Age and Educational Qualification as Determinants of Women Entrepreneurship: A Comparative Study of Self-Help Group Members in Five Districts of Himachal Pradesh

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are very impactful in both developing the economy and achieving sustainable development through women’s entrepreneurship. This research examines the age and educational status of the women entrepreneurs of selected districts of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Shimla of Himachal Pradesh. 2000 women entrepreneurs were the sample size. Data was analysed by frequency, percentage and chi square. The results indicated that most entrepreneurs (49%) were in the age group 36 to 45 years, while most (78.7%) have only attended up to High School. Results of the chi-square test illustrated a significant (p < 0.001) age (χ² = 71.758) and education (χ² = 152.334) district level differences. The study resulted that the small, medium, medium to advanced educated women of middle-age is the major driving force of women entrepreneurship in HP. The findings also highlight the need to give more opportunities to the younger and better-educated women to be involved in the entrepreneurial development of SHGs.