Beyond the romantic image of rural women in colourful attire carrying water pots home lies a new generation of ambitious women eager to become decision-makers and income generators for their families and communities. WeAct’s approach to entrepreneurship can be a transformative force for these women.
Hard Facts First:
As per the survey done by the International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews (IJRAR),
The survey shows that women comprise only 13.76% of the total entrepreneurs, i.e., 8.05 million out of the 58.5 million entrepreneurs.
- The total business owned by women provides employment to 13.45 million people.
- Out of these entrepreneurs, 2.76 million women (34.3% of the total entrepreneurs) work in the agriculture sector, whereas 5.29 million women (65.7% of the total entrepreneurs) work in non-agricultural sectors.
- Among the non-agricultural activities owned by women entrepreneurs, manufacturing and retail trade are the dominant ones, with 29.8% and 17.8%, respectively.
- Among the states, the largest share in the number of establishments under women entrepreneurship is Tamil Nadu (13.51%), followed by Kerala (11.35%), Andhra Pradesh (10.56%), West Bengal (10.33%), and Maharashtra (8.25%).
Women in rural areas find it challenging to find a job or start a business. However, there is a growing movement of women entrepreneurs after WeAct intervention. These women WeAct services to expand their business.
Understanding WeAct’s Geographical Reach
In 2020, when WeAct was established, we were active in 02 states. Today, in 2024, after three years of growth, WeAct is present in 17 states and 02 union territories. Women from various villages in these regions are now WeAct members, though business opportunities remain limited. Over the past few years, WeAct has provided hand-holding support, helping these women scale their businesses through market linkages, financial education, and digital literacy.
With WeAct’s diverse geographical reach, addressing the varied needs of women has been a challenge. However, by understanding their socio-economic conditions and root causes, we developed a personalised approach with tailor-made solutions. For instance, we help some members gain knowledge about legal compliance for running a business, while providing digital literacy training for those who are not tech-savvy—ensuring our support is aligned with their specific needs.
WeAct has been dedicated to offering comprehensive, hands-on support to our registered women members through a range of specialised services. These include market linkages, business development, product development, financial literacy, and technological assistance. What sets our approach apart is our commitment to tailoring these services to meet the unique needs of each entrepreneur.
Recognising that every woman has distinct challenges and aspirations, we consciously avoid a one-size-fits-all strategy, even as our membership continues to grow. While this individualised focus may slow our overall progress toward certain targets, it allows us to deliver personalised solutions that genuinely empower each woman registered with WeAct. Our goal is not just to increase numbers but to promote sustainable business growth and success for every entrepreneur, ensuring they receive the attention and resources necessary to thrive in their respective markets.
Currently, WeAct has a vibrant community of over 18,000 women members. Among them, 4,200 have actively participated in our various exhibitions, showcasing their talents and entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, 6,160 members have attended our energiser workshops, which are designed to empower and inspire. We also provided specialised GST training to 1,700 women, equipping them with essential skills for business compliance. Furthermore, another 1,700 women benefited from our digital and financial literacy workshops, enhancing their knowledge. Together, these initiatives promote their personal growth and strengthen the collective empowerment of women within our network.
Partnerships and Collaboration
WeAct actively collaborates with a variety of like-minded organisations, including the Apollo Foundation, HCL Foundation, Read India, and several others. These strategic partnerships enable us to expand our reach and connect with more women across diverse regions of India.
By working together with these organisations, we leverage their networks, resources, and expertise to effectively engage with women entrepreneurs who might benefit from our services. This collaborative approach not only enhances our visibility but also enriches the support we can offer as we draw on the strengths of each partner to address the specific needs of women in different communities.
WeAct is committed to expand our collaborative efforts with various CSR initiatives and organisations to reach and support even more women entrepreneurs. By partnering with a diverse range of stakeholders, we aim to tap into new networks and resources that can enhance our outreach and provide additional avenues for women to access our services. These collaborations are essential for promoting a community where women can share knowledge, resources, and opportunities, ultimately leading to a more significant impact on their entrepreneurial journeys.
Looking ahead, WeAct recognises the importance of leveraging technological advancements to empower rural women in their business endeavours. Our future direction will focus on integrating innovative technologies that can facilitate access to information, training, and market opportunities. This may include introducing online market access and mobile applications that can help streamline business operations.
Conclusion
WeAct's unique approach to promote entrepreneurship among rural women signifies a vital shift towards empowerment and self-sufficiency. Our tailored support equips them with the skills necessary to face challenges and ensure their businesses are sustainable. As we expand our reach to more states, the impact of our growing community is evident, with 17,000 women scaling up their businesses. Through ongoing collaboration and technological integration, WeAct is reshaping the narrative of rural women’s journeys in entrepreneurship.
References :
https://www.smilefoundationindia.org/blog/entrepreneurship-skills-for-rural-women-is-a-game-changer/
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