ROLE OF WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF MEGHALAYA: A NORTH EASTERN STATE, INDIA

Abstract

A major research project was initiated in 2007 in Meghalaya, one of the North-Eastern states of India, with a large indigenous population and strong cultural practices including matriliny, to investigate the multi-factorial nature of women's role in economic development. Using case-control study designs and in-depth interview techniques, men and women entrepreneurs were compared regarding their traits, styles of functioning and identifying enabling and constraining factors. These interviews were supplemented by two Focus Group Discussions and two Case studies. Findings strongly demonstrate that there was no gender bias, and matriliny did not dampen the role of women in entrepreneurship. It seems that Khasi culture is in fact a strong influence in promoting enduring entrepreneurial traits among women, who have been able to build an economic base. Better education and employable skills along with an efficient and clean government will improve womens' levels of productivity, and promote risk-taking and innovativeness.

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