How social commerce is transforming women-led enterprises in India
nasscom foundation, in partnership with LEAD at Krea University, has unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Digital Dividends: Understanding the Use of Social Commerce by Women Entrepreneurs in Rural India.” The study provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities faced by rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs) in adopting digital tools and leveraging social commerce to expand their enterprises. It also offers actionable recommendations to enable sustainable growth and scalability for these businesses.
The report highlights the transformative role of technology in empowering rural women-led ventures, with a focus on key sectors such as agriculture and allied services, handlooms and handicrafts, and manufacturing, processing, and retail.Through a survey of 792 women entrepreneurs aged 15 to 60 years, spanning 24 districts—including 18 aspirational districts—the study examines contemporary factors influencing women entrepreneurs. It provides insights into their socioeconomic backgrounds, digital readiness, financial inclusion, and the extent of their engagement with social commerce platforms.
The findings underscore how digital and social commerce technologies can unlock significant opportunities for rural enterprises, driving economic participation and innovation among women in underserved regions.
Elaborating on the findings around financial accessibility of these women entrepreneurs, Rostow Ravanan, Chairperson, nasscom foundation, tells ET Digital, “It is encouraging to see that 95.1% of rural
