Women Tribal Entrepreneurs in Maharashtra: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Women tribal entrepreneurs play a significant role in promoting sustainable livelihoods, preserving indigenous knowledge, and strengthening the rural economy in Maharashtra. They engage in diverse economic activities such as the collection and processing of minor forest produce, handicrafts, bamboo products, Warli paintings, traditional textiles, organic farming, honey production, herbal products, and food processing. Despite their contribution, tribal women continue to face numerous challenges, including inadequate access to finance, poor market connectivity, lack of branding and packaging skills, limited digital literacy, low educational attainment, and dependence on intermediaries. Government initiatives such as the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have created opportunities for enhancing entrepreneurship among tribal women. This paper examines the present status of women tribal entrepreneurs in Maharashtra, identifies the major challenges affecting their entrepreneurial growth, and explores opportunities for sustainable enterprise development. The study is based on secondary data collected from government reports, research articles, books, and published literature. The findings indicate that strengthening entrepreneurship through capacity building, digital marketing, branding, financial inclusion, skill development, and institutional support can significantly improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal women while preserving their traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.