Empowering Communities: How Women Social Entrepreneurs are Changing the World

Anam
Jun 30
4 min read

Four women sitting on a couch in a lush, green outdoor setting, engaged in animated conversation and laughter, appearing joyful and connected

The positive impact of emerging women social entrepreneurs in developing countries globally

In recent decades, women-owned social enterprises have gained popularity in developing countries. These enterprises drive positive change and transform their communities while promoting sustainable development. They are the agents for representing the marginalized population and providing solutions through innovation and compassion that empower these communities.

Prominent figures such as Jacqueline Novogratz, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Leila Janah are some of the many inspiring women in the field of social entrepreneurship who have made an ineradicable mark on global development through their hard work and dedication to fighting global challenges such as poverty, healthcare, renewable energy, and education across Africa, South Asia, and the MENA region.

According to the World Economic Forum, approximately 50% of social enterprises globally are led by women, a contrast to the 20% leadership representation in traditional businesses.

Through innovation and compassion, women-led social enterprises provide marginalized communities with affordable and sustainable solutions to empower and improve their residents’ quality of life.

Breaking the Gender Inequality

Many women social entrepreneurs focus on breaking the gender barriers in their communities and creating opportunities for girls and women. These organizations design initiatives like education, skill development, microfinance, and women's hygiene to empower women and address gender inequality.

Hermenow Accelerator and its collaborative partner, Rama Impact, are both initiatives owned by women and for women. Furthermore, some of the Hermenow Accelerator’s participants, Marlene Manyao and Caren Ajwang, are outstanding examples of women’s empowerment through their initiatives.

Custom Fit Solutions

Women social entrepreneurs often leverage their experience and community insights to create grassroots innovations. Because of their direct involvement with the community, they are able to design and implement solutions tailored to it.

For instance, Grameen Bank, co-founded by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and primarily managed by women, provides microloans to women entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh. These loans have transformed lives, allowing women to start small businesses, improve their living standards, and send their children to school.

Promoting Inclusive Policies

Often, women-led social enterprises support inclusive policies that promote gender equality for women and transgender people in developing communities. Usually, these are the two marginalized population groups.

These organizations push for reforms in healthcare, education, labor rights, and environmental protection through activism and collaboration with governments and organizations.

Although much work remains for transgender communities in third-world countries, a few organizations are currently working in South Africa, India, Pakistan, and Nepal to highlight the unique challenges faced by these communities in developing nations.

Promoting Environmental Initiatives

Women social entrepreneurs are at the forefront of the fight against climate change. They develop sustainable practices and promote renewable energy to protect the environment while empowering local communities. One example is Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, who mobilized women in Kenya to plant millions of trees, combat deforestation, and promote environmental conservation.

As an accelerator program, we strongly support environmental initiatives. For the 2023 cycle, one of our finalists, Belta Kazimoto, transforms used papers from offices and schools into sustainable products.

How can you support women-led social organizations?

Gender-Focused Funding

As an impact investor or an organization, I recognize the value of women-led ventures and support women-led initiatives such as the “SheEo” fund, which can help accelerate the growth of these small businesses.

Create programs that provide financial support tailored to women social entrepreneurs. Many of these entrepreneurs struggle with securing funding due to strict regulatory requirements or high interest rates in their countries.

Training and Capacity Building

Skill-building initiatives such as workshops, accelerators, and online courses equip women entrepreneurs with the skills needed to scale their ventures. These initiatives also help them stay updated with global trends and educate them to enhance their entrepreneurial skills.

Build Inclusive Ecosystems

Create inclusive ecosystems where women entrepreneurs can thrive. This involves addressing systemic inequalities and fostering collaboration. Governments, NGOs, and private organizations are crucial in dismantling barriers.

Remember that 50% of social enterprises are women-led organizations, it’s only rational to provide them with equal opportunities to flourish and lead.

Showcasing Role Models

Highlighting the stories of successful women social entrepreneurs inspires others to follow suit. Media, conferences, and awards amplify their voices and achievements, encouraging more women to join the movement.

Women social entrepreneurs are changing the world around us through their innovative, compassionate, and mindful approach to sustainability. We must contribute to their initiatives to address global challenges and empower underrepresented communities. Through a joint effort, we can create innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by millions.

Funding is the most common and obvious way to support these businesses, but there are many other ways, such as volunteering time, free workshops, educational training, mentoring, and collaborations, to support these women-led initiatives.

By doing so, we can create a more equitable and sustainable world—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The future of social entrepreneurship is undoubtedly brighter, with women leading the way.

If you are a HerMeNow participant or alumni, book your free coaching session now through the HerMeNow website https://www.hermenow.com/wellness.