Something remarkable is happening in rural India. Women who were once limited to household responsibilities are now stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, not just to support their families, but to build something of their own. From running small businesses to creating jobs in their communities, they are proving that financial independence is not just about personal success—it’s about changing entire local economies. Their progress is pushing India closer to its vision of Viksit Bharat, where growth is not just for a few, but for everyone.

This shift has not come out of nowhere. It’s backed by real policy changes and a shift in the socioeconomic landscape. Over the past six years, rural India has seen an increase in women entering the workforce, not just as employees, but also as entrepreneurs. According to the latest Economic Survey, the labour force participation rate for rural women has nearly doubled from 24.6% in 2017-18 to 47.6% in 2023-24. But this shift goes beyond statistics. It reflects a growing ambition among women to build something of their own—to create businesses, provide jobs, and reshape the local economy. The Startup India Initiative has already recognised over 73,000 women-led ventures, each one a story of resilience and progress. These women are not just earning a livelihood; they’re driving change, proving what’s possible, and carving out their paths to financial independence.

Women-owned rural enterprises are significant contributors to employment, providing jobs to approximately 22-27 million people. Despite this impact, only about 22% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India are women-owned, highlighting a substantial gap between women’s employment and entrepreneurship.

Big progress often comes with big challenges. One major hurdle? Access to credit. Banks and financial institutions remain cautious when lending to rural women, often perceiving them as high-risk borrowers. This reluctance stems from multiple factors, including structural barriers and traditional mindsets that undervalue women as business owners. 

But why is that? A few key reasons stand out. Many women do not have formal credit histories, their financial dealings often happen informally or under a male family member’s name. They also lack assets like land or property, which banks typically require as collateral. On top of that, financial institutions worry that women, especially in rural areas, might face business disruptions due to family duties or societal constraints.

This challenge becomes even more pronounced in agriculture, where financial independence is directly tied to land ownership. The issue runs even deeper in agriculture. While women contribute nearly 80% of India’s agricultural workforce, only 13.9% actually own the land they work on. Without land in their name, getting a loan or making independent financial choices becomes much harder. Recognising this, the latest budget highlights the need for stronger initiatives to bridge this gap, enabling more women to secure land ownership and achieve financial independence.

Even with these hurdles, rural women are finding ways to break through. Support systems like the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) and private initiatives such as the Growtherator Program—a business accelerator focused on supporting women entrepreneurs in rural India— are helping them gain the skills and confidence they need—whether it’s through mentorship, digital literacy training, or access to better markets. 

And the impact is visible. More and more women are using digital platforms and e-commerce to sell their products, expanding their reach far beyond their villages. This digital transformation is not just about market expansion; it is also reshaping how these women do business. What once started as small, local ventures are now catering to customers across India—and even globally. In addition to increasing earnings, this digital revolution is changing the fundamental characteristics of rural enterprises. Women who previously only used labour-intensive, conventional methods are now incorporating technology into their enterprises to increase their resilience and competitiveness.

But the biggest change is happening in mindsets. These women are not just running businesses; they are challenging outdated gender roles. They are becoming decision-makers, leaders, and role models for the next generation.

Looking ahead, it’s crucial to build a robust support system that addresses the unique challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs. Tailored financial products and sector-specific training programmes will be essential. Additionally, integrated support structures offering mentorship, market access, and technological assistance will also be crucial. By focusing on these areas, we can create an environment where rural women entrepreneurs not only survive but thrive, driving sustainable economic growth and social transformation across India.

We are at a critical juncture, with women entrepreneurs at the forefront. Economic growth and social change are interlinked; one cannot occur without the other. A true Atmanirbhar Bharat cannot be built without them.