Abstract: The transformation of women entrepreneurship in rural Assam has emerged as a significant driver of socio-economic development and gender empowerment. This study explores the evolving landscape of women-led enterprises in rural areas, highlighting both the persistent challenges and the expanding opportunities. Drawing on secondary data and descriptive analysis, the paper examines how government initiatives, microfinance institutions, self-help groups (SHGs), and digital platforms have contributed to enhancing women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities. Despite these advancements, rural women entrepreneurs continue to face multiple constraints, including limited access to credit, lack of market linkages, inadequate infrastructure, low levels of education and skill development, and socio-cultural barriers rooted in traditional gender roles. The study further identifies emerging opportunities such as the growth of agro-based industries, handloom and handicrafts sectors, e-commerce platforms, and policy support mechanisms that are gradually transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The increasing role of education, training, and community-based networks has also empowered women to overcome structural barriers and achieve financial independence. The findings suggest that a supportive institutional framework, coupled with targeted capacity-building initiatives and improved access to resources, can significantly enhance the sustainability and scalability of women-led enterprises in rural Assam. The paper underscores the importance of strengthening inclusive development strategies to promote women entrepreneurship as a catalyst for rural transformation and economic resilience in Assam.
Choudhury et al. (Mon,) studied this question.