Women’s Empowerment: Social Enterprise in India

Sustainability Development Goals in Action
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Discover women’s leadership and experience how social enterprise transforms communities across India.

India is home to some of the world’s most inspiring women-led enterprises, where entrepreneurship becomes a powerful pathway for social change. From vibrant urban centres where women launch technology start-ups to rural villages where cooperatives preserve traditional crafts, the country offers remarkable insight into how enterprise can transform communities. Exploring these environments reveals the dynamic relationship between cultural heritage, social justice, and sustainable economic development across India.

Through direct engagement with women entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and grassroots organisations, this Community-Led Study Tour demonstrates how empowerment grows through collaboration and innovation. Workshops, site visits, and discussions with local leaders reveal both the opportunities and the challenges involved in building inclusive economies. These experiences deepen understanding of grassroots development in India while inspiring participants to reflect on their own role in advancing gender equity and sustainable enterprise in a global context.

Sustainable Development Goals

We are proud to shape our work around both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and B Corporation standards, combining principles of sustainable and ethical business practices.

SDG 01

SDG 1: No Poverty

Women-led enterprises across India demonstrate how cooperative business models generate reliable income for families and communities. By visiting social enterprises and cooperatives, participants observe how entrepreneurship supports financial independence and strengthens economic resilience. 

SDG 05

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Across India, women entrepreneurs are challenging traditional barriers and creating new pathways for leadership and opportunity. Engagement with these enterprises reveals how education, training, and entrepreneurship empower women to participate fully in economic and social life. 

SDG 08

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Social enterprises visited in India illustrate how women are creating dignified employment opportunities while strengthening local economies. Participants explore how fair trade, cooperative structures, and small business development contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth.

SDG 09

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Women innovators across India are blending traditional knowledge with modern technologies to build sustainable industries. Encounters with entrepreneurs and social innovators demonstrate how creativity and innovation can expand economic opportunities while preserving cultural identity.

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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Visits to ethical cooperatives and environmentally conscious enterprises in India highlight how women are promoting sustainable production methods. Participants learn how responsible sourcing, eco-friendly practices, and transparent supply chains contribute to sustainable communities.

SDG 17

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Collaboration with non-government organisations, community networks, and social enterprises across India highlights the importance of partnerships in advancing development. Participants experience how international dialogue and community cooperation strengthen women’s empowerment initiatives.

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Signature Learning Experiences

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Highlight

Participate in a Block Printing Workshop

Join women artisans in Rajasthan for a hands-on block printing experience and learn how traditional crafts support livelihoods and social enterprise. 

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Highlight

Visit a Women’s Spice Cooperative in Kerala

Explore a fair trade enterprise run by a women’s self-help group and discover how community collaboration transforms local agricultural products into sustainable income.

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Discover Mysuru’s Heritage Markets and Cultural Landmarks

Walk through vibrant markets and historic sites while observing how women entrepreneurs revitalise traditional industries through tourism and social innovation.

Explore the Itinerary

Day 1

Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai and settle into your accommodation while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of one of India’s most dynamic cities. The bustling streets, diverse communities, and entrepreneurial spirit immediately reveal the energy that drives social innovation across the country. In the evening, join fellow participants and local partners for a welcome dinner featuring regional cuisine and introductions to the program theme. Conversations with community leaders provide an overview of women’s empowerment and social enterprise in India. The evening closes with shared anticipation for the immersive learning journey ahead.

Day 2

Mumbai

Begin the morning with a cultural briefing introducing basic Hindi phrases, local customs, and cultural expectations surrounding gender and community interaction in India. Interactive language activities encourage practical communication skills that will enrich daily engagement with local partners. In the afternoon, visit a cooperative in Dharavi where women transform recycled materials into income generating products. Through guided discussion, learn how entrepreneurship strengthens both environmental sustainability and economic independence. The day concludes with reflection linking culture, language, and enterprise to your first experiences in Mumbai.

Day 3

Mumbai → Pune

Travel to Pune, a city recognised for education, social movements, and progressive community initiatives. Guided academic and field based activities introduce an organisation supporting women’s food processing enterprises and self-help groups. Workshops explore how microfinance and cooperative structures support the growth of small businesses led by women. Later, walk through Pune’s historic streets and colourful markets to observe daily life and community commerce. Evening reflection highlights how tradition, education, and entrepreneurship intersect in shaping opportunities for women.

Day 4

Pune

Spend the morning at a women’s leadership and training centre where financial literacy and enterprise development programs are delivered. Participate in discussions that reveal the barriers many women encounter while building businesses and how community support networks address these challenges. In the afternoon, visit Shaniwar Wada Fort and explore the cultural heritage that has shaped Pune’s identity. Experiencing this historic setting offers context for the region’s evolving social landscape. Evening reflection connects history, culture, and contemporary leadership among women entrepreneurs.

Day 5

Pune → Aurangabad

Journey by road to Aurangabad while observing changing landscapes and regional cultures along the way. Upon arrival, visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ajanta Caves where ancient Buddhist artwork and storytelling traditions reflect India’s rich cultural history. Local initiatives supporting women in heritage conservation demonstrate how tourism and preservation can generate economic opportunity. Later, explore the city’s lively markets where artisans continue traditional textile and craft practices. Discussion in the evening focuses on how cultural heritage can support both identity and social enterprise.

