Empowerment of Farm Women through Income Generating Activities

Women empowerment is a process in which women gain greater share of control over resources material, human and intellectual and financial resources and control over decision making in the home, community, society, nation and to gain power. Economic independence is one of the means to empower the women. This study was undertaken in five blocks of Bhadrak district of Odisha comprising 150 numbers of respondents. The study revealed that, among various income generating activities, the extent of involvement of farm women in agro-processing (Rank I) then vegetable cultivation, mushroom cultivation, backyard poultry rearing, dairy farming, Goat farming, Craft making and vermin- composting etc. Promotion of income generating activities in rural areas not only enhance national productivity, generate employment but also help to develop economic independence, personal and social capabilities farm women. Economic empowerment, improved standard of living, self confidence, enhanced awareness, sense of achievement, increased social interaction, engagement in political activities, increased participation level in meeting, improvement in leadership qualities, involvement in solving problems related to women and community, decision making capacity in family and community are the positive outcome.