Impact Evaluation of Vocational Trainings on Quality of Life of Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Economic independence is the need of the hour. Entrepreneurship development and income generating activities are a feasible solution for empowering rural women. Participation in income generating activities helps in the overall empowerment of rural women. Keeping in view the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (District level extension centers of Indian Council of Agricultural research, New Delhi, India) in imparting vocational trainings to the rural women, the present study was conducted with the objective to evaluate the impact of vocational trainings on quality of life of rural women trained at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Roopnagar (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India). Fifteen women trainees, who were successfully running their enterprise, were selected for the study. The impact was studied on eight parameters viz., economic, nutrition and health, housing, material possession, educational, social, recreational and personal grooming. Data was collected through interview schedule and then analyzed. The major impact was observed in social life (Rank I) of the entrepreneur followed by economic aspects of life (Rank II). Cent per cent respondents reported increase in income, saving, low prestige items, clothing, social recognition of self, social participation, size of social circle and status of family in society.