This document discusses social inclusion of rural dalit women in India and argues that economic well-being is a prerequisite for their social inclusion. It notes that while the Indian economy is growing, benefits are not reaching dalits, especially rural dalit women. Self-employment is seen as an opportunity for economic well-being, but rural dalit women face significant barriers - caste bias limits their business areas and access to resources, and gender bias subjects them to expectations around domestic roles. The document proposes that dalit women's organizations promoting entrepreneurship could help overcome these barriers by decentralizing production and collectively marketing products.
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Journal will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to
Transformation of Women Status through Self- Help Groups in Pudukkottai BlockDr. Amarjeet Singh
The rural area peoples are mostly suffered of
human life style because it is based on the reason of economic.
The present study focused area of psychological, social and
economic empowerment of women in Pudukkottai block
specified rural area of Perungalur, Athanakottai, Varapur,
Mullur and Vadavalam. It is; therefore, women need special
attention to ensure their development and active
participation in the decision-making process at home. It is
also widely recognized that apart from managing household,
bearing children, rural women bring income with productive
activities ranging from traditional work in the fields to
working in factories or running small and petty businesses.
They have also proven that they can be better entrepreneurs
and development managers in any kind of human
development activities. The empowerment of women also
considered as an active process enabling women to realize
their full identity and power in all spheres of life. The
empowerment of women is modified in our life with help of
Self Help Groups in Pudukkottai area.
A study onwomenentrepreneurshipinharyanatheirdevelopmentandmainconstraintsAnuragSingh1049
Increased female entrepreneurial activity heralds a progress for women’s rights and optimization of their economic and social living index. Women entrepreneurship is synonymous with women empowerment. Parallel to the male counterparts, female entrepreneurs are catalytic in job creation, innovation and more than tangible contribution to the GNP of the country. An economy thrives when women get a level playing field as men. Innovation works as a catalyst or an instrument for Entrepreneurship. Indian Women, despite all the social hurdles stand tall from the rest of the crowd and are applauded for their achievements in their respective field. The transformation of social fabric of the Indian society, in terms of increased educational status of women and varied aspirations for better living, necessitated a change in the life style of Indian women. This paper endeavors to explore studies related to Women Entrepreneurship and Innovation in India. Few examples from Haryana, India have been taken to understand the study in a better way.
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI)inventionjournals
International Journal of Business and Management Invention (IJBMI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Business and Management. IJBMI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Business and Management, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Journal will bring together leading researchers, engineers and scientists in the domain of interest from around the world. Topics of interest for submission include, but are not limited to
Transformation of Women Status through Self- Help Groups in Pudukkottai BlockDr. Amarjeet Singh
The rural area peoples are mostly suffered of
human life style because it is based on the reason of economic.
The present study focused area of psychological, social and
economic empowerment of women in Pudukkottai block
specified rural area of Perungalur, Athanakottai, Varapur,
Mullur and Vadavalam. It is; therefore, women need special
attention to ensure their development and active
participation in the decision-making process at home. It is
also widely recognized that apart from managing household,
bearing children, rural women bring income with productive
activities ranging from traditional work in the fields to
working in factories or running small and petty businesses.
They have also proven that they can be better entrepreneurs
and development managers in any kind of human
development activities. The empowerment of women also
considered as an active process enabling women to realize
their full identity and power in all spheres of life. The
empowerment of women is modified in our life with help of
Self Help Groups in Pudukkottai area.
A study onwomenentrepreneurshipinharyanatheirdevelopmentandmainconstraintsAnuragSingh1049
Increased female entrepreneurial activity heralds a progress for women’s rights and optimization of their economic and social living index. Women entrepreneurship is synonymous with women empowerment. Parallel to the male counterparts, female entrepreneurs are catalytic in job creation, innovation and more than tangible contribution to the GNP of the country. An economy thrives when women get a level playing field as men. Innovation works as a catalyst or an instrument for Entrepreneurship. Indian Women, despite all the social hurdles stand tall from the rest of the crowd and are applauded for their achievements in their respective field. The transformation of social fabric of the Indian society, in terms of increased educational status of women and varied aspirations for better living, necessitated a change in the life style of Indian women. This paper endeavors to explore studies related to Women Entrepreneurship and Innovation in India. Few examples from Haryana, India have been taken to understand the study in a better way.
