Meet The Women Entrepreneurs From Rural Areas Who Inspired Millions

“It does not matter where you start, it matters where you finish.”  

When most people think of women in businesses who have inspired millions, they think of world-renowned celebrities or influential political women leaders. However, many overlooked women from rural areas have had a tremendous impact on their communities and beyond. 

 

Table Of Contents

• Introduction

• Challenges Faced By Women In Business Today

• Attributes To Learn From These Women

• Conclusion

 

Introduction 

These inspiring women come from all walks of life, and each has her own unique story to tell. By highlighting the work of these extraordinary women, we can show that anyone can make a difference in the world. So meet some of the rural female role models who have made a lasting impact. 

 

Women In Business From Rural Areas who have Inspired Millions 

• Kalpana Saroj: She was born in a Vidharbha Dalit family, married at age 12, and moved in with her husband's family in a slum neighbourhood of Mumbai. However, she abandoned her husband and was brought back home by her saviour, her father, after enduring constant physical and mental torture at the hands of her in-laws. She made a fresh start as a working woman by beginning work at a clothing factory after being saved by her father. She later traded in the tailoring and furnishings stores and is currently one of Mumbai's largest merchants and inspiration for upcoming women Entrepreneurs. In addition to this, she received the Padma Shri Award in 2013.

• Women behind “Lijjat Papad” : Today's "lijjat papad"  is a very well-known brand, not just in India but with a global presence. Everyone is aware that Lijjat, also known as Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad, was the brainchild of seven Gujarati women. Lijjat, which was founded in 1959 with barely Rs. 80 in seed money, had annual sales of about Rs. 6.50 billion in 2010, with Rs. 290 million in exports. The organization's primary goal is to empower the women community by giving them access to employment opportunities. According to data, the firm, which has its headquarters in Mumbai, has 81 branches and 27 divisions throughout India and currently employs about 43,000 people.

• D Jyothi Reddy: Jyothi's journey from a farm laborer to CEO of Key Software Solution Inc. a $15 million firm is incredibly motivating. Jyothi was raised in an orphanage by her impoverished parents after being born in Warangal to farm laborers. Jyothi married a man who was 10 years older than her when she was only 16 years old. Before becoming a school teacher and taking courses to enter the US, she was made to work as an agricultural laborer for Rs 5 per day. She completed this accomplishment in only 12 years. Jyothi had two daughters by the time she was 18 and is currently actively involved in humanitarian work to help rural India.

• Navalben Dalsangbhai Chaudhary: 62-year-old Navalben Dalsangbhai Chaudhary, who is from the village of Nagana in the district of Banaskantha, defied all difficulties to instigate a mini-milk revolution in her area. She reportedly set a record in 2020 by selling milk worth Rs. 1.10 crore and making 3.50 lakh per month in profit. She made Rs. 87.95 lakh from milk sales in 2019. In 2020, Navalben established a milk business at her residence. Presently, around 80 buffaloes and 45 cows supply milk to people in various communities. 

Attributes To Learn From These Women

There is much to learn from the women in business from rural areas. In addition to their hard work and resilience, they also have a deep understanding of the natural world. For generations, they have passed down their knowledge of herbal medicines, crop rotation, and sustainable farming practices. As our world becomes increasingly urbanized, this knowledge is more important than ever. The women leaders of rural areas can teach us how to live in harmony with the land, how to use its resources wisely, and how to respect its cycles. In doing so, they can help us create a more sustainable future for all.

Conclusion

Rural women have always been the backbone of their families and communities, but their stories are often untold. We want to celebrate some rural women in business who have inspired millions with their strength, resilience, and courage. These women show that no matter where you come from or what challenges you face, you can make a difference in the world. We hope their stories will inspire you to pursue your dreams and make a positive impact in the women 's community. Thank you for reading this blog by Women Listed and we salute rural women entrepreneurs from all over the world.