Across India, women entrepreneurs are increasingly building sustainable livelihoods that combine income generation with social impact, strengthening local economies and expanding economic inclusion in both urban and rural areas.
Empowering rural artisans and tribal women
In Bihar, Anita Gupta organised thousands of women skilled in embroidery, tailoring and handicrafts into a collective under the Bhojpur Mahila Kala Kendra. By providing market linkages, training and structured financial support, the initiative has enabled artisans across districts such as Bhojpur, Madhubani and Darbhanga to earn independent incomes and take on greater household decision-making roles.
In Chhattisgarh, Bastar Foods — led by Shaikh Razia — has developed value‑addition and supply chains for forest produce such as mahua flowers and traditional grains. By branding local produce and ensuring quality standards, the enterprise generates dependable earnings for tribal women while preserving indigenous knowledge and food traditions.
Bridging the urban–rural divide with digital work
Entrepreneurs are also creating salaried opportunities outside big cities. DesiCrew, founded by Saloni Malhotra, pioneered rural BPO and data service centres that enable small‑town and village residents to access skilled, desk‑based jobs without migrating to urban hubs. This model leverages digital infrastructure to broaden participation in India’s services economy.
Such approaches are particularly important in semi‑urban regions where formal employment options for women remain scarce; combining technology with local engagement helps integrate rural women into the digital workforce.
Supporting career re‑entry and skill development
Workforce participation among women often declines because of caregiving responsibilities and social constraints. The Avtar Group, founded by Saundarya Rajesh, addresses this by partnering with corporates to provide re‑entry hiring programmes, mentorship and tailored upskilling for women returning to professional life.
NGOs such as Sajhe Sapne, led by Surabhi Yadhav, focus on young women from underserved communities, offering sustained training in life skills, vocational competencies and employability. Emphasis on long‑term mentorship rather than one‑off workshops aims to prepare participants for durable economic participation.
Sustainable employment as a business model
In Madhya Pradesh, Kumbaya Producer Company Ltd, founded by Nivedita Banerji, demonstrates how structured production systems can deliver year‑round work for marginalised women. The enterprise balances social objectives with financial discipline, prioritising income stability, resilience and leadership development among women workers.
Across states, similar ventures are shifting the focus from short‑term survival enterprises to organized livelihood models that deliver dignity, predictable earnings and growth potential.
Policy support and the evolving ecosystem
Central and state initiatives have strengthened the enabling environment for women‑led enterprises. Programmes such as StandUp India, the Mudra Yojana (with women‑focused credit provisions) and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform expand access to finance, mentorship and networks. Recent efforts to reinforce self‑help groups and community‑owned retail models have further broadened women’s economic roles at the local level.
As India’s startup ecosystem matures, the visible contribution of women entrepreneurs spans tribal forest economies to digital service hubs. Their efforts underscore a broader redefinition of entrepreneurship in India — one that values social inclusion, cultural preservation and sustainable impact alongside scale and investment.