Economic Contribution of Women in Self Help Groups: Village Level Evidence fr...iosrjce
Women in Self Help Groups (SHGs) have made their mark in the rural economy in a quite nontraditional
way. This paper examines the economic contribution of SHG women drawing on a field survey
conducted in 20 villages by canvassing a structured schedule among 150 sample respondents of two blocks of
Balasore district in Odisha, India. The findings show that women in SHG’s have made a significantly positive
contribution to employment, income, expenditure and saving at the household level. An increase in the demand
for SHG products is required for improving productivity of women and enhancing their economic contribution
in a sustainable way. A reorientation in policy is suggested for generating awareness, upgrading skills and
expanding markets in order to augment their contribution and raise their empowerment level for the benefit of
the households as well as for transforming the rural economy in a big way.
Role of cooperatives in rural development, the case of.j.sjbm.20150304.12kemal1983
For small land-holding, developing and agricultural based economic countries like Ethiopia, cooperative type of
business is recommended as a solution to promote income distribution, reduce poverty and vulnerability, and improve quality of life and social welfare.
This is an attempt to showcase the real picture of Indian women, both in rural and urban places. Women can bring the change in society and develop it.... Lets help them
The study has been summarized in the form of a presentation so that others can understand its relevance. It is really important to look for ways to empower women through creative and innovative entrepreneurial ventures.
For some one,who have some consciousness towards their nation,being worried about the problems,the nation INDIA is facing.....this one will help them for sure.
Role of Self-Help Groups in Empowering Rural Women: A case study on selected ...iosrjce
Micro finance is emerging as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation in India. This approach has
recognition in India after the launch of SHGs and Bank linkage programme by NABARD in the year 1992.
According to United Nations, micro finance institutions are the basic provider of small savings, micro credit
and other basic financial services to poor and marginalised section like women. Despite substantial
contributions of women to both household and national economy, their contributions are not recognised in the
society. Rapid progress in SHGs and Bank linkage model has now turned into an empowerment movement
among women in the country. From various empirical studies, it is found that micro finance through SHGs and
Bank linkage model has enabled the members of SHGs to improve their socio-economic status. It also improves
family savings, decision making process, self confidence among women section of our society. Micro finance is
also necessary to overcome social exploitation and create confidence for self reliance among rural women and
poor section of our society. Apart from the informal financial institutions, the formal and semi formal sectors
also are taking much interest in providing micro finance to rural women in Assam. These financial institutions
not only provide small savings and micro credit to women but bringing them together in organised banking
sector. This paper highlights that micro finance through SHGs has a positive role in income, savings and
investment of women in Rani Block of Kamrup District of Assam
Entrepreneurship and women empowerment-PPT about successful women EntrepreneursKaruppan Gnanasambandan
Empowerment of Women is mainly based on their economic independence. Entrepreneurship will be a powerful tool for them to earn their income. Right or Respect? which one to choose. Simply seeking rights is of no use. Women were most respected lot in India in olden days. It is because of the British legacy we forgot our culture and started using women instead of respecting them.
This Presentation will let you know about the Women Entrepreneurship in India over the last decade. This presentation will also let you know about the Factors, Causes, etc. regarding Women Entrepreneurship in India
Women empowerment through self help groupsmahindravada
Self Helf Groups are formed to empower women. With the help of these groups, women are able to support the family economically, able to live with dignity and able to take informed decisions.
