Empowering Women in Madhya Pradesh : Social Entrepreneurship Approach

Abstract

Bridging the societal gaps and gender equality has been the focal point of the government's agenda for achieving sustainable development goals. Women empowerment and entrepreneurship has a multiplier effect for socio- economic development of the country for dealing with social issues. Emergence of social enterprises in the economic landscape in previous research has evidence of realizing the social and economic development goals as reiterated in the country's vision statement and sustainable development norms. The study outlines the development agenda contributing valuable insights on the role of social entrepreneurship in women empowerment in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The research is conducted amongst active social enterprises working in the handloom sector of Madhya Pradesh dominant soon after independence, run by Holkars under the label of Rehwa Society, Women Weaves in Maheshwar. The study uses both primary and secondary data such as books, journals, websites, etc. and conducting interviews of women beneficiaries. The findings show remarkable contribution to the cause of financial independence and women empowerment- the marginalised section of society along with addressing socio-environmental concerns. However in developing economies philanthropic activities are limited to few sectors or geographic areas for lack of economies of scale in management and operations in the long term. There is lack of awareness therefore necessitating measures to increase sensitivity towards the same. Finally the study suggests measures to fulfil the dual objective of addressing gender equality along with achieving economic goals and financial inclusion.