Awareness, Perception and Willingness to Engage in Entrepreneurial Activities among Rural Women in Virudhunagar District

Abstract

Women’s entrepreneurship plays a significant role in promoting economic independence, improving family income, and empowering rural women. The present study aims to examine the awareness, perception, and willingness of rural women to engage in entrepreneurial activities in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu. The study is based on primary and secondary data, with primary data collected from 100 rural women using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data were obtained from journals, websites, magazines, and other relevant sources. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Percentage analysis was used to examine rural women’s perceptions of entrepreneurship, while multiple regression analysis was employed to identify the factors influencing their willingness to participate in entrepreneurial activities. The Chi-square test was used to analyse the association between socioeconomic characteristics and awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities. The findings indicate that economic independence and improved family income are the major perceived benefits of entrepreneurship. The illustrative regression results suggest that entrepreneurship training, positive perceptions, family support, and the availability of financial resources are significant predictors of willingness to engage in entrepreneurial activities. Educational qualification, monthly family income, and occupational status also show significant associations with awareness of entrepreneurial opportunities in the illustrative Chi-square results. The study highlights the importance of entrepreneurship awareness programmes, skill development, accessible financial assistance, and digital marketing support in encouraging rural women to undertake entrepreneurial activities. The findings may help policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies formulate suitable strategies to promote women’s entrepreneurship and socioeconomic empowerment in rural areas.