Contribution of Cottage Industries to Women’s Economic Independence: A Conceptual Study

Author(s)	Ms. Vandana pandey, Ms. Meghna tiwari
Country	India
Abstract	Women’s economic independence is a critical component of inclusive and sustainable development. Cottage industries, characterized by small-scale, home-based production, have historically provided livelihood opportunities to women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. This conceptual study explores the contribution of cottage industries to women’s economic independence by analyzing existing literature, theoretical perspectives, and policy frameworks. The study examines how cottage industries enhance income generation, decision-making power, skill development, and social empowerment among women. The findings highlight that despite challenges such as limited access to credit, markets, and technology, cottage industries play a significant role in fostering self-reliance and economic security for women. The study concludes with suggestions for strengthening institutional support and policy interventions to maximize the potential of cottage industries in empowering women economically.
Keywords	Cottage industries, Women empowerment, Economic independence, Self-employment, Rural development
Field	Business Administration
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-02-10

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research