Digital Inclusion and Women Entrepreneurship in Rural India: A Decade Review (2015-2025) and a Framework for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper explores how digital inclusion fosters women entrepreneurship in rural India, promoting long-term sustainable development. It examines the intersections between digital literacy, government initiatives (like Start-Up India and Mudra Yojana), microfinance access and socio-cultural dynamics influencing rural women entrepreneurs. Drawing on literature published between 2015 and 2025, the study highlights digital transformation as a critical enabler of women’s empowerment and economic participation. It identifies key barriers limited education, financial constraints, patriarchal norms and psychological resistance and assesses the role of emerging technologies (mobile banking, e-commerce, fintech) in overcoming these challenges. The paper proposes an integrated conceptual model linking digital access, social support and entrepreneurial performance to sustainability outcomes. Findings underscore the need for inclusive policy interventions, capacity-building and gender-sensitive ICT training to strengthen India’s rural entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study contributes to sustainable development discourse by providing insights into how digital empowerment can drive gender equity, economic resilience and social transformation in rural India.