An analysis of sectoral concentration of women enterprises in the hilly regions of North Bengal

Abstract

Women-owned enterprises play a vital role in fostering local economic development and empowering women in geographically challenging regions. Over the past decades, women entrepreneurship has emerged as an avenue for women to break traditional gender norms. However, notable distinctions have been observed between women-owned businesses and those owned by men. Therefore, it is important to identify the business areas where omen are concentrated and to determine which ones are still untapped by them. The study explores the concentration pattern of women-owned enterprises in the hilly regions of North Bengal, aiming to identify the sectors where women are predominantly engaged. The findings revealed the distribution of businesses across various sectors, including tourism, retail trading, handicrafts, food processing, agro-based manufacturing, and service-oriented industries. The results indicate a strong preference of women entrepreneurs in the hilly regions for small-scale, home operated businesses that rely on personal skills influenced by ease of access and limited infrastructure. The study offers insights for policymakers to promote gender inclusive growth and emphasizes the need for sector-specific support policies to enhance women's participation in entrepreneurial activities.