Involvement Of Women Entrepreneurs From Tribal Areas In Jammu And Kashmir’s Traditional Crafts

Abstract

The study examines the significance of rural tribal women entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir's crafts sector handloom industry. It emphasises their contributions to employment generation and economic development, with government policies as a mediating influence. The study used a quantitative analytic methodology, and 384 respondents made up the sample size, which was selected using stratified sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to gather data, which was then processed using SPSS and AMOS for structural equation modelling (SEM) to look at direct and indirect relationships and correlations among variables. The findings show that tribal women entrepreneurs in rural areas are crucial to job generation and economic advancement by preserving traditional crafts, promoting local enterprises, and increasing financial autonomy. Government policies, including financial aid, skill enhancement initiatives, and marketing help, are essential in supporting women entrepreneurs. Nonetheless, obstacles include restricted access to institutional financing, sociocultural limitations, and market competitiveness. The research establishes robust beneficial links among female entrepreneurship, employment, and economic growth, with governmental initiatives augmenting their efficacy. The study highlights the need for specific legislative measures, enhanced financial accessibility, and capacity-building programs to fortify the handicraft and handloom industry as a sustainable economic engine in Jammu and Kashmir.