Role of cottage industries in socio-economic development of women workers - A study across Bangalore Rural District

Abstract

Cottage industry is an integral part of economic and social empowerment. The role of women in cottage industries is well known and helps them in contributing to their sustainable livelihood. In addition, cottage industries help women participate in social activities build leadership skills and assist them in decision making within their family. This study attempts to establish the potential of cottage industry in socio-economic empowerment of women. The Study is based on primary data collected from women engaged in weaving for their sustainable livelihood and their economic independence.

This study is descriptive in nature and the paper focusses on socio demographics of working women in cottage industries and its contribution to their social and economic development. This study establishes that working in cottage industries leads to empowerment. Study population included 100 women who are part of women Self Help Groups in Bangalore Rural district. Responses were collected using questionnaire including questions related to social and economic development of women and analyzed using simple statistics. The results showed that economic development of women is impacted by experience and their social development impacted by education qualification. The findings show that economic development and women empowerment are directly proportional and the results are significant.