Poverty refers to a state of deprivation where individuals or families lack the sufficient financial resources or material possessions to meet their basic needs or maintain a living standard considered customary in their society. This broad category encompasses various forms, most commonly distinguished as absolute poverty and relative poverty. Absolute poverty, also known as subsistence poverty, defines a condition where individuals lack the minimal resources required for basic survival, such as food, shelter, warmth, and safety, often measured by a fixed income threshold. Relative poverty, conversely, defines deprivation in relation to the living standards and average income levels of the majority within a particular society, implying social exclusion and a reduced ability to participate fully in customary activities. The feminisation of poverty highlights the increasing proportion of women among the poor. Poverty is a complex social problem influenced by economic systems, social inequalities, access to resources, and various structural and individual factors, leading to significant social and health consequences.