Tribal Women’s Skills Need Market Access and Training, Say Experts at National Meet
Pune, 21st February 2026: A national conference on “Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship – Strengthening Tribal Women’s Livelihood” was jointly organized by Dnyaan Prasad Global University Pune, Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College Akurdi, Dr. D. Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College Pimpri, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Department of Lifelong Learning and Extension, Department of Wildlife, Government of Maharashtra, Indian Economics Association, and BAIF Institute at Ghatghar Kalsubai Harishchandragad Sanctuary in Akole taluka of Ahilyanagar district.
Speakers emphasized that tribal communities living in forest valleys must be brought into the mainstream of development while preserving their cultural richness and ecological balance. Referring to India’s Vision 2047 goals, they noted that eliminating poverty—the first of the 17 sustainable development goals—is essential to solving multiple social challenges. They highlighted that empowering women leads to the upliftment of entire families, and entrepreneurship has emerged as an effective tool for achieving this transformation among tribal women.
Examples were cited of rural products, including cow dung–based goods, being sold through online platforms, demonstrating the vast market potential for quality products. Several self-help groups, including those linked with Bhimthadi-Pavanthadi initiatives, have already generated employment and turnover worth lakhs for tribal women. Experts stressed that while tribal women possess traditional skills, structured training in production and marketing is crucial to expanding their economic opportunities. The conference, now in its second year, aims to contribute to government development goals through research-driven insights on tribal welfare.
The event was held under the guidance of Dr. P. D. Patil, Dr. Bhagyashreetai Patil, Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Dr. Rohini Patil, Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohan Waman, Registrar Dr. Ranjit Patil, Prof. Dr. Vilas Adhav, and Dr. Sanjay Patil, along with other dignitaries, who collectively stressed balancing environmental conservation with tribal development.
During the three-day conference, Bijmata Rahibai Popere delivered the keynote address. Additional speakers included Dr. Sunil Ugle, Dr. Amol Gaikwad, Dr. S. K. Dhage, Dr. Sangita Salve, Dr. Manasi Kurtkoti, and Dr. Ajay Darekar. Organizational leadership and coordination were handled by Dr. Mukesh Tiwari, Dr. Minal Bhosale, Bhagwat Deshmukh, Akash Shirke, Maithili Mule, Santoshi Salunkhe, Abhishek Pokharkar, and Prashant Bagde, whose efforts ensured the successful execution of the conference.
Participants concluded that research findings and discussions from the conference would contribute meaningfully to policy approaches and practical initiatives for sustainable tribal development.
