Women entrepreneurship in agriculture: A catalyst for empowerment

Purpose: The landscape of entrepreneurship is undergoing a significant transformation, with women emerging as a dominant force. This increase in female-led enterprises is more than just a demographic shift; it is a tremendous engine for women's empowerment in the social, economic, and personal realms. Women who start their own businesses are not only changing the economic landscape but also reshaping their roles in their communities and families. The present study intends to study the impact of women entrepreneurship development factors on the empowerment of women in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. Methodology: The present study follows a descriptive and qualitative research design, and the sample area chosen for conducting the study is Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Both primary and secondary sources were used for data collection. The study uses a schedule for the collection of primary data from 145 respondents for the purpose of data analysis using simple random sampling. The Cronbach alpha method was used for checking the reliability of the schedule. For the analysis of data, statistical tools, namely factor analysis and multiple regression analysis, were applied. Findings: The study concluded that independent variables, namely, Entrepreneurship Education and Training Factor, Financial Support Factor, Strategic Management Factor, Family Support, and Government and Administrative Factor, significantly impact the empowerment of women under study. Practical Implications: The practical implication of this research lies in its ability to bridge the gap between theory and action. By using the knowledge gained from the paper, policymakers, support organizations, investors, and women entrepreneurs themselves can all take concrete steps to create a more supportive environment for women's entrepreneurship to thrive. This, in turn, can lead to a more equitable and prosperous future for everyone.