Frontier Markets

As #FrontierMarkets, we have been dedicated to elevating the income potential of rural women since our inception in 2012. Our mission is to empower women by helping them become digital entrepreneurs, enabling rural communities to access essential services right where they live. Today, we operate in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Over the years, we have supported 40,000+ women, who have collectively earned over $50 million. These women have helped over 7 million families access 100 million solutions in digital payments, financial services, agriculture inputs, clean energy appliances, and essential services. One of the most powerful aspects of our work is witnessing the transformation of women who were married as child brides at the age of 12-14. Now, at 30, these women have their own children and, thanks to their financial confidence and rising status as solution creators in their villages, they have the power to invest in their daughters' futures, breaking the cycle of early marriage. This shift is profound, as child marriage remains prevalent in rural India, and many mothers still struggle to change this reality. We are excited to announce OUR collaboration with the amazing Oscar-winning producer, Guneet Monga Kapoor, #AshviniYardi, and Achin Jain who have created a compelling documentary titled "Kicking Balls." This film vividly captures the lives of girls in Rajasthan and the efforts to combat child marriage. Read More : https://bit.ly/4dS3jn0 We are partnering to bring this inspiring documentary to 10,000 villages in India, with the aim of turning #VoicesIntoAction. By showcasing this film to children, parents, and especially rural women, we hope to empower our Sahelis to advocate for an end to child marriage and to invest in girls' futures. Tomorrow marks the beginning of this impactful journey as we start with our #firstvillagescreening in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh, where over 100 Sahelis will gather the community to watch this impactful film. Through the Frontier Innovations Foundation, Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and Sikhya Entertainment we are all set to spark dialogue and share government policies and support mechanisms to help shift perceptions and realities. Voices to Action. This collaboration is special in many ways; it is an amalgamation of two worlds that create the most impact—Bollywood and social entrepreneurship. There couldn’t be a better way to create significant change. Wish us luck with our first village screening tomorrow. This is a crucial step towards ‘One Million Voices to Action.’ Stay tuned for more updates! Ajaita S. Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Airtel Payments Bank Kiran Gandhi Equality Now Dimple Sahni S. Mona Sinha Unreasonable AVPN Aashish Beergi Amitabh Shah YUVA Divas Gupta Sucharita Kamath (She/Her) ANDE South Asia Sagarika Bose Cynthia McCaffrey Mehdi Rizvi Amrit Mohan

Frontier Markets, committed to empowering rural women entrepreneurs known as “Super Sahelis," has joined forces with GAME - Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship under their Women Economic Empowerment Program (WEE). Today, we celebrate Rambha, a shining example of a Super Saheli. Her story embodies resilience, passion, and self-belief, proving that anyone can overcome challenges. Before being a part of #FrontierMarkets, Rambha juggled household duties and farm work, yearning for financial independence. Now, she empowers her family. Even during her mother-in-law's illness, Rambha seamlessly balanced her roles as a wife, mother of three, and sole provider while her husband worked away. Despite limited resources in her remote village (3km walk for basic needs!), Rambha is grateful for the opportunity to work from home with just a phone thanks to Frontier Markets and the #WEE initiative by GAME. Now, essential supplies are delivered closer to home, empowering Rambha with confidence: "Hume lagta hai hum ye kar payenge aur hume isse faida bhi zaroor hoga ("I believe I can do this and benefit from it.")”, says Rambha. “Aap hume sikhayenge to hum aur aage badh payenge ("If you teach us, we can progress further”) is her only expectation from the community like us. A little support and guidance from us can unlock their potential and empower them to leverage their resources for a brighter future. For Rambha, the program's benefits go beyond income generation. She particularly values the flexibility, the ability to work from her village, and the freedom to set her own hours. Every morning when she steps out of her house to meet her fellow rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs), she always moves forward  with an aim of how she can bring more women together and uplift them “Hume bahut acha mehsoos hota hai jab hum hamare gaon ki aurton ko kaam karta dekhte hain ("It fills us with immense joy to see the women of our village working.") She looks forward to rejoin her favourite hobby of stitching which she did for 16 long years along with being the #SuperSaheli for Frontier Markets. Ketul Acharya Poulomi Pal, Poornima Menon, Samikhsya Nanda Vanya Kaushik Ajaita S. Amrit Mohan #WomenEmpowerment #Partnership #WomenInBusiness #EmpowerWomen #EconomicEmpowerment #WomenEntrepreneurs #EmpoweringCommunities #WEEforWomen #WomenEconomicEmpowerment #FrontierMarkets 