Economic Contribution of Women in Self Help Groups: Village Level Evidence fr...iosrjce
Women in Self Help Groups (SHGs) have made their mark in the rural economy in a quite nontraditional
way. This paper examines the economic contribution of SHG women drawing on a field survey
conducted in 20 villages by canvassing a structured schedule among 150 sample respondents of two blocks of
Balasore district in Odisha, India. The findings show that women in SHG’s have made a significantly positive
contribution to employment, income, expenditure and saving at the household level. An increase in the demand
for SHG products is required for improving productivity of women and enhancing their economic contribution
in a sustainable way. A reorientation in policy is suggested for generating awareness, upgrading skills and
expanding markets in order to augment their contribution and raise their empowerment level for the benefit of
the households as well as for transforming the rural economy in a big way.
Role of cooperatives in rural development, the case of.j.sjbm.20150304.12kemal1983
For small land-holding, developing and agricultural based economic countries like Ethiopia, cooperative type of
business is recommended as a solution to promote income distribution, reduce poverty and vulnerability, and improve quality of life and social welfare.
This is an attempt to showcase the real picture of Indian women, both in rural and urban places. Women can bring the change in society and develop it.... Lets help them
The study has been summarized in the form of a presentation so that others can understand its relevance. It is really important to look for ways to empower women through creative and innovative entrepreneurial ventures.
For some one,who have some consciousness towards their nation,being worried about the problems,the nation INDIA is facing.....this one will help them for sure.
Role of Self-Help Groups in Empowering Rural Women: A case study on selected ...iosrjce
Micro finance is emerging as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation in India. This approach has
recognition in India after the launch of SHGs and Bank linkage programme by NABARD in the year 1992.
According to United Nations, micro finance institutions are the basic provider of small savings, micro credit
and other basic financial services to poor and marginalised section like women. Despite substantial
contributions of women to both household and national economy, their contributions are not recognised in the
society. Rapid progress in SHGs and Bank linkage model has now turned into an empowerment movement
among women in the country. From various empirical studies, it is found that micro finance through SHGs and
Bank linkage model has enabled the members of SHGs to improve their socio-economic status. It also improves
family savings, decision making process, self confidence among women section of our society. Micro finance is
also necessary to overcome social exploitation and create confidence for self reliance among rural women and
poor section of our society. Apart from the informal financial institutions, the formal and semi formal sectors
also are taking much interest in providing micro finance to rural women in Assam. These financial institutions
not only provide small savings and micro credit to women but bringing them together in organised banking
sector. This paper highlights that micro finance through SHGs has a positive role in income, savings and
investment of women in Rani Block of Kamrup District of Assam
Entrepreneurship and women empowerment-PPT about successful women EntrepreneursKaruppan Gnanasambandan
Empowerment of Women is mainly based on their economic independence. Entrepreneurship will be a powerful tool for them to earn their income. Right or Respect? which one to choose. Simply seeking rights is of no use. Women were most respected lot in India in olden days. It is because of the British legacy we forgot our culture and started using women instead of respecting them.
This Presentation will let you know about the Women Entrepreneurship in India over the last decade. This presentation will also let you know about the Factors, Causes, etc. regarding Women Entrepreneurship in India
Women empowerment through self help groupsmahindravada
Self Helf Groups are formed to empower women. With the help of these groups, women are able to support the family economically, able to live with dignity and able to take informed decisions.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
Economic violence against dalit entrepreneurs in tamilnaduRAVICHANDIRANG
Entrepreneurship is one of the most effective economic activities which provide not only employment opportunities but also become
the economic empowerment for the person concerned. In India, entrepreneurship becomes a caste matter, which means, a particular
caste people involve themselves in entrepreneurship due to tradition. But, anybody can become an entrepreneur, if he/she has
entrepreneurial skill and competence. In this regard, entrepreneurship among the dalits is the recent matter or origin in the economic
development of the country. Dalit entrepreneurship is a growing concept which emerging due to the improvements in socio-economic
and educational status of dalit in the country. But dalit in business is not a significant level while compare to the other communities
with this aspect. The present research would be useful to explore the socio economic status, entrepreneurial profile, various problems,
violation and discrimination encountered by dalit entrepreneurs in the study area.
