AWARENESS CREATION AMONG WOMEN ABOUT PAPER SOAP MAKING FOR FACILITATING ENTREPRENEURIAL OPPORTUNITIES

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a demonstration program on improving the knowledge of paper soap making and to develop awareness among women about handmade paper soap making. The study employed an experimental design, with pre-test and post-test assessments using a structured schedule. The schedule included sociodemographic information and a knowledge scale on paper soap and it's making process. The demonstration program covered the technique of preparing paper soap using non-caustic bathing soap and paper. In the pre-test, 57.5% of the participants had moderate knowledge, and 42.5% had inadequate knowledge about paper soap and its making. After the demonstration program, 58.33% of the participants had adequate knowledge, and 41.66% had moderate knowledge. The mean post-test knowledge score (14.76) was significantly higher than the pre-test score (8.19),with a percent change in knowledge of 80.26%.The obtained 'Z' value (-17.28) and p-value (<0.05) indicated that the demonstration program had a significant effect on increasing the knowledge of women about paper soap making. The study concludes that the demonstration program is an effective tool for enhancing the knowledge of paper soap making among women,potentially fostering entrepreneurial opportunities.