She‑Marts initiative aims to expand economic opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs

In a recent development aimed at strengthening economic opportunities for women in rural India, the newly proposed Self‑Help Entrepreneur outlets branded as SHE‑Marts have been introduced as part of the Union Budget 2026 proposal. The initiative is designed to support women, particularly those associated with self‑help groups (SHGs), in moving beyond informal, loan‑dependent work to become owners of sustainable enterprises.

The concept of SHE‑Marts centres on establishing community‑owned retail outlets that will be developed under cluster‑level federations of women entrepreneurs. Rather than functioning as traditional markets, these hubs are intended to act as organized platforms where women can showcase, brand, and sell products made by SHG members. This shift seeks to enhance visibility for women‑led enterprises and improve their access to consumers both within and beyond local regions.

Officials involved in the rollout say the initiative builds on the momentum generated by earlier efforts such as the Lakhpati Didi programme, which aims to help members of self‑help groups attain a minimum annual household income. SHE‑Marts are seen as a logical next step, giving women the infrastructure to expand their economic engagements, access markets more directly, and develop sustainable business practices.

The strategy acknowledges that one of the persistent challenges for women entrepreneurs in rural areas is limited access to formal markets. By linking SHG members with dedicated retail spaces and support systems, the programme hopes to reduce dependence on informal credit and create opportunities for long‑term growth. These outlets are expected to be backed by financial instruments and support mechanisms intended to strengthen women’s participation in commerce.

Underlying the initiative is a broader emphasis on self‑reliance and economic inclusion. Training and networking support are anticipated to be part of the framework, in addition to capital assistance, with the aim of helping women develop skills that enable them to compete in local and regional marketplaces.

While SHE‑Marts are conceptualised primarily for rural contexts, stakeholders say there may be potential for similar models in semi‑urban areas, where women‑led enterprises also face challenges in market penetration and scalability. Over time, proponents of the initiative hope it will contribute to more diversified local economies by encouraging women to build enterprises that are resilient and locally relevant.

By expanding the economic role of women and strengthening their engagement in formal business activities, SHE‑Marts could influence broader patterns of growth in rural regions. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to support women’s participation in the workforce and provide structures that foster entrepreneurship beyond subsistence activities.