Women Empowerment in Relation to Indian Economyijtsrd
While the Indian government left no stone unturned in overhauling the economy and providing the much needed impetus to MSMEs, we read stories of both the resilience and the struggle of women entrepreneurs wading through a sea of problems and yet refusing to give up. Therefore, it is our social and moral obligation to facilitate an enabling environment for women desirous of entering the workforce by rendering them equal opportunities and opening up new avenues for them to thrive. Despite India’s general progress in terms of the number of women entrepreneurs in the country, there still remains a considerable gender gap that needs to be closed. Currently, women only account for 13.56 per cent in the entrepreneurial space and have a significantly disproportionate presence in the labour force. Though the government has been making continuous efforts to empower women in India, they continue to be, by and large, hobbled by disempowerment, financial dependency and inequalities. As per the India SDG Index, India has secured a score of 42 on a scale of 100 on the indicator of “Gender Equalityâ€. The figures from the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey also lay bare the vast gender inequality An abysmal 19.7 per cent rural women and 16.1 per cent of women in urban areas were found to be in the labour force. To plug these gaps and work towards an inclusive society, every stakeholder has to do more. Dr. Namita Verma "Women Empowerment in Relation to Indian Economy" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-5 , August 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd51696.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/economics/other/51696/women-empowerment-in-relation-to-indian-economy/dr-namita-verma
Writekraft Research and Publications LLP was initially formed, informally, in 2006 by a group of scholars to help fellow students. Gradually, with several dissertations, thesis and assignments receiving acclaim and a good grade, Writekraft was officially founded in 2011 Since its establishment, Writekraft Research & Publications LLP is Guiding and Mentoring PhD Scholars.
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Women Empowerment through SHGs A Case Study of Jalgaon District of Maharashtraijtsrd
The status of women indicates the character of the country “said by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehruâ€. Women empowerment is a process in which women challenge the existing norms and culture, to effectively promote their well being. The participation of women in self help groups SHG's made a significant impact on their empowerment both in social and economical aspects. This study addresses women empowerment through self help groups in Jalgaon District of Maharashtra. The information required for the study has been collected from both the primary and secondary sources. A Random sampling method has been followed. Average and Percentage analysis was carried out to draw meaningful interpretation of the results. The results of the study revealed that the SHG's have had greater impact on both economic and social aspects of the beneficiaries. Arun Kumar Tripathy "Women Empowerment through SHGs: A Case Study of Jalgaon District of Maharashtra" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-6 , October 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46371.pdf Paper URL : https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/other/46371/women-empowerment-through-shgs-a-case-study-of-jalgaon-district-of-maharashtra/arun-kumar-tripathy
Women, in India, in general, have never been allowed to fully blossom and put their just part in the socio-economic development.
Their potential has always been undermined, disvalued, and neglected. So making women more progressive is the time to unleash the ‘hidden entrepreneurial capabilities of women.
Economically secure women will be no less than a fountain of resources to the nation which will bring more employment opportunities, more gross domestic product, and more financial inclusion to the system.
An empowered woman can improve the environment of awareness, as today most women’s rights are not in vogue because the awareness level is way below.
Why society is giving a secondary stance to women in labor and business activities? Why they have been taught to follow rather than lead? A nation can be called a developed one only when the woman is getting equal opportunities in financial matters, is getting proper social representation and her dignity is duly taken care of.
