Dr. D. Amutha is an accomplished economist, academic, researcher, and educator with over two decades of experience in higher education. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, along with M.Phil. and M.A. degrees in Economics. She has served as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Head, and Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at St. Mary’s College (Autonomous), Thoothukudi. Her academic and research interests include tourism and economic development, sustainable development, women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, health economics, environmental and socio-economic issues, and economic growth. She has presented research at national and international conferences and has contributed to research on fertility and infant mortality, tourism-led rural transformation, entrepreneurship and innovation, environmental pollution, and sustainable development. Dr. Amutha has also held several academic and administrative responsibilities, including Women Cell Coordinator, Placement Officer, Public Relations Officer, Research Advisory Committee Member, IQAC Member, NSS Programme Officer, and Community Development Programme Assistant Director. She has actively served as a convener, resource person, project guide, and speaker, demonstrating a strong commitment to teaching, research, community engagement, and academic development.  

Title: Women's Empowerment in Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Perceptions of Women Farmers on Climate Change and Water Scarcity in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu   Abstract Climate change is affecting agriculture in many parts of the world. Changes in rainfall, increasing temperatures, and water scarcity have created serious challenges for farming and rural livelihoods. Women play an important role in agriculture, but they often have fewer opportunities to access land, credit, modern technology, and agricultural information. Understanding how women farmers view climate change can help in developing better policies and support programmes. This study examines the perception of women farmers about climate change, changes in rainfall, rising temperatures, and water scarcity in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. It also studies how these changes affect farming activities, crop production, income, and the daily lives of farming families. The study aims to identify the major challenges faced by women farmers and to understand the methods they use to adapt to changing climatic conditions. The study is based on primary data collected from women farmers using a structured questionnaire. The collected data are analysed using suitable statistical tools to understand the relationship between socio-economic factors, climate change perception, and adaptation practices. The findings are expected to show that most women farmers are aware of changes in climate through their farming experience. However, they face several difficulties, including limited access to irrigation, financial support, agricultural training, climate-related information, and improved farming technologies. Better access to these resources can help women farmers improve their ability to cope with climate change. The study concludes that empowering women farmers through education, skill development, financial inclusion, and climate-smart agricultural practices is essential for sustainable agriculture and rural development. The findings will support policymakers in designing gender-sensitive programmes that strengthen women's participation in agriculture and improve climate resilience. The study also contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Keywords: climate change, water scarcity, gender equality, women's empowerment, sustainable agriculture.