Special Identity of Women through Handicrafts

Handicrafts has got a worldwide recognition during the last few decades. In addition to, it has generated a good income and side by side contributing significantly to the national economy. This background encourages many, especially women entrepreneurs to develop this handicraft and market it in national and global level. The topic ‘Special Identity of Women Through Handicrafts’ is made to find out the socio-economic status of the women entrepreneurs, their business dimension and constraints faced by them. Women have a greater role in developing these handicrafts. Applique work of Pipili has got a worldwide recognition and also give women a new strength and power in the society. The research work was made on 16 women entrepreneurs of three coastal districts of Odisha. Data were collected through field observation and personal interview. Various statistical methods like percentage, average, mean, standard deviation and r value are used to analyze the data and interpret the result in a meaningful way. The results reveal some interesting things which show that their business is expanding as well as their income. Still, their business is not free from constraints in spite of various governmental and non-governmental supports. Study also throws some light on the measures to be taken to eliminate the obstacles.