Women’s Empowerment through Skill Education and Entrepreneurship Development in the Handloom Sector in Mizoram

Abstract

Handlooms not only represent the rich cultural heritage of India but are also important from the point of view of their size and employment potential. It is the second-largest provider of employment in India after agriculture. The handloom workforce in India is largely outside the realms of formal education in India, impeding their empowerment. This article probes into the extent of empowerment among students of the Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc) (Handloom Weaver) and the impact of this unique course conducted at Mizoram University on women’s empowerment. Drawing on Naila Kabeer’s concept, the article examines women’s empowerment among students as an impact of the B.Voc course at Mizoram University. The B.Voc course provides skill-based education as well as prospects of employment through entrepreneurship with the promotion of the ‘Hnatlang Handloom Producer Company Ltd’ by the students. The study revealed that the B.Voc Handloom course provided valuable education and knowledge on hands-on handloom skills, entrepreneurship and leadership experience, exposure to marketing and networking, and fund management. However, students continue to subscribe to some of the stereotypical mindset. There is a need for sensitisation sessions on ‘Women’s Empowerment and Gender Studies’ to enable them to reconstruct structural inequalities and patriarchy.