Gender, Social Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods: Pathways of Transformation among Tribal Women in Gajapati District, Odisha, India

Abstract

This research investigates the state of social entrepreneurship among tribal women in Gajapati district, Odisha, India, with particular attention to six blocks named as Guma, Nuagada, R. Udayagiri, Mohana, Rayagada, and Kasinagar. Using primary data gathered from 200 respondents through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, the study looks at the nature of enterprises that women operate, the socio-economic obstacles they face, and the prospects for expanding these ventures. The findings indicate that tribal women are active in small-scale enterprises such as handicrafts, sal-leaf plate production, millet-based processing, tailoring, and petty trading. Despite their entrepreneurial efforts, they continue to struggle with restricted access to finance, low levels of literacy, weak institutional backing, and gender-related constraints. At the same time, positive openings are emerging through the support of self-help groups (SHGs), the gradual adoption of digital tools, and government livelihood programmes. Overall, the study highlights that social entrepreneurship holds considerable promise for improving the livelihoods of tribal women in the region, but its transformative impact depends on overcoming structural barriers through stronger policy interventions, capacity building, and inclusive institutional mechanisms.