DR RAJKUMAR SINGH
The concept of self-employed women originated from the need to empower women economically, particularly in informal sectors, and to give them independence and control over their livelihoods. Historically, women have been central to informal economies, contributing through small-scale farming, artisanal work, petty trade, and home-based services. But in many societies, women faced systemic barriers to formal employment, including gender discrimination, lack of access to education, cultural norms, and legal restrictions. These barriers led many women, especially those from marginalized communities, to seek economic opportunities through self-employment.The informal sector, which includes unregulated and unregistered employment, became a natural space for women to engage in income-generating activities. Women in rural and urban areas alike took up roles such as artisans, street vendors, farmers, and home-based workers.Starting in the mid-20th century, feminist and economic justice movements began advocating for the economic rights of women, particularly those in low-income communities. These movements highlighted the need for women to have financial independence and the ability to control their income. As a result, organizations like the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India were formed in response to these challenges.It was one of the earliest and most successful models supporting self-employed women, SEWA began in India as a trade union of women working in the informal sector. SEWA focused on organizing women workers, advocating for their rights, and providing them with access to credit, training, and markets. Its success highlighted the importance of self-employment as a means for women to achieve economic security.Importance of Self-Employed Women: a. Economic Independence: Self-employment allows women to have control over their work, schedule, and income, giving them a degree of independence they may not experience in traditional jobs.b. Flexibility and Accessibility: Self-employment offers flexibility, making it more accessible for women who have caregiving responsibilities or who live in areas with limited formal job opportunities.c. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: It encourages women to engage in entrepreneurship, turning their skills and knowledge into business ventures, whether it’s through handicrafts, agriculture, or small-scale industries.d. Financial Inclusion: Many women entrepreneurs in self-employment benefit from programs aimed at improving financial inclusion, such as microfinance and self-help groups that provide loans, training, and networking opportunities.e. Social Empowerment: Beyond economics, self-employment often empowers women socially by boosting their confidence, improving their status in the community, and providing a platform for collective organizing.In summary, the concept of self-employed women has its roots in the historical exclusion of women from formal economies, feminist movements, and the development of the informal sector.
Need of self-employed women
The need for self-employment, particularly among women, arises from several socio-economic, structural, and cultural factors. These causes are often interconnected and reflect the limitations of formal employment sectors in accommodating diverse populations: a. Lack of Formal Job Opportunities: High Unemployment Rates: In many regions, formal employment opportunities are scarce due to economic conditions, industrial decline, or limited job creation. Self-employment becomes a necessary alternative for individuals who cannot find formal jobs.Structural Adjustment and Downsizing: In some countries, economic reforms such as privatization or government downsizing reduce public sector jobs, compelling individuals to seek self-employment for survival.b. Economic Necessity and Poverty: Poverty and Lack of Resources: For individuals living in poverty, self-employment may be the only option for generating an income. Whether it’s farming, small-scale vending, or informal labour, self-employment allows people to engage in economic activities despite their limited financial means.c. Flexibility and Work-Life Balance: Need for Flexibility: Self-employment offers individuals, especially women and parents, the flexibility to work according to their schedules. This flexibility allows them to balance their personal, familial, and professional responsibilities, which is often difficult in traditional jobs with fixed hours.Desire for Independence: Many people are drawn to self-employment for the autonomy it provides. They prefer being their own boss, having control over their work environment, and making decisions without the constraints of formal employment structures.d.Limited Access to Formal Financial Systems: Credit and Finance Barriers: In many cases, individuals-especially women-face barriers in accessing formal financial systems, including loans and credit. Self-employment, particularly in informal sectors, allows them to generate income without needing large amounts of capital or access to formal credit systems.Microfinance Solutions: The growth of microfinance institutions has made it easier for individuals to start small businesses or self-employment ventures. These institutions often target self-employed individuals who lack access to traditional banks.e. Technology and the Gig Economy: Access to Online Platforms: In recent years, technological advancements and the rise of the gig economy have created new opportunities for self-employment. Platforms like ride-sharing apps, freelance marketplaces, and online stores enable individuals to become self-employed with minimal investment.In summary, the need for self-employment arises from a combination of economic pressures, lack of formal employment opportunities, social barriers, and the desire for autonomy and flexibility.
Status in India
The status of self-employed women in India reflects both progress and ongoing challenges. Women in India have long been involved in informal and self-employed work, particularly in rural areas and lower-income communities. An overview of the status of self-employed women in India include:a. Prevalence of Self-Employment: According to various reports, around 94% of women workers in India are employed in the informal sector, with a significant proportion engaged in self-employment.b. Key Sectors for Self-Employed Women: Agriculture: A majority of rural women are engaged in agriculture and related activities. Many work as small-scale farmers, laborers, or in animal husbandry. They are responsible for tasks like sowing, harvesting, and post-harvest processing, often without formal recognition as workers.Artisanal Work and Handicrafts: In rural areas, self-employed women are involved in traditional crafts such as weaving, embroidery, pottery, and other handicrafts. These products are sold in local markets or through cooperatives and NGOs.Retail and Vending: Women in urban areas often work as street vendors or run small shops, selling goods ranging from vegetables to clothes.National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Aimed at reducing poverty through enhanced livelihoods, NRLM supports SHGs and provides training, capacity-building, and access to credit for rural women.Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: This program, though not specifically focused on self-employment, indirectly benefits women by providing free LPG connections, allowing them more time for income-generating activities.c. Economic and Social Impact:
Economic Contribution: Self-employed women contribute significantly to household incomes, particularly in rural areas, and play a crucial role in local economies. In some cases, their earnings help lift families out of poverty.Social Empowerment: Beyond financial independence, self-employment has empowered women socially. It enhances their decision-making power within households and communities, boosts their confidence, and encourages them to participate in collective movements for their rights.Self-employed women in India are critical contributors to the economy, particularly in informal sectors. The future holds potential for further advancements, especially through technology, skill development, and stronger social protection systems.
(The writer is a youth motivator)
