The thing with privilege is that many of those who have it, fail to see beyond it. This often comes naturally due to our limited perception. But it is important to broaden our horizons and minds and see beyond our privileged lives. For that, we should be able to acknowledge and understand the struggles of others, as well as appreciate and contribute to their progress. Only then, the wheels of our nation will truly be oiled for us to leap forward.
With that mindset, several women entrepreneurs are working at the grassroots level, empowering themselves, while also uplifting their families and their communities.
Here are a few rural women entrepreneurs inspiring us and leading the change.
Chetna Gala Sinha
In 1997, Chetna Gala Sinha, a social activist and entrepreneur started Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank, India’s first bank by and for rural women. By the year 2018, the bank had given more than 50 million dollars for entrepreneurial ventures by women. Sinha also founded the Mann Deshi Foundation, which helps empower rural women entrepreneurs in India to start and grow their businesses.
Anita Devi
Founder of Madhopur Farmers Producers Company Limited, Anita Devi didn’t let growing up in a low-economy village stop her from graduating in Home Science and going on to become a successful entrepreneur. To improve her family’s financial situation, she got into the business of mushroom farming. Today, she employs hundreds of women from Anantpur and Nalanda in Bihar.
Sobita Tamuli
Hailing from Assam, Sobita Tamuli started her own organic manure brand called Seuji, to empower women in her village and also improve the rural economy. Tamuli’s all-women Self-Help Group manufactures and sells organic, high-quality manure along with Assamese Japis.
Ruma Devi
Ruma Devi is the President of the Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan and has been financially empowering women across 75 villages of Rajasthan. Through her venture, she trains rural women in embroidery, patchwork, and mirror work. Her NGO ensures exposure to rural artisans and helps empower women and girls suffering due to child marriage, domestic violence, malnutrition, etc.
Godavari Satpute
Godavari Satpute is not just empowering women, but also working towards reducing our carbon footprint by recycling waste materials into beautiful paper lamps. Her business venture Godavari Akashkandil is a sustainable one, promoting conscious living while also ensuring women are becoming financially independent. Satpute started with the money she loaned from a family member and now she has more than 50 full-time and around 30 part-time female employees.