A pilot study on socio enterprise status of dalit entrepreneurs in tiruchirap...RAVICHANDIRANG
Banking sector in India is one of the prevailing and well-organized mechanisms of the financial system. Indian banking sector consists of old age tradition, which enable to update modern technology. Structure of the banking system is also well defined and systematically channelized. When banks were established, it had complicated only traditional services such as accepting deposits and lending loans. Due to the industrial development in the country, banks become a never ending system of the economy which is positioned as a centre point of social, economical and industrial well being. In this regard, banks were nationalized and Government had given periodical regulation. The banking system has been acting as negotiator to the Government to implement socio economic programmes. As per the working group of priority sector, lending recommendation, commercial banks are obliged to lend up to 40% of their total lending to priority sector.
1. Social Inclusion of rural dalit women, a distant dream?
D.Shylet Moni
Research Scholar
Women Studies
Bharathidasan University
Trichy
Introduction
India boosts itself to be a growing economy and to be emerging as the leader in the Asian region.
The new government has promised to build a strong nation. Being a citizen of a strong nation
will certainly enrich one’s self-image and enhance his or her confidence level to thrive
relentlessly for prosperity. The question that disturbs socially conscious persons is ‘is the nation
growing with its entire population?’ As the Indian economy grows the trickling benefits reach a
small percentage of moneyed and socially well-positioned people. A large section of the Indian
Population mainly the dalits and the tribals are hardly reaping any benefit arising from new
economic policies.
While rural dalits especially rural dalit women are kept at the receiving end in the ‘growing
economy’, there are widespread discussions taking place on ‘Social Inclusion’ of the excluded.
In this context, the paper analyses the precondition for such possible social inclusion.
The case studies done in the Villupuram District convey that the Economic Well-being of rural
dalit women is the indispensable prerequisite for social inclusion. The paper also analyses using
the available secondary data whether the rural dalit women enjoy economic well-being in the
lopsided economy.
Self-employment, an opportunity for economic well-being
The employment and business opportunities are abound in the Self-Employment Sector. Indian
economy consists of the self-employed who are both wage earners and shareowners. The share
of the proprietorship and partnership forms of organizations in the national income is 35 per cent,
that of corporates around 15 per cent, of government around 25 per cent, and agriculture around
25 per cent. Combine agriculture and the self-employed in the industry and service sectors,
nearly 60 per cent of the national income is generated by the self-employed.
(http://indianeconomy.org/2006/04/21/a-nation-of-self-employed/).
The National Sample Survey (NSS – July 2011 to June 2012) reveals that around 50.42% of
Indian workers are self-employed. In rural areas, the shares of self-employed, regular
wage/salaried employees and causal labor were 37.94 per cent, 6.66 per cent and 24.94 per cent
respectively. The shares of self-employment in rural areas were 28.99 per cent for rural males
and 8.95 per cent for rural females, out of which 75 % of female workers were engaged in
2. agricultural sector/household enterprises and 17 per cent and 8 per cent were engaged in
secondary and tertiary sectors respectively.
In general, only 8.95% of rural women are in self-employment. The percentage of rural dalit
women in self-employment is insignificant and data is not available with NSS or MSME.
Until rural dalit women venture into self-employment, the possibilities of attaining economic
well-being will remain disheartening and they will be compelled to satisfy themselves as causal
laborers and forced to live on meager income. Meanwhile the possibilities of rural dalit women
to be in self-employment are restricted by three major factors i.e. Caste Bias, Lack of Access to
Productive Resources and Gender Bias.
Social inclusion will remain a distant dream, if rural dalit women who comprise 19.17 per cent of
the total women population are kept out of the economic benefits. The case studies are
intentionally done in the Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu, especially Villupuram District.
Reason for Selecting Villupuram District, one of the Northern Districts
The Northern Districts spread over 67720 square kilo miles and 50.76% of the total population of
Tamil Nadu lives in this region. The male population is higher than the female population at least
by 1%. The percentage of dalit population is 19.17%, but it is 22% in the northern districts and it
is 30% in Villupuram district. The general literacy rate is 63.72% in Tamil Nadu. However it is
only 54.3% in this region and the female literacy is 20% lower than the male literacy rate.
