A Study on Women Empowerment through Entrepreneurship Development Program in Gujarat

¹ Assistant Professor, Shri B. L. Parikh College of B.B.A., Palanpur, India
² Professor, Department of Business Management, Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, Faculty of Management Studies, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, India
^3,4 Associate Professor, Department of Business Management, Sankalchand Patel College of Engineering, Faculty of Management Studies, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, India

^1* karnavat_bhagvan13@yahoo.co.in
² cbrathodmba_spce@spu.ac.in
³ crpatelmba_spce@spu.ac.in
⁴ cppatelmba_spce@spu.ac.in

Abstract

Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs) play a crucial role in empowering women by providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to succeed in entrepreneurship. EDPs offer training and capacity-building initiatives tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs, equipping them with essential entrepreneurial skills such as business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and networking. By acquiring these skills, women gain confidence and competence to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and seize opportunities for growth and success. This study explores the perception of women towards Entrepreneurship Development Programs (EDPs) and investigates the relationship between their demographic profiles and perceptions of EDPs. A sample of 150 women entrepreneurs from Gujarat was interviewed to gather insights into their experiences, challenges, and opportunities in entrepreneurship. The research objectives include analysing women’s perceptions of EDPs and examining the relationship between demographic profiles (such as age, gender, and years of experience) and their perceptions towards EDPs. The findings reveal a positive perception among women towards EDPs, with participants acknowledging the programs’ effectiveness in providing valuable knowledge and skills relevant to entrepreneurship, addressing specific needs and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, and enhancing confidence and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study highlights the universal benefits of EDPs across diverse demographic profiles, underscoring their significance in empowering women to succeed in entrepreneurship and contribute to economic growth and social development.