Day 6

Aurangabad

Begin the day with a block printing workshop guided by women artisans specialising in traditional textile design. Hands-on participation introduces the sensory world of fabrics, dyes, and patterns while highlighting the economic importance of heritage crafts. Conversations with artisans reveal how cooperative structures help preserve cultural traditions while creating income opportunities. In the afternoon, engage in guided academic and field based activities examining fair trade distribution and ethical craft markets. Reflection emphasises the connection between cultural preservation and economic empowerment.

Day 7

Aurangabad → Bengaluru

Fly south to Bengaluru, India’s centre for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurial development. The contrast between heritage regions and this modern city highlights the diversity of women’s enterprise across India. After arrival, meet with an organisation supporting women founders in social impact start ups. Discussions explore how digital platforms and innovation ecosystems expand opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The evening concludes with conversation about how technology is shaping the future of inclusive enterprise.

Day 8

Bengaluru

Spend the morning at a women’s innovation incubator where entrepreneurs share the journeys behind their start up ventures. Collaborative workshops explore how technology and social enterprise intersect to address issues such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. In the afternoon, visit Lalbagh Botanical Gardens for a cultural experience reflecting Bengaluru’s connection to nature and urban life. Walking through the gardens provides space to reflect on innovation alongside environmental stewardship. Evening discussion links the day’s learning to broader themes of empowerment and sustainable growth.

Day 9

Kalpitiya → Balapitiya (Madu Ganga)

Travel south to Balapitiya to explore the Madu Ganga estuary, a complex wetland of mangrove islands and waterways. Meet conservation staff working to protect biodiversity while supporting responsible tourism in the region. Participate in guided academic and field-based activities aligned with the program theme to observe restoration sites and ecological conditions. End the day beside the river while discussing the importance of wetland conservation in Sri Lanka.

Day 10

Bengaluru → Mysuru

Travel to Mysuru, a city celebrated for its royal heritage and thriving traditional industries. Begin with a guided exploration of the Mysore Palace, where architecture and history offer insight into the region’s cultural legacy. In the afternoon, visit a women led cooperative producing silk and sandalwood products. Discussions reveal how artisans adapt traditional industries to modern global markets. Reflection in the evening highlights the role of heritage industries in sustaining women’s entrepreneurship.

Day 11

Mysuru

Start the day with a digital marketing workshop where cooperative members demonstrate how they connect with international buyers. Participating in group activities allows you to explore practical strategies for promoting handmade products globally. In the afternoon, visit Devaraja Market where vibrant colours, fragrances, and daily trade create a lively cultural atmosphere. Observing the market provides insight into local commerce and community life. Evening reflection considers how visibility and branding strengthen women’s enterprises.

Day 12

Mysuru → Kochi

Travel to Kochi, a historic port city shaped by centuries of international trade and cultural exchange. After arrival, explore Fort Kochi with a guided walk through colonial architecture, spice markets, and waterfront streets. Along the route, meet women entrepreneurs operating tourism ventures such as guided walks and homestays. Conversations highlight how tourism supports community development and economic opportunity. Evening reflection considers how global exchange influences local enterprise.

Day 13

Kochi

Spend the morning with a cooperative producing eco-friendly spice blends for domestic and international markets. Guided academic and field based activities introduce fair trade certification, product quality standards, and export processes. In the afternoon, take a backwater boat journey led by women entrepreneurs combining tourism with environmental stewardship. Experiencing the waterways reveals the natural beauty that supports Kerala’s economy. Reflection emphasises the connection between natural resources, sustainability, and enterprise.

Day 14

Kochi → Mumbai

Return to Mumbai for the program’s final chapter with a deeper understanding of India’s social enterprise landscape. Guided academic activities encourage synthesis of insights gathered across each destination. Participants share reflections on how women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship create lasting community change. The journey concludes with a farewell dinner alongside local partners and fellow participants. Celebrating the experience highlights the connections formed and the global lessons gained from women entrepreneurs in India.

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Skills That Travel With You

This study tour is designed to help you grow as a globally aware, future-focused thinker. Through immersive visits, interdisciplinary learning, and exposure to smart systems, you will develop the tools to navigate innovation, sustainability, and urban transformation in a global context.

Develop Social Enterprise Knowledge

Gain a deeper understanding of how women-led enterprises operate in India by examining cooperative models, leadership structures, and sustainable business strategies. You analyse how social entrepreneurship creates both economic opportunity and community impact.

Strengthen Cross Cultural Communication

Build confidence communicating across cultural contexts through direct engagement with women leaders, artisans, and entrepreneurs. You practise listening carefully and responding respectfully while navigating diverse community environments.

Enhance Ethical Leadership Skills

Observe how women entrepreneurs balance financial success with social responsibility in their communities. You reflect on leadership approaches that prioritise fairness, inclusion, and long term development.

Apply Collaborative Problem Solving

Work alongside local organisations and self-help groups to explore challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in India. You experience how shared knowledge and cooperation can generate practical solutions in grassroots contexts.

Advance Research and Reflection Abilities

Collect insights through site visits, discussions, and experiential workshops across multiple regions of India. You analyse these experiences in relation to global debates on gender, development, and social entrepreneurship.

Build Meaningful Global Networks

Establish connections with women entrepreneurs, community organisations, and fellow participants throughout India. These relationships create opportunities for continued collaboration and shared social impact beyond the program.

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Group (15) We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

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