A Study on Women's Contribution in “Green Entrepreneurship”

Abstract

Introduction: This research study seeks to understand the role of women entrepreneurs and their impact in economic growth and sustainable development. The increasing presence of women as entrepreneurs has led to significant business stability and economic growth in the country. Women owned business enterprises generate employment opportunities and inspire the next generation of women founders. The role of Indian women in sustainable development cannot be ignored at any level, and the paper attempts to analyse whether Indian women play an instrumental role in the practice of green entrepreneurship or green business.

Methodology: The methodology employed is based on a systematic literature review, an essential approach in contemporary scientific research, allowing a comprehensive exploration of previous work and the identification of predominant theoretical approaches and existing gaps. The Web of Science platform was selected as the main data source for its ability to index and classify high-impact scientific production and to export metadata for detailed bibliometric analysis. Search terms combined entrepreneurship, sustainability and gender constructs. Inclusion criteria covered the period 2010-2024, thematic relevance to the intersection of female entrepreneurship and sustainability, and publications in any language to ensure global representation. The research is analytical in nature and is based on secondary data collected through journals, newspapers, websites, publications and reference books accessed online and offline.

Results & Discussion: Women own about 20% of micro, small and medium enterprises in India, and from 2019 to 2023 the growth of women-owned businesses outpaced the rate of men's. India ranks second after the US in funding women-led tech startups, with Bengaluru having the most women-led startups and the most funds raised to date. Indian women taking the lead in eco-friendly businesses include Kriti Poonia, Rameshwari Talluri Seth, Anamika Sengupta, Ruchi Jain and Gauri Satam. Sustainable businesses run by women include Brown Living India, India's first and only plastic free marketplace, which as of July 2024 prevented the release of 2,78,866 kilograms of plastics into landfills; Saahas Zero Waste, providing collection, segregation and recycling services; and Blue Cat Paper, founded in April 2022, which has saved over 70,000 trees. Rahman et al. identify five main categories of challenges for women entrepreneurs in developing countries: financial, sociocultural, educational and skills, networking and marketing, and political and legal. Only 32% of married Indian women aged 15 to 49 are employed.

Conclusion: Women entrepreneurs, often working in industries significantly affected by climate change, face heightened vulnerability to its impacts. Supporting resilience and encouraging adaptation among women entrepreneurs can help them endure these effects and continue making meaningful contributions to sustainable development. It is crucial to ensure that disaster risk reduction and management initiatives effectively incorporate women entrepreneurs, since disasters disproportionately affect women. The contributions of female entrepreneurs are essential in tackling climate change, and their expertise and experiences can greatly inform the development of efficient and sustainable solutions. By implementing inclusive practices and supporting women entrepreneurs through access to funding, breaking gender norms and fostering resilience, we can create lasting solutions that promote equity and sustainability.