The OICSD Development Award supports scholars at the centre to work on an independent project. Scholars have taken up diverse projects alongside their programme that contributes to our core objectives of the centre. Aanchal Saxena joined the OICSD as the inaugural Elizabeth Moir scholar reading for a Master’s in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government.
Dear Readers,
As a sustainability practitioner and now an OICSD scholar at Oxford, my journey has been profoundly shaped by the incredible women leaders I’ve encountered along the way. These women, despite facing significant challenges such as gender bias, cultural constraints, limited access to capital, and lack of mentorship, have pioneered innovative solutions that profoundly impact their communities and the environment. My dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs, particularly in environmental sustainability, is not just a professional interest but a deeply personal commitment to fostering meaningful change.
The “Voices of Resilience: Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Environmental Stewardship” article series is a direct reflection of this commitment. Its aim is to amplify the voices of unsung female leaders in India who are making significant strides and are creating business cases at the nexus of innovation, livelihood, and biodiversity conservation. The article series is designed to highlight their stories, challenges, and successes, thereby drawing attention to the critical role women play in environmental stewardship.
Women entrepreneurship has a long history in India, yet women-run MSMEs make up only 20% of India’s MSME sector today, with an even smaller percentage in social enterprises. Globally, there is a staggering $1.7 trillion gap between the funding required by women entrepreneurs and the funding they actually receive. This disparity is fueled by stereotypes and misguided cultural perceptions that women are better suited for industries focusing on “women’s areas,” limiting their access to funding, loans, training, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the lack of mentoring communities further exacerbates the issue by leading to a lack of information and awareness.
Through this platform, I aim to bridge these gaps by offering a platform for their voices to be heard, connecting them with diverse audiences, catalyzing action, and fostering connections that can lead to tangible support and broader societal impact.
The OICSD Development Award at the Oxford India Centre made this initiative possible. These incredible women have taught me the importance of inclusivity, resilience and innovation in tackling global challenges. Their stories have reinforced my belief in the power of community and collaboration to bring about meaningful change.
As this article series unfolds, I hope to inspire others by sharing the stories of these remarkable women. Their dedication and resilience remind us that with the right support and recognition, women entrepreneurs can not only succeed but also drive forward the agenda for a more sustainable and equitable world.
Dedicated to my mother, who has demonstrated the strength and power of women to me from the very start.
Through “Voices of Resilience,” let us celebrate the courage, innovation, and tenacity of these women, recognizing their invaluable contributions to creating a better future for all.