Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in India: Harnessing the Role of Green Finance in Promoting Gender-Inclusive Growth, Sustainable Business Models, and Socio-Economic Development

This study explores the transformative potential of green finance in empowering women entrepreneurs in India, emphasizing both the opportunities it creates and the challenges it presents. While women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) make up a substantial portion of the entrepreneurial landscape, they remain significantly underfunded, receiving only 5.2% of enterprise credit from public sector banks. Green finance, through instruments like green loans and targeted schemes such as Stand-Up India, provides a pathway for women to lead eco-friendly ventures in sectors like renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. However, systemic barriers—including gender biases, lack of financial literacy, societal norms, and limited access to green finance knowledge—impede women’s full participation in this growing field. The study combines secondary data analysis, literature reviews, and case studies to underscore the critical need for gender-sensitive financial systems, capacity-building initiatives, and policy support to enhance women’s entrepreneurial potential in the green economy. By bridging existing gaps and fostering inclusive financial ecosystems, green finance can serve as a catalyst for both gender equity and environmental sustainability in India.