Frontier Markets’ Post

In an era where digital know-how is essential, many rural women entrepreneurs face the hurdle of not having the resources to fully tap into the digital realm's vast potential, thereby, hindering their progress. Addressing this gap, we have successfully concluded the ‘Digital Upskilling of Women Entrepreneurs’ project, an initiative by nasscom foundation in partnership with Lowe's India. This empowering journey has navigated 300 rural women, including 150 agripreneurs from Mysore and 150 artisans from Ramanagara, Karnataka, into the #digital age. Through the support of DHAN Foundation and Tisser Artisans Trust, these talented entrepreneurs have leaped into online markets, embracing digital tools to expand their businesses. Nearly 85% are now proficient in digital communication, while 78% harness social media to boost their enterprises. A striking 69% have even stepped into e-commerce, pioneering their presence on digital platforms for business growth. Moreover, every beneficiary is now versed in at least one government scheme, with 98% knowing how to utilize these opportunities to their advantage. Hear the inspiring stories of these empowered women entrepreneurs! Pallavi Jalan Poulami Bhattacharyya Saksham Jha Deepika Arora Purna Choudhary Vartika Singh (Ph.D) #TechForGood #DigitalLiteracy #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalCommunication #Agripreneurs #DigitalIndia #DigitalBharat

Celebrating National Panchayati Raj Day: Empowering Local Governance through Digital Tools 🌐 Today, on National Panchayati Raj Day, we celebrate the pivotal role of Panchayats in fostering decentralized local governance and community development in India. It's a day to recognize the empowerment of villages through democratic processes and the profound impact of local self-governance on rural development. In the context of UI/UX, an example of how digital tools can support the Panchayati Raj system is through the development of user-friendly digital platforms that enable villagers to access information, request services, and communicate directly with their local leaders. These platforms could include features like real-time updates on local development projects, forums for community discussion, and digital voting systems for local elections, all designed with the user’s needs and local context in mind. #NationalPanchayatiRajDay 🇮🇳 #LocalGovernance 🏛️ #DigitalIndia 💻 #UIUXForGood 🖌️ #CommunityDevelopment 🏘️ #RuralInnovation 🌾 #GovTech 📲 #CivicTech #Decentralization 🔄 #EmpowermentThroughTech 💪

Access to technology has become synonymous with empowerment in today's digital age. However, in India, particularly in rural areas, women face significant barriers to accessing the internet, limiting their ability to harness its transformative potential. Recognizing the immense potential of technology to uplift rural women, Frontier Markets, in collaboration with the Rajasthan Government and the DoIT&C : Department of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Rajasthan(India), under the #RajasthanInnovationAwards, embarked on an initiative to enhance digital literacy among rural women. Through a series of workshops conducted across 1000 villages in Rajasthan, we empowered over 3000 women with essential digital skills, equipping them to leverage technology - the #MeriSaheliApp, for their economic and social advancement. These workshops not only imparted practical knowledge but also fostered a sense of empowerment. Central to our approach is the development of local women trainers, known as Sahelis, who play a pivotal role in cascading digital literacy training to their peers. By leveraging the Meri Saheli Mobile Application, these Sahelis facilitate learning and knowledge-sharing, empowering women to explore new income opportunities and improve their overall quality of life. The impact of these workshops has been profound, with over 80 percent of trained women reporting a better understanding of mobile phone usage. This not only enhances their economic prospects but also breaks down social barriers and challenges traditional gender norms that often limit women's participation in technology-related activities. At Frontier Markets, by providing women with the tools and knowledge to take ownership of their lives and livelihoods, we aim to create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all. #innovationaward #DOITC #DigitalLiteracy iStart Rajasthan Ajaita S. Amrit Mohan Mehdi Rizvi

Today marks the 9th anniversary of the Digital India initiative. Over the past nine years, this ambitious program has revolutionized the country's digital landscape, bringing ease of living for millions of Indians. Aadhaar system, a cornerstone of Digital India was something we understood the importance really late but I’m always by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and how easy my life became because of it. From paying to the driver to buying vegetables to monthly payments, literally a click away. But my favourite is the DigiLocker, have simplified document storage and retrieval for everyone. Not to forget DigiYatra, that made travel easier and green too. You no more need the printed boarding pass and can show your IDs from DigiLocker. The changes brought by Digital India have also been transformative for content creators. With improved internet access and digital infrastructure, creators now have the platforms and tools to produce and distribute content more easily. Social media, video-sharing platforms, and other digital outlets have democratized content creation, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their voices and talents with a global audience. Especially for women, the digital revolution has opened up new opportunities. Many women, like me have leveraged digital platforms to start their own ventures, create content, and build personal brands. Online education and digital skills training have further enabled everyone but especially women to enhance their competencies and participate in the digital economy. #digitalindia #Digitalisation

