Beyond the Needle: Embroidering Empowerment and Sustainable Women-led Entrepreneurship through Chikankari in Rural West Bengal

Abstract

The traditional art of chikankari embroidery has long been a source of both cultural pride and livelihood for many women in rural India. This study focuses on female artisans in the villages of Babnan and Sarap in West Bengal’s Hooghly district, examining how this craft functions as a potential path toward sustainable income and women-led entrepreneurship. Drawing on primary data from 78 women weavers and 24 wholesalers, the research evaluates whether chikankari can be a viable economic activity for rural women and identifies the challenges that threaten its continuity. Using a Binary Logistic Regression model, the study finds that women with greater educational attainment, older age, and stronger family support are more likely to view chikankari as a sustainable means of livelihood. In parallel, the Garrett Ranking Method identifies low wages, dependency on intermediaries, and limited access to working capital as key barriers. Other significant issues include physical fatigue, mental strain, and lack of market knowledge. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including skill development, improved access to credit, and stronger cooperative structures. Preserving this delicate craft while fostering inclusive economic growth requires policies that directly support women-led microenterprises in rural Bengal.