81.8% of the dalits are agricultural laborers. The average family income per month was less than
Rs.2000. Almost 80% have no savings, and more than 72% are indebted. ( a study done by
Jesuit Chennai Mission).
The research interest is to identify the critical factors that compel dalits to be causal laborers. The
data confirms that the dalits have little opportunities to be self-employed and it means they
cannot enjoy economic well-being. The economic well-being could foster social inclusion.
Different case studies done in this regard confirm that the economic well-being could easily pave
the way for social integration.
Economic Well- Being and Social Inclusion
There is no single definition of economic well-being. The OCED (2011) explains that the
material well-being determines people’s consumption possibilities and their command over
productive resources.
The New Economic Foundation, 2008 defines economic well-being as ‘…a dynamic state in
which the individuals are able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build
strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their community. It is enhanced
when an individual is able to fulfill their personal and social goals and achieve a sense of
purpose in society.’
3. Both the definitions define economic well being as having control over productive resources and
building positive relationship with others. The World Bank defines social inclusion as the
process of improving the terms for individuals and groups to take part in society. Social inclusion
aims to empower poor and marginalized people to take advantage of burgeoning global
opportunities. It ensures that people have a voice in decisions which affect their lives and that
they enjoy equal access to markets, services and political, social and physical spaces.
Actively participating in the life of the society means that the dalits take part in the decisions
making processes that affect the development of the society and the opportunities are equally
shared among the various communities.
A study was done in a village, where 73% of the dalits have agricultural productive land and
about 45 of them are in government jobs. All of the dalit families have concrete houses and
neatly laid down streets and premises. Moreover most of the dalit women have formed
themselves into a federation called ‘Vidayal Women Federation’. To our question whether they
invite the caste women for social events, they said ‘yes’. The caste women happily attend their
social events. The reasons stated are: they have lands, they own decent houses, their men are
government employees, children study in English medium schools, women have gold jewels and
so on. However the caste women won’t eat any cooked food in their homes, but have bottled
drinks and fruits.
As the dalits are economically well off, the panchayat president who is a caste hindu ensures the
government schemes and benefits are shared in proportion to dalit population. The dalits also
participate in the village festivals and other community members too participate in dalits temple
festivals.
It proves beyond doubt that economic well-being have the powers to break caste barriers. Thus
social inclusion of rural dalits especially of rural dalit women will remain a distant dream unless
and until dalit women attain economic well-being, which means control over productive
resources, access to markets, services and political, social and physical spaces.
Stumbling blocks for Self-employment
The entrepreneurship is defined in Business Economics as the capacity and willingness to
develop, organize and manage a business venture along with any of its risks in order to make a
profit. The most obvious example of entrepreneurship is the starting of new businesses. In
economics, entrepreneurship combined with land, labor, natural resources and capital can
produce profit. Entrepreneurial spirit is characterized by innovation and risk-taking, and is an
essential part of a nation’s ability to succeed in an ever changing and increasingly competitive
global market.
The opportunity for rural dalit women lies in self-employment. But, the dalit women face
numerous constraints that influence them to remain as causal laborers. The case studies have
4. indentified three major constraints i.e caste bias, lack of access to productive resources namely to
land and Gender Bias.
1. The Caste Bias
Mrs. Muniamma, a dalit woman lives with her adult daughter on the banks of the Thenpannai
river. She lost her husband 10 years ago. Left to survive on her own, she started a small idly
shop in the veranda of her house. She sells idly at the rate of two rupees and dosa at the rate of
three rupees. To attract customers she has to provide sambar and three types of Chutneys. She
has regular dalit customers. Till date she does not remember providing service to any non-dalit.
She said that the reasons for not having non-dalit customers are non-dalits consider eating in a
dalit outlet a taboo and beyond their dignity. Moreover the business is operated inside the
house; a non-dalit dare not enter into a dalit house.
Five hundred yards away from her house, a non-dalit woman sells the same idly for four rupees.
