Women-led eco-entrepreneurship: Empowering rural India for a sustainable future
- Editorial Team SDG12
- Jul 20
- 4 min read
In the heart of rural India, a quiet revolution is unfolding, led by women who are weaving sustainability and economic empowerment into the fabric of their communities. In Bochapanga village, Kaliaganj, a group of 22 women from self-help groups (SHGs) has established a paper plate factory to tackle plastic pollution, aligning their efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative, supported by government funding, not only provides eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics but also fosters financial independence for women in a traditionally patriarchal region.
Such women-led ventures are pivotal to achieving global goals like SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Addressing these challenges is critical to reducing environmental degradation, empowering marginalised communities, and fostering inclusive economic growth. By amplifying these efforts, the global community can advance toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
The rise of women-led green entrepreneurship
Rural women in India are increasingly at the forefront of sustainable development, contributing to both environmental and economic progress. According to a 2023 report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, micro-entrepreneurship offers a vital pathway for women’s participation in the workforce, with agriculture accounting for 75.7% of women’s employment in rural areas. By 2030, an estimated 30 million women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could employ nearly 150 million people across India, significantly boosting the nation’s GDP by up to 18% through equal work opportunities for women.
However, these women face substantial challenges. Limited access to capital, markets, and reliable infrastructure, such as electricity, restricts their ability to scale operations. In Bochapanga, for instance, unreliable power supply hampers the paper plate factory’s production capacity. Social barriers also persist: in patriarchal regions, women’s leadership is often met with scepticism, limiting their decision-making authority. Despite these hurdles, initiatives like the Bochapanga factory demonstrate how women are leveraging entrepreneurship to address environmental sustainability while fostering economic resilience.
The broader trend of women-led green entrepreneurship in the Global South aligns with SDG 13 (Climate Action). From biogas units to organic farming cooperatives, these initiatives are transforming local economies. A 2024 study in the Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship highlighted that microfinance and entrepreneurial engagement through SHGs have a significant positive impact on women’s social, economic, and psychological empowerment, enhancing financial independence and community decision-making.
Case studies
The Bochapanga paper plate factory is a shining example of grassroots innovation. Launched in 2025 with government support, the factory produces biodegradable plates that are in high demand locally, reducing reliance on plastic alternatives. The initiative has empowered 22 women economically and inspired them to train others in neighbouring villages, creating a ripple effect of sustainable development. This aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as it generates meaningful employment and fosters community-led innovation.
Similar initiatives are emerging across India. For instance, Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) in Maharashtra has empowered over 29,000 women farmers through its Women-led Climate Resilient Farming model. By adopting organic farming and water conservation practices, these women have increased biodiversity and reduced costs by 25% per crop cycle, contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The Government of Maharashtra has recognised SSP’s model, integrating it into the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana to scale its impact.
Looking to the past, the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has been instrumental in supporting women’s entrepreneurship. Since 2013, it has disbursed over ₹7.68 lakh crore in bank loans to SHGs, enabling women to undertake income-generating activities like the Bochapanga factory. Looking ahead, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) by NITI Aayog aims to further empower women by providing mentorship and resources, with a goal to support 30 million women-led MSMEs by 2030.
The duty of global society in fostering sustainability
Achieving the SDGs requires a collaborative effort from the global society. Governments, civil society, and private sectors must work together to address systemic barriers like access to finance and infrastructure. India’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda, as outlined in its 2022 Voluntary National Review, emphasises a “whole-of-society” approach, engaging local communities and marginalised groups. The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, with a $150 million commitment, supports developing countries in achieving s Brus and global sustainability goals, exemplifying the power of international cooperation.
Women-led initiatives like Bochapanga’s paper plate factory highlight the importance of grassroots action within this global framework. By integrating gender-focused policies and distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions, as suggested by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, governments and organisations can amplify these efforts. Global partnerships, such as those fostered by the UNDP’s Youth Empowerment Portfolio, further enable young women entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development through innovative solutions.
The women of Bochapanga village and similar initiatives across rural India are proving that eco-entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development goals. By combining economic empowerment with environmental stewardship, these women are redefining activism as practical, community-driven innovation. However, systemic challenges like limited capital and infrastructure require continued global and local support. As India strives to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025, investing in women-led green enterprises will be crucial to ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
For further reading on global efforts toward sustainability and gender equality, explore resources from the United Nations Development Programme (www.undp.org) and India’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (wep.gov.in). Together, the global community can amplify these grassroots efforts to build a more equitable and sustainable world.
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