Financial Empowerment through Entrepreneurship: A Study of Women Entrepreneurs in Raigad District

Abstract

Women entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable development, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. Financial empowerment, shown as economic independence, better decision-making power, and improved social status, is a key outcome of engaging in entrepreneurship. This study looks at how entrepreneurial activities contribute to the financial empowerment of women in Raigad District of Maharashtra from 2018 to 2022. The research examines financial literacy, access to credit, use of government schemes, savings and investment habits, income generation, and the overall improvement in living standards among women entrepreneurs. It uses a descriptive and analytical research approach based entirely on secondary data from government reports, MSME records, RBI publications, and district statistical sources. The findings offer specific insights to help policymakers and financial institutions enhance women entrepreneurship and financial inclusion in Raigad District.