Exploring the socio-cultural challenges of women entrepreneurs and mitigation aspects

Abstract

A study was conducted in two villages namely Parichanrapada and Badala villages of Nimapada block and Balipatana block under Puri district in January and February months of 2017. Data were collected from potential farm women for entrepreneurship development in those areas to identify the obstacles for them and their preference level in need for training and appropriate agri-educational modules regarding climate resilient crop varieties, farming practices and seed, water and post-harvest management techniques. Around fifteen variables were taken into account as hurdles for growing as entrepreneurs. Those are broadly classified into availability of resources (fund, time, space etc.) socio-personal / gender influence (gendered seclusion, household responsibilities etc.) and access to facilities and infrastructure related to entrepreneurship. It was found that amongst the three, the socio-personal / gender influence (gendered seclusion, household responsibilities etc.) factor is affecting most negatively whereas other two variables are not of lesser importance. Post-harvest management has emerged as the most interesting and convenient area where they would welcome training and educational modules to their profit.