The Relevance of Food Processing Industry in Women Empowerment: A Case Study of Prayagraj District in India

Abstract

The research article is concerned with the importance and performance of food processing industry in generating sufficient employment opportunities for female workers. A case study on a specific district brings out crucial aspects related to working conditions and struggles faced by women in these industries. The data collection and analysis are based upon the overall number of women employed. They are further categorized as per the type of employment offered to them under different kinds of industries. The findings show that the share of women in employment is much lower as compared to men. Various forms of gender discrimination are found at industrial workplaces. The lack of government support coupled with an adverse social mindset against working women is also observed in the region. The scope of entrepreneurship development is limited to SHGs. Nevertheless, FPIs could be a way forward to shift surplus women engaged in agricultural activities or construction sites to a better source of income generation while raising social status.