A Study on Women Empowerment as an Engine for Inclusive Growth

A Study on Women Empowerment as an Engine for Inclusive Growth Prof. Kiran Sanjay Gaikwad Assistant Professor, Hirachand Nemachand College of Commerce (Autonomous), Solapur Abstract Women empowerment has become a vital catalyst for inclusive growth in developing economies such as India, where persistent social and economic inequalities limit equal participation in development processes. Enhancing women’s capabilities through skill development, entrepreneurship, and institutional support improves their socio-economic status while fostering sustainable growth and social equity. This study explores the role of women empowerment in promoting inclusive growth through a case study of Jilha Gramin Vikas Yantran, Solapur, an organization actively supporting women’s livelihoods and self-reliance. It also incorporates insights from the governance model of Punyashloka Ahilyadevi Holkar, known for her emphasis on welfare, ethical leadership, and women-centric development. Adopting a descriptive and analytical research design, the study utilizes primary data from beneficiaries along with secondary sources such as reports and academic literature. The findings indicate that institutional initiatives have significantly strengthened women’s economic participation, decision-making ability, social confidence, and psychological empowerment, thereby contributing to inclusive development at the grassroots level. Keywords: Women Empowerment, Inclusive Growth, Jilha Gramin Vikas Yantran, Ahilyadevi Holkar, Skill Development, Rural Development