Title: The evolution of social entrepreneurial initiatives by women in India: a longitudinal assessment across sectors

Authors: Mousumi Roy; Abhijit Roy

Addresses: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA ' Kania School of Management, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA 18510, USA

Abstract: Women have continued to form enterprises to address one or more of society's many social and environmental challenges, which have evolved throughout the world. This article looks at the key issues that motivate primarily Indian women social entrepreneurs in empowering the powerless by promoting literacy, creating opportunities for employment and financial independence, improving health and well-being, and advocating human rights. The concerns and achievements of women social entrepreneurs are classified into two distinct targeted domains - humanitarian and the environment. The development in the past, current state, and future promise of women in these sectors are discussed here, followed by how industry, governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have helped in this effort, and the significant challenges faced by women social entrepreneurs in India.

Keywords: women; social entrepreneurship; longitudinal assessment; sectors; humanitarian; environmental; underprivileged; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEI.2020.115514

International Journal of Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 2020 Vol.5 No.4, pp.277 - 294

Received: 17 May 2020
Accepted: 01 Feb 2021
Published online: 07 Jun 2021 *

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