Abstract:
Entrepreneurship development among women had proven to be a viable approach for Economic
empowerment. It was more so in rural scenario where it not only enhanced household income but also rural
economy as well. The reason was being ‘women are often considered as better economic stewards: has control
of income and capital (land, livestock), gain more equality and control over their own lives, while
contributing directly to their children’s development (nutrition, health and education) and there by indirectly
to the nation’s income growth’ (M.A. Mir, 2008). In India more than 70% of populations lived in villages
out of which half were women. The entrepreneurship activities of women had led to the development of robust
micro economic foundations in the rural areas especially in the backward regions of the country. ‘The
development and transformation of the rural economy requires rapid expansion of employment and income
opportunities’ emphasized Planning Commission in 2009. Realizing the potential importance of women
entrepreneurship in rural economy, the Government, Financial institutions, and community based groups
were stepping forward with different approaches. A study was undertaken to highlight the role of rural dalit
women entrepreneurs in the rural economy of Uttarkhand state. A total of thirty women were selected from
the villages of Almora district of Kumoan region. The study enumerated certain significant aspects related to
economic empowerment besides emphasizing various measures that could be focused for the capacity building
of rural dalit women entrepreneurs.
