Women’s Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Security

For many women from marginalised communities, stable income is closely linked to the wellbeing of their children and families. When women have opportunities to build enterprises, households are better able to invest in education, health, nutrition, and long-term security.

ChildFund India’s work on women’s entrepreneurship focuses on supporting women to build sustainable livelihoods through enterprise development, skill-building, and access to systems that enable growth. The Women Entrepreneurship Program is designed to strengthen income, confidence, and decision-making among women while contributing to improved outcomes for children and families.

Women’s Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Security

How women and communities are supported

Entrepreneurship training and skill development

Women are trained in entrepreneurship and business management through linkages with institutions and programs such as RSETI, RUDSETI, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, National Rural Livelihoods Mission, and National Urban Livelihoods Mission.

Access to finance and enterprise support

The program facilitates linkages with financial institutions and schemes to support micro-enterprise development through credit, seed capital, and in-kind assistance.

Formation of women entrepreneurship groups

Women entrepreneurs are organised into groups that provide platforms for peer learning, problem-solving, idea generation, and mutual business support.

Strengthening business practices and sustainability

Groups work together to improve quality standards, comply with statutory requirements, respond to consumer feedback, and adopt innovations that strengthen enterprise sustainability.

Building an enabling ecosystem

ChildFund India collaborates with community institutions, training centres, government agencies, and academic partners to create an environment that supports women-led enterprises over time.

What change looks like

40,000+ women supported under the Women Entrepreneurship Program over the last three years

Increased participation of women in household and enterprise decision-making

Improved entrepreneurial abilities, financial literacy, and overall wellbeing among women

Greater awareness and adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices

Improved agricultural productivity and household income among participating families

Where the program works

Jhabua, Dhar, Mumbai, Pune, Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mysore, Raichur, and Mangalore