Who are RWEs

At Udyamini.org, we define a Rural Women Entrepreneur (RWE) as a woman living in rural or semi-rural India who initiates, manages, or grows an enterprise—either individually or collectively—with the goal of generating income, creating local value, and driving social impact.

An RWE may work in diverse sectors such as agriculture and allied activities, tea cultivation, handloom and handicrafts, livestock rearing, food processing, renewable energy, or digital services. What unites them is their spirit of enterprise, resilience, and their role in transforming their households and communities through economic participation.

RWEs are not just business owners—they are changemakers who challenge norms, create employment, and unlock the potential of rural economies. At Udyamini, we recognize and support these women as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable development in India.