Photo by Paul Prescott
The New ‘Young Women Social Entrepreneurship Development Programme’ in India was established to identify women working in social enterprises and train them to become ‘Master Trainers’. The programme will assess their development needs and design and deliver a training course for them that uses innovative methodologies and draws on UK expertise and best practices. In line with the idea of a ripple effect, these Master Trainers (approximately 1 000 women) will further provide social enterprise training to additional young women.
Indian social enterprises are working in traditional sectors such as microfinance and agriculture and new sectors including energy, sanitation, affordable housing and health care. Since about 50% of India’s population is under the age of 25, and 65% is under 35, hope for the future should be invested in India’s women as their increased participation in the labour force will naturally enhance productivity and growth. It will also provide innovative, sustainable solutions to its various social problems. Moreover, the gender-based inequalities and social pressures that restrain female employment and entrepreneurship will also be reduced as a result of their participation. Evidently, supporting the emergence of a new generation of young women social entrepreneurs is an important investment for the economic and social future of India.
“The British Council recognises social enterprise as a tool to achieve fairer, more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies,” said Christine Wilson, Head of Society Engagement at the British Council. I can’t think of anyone who would disagree with her on that one!
Article and Picture From:
Pillsbury, Adam. “Empowering Women Social Entrepreneurs in India.” The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. <http://www.theguardian.com/british-council-partner-zone/empowering-women-social-entrepreneurs-india.>
Top 10 social entrepreneurship heroes:
Moses, Nelson. “Meet India’s Top 10 Social Entrepreneurship Heroes.” SocialStory. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. <http://social.yourstory.com/2013/08/meet-indias-top-10-social-entrepreneurship-heroes/>.