India’s Godrej & Boyce – flagship company of the Godrej Group – has established almost 200 women-led businesses as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility interventions on community development. Collectively these businesses have earned $53,000 in income, according to India CSR.

Increasing women’s incomes have positive impacts on the well-being of their families, says Ashwini Deodeshmukh. Photo credit: Shutterstock

‘Many studies have found that increasing women’s incomes have positive impacts on the well-being of their families as they tend to spend a larger part of their earnings on health and education.

‘Women entrepreneurs also help in changing gendered expectations of women’s roles in society, thereby incrementally paving ways for furthering participation of women in education and livelihood opportunities,’ said Ashwini Deodeshmukh, Head of CSR and Sustainability Reporting at Godrej & Boyce.

Women-led Self-Help Groups formed by the company have been conducting agriculture-related activities like floriculture, poultry farming, and paddy nurseries. Other women-led enterprises have been provided with equipment for manufacturing various products such as agarbattis (incense sticks), beauty products, and oils, among other products.

Godrej & Boyce has a stated commitment towards the progress of communities and the environment.

‘We believe in addressing the underlying causes which might negatively impact the well-being of the individuals as well as the community,’ said Deodeshmukh.

‘Ensuring access to basics such as education, water and improving healthcare provides communities with a strong foundation for further development. We further strengthen rural communities through supporting solutions for income enhancement. These initiatives focus on harnessing the power of collectives for women enterprises, farming, and fishing activities.’