INCOME DYNAMICS OF SELF-EMPLOYED MUSLIM WOMEN IN MUMBAI

Abstract

The Muslim community is the largest religious minority in India. But this community is characterized by social exclusion, political alienation, educational backwardness, and economic vulnerability. The condition of women in this marginalized group is worse wherein they face multiple challenges both within and outside their community. Studies have revealed that the process of economic progress among Muslim women has been much slower as compared to women from other minority groups. Self-employment is becoming an important source of income for women, especially in the face of declining job accessibility. In the Indian context, urban self-employment among Muslim women is higher than among women in other socio-religious groups. The permissibility of women entrepreneurship in Islam makes it an acceptable career option. This paper presents a study of 118 Muslim women owned and managed enterprises in Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. It highlights the influence of choice of business on income, savings and expenditure patterns of the women entrepreneurs. Determined efforts along with interventions in the acquisition of education and technical skills will bring about improvement in the quality of their work and life.