M.Sc., PH.D, Department of Zoology, Magadh University, Bodh Gaya, Bihar
JournalRNIMJ
Volume / Issue2 / 2
Pages19–28
Published03 Apr 2026
Paper IDRNIMJ22AJ26003
Views / Downloads14 / 11
Article summary
Abstract
Women empowerment is increasingly recognized as a critical driver of inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, particularly in developing countries. Among various pathways to empowerment, textile entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant mechanism for enhancing women’s economic independence, skill development, and social participation. This paper examines the role of textile entrepreneurship in empowering women by synthesizing theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and case studies from diverse regions including South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Drawing on existing literature and documented experiences from countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and India, the study explores how engagement in textile-related activities such as weaving, tailoring, embroidery, and garment production enables women to generate income, acquire technical and managerial skills, and strengthen their decision-making capacity within households and communities. The analysis highlights key mechanisms of empowerment, including economic security, creative agency, and enhanced social capital, while also identifying persistent barriers such as limited access to finance, education, markets, and supportive legal frameworks. Furthermore, the paper discusses the role of policy interventions, microfinance, womenspecific entrepreneurship programs, cooperatives, and digital technologies in promoting inclusive and sustainable textile enterprises. The findings suggest that textile entrepreneurship not only contributes to poverty reduction and livelihood security but also fosters long-term empowerment by improving women’s autonomy, confidence, and societal status. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional support systems and expanding opportunities for women-led textile enterprises as a strategic pathway to gender equality and sustainable development.
Keywords
Women EmpowermentTextile EntrepreneurshipGender EqualityEconomic IndependenceSkill DevelopmentMicrofinanceSustainable DevelopmentWomen-Led Enterprises
Citation record
How to cite this article
Fatma Zohra Khatoon (2026). Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship. ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(2), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003
Fatma Zohra Khatoon. “Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship.” ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 2, no. 2, 2026, pp. 19–28. https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003
Fatma Zohra Khatoon. “Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship.” ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal 2, no. 2 (2026): 19–28. https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003
Fatma Zohra Khatoon (2026) ‘Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship’, ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal, 2(2), pp. 19–28. Available at: https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003.
Fatma Zohra Khatoon, “Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship,” ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 19–28, 2026. https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003.
Fatma Zohra Khatoon. Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship. ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal. 2026;2(2):19–28. https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003.
Fatma Zohra Khatoon. Women Empowerment through Textile Entrepreneurship. ResearchNext International Multidisciplinary Journal 2026, 2 (2), 19–28. https://doi.org/10.64127/rnimj.2026v2i2003.
No separate funding declaration was available in the verified source record; the journal policy applies.
Conflict of Interest
No separate conflict-of-interest declaration was available in the verified source record; the journal policy applies.
Ethical Approval
No separate ethical approval statement was available in the verified source record; the article and journal policies apply.
Data Availability
No separate data-availability statement was available in the verified source record; contact the author(s) or editorial office where appropriate.
Author Contributions
No separate author-contribution statement was available in the verified source record; authorship follows the published article record.
AI-use Declaration
No separate AI-use declaration was available in the verified source record; the journal AI-use policy applies.
Editorial record
Publisher's Note
The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author(s). Publication does not imply endorsement by the journal, editorial board or publisher. Responsibility for accuracy, originality and integrity remains with the author(s). Readers should independently evaluate and verify information before application or citation.
F. Safna, N. & Nufile, A. A. M. (2016). Women empowerment through weaving industry: a case study in Maruthamunai, Sri Lanka.
MORSHED, F. (2015). Impact of Women Entrepreneurship on Women Empowerment in Bangladesh.
Monica Esiebugie, U., Tewase Richard, A., & Fabian, H. (2018). Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development in Benue State, Nigeria.
Hayrapetyan, M., Nunes, A., & Turyan, K. (2016). Factors that drive female entrepreneurship in Armenia.
Alshammari, M. & Ibrahim Al-Tarawneh, K. (2016). Women and Entrepreneurship in the Third World.
Liu, L. (1970). The role of e-commerce in the economic empowerment of women in china.
Andrews, S. (2019). Womenu27s Empowerment by Group Sewing Training: A Microfinance Study in El Salvador.
Appolonia Osita, A. (2016). ESTABLISHMENT OF CREATIVE INDUSTRIES; A PANACEA FOR RURAL WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN ORU EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE, NIGERIA.
Hossain, T. (2018). Empowering Women through E-Business: A Study on Women Entrepreneurs in Dhaka City.
F. Jaiyeola, E. & Modupe Adeyeye, M. (2021). Obstacles along the path of women enterprises in Africa: A case study of Ogotun women in Ekiti state, Nigeria. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
CAROLYNE MWENDE KYALO, M. A. L. I. N. D. A. (2017). CHALLENGES AFFECTING WOMEN FUND ACCESSIBILITY BY THE WOMEN IN KENYA: A CASE OF YATTA CONSTITUENCY MACHAKOS COUNTY.
Magesa, R., Shimba, C., & Magombola, D. (2013). Investigating impediments towards access to financial services by women entrepreneurs: A Case of Arumeru District.
Mutembei Douglas, L. (2014). Entrepreneurship Education on Women Entrepreneurs at Pre-Primary and Primary Level in Kenya.
Quisumbing, A., Heckert, J., Faas, S., Ramani, G., Raghunathan, K., & Malapit, H. (2021). Women’s empowerment and gender equality in agricultural value chains: evidence from four countries in Asia and Africa. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
Gebremichael, A. (2010). Role of women in value-chain systems of vegetables and spices in Atsbi Wemberta Woreda, Eastern Zone of Tigray.
Moinul Hasnat, M. & of Lethbridge. Dhillon School of Business, U. (2019). Empowering women through microfinance: an evaluation of MFIs influence in Bangladesh.
A. Carter, C. (2011). The influence of business ownership and selected demographic characteristics on the perceived effectiveness of an entrepreneurship training program among female participants.
Dilruba Shoma, C. (2019). Gender is a Human Rights Issue: The Case of Women’s Entrepreneurship Development in the Small and Medium Enterprise Sector of Bangladesh.
Tesfamariam Sebhatu, K. (2015). Determinants of Women Empowerment in Cooperative Societies A Survey in South Eastern Zone Tigray Region of Ethiopia.
Gebreegzi, N. (2019). Empowerment of Urban Women through Local Food Processing Cooperatives in Alamata Town, Tigray, Ethiopia.