She runs her business on a pushcart. To my question, why can’t she try out something like this
for increased income? Her earnest reply was that people who know her caste identity will not
buy idly from her as they are considered as unclean.
She could have easily doubled her income by having her business some yards away, but her
caste identity prohibits such initiatives.
Those rural dalit women who venture into small enterprises with a capital of Rs.5, 000 to 50,000
are compelled to operate their business within their residential area. The restricted operational
area limits many a dalit women to venture into similar types of businesses and the potential for
any scale up. Even if a rural dalit woman wishes to have her business in bustling residential areas
or towns, no caste hindu prefers to let business space on rent or lease for her.
The case studies done by the Arocot Lutheran Church- School Project, a church based
development organization that works for the empowerment of dalit women and children in the
north arcot districts of Tamil Nadu reveal that opportunities are limited for rural dalit women in
service sector, but a small number of rural dalit women have succeeded in business that deal with
industry finished products such as garments, gift articles and so on.
Thus, the caste factor determines the area of operation and the nature of business. The area of
operation is principal for any business to thrive. Not having an appropriate place to operate is
the first blow for dalit women and may comfortably put an end to any possible business initiative
dalit women may attempt.
2. Access to Productive Resources
5. The definitions of entrepreneurship categorically state that the entrepreneurs are innovative and
readily take risks. The problem that the dalit women face is not having access to start-up capital
for any business venture. The reason for low percentage of dalit women in self-employment is
not associated with their risk taking behavior or innovative nature. The dalit women by nature
take high risks. Poverty and aspirations to come up in life compel them to be innovative to earn
money. But, they have no way to start.
45% of units registered with MSME are rural. The Backward class share in ownership of
enterprises equivalent to their population, but the dalits and tribals are underrepresented. The
underrepresentation is mirrored in the over representation of the caste people. Over the two
censues, we find an increase in caste disparity in ownership of manufacturing enterprises. The
top five activities which collectively account for roughly 62% of all registered manufacturing
MSMEs, are food products and beverages, apparel, fabricated metal products, furniture and
textiles. (The Wallstreet Journal published on Sept 23, 2013).
Though activities dealing with leather were associated with the dalits traditionally, the proportion
of SC owned enterprises engaged in leather have shown a decline. Gender disparities in
ownership are also sharper. Though there is an increase in female owned and managed
enterprises, the difference is not significant.
The reasons for low percentage of dalits registered with MSME are obvious i.e. caste bias that
keeps them totally out of food products and lack of access to productive resources. The
percentage of dalit women in the manufacturing sector is negligible. The dalit women are
considered as credit unworthy and un-bankable. The banks easily turn down the requests of dalit
women for start-up capital for lack of collateral. The slogan is ‘no collateral, no credit and no
business opportunity’. The SHGs came as a way out. But, the loans from the banks are mostly
spent on consumptions and for social events. The SHGs lack capacity to develop the
entrepreneurial skills of dalit women, enable them to have access to credit, support to engage in
businesses of their choice, and provide procurement and marketing support.
The logic is simple, unless and until dalit women have lands (81.8% dalits are landless), and
lands registered in their names they won’t be able to access any start-up capital. Is there any
alternative collateral that the dalits women can think of? The study shall be concluded with a
possible alternative.
3. Gender Bias
The society awaits for any opportunity to discourage women who are successful in owning and
managing any business. The weapon that the society uses is ‘character assassination’ and
‘negligence of reproductive roles’. Any woman who neglects her reproductive roles such as child
caring and caring of her husband is considered not as a family woman. Numerous case studies
reveal that women quickly give up business initiatives for unbearable character assassination,
and for sexual abuses at workplace and while accessing markets. The case study below indicates
6. Mrs. Vjialaxhmi withstood the character assassination by her own husband and relatives but it is
not the case with hundreds of dalit women.
Mrs.Vijalaxhmi, a mother of two young children says, ‘I have the confidence to provide quality
education for my siblings and profusely thank ALC-School Project for training me in tailoring.
