This study focuses on the role of education in shaping the capacity of rural
women to manage care responsibilities and maintain mental well-being, with
specific reference to Okhalkanda Block. Women in rural households are expected to
take on various duties, including childcare, household management, and
agricultural activities. These responsibilities often involve significant physical and
emotional stress, which can compromise their overall well-being. Within this
context, education is regarded as a critical factor influencing how women perceive,
interpret, and cope with their responsibilities. The primary objective of the research
is to examine how education enhances women’s awareness, decision-making
abilities, and coping strategies in dealing with everyday challenges arising from
caregiving responsibilities. It also investigates the relationship between educational
attainment and key indicators of mental well-being, such as stress, emotional
resilience, and life satisfaction. The study follows a field-based methodology, relying
on primary data collected through fieldwork in selected villages of Okhalkanda
Block. Standardized questionnaires and in-depth interviews were employed to
collect data, enabling both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The study focuses
on variables such as educational attainment, the nature and intensity of care
responsibilities, access to support networks, and perceived mental well-being. The
findings are expected to demonstrate that education has a significant effect on
increasing awareness, developing coping strategies, and fostering self-confidence
among rural women. Educated women are more likely to adopt proactive
stress-management strategies and seek social and institutional support. However,
the study also acknowledges the persistent influence of socio-cultural norms on
women’s lives. Within the broader framework of rural development, the study
concludes by highlighting the importance of promoting education as a crucial tool
for empowering rural women and enhancing their mental well-being.
Education, Care Responsibilities, Mental Well-being, Stress Management, Rural Development