Economic And Social Adversities Of Rural Women Entreprenurship – A Study

Abstract

Women by all means can be very effective agents of change for a better home; society and ultimately a better economy. It is prominently noticed in villages where the Women are traditionally ignored. In developing and developed countries, Women contribute significantly to economic development. According to a Report of United Nations, half of the total population belongs to Women and this half of the population produces half of the world’s food supply, constitutes 60% of the working force, and the works for two-thirds of the world’s working hours, but receives only 10% of the world’s income and owns only 1% of the world’s property.

Entrepreneurship by definition implies being in control of one’s life and activities. It is precisely this independence that many societies have denied women.  Entrepreneurship is not a male prerogative. It has been evidenced that women entrepreneurship has gain momentum in the last three decades with the increase in the number of women enterprises and their substantive involvement to the economic growth in the country. The reasons for growth of opportunities for women entrepreneurship are - the foreign Direct Investment Policy, technological advancements and manufactured exports in the Asia Pacific region.

Rural women entrepreneurship plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and social development. However, women entrepreneurs in rural areas face significant economic and social adversities that hinder their progress. Economically, they grapple with limited access to capital, inadequate financial literacy, lack of market opportunities, and insufficient infrastructure. Additionally, restrictive land ownership laws and dependency on traditional, low-profit industries exacerbate these challenges. Socially, deep-rooted gender biases, cultural norms, and societal expectations create barriers to their participation and success in entrepreneurial ventures. The double burden of managing household responsibilities and business operations further intensifies their struggles. Moreover, the lack of mentorship, training programs, and supportive networks leaves them ill-equipped to compete in broader markets. Despite these challenges, rural women entrepreneurs display remarkable resilience, often contributing to community development, poverty alleviation, and sustainable growth. Addressing these adversities requires a multifaceted approach, including policy reforms, financial inclusion initiatives, skill development programs, and community awareness campaigns to dismantle discriminatory norms. Empowering rural women entrepreneurs is essential for unlocking their full potential and fostering inclusive economic progress.

This article explores the economic and social adversities faced by rural women entrepreneurs and emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions to promote their success and well-being. This study aims to find measures to overcome socio-economic challenges in order to strengthen women entrepreurship in rural India.