EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH BAKERY EMPLOYMENT IN KOLHAPUR: A STUDY OF WORK CONDITIONS, WAGES AND DIGITAL OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

Women’s participation in the informal food processing sector has gained increasing importance in the context of rural and urban development in India, with the bakery industry emerging as a significant source of employment for women. This study examines the role of bakery employment in empowering women in Kolhapur district, with special reference to their working conditions, wage structure, and access to digital opportunities. Based on primary data collected from women employed in small and medium-scale bakeries, supported by secondary data from government reports and previous studies, the research analyses factors such as working hours, income levels, job security, skill utilization, and the use of digital tools including digital payments and online platforms. The findings indicate that bakery employment has contributed to improved income, self-confidence, and economic independence among women; however, issues such as low wages, informal employment arrangements, long working hours, and limited digital literacy continue to constrain their empowerment. The study further observes that women associated with self-help groups or digitally enabled bakeries experience relatively better economic outcomes. The paper concludes that focused skill development, fair wage practices, improved working conditions, and enhanced digital inclusion can strengthen the bakery industry as a sustainable pathway for women’s socio-economic empowerment.