Abstract Panel


Authors Information
SequenceTypeName TitleFirst NameLast NameDepartmentInstitute / Affiliation
1 Author Ms. Philayo MK Shimrah Anthropology North-Eastern Hill University
Abstract Information
TrackID
:
IUAES23_ABS_J9156
Abstract Theme
:
P039 - Facing Life’s Challenges: Enterprise, Innovation and Labour Inputs of Marginalized Women for Survival
Abstract Title
:
Small-scale enterprising as a livelihood pursuit for rural women in Manipur
Short Abstract
:
Women in rural communities are inherently deprived and face structural constraints from society, however, they play a crucial role in supporting not just their household but the community as a whole. Their accumulated knowledge and practices contribute to the sustainable use of resources whereby ensuring food security, agricultural productivity, income generation, and social cohesion within the community.
Long Abstract
:

The role played by rural women in a community has garnered considerable attention over the years. This study is a product of empirical fieldwork conducted on two villages in Ukhrul district, Manipur. This study is an anthropological take on the roles and responsibilities that women take up when threatened by factors like climate change, decline of natural resources, financial instability, etc. The rural communities are dependent on agriculture as their primary source of income and hence, these women face far more risk and challenges in maintaining and providing for their household. The study documents the ingenious ways of how women generated income via marketing of indigenous food products, practicing weaving, and the formation of social networks amongst themselves in spite of their workload and socio-cultural constraints. This paper also describes how factors such as the climate, natural resources, technology and infrastructure development have enabled them to expand their small scale enterprise and thereby, introduce them to the mainstream market. The paper concludes by emphasizing on the problems faced by such enterprises and the need for attention from the higher authorities to provide an outlet for the population to have access as well as sustain rural livelihood.

Abstract Keywords
:
Livelihood, Women, Small scale enterprise