A Study on Factors Influencing Income Generation of Women Entrepreneurs through Shgs in Kanchipuram District

Entrepreneurship development and income generating activities are a feasible solution for
empowering women. It generates income and also provides flexible working hours according to the
needs of home makers. Economic independence is the need of the hour. Participation in income
generating activities helps in the overall empowerment of women. Empowering women through
education, ideas, consciousness, mobilization and participatory approach can enable them to take
their own decisions, make them self-reliant and self-confident.
The socio-demographic features of the women entrepreneurs are significantly different in various
aspects. About 52.80 per cent of women entrepreneurs belong to the age group of 30-45 years
followed by less than 30 years. About 48 per cent of women entrepreneurs were involving in
marketing followed by supplier (23.40 per cent). About 16.60 per cent of the women carried
manufacturing activities while, only 12.00 per cent was involving in service sector activities Past
experience and network, correct business location, environment protection, less mistakes and
orientation and training are positively influencing the business income of the women entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial development should not be left to chance, as is the practice now. The training
programmes should include identification and selection of potential entrepreneurs, and their
motivation into entrepreneurial career through provision training and other inputs necessary to set up
entrepreneurial units. Lack of coordination among the institutions in providing power, water,
communication and finance seriously hinder the growth of women entrepreneurship. To improve this
situation, the proper coordination mechanism and monitoring system should be formulated and
implemented.