-test for significance were applied. The hypothesis testing result reveals a strong positive and statistically significant relationship between occupational conditions and socio-economic
empowerment (r ≈ 0.78, p < 0.05). Hence, the null hypothesis is rejected, confirming that
improved occupational conditions significantly enhance the empowerment of women
labourers. The major findings indicate that women workers face moderate to poor
occupational conditions, including low wages, high workload, and limited access to welfare facilities. Their socio-economic empowerment remains at a moderate level, reflecting partial financial independence and restricted decision-making power. The study suggests important policy implications such as ensuring fair wage systems, improving occupational safety, strengthening housing and transport facilities, and promoting skill development and SelfHelp Groups (SHGs). These measures are essential for improving the living and working conditions of women labourers and enhancing their socio-economic empowerment in the plantation sector of Kodagu district.