Beyond The Loom: Women’s Entrepreneurship, Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment in Kotpad, Odisha

सार

The handloom industry in India has long been a vital source of livelihood, especially in rural and tribal regions. Within this context, women’s entrepreneurship plays a critical role in sustaining traditional weaving practices while fostering local economic development. This paper examines the role of women entrepreneurs in the Kotpad handloom cluster of Koraput district, Odisha, renowned for its natural dye weaving tradition and unique tribal motifs. Based on primary data collected from women weavers and entrepreneurs, the study highlights the socio-economic conditions, challenges, and opportunities for women in this sector. The present scenario reflects a paradoxical reality: while globalization and mechanization threaten traditional practices, there is also rising demand for eco-friendly, sustainable, and handcrafted textiles. Women entrepreneurs in Kotpad are navigating issues of limited access to credit, inadequate market linkages, lack of institutional support, and cultural marginalization. At the same time, many women weavers are demonstrating resilience by mobilizing through cooperative societies, self-help groups, and direct market participation. The study argues that strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in Kotpad can contribute significantly to sustainable livelihoods, cultural preservation, and inclusive rural development. Policy interventions focusing on training, digital marketing, financial inclusion, and infrastructural support are essential to enhance women’s role in this heritage-based sector. This research contributes to broader debates on gender, entrepreneurship, and rural development in the Indian handloom industry, emphasizing the urgent need to integrate women’s agency into developmental planning.