Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer

Research Articles

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): OPJU Business Review

Impact of Innovative Ecopreneurs on Social and Sustainable Development: A Study about their Factors, Challenges, and Contributions in Sambhal District

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63825/opjubr.2024.3.1.843
Submitted
10 August 2025
Published
12 September 2025

Abstract

The term "Shecopreneur" blends "she" (representing women) and "entrepreneurs," emphasizing businesses led by environmentally conscious women entrepreneurs, known as ecopreneurs. This research delves into the multifaceted impact of these visionary entrepreneurs in the specific context of Sambhal District. Employing a descriptive research approach and utilizing primary data collection methods like questionnaires and semi-structured interviews directly from Shecopreneurs in the district, this study unveils a compelling narrative centered on innovation, eco-awareness, community growth, and economic advancement. The study underscores that a significant portion of Shecopreneurs in Sambhal District are at the forefront of innovation, crafting sustainable products that adhere to ecological principles. Their innovative spirit is boundless, as they continually introduce fresh, sustainable products to the market. Notable examples encompass lighting lamps fueled by cow dung, environmentally-friendly cotton attire, biodegradable items crafted from horn bones, and an array of other sustainable innovations. Nonetheless, the path of Shecopreneurs in Sambhal District is not without formidable challenges. The research illuminates that these remarkable women grapple with issues such as limited financial resources, gender biases, and a dearth of business acumen. Nevertheless, their determination and resilience shine through as they harness familial support and leverage governmental initiatives to overcome these obstacles. They assume a pivotal role in educating their communities about sustainable practices. Additionally, their ventures serve as catalysts for economic development by generating employment opportunities and invigorating the local economy.

References

  1. Ambepitiya, K. R. (2016). The role of women entrepreneurs in establishing sustainable development in developing nations. World Review of Business Research, 6(1), 161-178.
  2. Barrachina Fernández, M., García-Centeno, M. D. C., & Calderón Patier, C. (2021). Women sustainable entrepreneurship: Review and research agenda. Sustainability, 13(21), 12047. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112047
  3. Baughn, C. C., Chua, B.-L., & Neupert, K. E. (2006). The normative context for women’s participation in entrepreneruship : a multicountry study. Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice, 30(5), 687-708. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6520.2006.00142.x
  4. Brush, C. G., & Cooper, S. Y. (2012). Female entrepreneurship and economic development: An international perspective. Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, 24(1-2), 1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08985626.2012.637340
  5. Bullough, A., Renko, M., & Abdelzaher, D. (2017). Women’s entrepreneurship: operating within the context of institutional and in-group collectivism. Journal of Management, 43(7), 2037-2064. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206314561302
  6. Gupta, V. K., Wieland, A. M., & Turban, D. B. (2019). Gender characterizations in entrepreneurship : a multi-level investigation of sex-role stereotypes about high-growth, commercial, and social entrepreneurs. Journal of Small Business Management, 57(1), 131-153. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsbm.12495
  7. Jennings, J. E., & Brush, C. G. (2013). Research on women entrepreneurs : Challenges to (and from) the broader entrepreneurship literature? The Academy of Management Annals, 71(1), 663-715. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/19416520.2013.782190
  8. Lock, R., & Lawton Smith, H. (2016). The impact of female entrepreneurship on economic growth in Kenya. International Journal of Gender and Entrepreneurship, 8(1), 90-96. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJGE-11-2015-0040
  9. Milkie, M. A., & Peltola, P. (1999). Playing all the roles : gender and the work-family balancing act. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 61, 476-490. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/353763
  10. Mustapha, M. (2016). Challenges and success factors of female entrepreneurs: Evidence from a developing country. International Review of Management and Marketing, 6(4), 224-231.
  11. Prasad, R. M. (2009). Loan hurdles: do banks discriminate against women entrepreneurs? The Academy of Management Perspectives, 23(4), 91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/AMP.2009.45590144
  12. Raman, R., Subramaniam, N., Nair, V. K., Shivdas, A., Achuthan, K., & Nedungadi, P. (2022). Women entrepreneurship and sustainable development: Bibliometric analysis and emerging research trends. Sustainability, 14(15), 9160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159160
  13. Rodgers, C. (2010). Sustainable entrepreneurship in SMEs: a case study analysis. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 17(3), 125-132. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/csr.223
  14. Rodgers, C., & Director, D. B. A. (2008, October). “Shecopreneurship:” Female Ecopreneurs and How they do Business. In Sustainable Innovation 08: Future Products, Technologies and Industries.
  15. Rosca, E., Agarwal, N., & Brem, A. (2020). Women entrepreneurs as agents of change: A comparative analysis of social entrepreneurship processes in emerging markets. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 157, 120067. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2020.120067
  16. Sajjad, M., Kaleem, N., Chani, M. I., & Ahmed, M. (2020). Worldwide role of women entrepreneurs in economic development. Asia Pacific Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 14(2), 151-160. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/APJIE-06-2019-0041
  17. Saraswat, R., & Lathabhavan, R. (2020). A study on Women Entrepreneurship in India. Mukt Shabd Journal, Volume IX(Issue VI), 3422–3432.
  18. Vinnicombe, S., & Singh, V. (2002). Sex role stereotyping and requisites of successful top managers. Women in Management Review, 17(3/4), 120-130. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/09649420210425264
  19. Welter, F., & Smallbone, D. (2011). The embeddedness of women’s entrepreneurship in a transition context. In E. G. Candida Brush, Colette Henry, Anne de Bruin (Eds.), Women entrepreneurs and the global environment for growth: A research perspective (pp. 96-117). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781849806633.00011
  20. Websites
  21. https://odopup.in/en/article/sambhal
  22. https://sambhal.nic.in/

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Similar Articles

1-10 of 28

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.