In recent years, women have been stepping into the entrepreneurial spotlight like never before. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), women now account for over 40% of new entrepreneurs worldwide - a number that continues to rise each year. From tech startups to social enterprises , WeAct women are reshaping industries and redefining what it means to lead a successful business. Think about it: Do you know a woman who has started her own business recently? Chances are, you do. This shift is powerful.
But while the number of WeAct women starting businesses is growing, many still face a significant hurdle: access to financial knowledge. Studies show that only 31% of women feel confident in their financial decision-making, compared to 49% of men. This gap is not only about ability - it is also about access. A ZEW Mannheim study explains that much of the gap is due to lower confidence, not lower capability. In India, a Tata AIA Life Insurance survey found that 59% of working women do not make independent financial decisions. Can you imagine a WeAct woman starting an enterprise without understanding how to budget, price, or invest wisely?
That’s where WeAct’s financial literacy becomes a game changer. When women entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools to manage finances effectively, they are more likely to succeed and they are more likely to scale, hire, and reinvest in their communities. So, whether you are an aspiring founder, a mentor, or simply someone who cares about economic equality, ask yourself: What role can I play in empowering women through financial education?
In this blog, we will explore how WeAct is supporting its members with financial skills to help them grow and expand their enterprise
Please read on to learn more about WeAct's approach to financial skill development for rural women entrepreneurs.
The Confidence Gap: Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs
WeAct women entrepreneurs encounter a range of unique challenges - one of the biggest being the confidence gap. This often stems from systemic issues like limited access to financial education, leaving many without the tools to manage and grow their businesses. They also encounter cultural and societal barriers, including restrictive gender roles and lack of support, which can discourage or undermine their entrepreneurial efforts.
With a strong foundation in financial education provided by WeAct, women entrepreneurs are better equipped to make informed decisions about their finances, allowing them to assess opportunities and challenges with greater confidence. This knowledge empowers them to take calculated risks - Whether starting a business or investing, it is important to know you have the tools to evaluate potential outcomes and manage uncertainty. As a result, they are more likely to pursue growth-oriented paths, break through traditional limitations, and build more secure and prosperous futures for themselves and their communities.
WeAct: A Mission to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
WeAct is a platform dedicated to promoting women entrepreneurship. At its core, WeAct aims to bridge gaps in opportunity by providing resources, education, and advocacy tools that enable women to lead change in their own lives and communities. The initiative is rooted in the belief that sustainable social progress starts from within, and by equipping local change makers with the knowledge and support they need, WeAct helps cultivate long-term resilience and women-driven development.
Overview, Audience, and Values
Operating across diverse regions of 17 states and 2 UTs, including urban and rural areas across India, WeAct primarily targets socially and economically disadvantaged women. We priorities inclusion, collaboration, and respect for local cultures, tailoring its programmes to meet the unique challenges of each woman it serves. Guided by core values such as empowerment, equity, transparency, and grassroots participation, WeAct takes a holistic, community-led approach. This includes various workshops, mentorship, and partnerships with like-minded organisations, nurturing sustainable change from the ground up.
Bridging the Gap Through Skill Development
Bridging the gap between economic disparity and personal empowerment begins with skill development, and WeAct financial literacy workshops serve as a powerful foundation for this transformation. Our workshops equip WeAct women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions, from budgeting and saving to investing and managing debt. Our financial literacy training enables women to take control of their economic futures. WeAct women learn about money management and gain insights into the broader financial system, helping them navigate everyday challenges they face in running an enterprise with greater clarity and purpose.
In addition to education, these workshops often provide practical tools and resources, such as access to financial advisors, which help translate knowledge into action. Equally important are mentorship and peer support networks, which create a sense of community and accountability. Experienced WeAct mentors can guide participants through complex financial decisions, while peer networks offer encouragement and shared learning experiences.
Assessing Entrepreneurial Growth and Social Impact at WeAct
Measuring Success
Success for WeAct is measured by the tangible growth of our members’ businesses and personal confidence. Key metrics include increases in business revenue, improved financial literacy, and the number of women who transition from informal to formal business sectors. Additionally, tracking mentorship engagement, participation in training programmes, and self-reported boosts in confidence provides a more holistic view of impact. These outcomes help WeAct continuously refine its approach to better support women entrepreneurs.
Long-Term Impact on Communities and Families
The ripple effects of empowering women entrepreneurs extend far beyond individual success. As women grow their businesses, they often reinvest in their communities - creating jobs, supporting local economies, and serving as role models. Families benefit through improved financial stability, better access to education and healthcare, and increased gender equity at home.
Looking Ahead: Scaling the Model
Women from 17 states and 2 Union Territories are currently registered with WeAct, a growing platform that is steadily transforming women's economic empowerment in India. These women come from diverse backgrounds and are engaged in a range of entrepreneurial activities that allow them to support themselves and their families with confidence and pride. In 2025, WeAct aims to expand its outreach to include women from the yet-untouched states and regions of the country, with a special focus on areas that have remained underserved or overlooked. The enrollment drive will target three core sectors that hold immense potential for rural and semi-urban women: food and agro-based enterprises, handloom and handicraft businesses, and enterprises under household supplies.
Across the states where WeAct is already active, many women have emerged as role models in their communities. Their journeys of becoming financially independent through skill development, market linkage, and collective strength have inspired others around them to step forward and pursue their own aspirations. These women are supporting their households and contributing to their local economies, challenging traditional gender norms, and leading lives of dignity and self-respect.
Conclusion
WeAct aims to empower women entrepreneurs through financial literacy and skill development is creating meaningful, lasting change - not just for individual women, but for entire communities. By addressing the confidence gap and providing access to critical financial education, WeAct is enabling women entrepreneurs to take control of their businesses, make informed decisions, and build resilient futures. As WeAct looks to scale its impact across more regions and sectors, it stands as a powerful example of how targeted support and belief in women’s potential can reshape their entrepreneurial journey.
References
https://www.indiatimes.com/worth/news/survey-about-financial-awareness-among-women-582042.html?utm_source
https://gemconsortium.org/report/202324-womens-entrepreneurship-report-reshaping-economies-and-communities-2?utm_source
https://www.ew.de/en/press/latest-press-releases/financial-education-and-confidence-the-gender-gap-in-the-financial-market?utm_source
https://www.fincart.com/blog/key-role-of-financial-literacy-in-empowering-women-entrepreneurs/
https://www.fintoo.in/blog/how-does-financial-literacy-impact-women-entrepreneurs/
https://education.economictimes.indiatimes.com/blog/financial-tips-for-women-entrepreneurs-to-grow-their-business/118930280
https://www.htmedia.in/blog/financial-literacy-explained-importance-of-financial-literacy-in-todays-economy
https://amrapali.ac.in/blog/2024/08/06/financial-literacy-for-young-adults-managing-money-in-the-digital-age/
https://www.numberanalytics.com/blog/financial-literacy-skills-unlock