Yoga as a Catalyst for Women’s Empowerment: A Socio-Economic Analysis of Well-Being, Self-Reliance, and Inclusive Development

NEENA HAMID

doi:10.63300/qvkw6805

Authors

Dr. NEENA HAMID Senior Assistant Professo, Nerim Law College, Nerim Group of Institutions, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam 781022 Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63300/qvkw6805

Keywords:

Yoga, Empowerment, Socio-economic Impact, Gender Equality, Well-being

Abstract

This study examines yoga as a transformative tool for women’s empowerment from a socio-economic perspective, emphasizing its role in enhancing well-being, self-reliance, and inclusive development. Adopting a descriptive and review-based methodology, the paper synthesizes existing literature to explore the multidimensional impact of yoga on women’s physical, mental, and emotional health. The findings indicate that regular engagement in yoga practices significantly improves physiological health, reduces stress and anxiety, and strengthens emotional resilience, thereby fostering greater self-confidence and decision-making capacity among women.

Beyond individual well-being, the study highlights yoga’s broader socio-economic implications, including increased participation of women in education, employment, leadership, and community engagement. Yoga also contributes to reducing healthcare costs and enhancing productivity, thus supporting economic stability and sustainable livelihoods. Additionally, it facilitates the creation of supportive social networks and promotes gender-sensitive awareness, challenging traditional norms and enabling women to assert their agency.

However, the paper also identifies persistent barriers such as socio-economic inequalities, cultural constraints, and limited accessibility to yoga education and resources, which restrict its wider adoption among marginalized groups. Addressing these challenges requires policy support, institutional integration, and targeted outreach initiatives to ensure equitable access.

The study concludes that yoga holds significant potential as a holistic and sustainable approach to women’s empowerment. By integrating yoga into development strategies and public policy frameworks, it is possible to advance gender equality and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 5. The paper calls for a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to harness yoga’s full potential in fostering socio-economic transformation and empowerment of women.

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Author Biography

Dr. NEENA HAMID, Senior Assistant Professo, Nerim Law College, Nerim Group of Institutions, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam 781022

Dr. NEENA HAMID^*, Senior Assistant Professo, Nerim Law College, Nerim Group of Institutions, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam 781022

*Corresponding Author: drneena03@gmail.com

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