Women Entrepreneurs and Sustainable Development Goals: A Synergistic Relationship in India

Abstract

Introduction: Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth and innovation, and women entrepreneurs play a significant role in shaping sustainable development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations highlights gender equality (SDG 5), economic growth (SDG 8), and industry innovation (SDG 9) as crucial elements of global progress. Despite their contributions, women entrepreneurs in India face numerous challenges, including financial exclusion, social bias, and inadequate institutional support. This study examines the relationship between women entrepreneurs and Sustainable Development Goals in India, focusing on contributions, challenges and the role of government policies.

Methodology: A quantitative research approach with a descriptive and analytical research design was used. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires distributed to women entrepreneurs across various sectors in India, covering demographic details, business characteristics, contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, challenges faced, and perceptions of institutional support; secondary data were gathered from government reports, policy documents, academic journals and industry reports. A stratified random sampling method ensured representation across manufacturing, services, retail and agriculture and across urban, semi-urban and rural regions, giving a final sample of 200 women entrepreneurs. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, correlation analysis and reliability and validity tests were used. The study is grounded in Institutional Theory and the Resource-Based View.

Results & Discussion: The majority of women entrepreneurs surveyed were in the 31-40 age group (40%), followed by 20-30 years (25%); 35% were in the service sector, 30% in manufacturing, 20% in retail and 15% in agriculture. For Hypothesis 1, mean contribution scores were 4.5 for employment generation (SD 0.8, r = 0.72, p = 0.001), 4.2 for economic growth (SD 0.7, r = 0.68, p = 0.003) and 4.3 for social impact (SD 0.9, r = 0.75, p = 0.002), confirming a significant positive relationship. For Hypothesis 2, regression showed access to finance (β = −0.65, t = −6.50, p = 0.000), societal norms (β = −0.52, t = −4.33, p = 0.001) and institutional support (β = −0.45, t = −3.00, p = 0.005) have a significant negative impact. For Hypothesis 3, access to credit (β = 0.70, t = 8.75, p = 0.000), training programs (β = 0.65, t = 6.50, p = 0.002) and market access (β = 0.58, t = 4.83, p = 0.003) significantly enable alignment with the SDGs.

Conclusion: This study explores the role of women entrepreneurs in achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality, economic growth and innovation. Based on data from 200 female entrepreneurs, it highlights their contributions to employment generation and social impact while identifying key challenges such as financial constraints and societal stereotypes. Government policies such as the Mudra Yojana and Stand-up India schemes support women entrepreneurs, but their implementation requires improvement. The study concludes that enhancing financial access, capacity-building programs and stronger policy execution can further empower women entrepreneurs to drive sustainable development in India.