Empowering Indigenous and Rural Women through Community-Based Sustainable Tourism Development: Building Resilient Communities
description: Gender inequality and climate change are pressing global issues, with income disparity further exacerbating the challenges faced by women, especially in rural and tribal communities. This chapter investigates the empowerment journey of rural and tribal women through rural entrepreneurship, specifically focusing on the efforts of the Uravu Organization in Wayanad, Kerala, India. Uravu, a non-profit non-governmental organization, aims to empower rural communities through sustainable practices, particularly emphasizing the bamboo industry and womens skill enhancement in handicrafts. Using Scheyvens theoretical framework, the qualitative research this chapter is based on in-depth interviews with female employees of Uravu to evaluate their empowerment levels. The findings reveal that while these women experience significant psychological and economic empowerment, they continue to face challenges in achieving political and social empowerment. This study underscores the potential of zero waste and environmentally friendly organizations in fostering job creation for rural and tribal women, thereby contributing to resilient community building and community-based sustainable development. CAB International 2026.
creator: Mohanan, Smitha Amarail; Sathiyaseelan, Anuradha; John, Suja; Hassan, Shuaibu Chiroma
source: Agripreneurship, Digital Inclusion and Sustainability: Rural Innovation and Growth in the Global South;pp.100-118
publisher: CABI International
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISBN: 978-183699263-9; 978-183699262-2;
language: English
type: Book chapter
coverage: Mohanan S.A., Department of Tourism Management, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Sathiyaseelan A., Department of Psychology, Christ University, Bangalore, India; John S., Department of Tourism Management, Christ University, Bangalore, India; Hassan S.C., Department of Home Economics, Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsinm, Nigeria