In partnership with iStart Rajasthan and DOIT&C, Frontier Markets' Sahelis are not just helping rural households, but also working towards elevating their income which is a critical step towards empowering women and breaking down barriers in these communities. Studies have shown that when women engage in economic activity outside the family, they gain greater decision-making power within the household and more control over resources. By providing visibility and recognition, these Sahelis are able to connect these small businesses with potential new customers and expand their reach. This initiative has the potential to foster a network of women entrepreneurs, allowing them to share knowledge, collaborate, and access new opportunities.  The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the individual women involved. Increased income translates to better living standards for their families and communities. A thriving network of women-led businesses contributes to the economic development of rural areas. Furthermore, empowered women are more likely to invest in their children's education and health, creating a cycle of positive change that benefits future generations.  Through this initiative, Frontier Markets isn't just supporting individual women entrepreneurs; we're fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for rural India. Amit Purohit Amrit Mohan Mehdi Rizvi #RajasthanInnovationAward #WomenEmpowerment #RuralDevelopment #SocialImpact #SustainableDevelopment #BreakingBarriers #UpliftingCommunities #InvestingInWomen

Storytelling is the best marketing but storyteller’s credibility matters! Storytelling is a powerful tool for building a brand narrative. Storytelling allows brands to communicate their message in an engaging, relatable, and memorable way. Storytelling helps to humanize the brand, making it easier for target audience to connect and understand the brand. Stories and narratives have been in existence since the beginning of human communication and have helped in developing perception and comprehension. The ongoing 2024 Indian General elections in the World’s largest and most vibrant democracy provides an excellent case study to study the power of storytelling, and perception building. Two powerful narratives have caught my attention in this general election.   1. Viksit Bharat by 2047 vs. Social X-ray to expose & redistribute wealth and levy a regressive 'Inheritance tax' (The journey from 'Garibi Hatao' in 1970s to 'Amiri Gatao' in 2024). 2. Viksit Bharat through empowerment of GYAN (Garib, Youth, Annadata, and Nari) vs. Removing poverty in one stroke through the 'Khata Khat' scheme (a potentially revolutionary research proposition for economist to unlock and decipher). 3. Empowering Nari (rural women) through the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme to encourage women in self-help groups (SHGs) to start micro-enterprises within their villages. vs. Rs 1 lakh for poor women via cheques. It is important to note that the narrator matters in building narrative. As per the consumer brand engagement model, the narrator’s credibility (trustworthiness, expertise, reputation) and attractiveness (likability, familiarity) matters in narrative building. Whose narrative will the wise and electorally conscious Indian electorate buy? The verdict on 1) the power of story telling in building perception, and 2) the role of narrator will be out on June 4, 2024. Viksit Bharat SELF HELP GROUP INDIA #Indianelections2024 #Nyaypatra #storytelling #branding #credibility

Marketing lesson from illiterate woman of informal & unorganized sector !! Greetings for Ganesh Chaturathi... Today is a historic day for New Bharat as the Woman reservation bill has been introduced in the New Parliament building !! There are many women, like the way we see in the below snap of how Indian women become more powerful, knowledgeable, and entrepreneurs with digital technology. You can see this illiterate lady and how she transformed herself for the need , desire, want ,aspiration, and services to delight her customers!! How she presented , displayed, and strategies to increase the consumer base and to generate more revenue by providing differentiated values in the form of ready to use cut vegetables !! She knows that consumer want conveniences and they do not have time !! She is also using Paytm to digital connect consumers to her consumers !! After seeing this image, do you need to refer to books on marketing for any metrics of business ? Do you feel that she is unorganized and informal in her entrepreneurship??

#Business Breakthrough Fridays The state's entrepreneurial spirit is so strong that it's often said, 'Every Gujarati is a businessman at heart!! Well, you heard right about businessmen! But to add something to it,. And in Gujarat, this entrepreneurial spirit knows no gender boundaries. It's often remarked, 'In every Gujarati woman, there's a business leader waiting to emerge,' highlighting the significant role women play in shaping the state's economic landscape. Women in Gujarat, as in many parts of the #world, have made significant strides in business, starting from grassroots levels and reaching high-ranking positions. 🏠 Home-based Business Owner - Running small-scale businesses from home, like catering or crafts. #ownership 👩🍳 Chef/ #restaurateurs - Operating cafes, restaurants, or food services. 👩🎨 Artist/ #designer - Engaging in creative fields like fashion, interior design, or graphic arts. 💼 #corporate Executive - Holding leadership positions in various sectors, from tech firms to financial institutions. 👩💻 #tech Entrepreneur - Starting tech startups or app development companies. 📚 #educators /Trainer - Teaching or coaching, from academic subjects to professional skills. 👩🔬 #scientist /Researcher - Contributing to advancements in fields like biotech, pharmaceuticals, or environmental science. 🌾 #agricultural Innovator - Leading in agribusiness, organic farming, or sustainable practices. 👩⚕️ #healthcare Professional - From doctors and nurses to healthcare administrators. 🌍 #environmental Activist - Working in NGOs or initiatives focused on sustainability and conservation The list of inspiring businesswomen is indeed endless, each bringing unique qualities that motivate and enlighten us. Their resilience, creativity, and leadership not only shape our communities but also pave the way for mutual growth and success. Who is a female entrepreneur that inspires you, and what specific quality of hers do you admire the most? #tag her How can we further cultivate an environment in Gujarat that supports and encourages women in business? #comment In what ways do you think we can collaborate to foster innovation and growth in our business communities? #colloboration Tell your story as well; it can inspire others. #womenentrepreneurs #womenempoweringwomen #business #businessaccounting #businessadvisory #gst #trainingwithtarjani #supportnetwork #linkedinfamily #gujarat #ahmedabad