Collaborating with Udyamini allows you to address the root causes of gender inequality in India’s labour market. By focusing on skill-building, market access, and digital literacy, Udyamini empowers women in West Bengal and Assam not only to start and grow enterprises but also to become digitally connected community leaders who provide essential services and goods locally. These entrepreneurs, in turn, become role models who challenge traditional gender roles and inspire wider participation in economic activities. We have already empowered over 10,000 women and the number is only rising with each passing month
The program’s alignment with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, and women’s empowerment under various rural livelihood missions makes it a strategic choice for CSR investments and development programming.
It is also timely, considering India’s low Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), which was at a worrying 18% in 2019, even before the pandemic. The pandemic further exacerbated this challenge, particularly in rural areas, due to job losses, limited mobility, and increased domestic responsibilities.
Despite policy protections like the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, India continues to struggle with a stark gender wage gap—averaging 28% to 34% depending on the data source—which significantly curtails women’s economic potential and independence. Additionally, over 90% of non-working women are still engaged in unpaid domestic duties, primarily due to lack of support and deep-rooted gender norms, particularly in rural areas. In this context, the relevance and urgency of Udyamini’s intervention cannot be overstated.
Agencies that partner with Udyamini can contribute to bridging India’s gender wage gap and catalyzing a significant GDP boost—up to 27% by 2025, according to IMF estimates. Beyond the economic rationale, there is a compelling social one: investing in rural women leads to improved household welfare, increased school enrolment for children, better health outcomes, and a more equitable society.
Udyamini also offers a platform for cross-sector collaboration and innovation, where the expertise of corporate and development stakeholders can enhance the reach, sustainability, and effectiveness of rural entrepreneurship initiatives. Whether it’s through funding, mentoring, market linkages, or technology transfer, partners can play a pivotal role in amplifying Udyamini’s impact while meeting their own development and goals.
