Khushboo Sharma
The phrase “fabric of local communities and economy” refers to the interconnected and interwoven elements that make up the structure and functioning of a local area’s society and its economic activities. Growth of a regional economy is often measured through the lens of large infrastructure projects and corporate investments. However, the true potential of a local economy lies in its people, among them—women, who hold unique and pivotal roles in catalysing change, fostering social cohesion and enriching the cultural landscape. Their contributions extend beyond the immediate gains, creating a ripple effect that strengthens the entire community. Investing in women is not just a matter of social justice; it’s a strategic imperative for building resilient, prosperous, and vibrant communities.
Jagriti Sewa Sansthan has consistently placed women at the forefront of its initiatives. Notably, its flagship program, Jagriti Yatra, has achieved a significant milestone with a 40% representation of women among its participants. Additionally, Jagriti has made a profound impact by providing digital literacy training to over 1.7 million women, empowering them with essential skills for the modern world.
Women represent only 14% of entrepreneurs in India. A majority (~83%) of the Women-owned enterprises in India are single-person enterprises translating to lower returns and employment. Women are often the backbone of local economies, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. As proposed by Shashank Mani Tripathi in his book “Middle of Diamond India”, true national renaissance can only be achieved by empowering the citizens in Tier 2 and Tier 3 regions with 240 districts and 800Mn population—68.8% of total population.
Considering the gender approach to business and financial management the author propagates—”Women are balance sheet builders whereas men are profit & loss. There is a dearth of relatable Female Role Models. Approximately, 70% of female-owned SMEs in the developing world are reported to be underserved by financial institutions, posing a pressing need for holistic support for women.
Jagriti Enterprise Center-Purvanchal in the heartland of Middle India (Uttar Pradesh) is working with this vision to create a more equitable and inclusive India by promoting regional ecosystems—Udyamita—a framework for building entrepreneurship—the Indian way. This initiative is not just relevant economically but also sustainably reducing the burden of poverty, talent migration and overcrowding in Tier I cities. It comprises purpose, process and products (digital tools usage) led by Middle India entrepreneurs that will connect upwards to markets in Tier 1 and more prosperous urban centers elsewhere to pull in those in the more disadvantaged regions for better jobs and incomes and connect to Udyamita.
Jagriti Enterprise Center-Purvanchal (JECP) is leading this movement through its 7 Centers of Excellence in Women, Agriculture, Handicraft, Digital, Rurbanisation, Health and Bioregional, creating local role models for solutions grounded in family and community.
Jagriti is creating many such role models for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region by investing in women and the local economy through their dedicated 7M Incubation Support—including Money, Mentor,Mobilisation,Market connect, Mitra, Mahaul (ecosystem), Mitra. Rani Mishra,a Jagriti incubatee, facing profound adversity, became a catalyst for economic empowerment in her community through JECP’s Green Enterprise Incubation Program. Abandoned and struggling as a single mother, her journey exemplifies the program’s transformative impact.
The program’s targeted intervention, including technical training and a Rs. 2 lakh grant, enabled Rani to innovate, creating 4-5 new banana fiber products with religious and environmental significance. Her journey from trainee to generating a whooping revenue of more than a Lac over a period of 15 months of incubation, is inspirational for many and directly addresses local market needs while promoting sustainable practices.
Rani Mishra training other women on Banana Fibre products
Rani Mishra exhibiting her products
Crucially, digital and financial literacy training equipped Rani to leverage technology, expanding her market reach through online platforms and payment systems. Jagriti Yatra facilitated vital networking, leading to the formation of “Jagriti SHG Banana Fibre.” This initiative now provides sustainable livelihoods to 20-25 women on an order basis, with the potential to scale to 800-1000.
The civilisation heritage of the region offers several entrepreneurial opportunities. For instance, Seema ji, another incubatee at JECP under all women Cohort—TechShaktiSri, received training and a Drone under the Namo drone Didi scheme but her biggest challenge was reaching customers. She lacked the necessary knowledge of marketing and business operations. This is where the JECP incubation support stepped in to assist her. Through these programs, Seema learned strategies to reach customers, develop a revenue model and the intricacies of running a business. She is currently earning approximately 1 lac per annum by providing spraying services in collaboration with FPO’s (Farmer Producer organisation). Her goal is to further expand her revenue stream by diversifying in drone repair work.
Seema ji, Drone Didi
Jagriti’s support imbibed confidence in Seema ji, to buy her own E-rickshaw worth Rs. 1.7 Lakhs to address mobility challenges.
Story of these women and many such women incubated at JECP is a powerful testament to the impact of investing in women entrepreneurs, creating a ripple effect of positive change and demonstrates the program’s ability to:
- Empower marginalized women: Transitioning her from vulnerability to self-sufficiency.
- Drive economic growth: Creating local jobs and stimulating the regional economy.
- Promote sustainable practices: Utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes.
- Foster social impact: Building a self-help group that uplifts entire communities.
Organizations like Jagriti Enterprise Center Purvanchal (JECP) in Eastern Uttar Pradesh demonstrate the transformative power of investing in women.Women Entrepreneurs in the region face Cultural/Social/Family constraints, which when overcome can create entrepreneurial opportunities. By providing tailored support to women entrepreneurs, JECP is not only empowering individuals but also strengthening the fabric of local communities. Their work is a testament to the fact that when women thrive, communities thrive.
About the contributor: Dr. Khushboo Sharma is a fellow at Young Women Leaders in Public Policy Fellowship 2.0 and manager at Impact, Jagriti Enterprise Center, Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
Read more at IMPRI:
Breaking Barriers: How Gender-Inclusive Policies Can Transform Skill Development Programs
Are We Doing Enough to Empower Women in STEM?
Acknowledgment: This article was posted by Bhaktiba Jadeja, visiting researcher and assistant editor at IMPRI.
