EMPOWERING RURAL WOMEN: A MULTIFACETED EXPLORATION OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT, DECISION-MAKING, AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS

The progression of any given society is contingent upon the working abilities of the constituents. Societal norms that breed passivity in women must consequently be challenged to harness more domestic participation from certain untapped demographics. Empowering women is process where women confront the existing dictates of society and culture and enhance their skills, knowledge, personality and their status not only in the family but also the society. Entrepreneurship on a small scale is normally the key to women who cannot pursue jobs due to the reasons. (Upadhye & Madan, 2012) In this study, both working and non-working women constitute the sample and some of the factors used to measure empowerment are autonomy in decision making, support from family, willingness to work, and education. This study is focused on providing women in villages with employment options and provide suggestions and probable solutions (setting up of self-help groups, providing formal, vocational training to women, methods of marketing) to the problems they face in starting their businesses. It endorses women’s ability to realize their dreams, cherish their rights and develop their capabilities while simultaneously reducing household poverty. Creating an entrepreneurial environment that is supportive to the growth and economic development of women will undoubtedly result in progress for women and the country as a whole.