EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO SMALL KUDUMBASHREE (SELF HELP GROUPS) UNITS OF KERALA, INDIA

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is a significant thrust area for any economy. Women empowerment is another area of focus by the Government of India. Financial freedom through entrepreneurship helps women empower themselves and participate in nation-building. The present study aims to understand the factors of women's empowerment through entrepreneurship. The study has focussed on small unit entrepreneurs and identified that improvement in socio-economic status, facilitating conditions and Self-satisfaction motivates women to turn to entrepreneurship and the empowerment they feel is driven by personal, economic and political improvement. Both the motivation and empowerment factors significantly influence self-empowerment. The study highlights the freedom women enjoy through entrepreneurship and the role of government support through kudumbashree units (self-help groups).

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Women entrepreneurship, Empowerment, Socio-economic status, Kudumbashree, Financial aid.