• B. Krishnaveni

Women entrepreneurship in rural areas plays a crucial role in economic development, poverty reduction, and gender equality. However, rural women face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, lack of education and skills, socio-cultural barriers, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, opportunities exist through government schemes, microfinance initiatives, self-help groups (SHGs), and digital technologies that can empower women to establish and grow their businesses. This paper explores the key challenges hindering rural women entrepreneurs, such as gender discrimination, market access limitations, and financial exclusion, while also highlighting opportunities like skill development programs, e-commerce platforms, and community-based support systems. By addressing these barriers and leveraging available resources, rural women can contribute significantly to local economies and sustainable development. The study underscores the need for policy interventions, awareness campaigns, and public- private partnerships to foster an enabling environment for women-led entrepreneurship in rural regions.

Rural women entrepreneurs, economic empowerment, gender equality, microfinance, self-help groups (SHGs), skill development, digital literacy, government schemes, socio-cultural barriers, sustainable development.

"Empowering Rural Women Through Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.236-241, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06045.pdf

"Empowering Rural Women Through Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pp236-241, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06045.pdf