Rayagada district came into existence on the 2nd October 1992. It is a tribal dominated district having 11 blocks (182 GPs). Rayagada is famous for its long glorious history as it was the centre of atrraction in all ages. It was a part of Kalinga empire during the region of Ashoka the Great.

Rayagada is famous for its stunning nature. The beauty of magnified with the presence of famous tribes like Dangaria Kandha & Lanjia Soura. These tribes are the identity of Raygada people. From all over the world people comes to discover the life style of these primitive culture.

Surprisingly the female ratio of Rayagada is high. In Rural areas Sex ratio is 1064 females per 1000 Males. These women are now developing and strengthening their wings to fly under the banner of Mission Shakti. About 1,41,917 nos. of Women are covered under 13094 nos. of Women Self Help Groups. Mission Shakti movement of Government of Odisha launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Nabin Pattanaik under Mission Shakti to strengthening WSHGs. WSHGs have takenup various Income Generating Activities to enhance their Financial status as well as the economy of the state through Income Generating Activities like- Tailoring, preparation & supply of Chhatua to AWCs, Broom making, Leafplate making, Dal processing, Brick making, Phenyle production, Agarbati making, Mushroom cultivation, Dairy Farming, Poultry farming, Gottery farming, Collection of Minor Forest Products etc. has been undertaken by varios Women Self Help Groups of the district. District Administration has planned to gear up the handloom activities which like Dangaria Shawl, Sarees & craft items like Saura painting, Dokra (Bronze craft items) ect. for connecting the WSHGs with International market.

After convergence with various Government departments more scope is there for sustainable livelihood of the Women of Rayagada.