She was married at the age of 16 and her husband fell sick after 4 years of marriage. As the
economic and social responsibilities fell on her shoulder she took up a job in a biscuit company
for 100 rupees a day. Since it was not a secure job, she decided to learn a trade skill.. She learnt
the art of tailoring and exhibited greater tailoring skills.
The ALC-SP absorbed her and entrusted her with the responsibility of managing a tailoring unit
at Mekkalur, Thiruvannamalai. She now draws a salary of Rs.3000. She says ‘though the salary
is not huge, I have the satisfaction of training economically downtrodden women. Teaching a
trade skill has given me status and recognition in the society’. However being jealous of her new
found recognition and status her husband started ill-treating her with verbal abuses and even
asked her to give up the job. Her morality was questioned. It was a struggle of its own kind to
convince her husband who was almost bedridden and his relatives that she was unblemished.
She breathes heavily and says ‘my kids will now have a secure life thanks to the Timothy Center
for Women and Children Empowerment.
Vijalaxhmi is an exception. Many a women find it painful to tolerate male domination,
compulsions of the patriarchal society, character assassination, and sex torture. Thus many
women decide to take the easiest route of succumbing to the wishes of patriarchy.
Markets operate at times that are inconvenient to women. The inconvenience arises from market
timings, access to markets, male dominated markets, poor facilities in markets and so on.
A dalit woman has to arise above triple biases such as caste, class and gender. We are pitting
dalit women. But, our studies prove that the dalit women can rise above and prove their worth in
businesses if properly guided. The alternative that the studies suggest is ‘dalit women
entrepreneurs federations’.
Rural Dalit Women Institutions, alternative for Sef-employment Promotion
Dalit women have no collateral as they lack productive resources. But by nature they are
hardworking, innovative and risk taking. This means that they have the characteristics of being a
business woman. As employment opportunities are abound in self-employment sector, it is
important the dalit women consider business initiatives to enjoy economic well –being and social
inclusion subsequently.
They ought to come out of the three major hurdles mentioned in the paper i.e. caste bias, access
to productive resources and gender bias. Our experience shows that a dalit women organization
7. that comprises of dalit women entrepreneurs with the prime objective of promoting
entrepreneurship can easily overcome the three hurdles.
The business idea is that the production is decentralized and mainly takes place at individual
level. The organization ensures quality production by enhancing their production skills. The
organization takes the sole responsibility for procurement of finished products, value addition,
storage and collective marketing. When an organization engages in a business the caste label is
diminished. We are not hiding the caste identity, but giving time to the society to rise above caste
considerations. As an organization the dalit women can have easy access to gender sensitive
technologies, and they too can develop their own appropriate technologies.
An organization in business can employ gender sensitive persons to act behalf of the dalit
women entrepreneurs. By which, they can have easy access to markets and minimize sexual
disturbances. And also the organization will stand for the protection and promotion of the rights
of the dalit women.
The dalit women entrepreneurs organization becomes the collateral for the banks. As the
organized body of individuals the dalit women can easily access government schemes and
programs.
In this regard, Non-governmental organizations such as Arcot Lutheran Church School Project
can play a major role in mobilizing, orienting and organizing the dalit women.
Social Inclusion, a distant reality
Social integration is possible when rural dalits especially rural dalit women come on par with the
caste people. The economic well-being has the potential to break the societal barriers and
provide impetus for dalit women to actively participate in the society. It is a slow progress, but
possible. The dalit women should organize themselves into entrepreneur organizations and work
hard to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, access government programs and schemes, and
develop dalit women as entrepreneurs. The fact remains that employment opportunities are
abound in the self-employment sector. The dalit women by nature are risk taking and innovative,
thus becoming self-employed and to employ others is easier for them. Let the society be an
integrated society and which lives above caste consideration.
To contact the author: shyletmoni@gmail.com
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