A Study on the Status of Women Entrepreneurship in Ramanathapuram District
Author : R Asraf Sithika and S Saliha Sameera Fathima
Abstract :
This study explores the status of women entrepreneurship in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu, highlighting the socio-economic conditions, challenges, and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs. The region, predominantly rural and traditional, presents both cultural and infrastructural barriers that affect women’s participation in business activities. The research is based on a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews with women entrepreneurs across various sectors such as tailoring, handicrafts, small-scale retail, and food processing.
Findings indicate that while women show strong interest and potential in entrepreneurship, they often face issues such as limited access to finance, lack of training, and low awareness of government schemes. Social norms and lack of family support also act as major deterrents. Despite these challenges, several women have succeeded in building sustainable businesses with the help of self-help groups (SHGs) and local support networks.
The study concludes that improving access to credit, enhancing entrepreneurial education, and increasing awareness about support programs are crucial to fostering women entrepreneurship in the district. Empowering women through entrepreneurship can lead to broader socio-economic development and gender equality in rural areas.
Keywords :
Women Entrepreneurship, Ramanathapuram District, Rural Development, Socio-Economic Challenges, Government Schemes, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Financial Inclusion, Gender Empowerment, Small-Scale Enterprises, Entrepreneurial Training.
