Attitudinal model constructs towards alternate livelihood avocations among women in fisheries enterprises – a case study in Ernakulam District Kerala

Abstract

Involvement of women in productive activities is a very important strategy for poverty alleviation in the society and for the overall empowerment of women. Presently, participation of women in fisheries related livelihood options is limited but there exists enormous potential for enhancing their participation. However, the attitude of women in self help groups (SHG) to initiate the entrepreneurial activity by investing their savings corpus or institutional finance utilising labour resources from among themselves is important. Location-specific and need-based training programmes for fisherwomen can enhance their level of awareness and technical know-how to start gainful employment ventures. These ventures can be taken up by fisherwomen SHGs taking advantage of participatory action to ensure earnings and sustainability. Micro-enterprises by women should not be seen only as a means for economic empowerment, but also can prove to be an important tool for social and political empowerment. In this context, a study was conducted in Moothakunnam Village in Vadakkekkara Panchayat of Ernakulam District, Kerala to assess the attitude of women SHG groups to take up entrepreneurial activities. It was found that women in groups were found to have a positive attitude towards establishing micro-enterprises to enhance their livelihood options by utilising leisure time and locally available resources.