Entrepreneurship Development Among Tribal Women in Northeast India: Challenges, Opportunities, and Socio-Economic Impacts

Biswadeep Borah; Nabasmita Bordoloi

doi:10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2122-130

Authors

Biswadeep Borah Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Management, Assam Don Bosco University
Nabasmita Bordoloi Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Assam Don Bosco University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968/ijisem.2026v5i2122-130

Keywords:

Tribal Women, Entrepreneurship, Northeast India, Socio-Economic Impact, Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This study delves into the dynamics of entrepreneurship development among tribal women in Northeast India, a region known for its rich cultural diversity and socio-economic complexities. The research highlights the critical role that tribal women play in driving local economies, despite the myriad of challenges they encounter. By employing a mixed-method approach, incorporating surveys, interviews, and case studies, the study meticulously examines the influence of factors such as education, access to financial resources, market exposure, and the use of traditional knowledge in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape for these women. One of the key findings of the research is that tribal women in the region possess inherent entrepreneurial capabilities. However, their potential is often hindered by several barriers, such as limited access to capital, socio-cultural norms that restrict their participation in business, and insufficient institutional frameworks that could otherwise support their growth. These constraints are exacerbated by the geographical isolation of many tribal communities, making it difficult for these women to access broader markets and networks.

Despite these challenges, the study identifies numerous success stories of tribal women who have overcome these obstacles and established sustainable businesses. Their ventures not only contribute to their personal financial independence but also to the upliftment of their communities, creating ripple effects in local development. The study concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at fostering a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship among tribal women. These include targeted interventions in education, financial literacy, and market linkages, all of which are essential for achieving inclusive and sustainable development in the region.

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