Why The World Needs More Women In Sustainability

With supportive ecosystems like mentorship programs, funding initiatives, and inclusive policies, these leaders are empowered to break barriers and contribute to a greener, fairer future.As champions of sustainability, women entrepreneurs are not just reshaping industries but also building pathways to an equitable and resilient world for generations to come

Women entrepreneurs are driving sustainability by combining innovation, equality, and employee empowerment to create responsible economic models. They lead with a focus on aligning business objectives with fair and productive outcomes. According to the World Bank, if women earned as much as men, global wealth could rise by $160 trillion, an average of $23,620 per person, across 141 countries.

Fortunately, the rate of female entrepreneurship is increasing in all regions of the world. Female venture companies are performing well in fields such as healthcare, the technology industry, farming, logistics, and renewable resources. Their leadership in sustainability projects proves the vital role women play in shaping a greener, more inclusive future.

Women leaders driving sustainability in businesses

Women have long been champions of sustainability, demonstrating their leadership in tackling social and environmental challenges. Their commitment was officially recognized at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio, which highlighted their crucial role in environmental management and sustainable development. Today, women leaders more than ever are leading in the sustainability space across corporate and non-profit sectors.

According to research at the University of Urbino, women leaders are more concerned with waste management and saving water and energy. In addition, the European Investment Fund's study shows that women-led businesses have superior ESG scores resulting in better investments in renewable energy and less in polluting companies. It reflects the increasing significance of women in pushing for sustainable change.

Innovative contributions to sustainable development

Women entrepreneurs across sectors are contributing through innovation and purpose. They aim to solve the world’s most critical challenges, including sustainability and achieving net-zero emissions.

For instance, in the field of agriculture, Shriya Naheta’s farm-to-table restaurant is promoting sustainable practices to enhance food security. By collaborating with organic farms, they support local farming communities and champion environmentally friendly solutions in the food industry.

Similarly, in the cosmetics and skincare space, leaders including Falguni Nayar from Nykaa and Ghazal Alagh from Mamaearth are contributing to achieving India’s net zero goal by including eco-friendly formulations, sustainable packaging, and cruelty-free production.Through visionary leadership, women are delivering holistic solutions that add economic value and are environmentally responsible.

Overcoming challenges: Initiatives supporting women entrepreneurs

While women entrepreneurs are increasingly taking on leadership roles, they continue to face challenges such as limited access to capital, mentorship, and networks. Initiatives like Startup India have been pivotal in addressing these barriers by offering financial support, training, and mentorship to women entrepreneurs across India. These programs help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses while maintaining their commitment to sustainability.

Similarly, other initiatives like Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), aim to focus on the severe gap in funding with only 0.01 per cent of global investment targeting projects that fight both climate change and the rights of women. Through mobilizing billions of dollars, the platform is supporting women entrepreneurs who are advancing climate actions. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also emphasizes that empowering women in agriculture, renewable energy, and green technology is critical for achieving global sustainability goals.

These initiatives not only encourage women's leadership in various industries while addressing climate change but also foster resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Technology empowering women-led sustainability ventures

Women are breaking barriers in male-dominated fields like AI, blockchain, IoT, and machine learning, which were largely inaccessible to women just decades ago. As developers, researchers, and leaders, they are promoting sustainability and social responsibility in tech. Women-led startups are gaining momentum, with leaders like Saumya Prakash, co-founder of Multiplier AI, leading AI-driven platforms that optimize healthcare marketing, improving efficiency and data utilization in the pharma sector. By integrating cloud computing, data analytics, and digital platforms, women entrepreneurs are not only enhancing efficiency but also reducing environmental impact.

Building a sustainable future through women’s leadership

Creating a sustainable world requires inclusive, resilient, and transformative systems. Women entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to lead this change, offering community-centered approaches that align with environmental goals. They pioneer clean energy solutions, champion waste management, and spearhead sustainable agriculture initiatives.

By fostering supportive ecosystems through funding, mentorship, and inclusive policies, women entrepreneurs can reshape the sustainability landscape, ensuring a greener and more equitable future for all.

(The author is Vice President of Sustainability at Snowkap)