Eco-entrepreneurship is an emerging field. It studies the various business models developed with the intent of taking care of the environment while making profits. The fundamental goal of eco- entrepreneurs is to avert negatively disturbing the environment by promoting eco-friendly products and services.
Simply put, eco-entrepreneurship makes commerce meet environmental responsibility. It is proof that a successful business can co-exist with protecting and preserving our Mother Nature. But where do womeneco-entrepreneurscome into this picture?
For long, Indian women have been seen as people who can plan the use of resources at home so it can go on for longer, especially in terms of money. Whatever little the family earns, they could sustain that for a month and even have savings! Stemming from this ability, more and more women in India are coming up with green business ideas where they can sustain the environment and create better, healthier products for society. They are engaged in waste management, sustainable fashion, renewable energy solutions and many more.
Women constitute 48.2% of India's total population (World Bank, 2023), over the years their labour force participation has reached 37.0% in 2023 (Press Information Bureau). Despite facing serious challenges in access to finance, education and society, women are driving India's sustainable economy.
It is no wonder that rural women have for ages practiced sustainability like organic farming, seed conservation and herbal medicine. Converting these practices into formalizedsustainable business by women would require funding, training, and market access.
1. Limited Financial Resources
Most rural women do not have access to formal banking facilities nor do they have collateral,
which makes it impossible to obtain loans for their businesses.
Solution
Government schemes like the Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme provide financial support to women
entrepreneurs (SMFG India Credit). Microfinance institutions also play a key role in giving
collateral-free loans.
2. Lack of Education and Business Training
The majority of rural women still lack formal education and business knowledge, creating
difficulties in scaling their ventures.
Solution
Programs such as the NRLM provide vocational training in organic farming, solar energy and
eco-friendly product manufacturing (NRLM).
3. Limited Market Access
Much of the time, rural women are unable to market their products beyond their immediate
hinterlands.
Solution
Online marketplaces such as Amazon Saheli assist women entrepreneurs in reaching national and
global customers (Amazon Saheli).
1. I Was A Sari
It is a Mumbai-based social enterprise that upcycles old saris into contemporary fashion items. It
enables underprivileged women by providing them with regular income and financial
independence (Gucci Equilibrium).
2. Self-Employed Women's Association
It is an organization that trains women in sustainable crafts, organic farming and green
businesses (SEWA).
Urban women have better access to education and financial resources. However, they face different challenges when scaling eco-businesses. Many women-led startups focus on sustainable fashion, plastic-free alternatives, clean energy, and ethical consumer products.
1. Work-Life Balance
Many women find it hard to run their businesses along with family responsibilities.
Solution
Women can be encouraged to work with flexible business models like work-from-home and
shared responsibilities amongst family members. This will help them to work worry-free.
2. Limited Funding for Green Startups
Investors are often reluctant to fund green businesses due to longer return-on-investment periods.
Solution
Women entrepreneurs might seek impact investors, green venture capital and crowdfunding
platforms. For instance, the Green Climate Fund finances sustainable startups (Green Climate
Fund).
1. Bare Necessities
A zero-waste personal care and home care brand founded by Sahar Mansoor. It promotes
sustainable living through eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable products (Bare Necessities).
2. Zor
A startup co-founded by Rea Savla that focuses on battery-sharing solutions for electric vehicles
to reduce carbon emissions (Financial Times).
1. Financial Incentives
Broadening government grant and subsidy programs and expanding microfinance loans for green
businesses by women can be encouraged to initiate eco-ventures.
2. Business Training & Skill Development
Startup India is one initiative that provides mentorship and incubation programs for women-led
businesses (Startup India).
Market Access & E-commerce Support
Large retailers and sustainable marketplaces can onboard more women-led eco-brands, providing
them with global reach.
Women in India, both in rural and urban settings, are pioneering female environmental startupsand sustainable business models. They are bridging access to finance, education and social barriers is pivotal in scaling their impact. With support through government influence, digital platforms and consumer awareness, female eco-entrepreneurs would make a significant contribution toward a greener and more sustainable world.
We at The Indic Aranya, believe in the power of our Indian women. As stated in the beginning, we trust our women force that they will not only nurture their eco-businesses but will in turn take care of flora and fauna. With this thought, we are counting on the women of India.