Empowering the Unseen: An Empirical Analysis of Government Schemes' Impact on Women-Led Informal Enterprises in India

This paper empirically analyzes the role of government schemes in empowering women-led informal enterprises in India. The study synthesizes findings from existing empirical research, highlighting the significant contributions of these enterprises to the Indian economy. It examines key national and state-level interventions, assessing their impact across economic and social dimensions of women’s empowerment. The analysis uncovers notable successes, particularly in enhancing financial access and fostering social agency through Self-Help Groups. However, it also identifies persistent challenges, including low awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, limited financial literacy, and ingrained gender biases. The paper concludes by presenting implications for policy and offering actionable recommendations, emphasizing the need for holistic and context-sensitive interventions to fully unlock the potential of women entrepreneurs within the informal sector.