Women in rural India encounter numerous challenges in fulfilling their household needs, particularly due to limited mobility and educational opportunities. WeAct's field visits reveal that many women in these areas are financially dependent on others. Entrepreneurship among women has become an essential part of human resources and our economy. It is considered one of the best means of social development in India.
Half of the global population comprises women, who dedicate 66% of their time to work. Yet, they only receive 10% of the income and possess less than 1% of the world’s resources. True economic progress for any nation, community, or the world hinges on empowering women to embrace entrepreneurship. When a man ventures into entrepreneurship, he charts his path, but when a WeAct woman does, she ignites entrepreneurial spirit within her entire family.
Women often excel in soft skills and resilience, making them adept learners. Our programmes of financial literacy, awareness, and education form the bedrock of WeAct members’ enterprises. Therefore, promoting ample opportunities for young women to engage in WeAct initiatives is imperative.
WeAct's initiatives for rural women entrepreneurs address the stark disparity between the reality on the ground and the aspirations of these women. Through a multifaceted approach, WeAct endeavors to empower rural women with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in their businesses.
However, understanding the gap between our initiatives and the prevailing challenges faced by rural women is crucial for WeAct. We recognise that while our programmes may offer valuable support, systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, a lack of infrastructure, and deeply ingrained gender norms persist. By acknowledging and engaging with these realities of rural women entrepreneurs, WeAct continually refines its initiatives, tailoring them to address these women's specific needs and contexts. WeAct strives to narrow the gap between aspiration and achievement through ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and adaptation.
Access to Resources
WeAct provides access to various resources to its women members, which is crucial for their success. Among these resources are exhibitions, where these entrepreneurs can showcase their products and talents, gaining exposure and recognition within their communities and beyond.
Additionally, WeAct facilitates networking opportunities, helping women members ro connect with fellow entrepreneurs, mentors, and potential collaborators; it empowers our women members with a supportive ecosystem for growth and learning. WeAct also offers support for online marketing strategies and navigates the complexities of reaching wider audiences through digital platforms.
Furthermore, through website development initiatives, WeAct enables these women to establish a robust online presence, opening doors to new markets and opportunities previously inaccessible.
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Mentorship and Support Networks
Our dedicated mentorship and support networks recognise the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas. WeAct has tailored its programmes to provide targeted assistance. With personalised mentorship, WeAct women receive guidance from experienced professionals who offer valuable insights and advice tailored to their needs and aspirations. Additionally, our support network creates a sense of community among these entrepreneurs, enabling them to exchange ideas, collaborate, and overcome obstacles.
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Awareness About Government Schemes
WeAct offers knowledge and awareness of diverse financial schemes provided by state and central governments for MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) to rural women entrepreneurs. Numerous female members have successfully accessed these schemes, leveraging them to scale their businesses. It has enhanced their economic prospects and contributed to their overall development and the growth of their businesses. As a result, they became a part of a more inclusive and dynamic business circle.
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Public-private Partnership
WeAct's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for rural women entrepreneurs is a transformative initiative aimed at scaling up the livelihood of women in rural areas. By promoting collaboration between government, private sector entities, and local communities, WeAct creates a supportive ecosystem that enables women to thrive as business owners; this enhances economic opportunities for rural women and contributes to rural communities' overall development and sustainability.
Currently, 14,618 women from various parts of India have joined WeAct, focusing on three main sectors: food and agriculture, household supplies, and handloom and handicrafts. Within each sector, numerous women are thriving in their businesses, experiencing a boost in their income. One notable success story is Keerthy Foods, which joined WeAct in 2021. By selling honey, coconut oil, spices, and grains, they've escalated their yearly earnings to 120,000 from the previous 20,000 per month. Another inspiring example is Ace Future Naturo Tech Solutions, owned by Ms. Yashodhara. With a decade of experience in making skincare products, she joined WeAct in 2021 and tripled her enterprise’s income in the last three years.
Conclusion
WeAct drives tangible change in the lives of women entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas. WeAct is nurturing women's economic growth and sustainability across India by providing access to resources, mentorship, government scheme awareness, and forming strategic partnerships. With our holistic approach, our female members receive tailored support. WeAct bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement, cultivating a resilience, innovation, and collaboration culture.
Contact us at 080-23119361 to enroll as a WeAct member and unlock exclusive membership perks.
References
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ttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/234079147_Entrepreneurship_Development_among_Rural_Women
https://smallenterpriseindia.com/2022/03/14/rise-of-rural-women-entrepreneurs-in-india/
https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/women_entrepreneurs.html
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https://www.zerokaata.com/zerokaata-studio/women-entrepreneurs-in-india/