Empowering Tribal Women through Vocational Training: A Pathway to Sustainable Livelihoods and Socio-Economic Development

Abstract

Tribal women in India continue to experience socio-economic marginalisation due to poverty, geographical isolation, limited education, and restricted livelihood opportunities. In this context, vocational training has emerged as an important means of enhancing employability, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods among indigenous women. The present study examines the impact of vocational training on the socio-economic empowerment of tribal women. The research used a mixed-methods approach, collecting data from 120 tribal women from the Santal, Munda, Ho, Oraon, Gond, and Kandha communities in Odisha. We gathered information through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions with participants in programs for digital literacy, bamboo crafts, beautician training, and tailoring. We analysed the different effects of vocational training on income, employment, and socio-economic empowerment across various programs. The findings reveal that vocational training significantly improved participants’ skills, income levels, self-confidence, employability, and entrepreneurial participation. The study further highlights that vocational education strengthened women’s decision-making capacity and social recognition within the family and community. However, financial constraints, social norms, limited mobility, and inadequate market access continue to hinder their full participation in economic activities. The study concludes that culturally relevant vocational education, combined with institutional and financial support, can play a transformative role in promoting sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development in tribal communities while contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction, gender equality, and decent work.