We are beyond proud to announce that Ajaita S., recently participated as a distinguished speaker at the “9th Global Review of #Aid4Trade” at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva. This prestigious session, organized by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and jointly hosted with the #GovernmentofAustralia, was themed "From Access to Action: Empowering Women in Digital Trade." In her role as the eTradeforWomen #Advocate for #SouthAsia, Ajaita shared the stage with influential figures such as Deputy Secretary-General PEDRO MANUEL MORENO, #DavidYardley, Sagufta Salma Janif, Natalia Zuca, M.Sc, and Arianne Alcorta. Her insights and firsthand experiences in building a digital business and navigating the digital trade landscape were truly inspiring. At #FrontierMarkets, we are driven by our mission to empower women and foster gender equality in the digital economy. We enable 40,000 rural women entrepreneurs to support over 7 million rural customers through our innovative technology platform. Ajaita's participation in this #globalforum underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing women's participation in technology and digital trade. Connectivity is the first step to digital empowerment for women, especially in developing countries. Despite the narrowing global internet gender gap, significant disparities remain, particularly in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) where only 30% of women use the internet compared to 41% of men (ITU, 2023). By leveraging technology, we aim to bridge this divide and create inclusive opportunities for women in rural India. We continue to push boundaries, break barriers, and champion the cause of gender equality. Onwards & Upwards! #GlobalTradeReview #DigitalTrade #GenderEquality #WomenInTech #Empowerment #FrontierMarkets #eTradeforWomen #UNCTAD #Aid4Trade #Inclusion

We're still buzzing with the incredible energy from last week's "Kicking Balls' ' screening in New York City, co-hosted by Sikhya Entertainment, Viniyard Films, Frontier Innovations Foundation, #SheLeadsImpactFund, Equality Now, House of Culture, and Product of Culture.  A passionate audience joined us for a truly impactful evening, witnessing the power of storytelling in the fight against child marriage. The night unfolded with the deeply moving documentary, "Kicking Balls” directed by #VijayetaKumar. We watched, hearts pounding, as young girls in Rajasthan defied the constraints of child marriage, finding hope and freedom through football. Academy Award winner Guneet Monga Kapoor and Ajaita S. offered their invaluable insights into the film's vision and its potential to spark real change. But the magic didn't stop there! We shared the incredible experience of our first "Hatke Village" screening in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh where over 150 rural women and village community came together to watch the film, their voices sparking powerful dialogue and igniting a sense of empowerment. This wasn't just about raising awareness – it was about channeling that awareness into action. The evening buzzed with discussions on amplifying rural women's voices and advocating for policy changes to end child marriage and promote gender equality. "Kicking Balls" is more than a film, it's a movement. The "#1MillionVoicestoAction" campaign continues its powerful journey, aiming to reach 1 million women in rural India with this documentary that resonates with their experiences. 40,000 Frontier Markets' Sahelis are taking this campaign to the heart of the fight against child marriage. Across 10,000 Indian villages, these empowered women will spearhead on-ground surveys, ensuring our message reaches the most remote communities and households grappling with this issue. This is "#MillionVoicestoAction" in its truest form. Thank you to everyone who joined us in New York City! Together, we created a ripple effect of positive change, and the fight for women's empowerment continues. Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved in this movement that's changing lives, one village at a time! #KickingBalls #EndChildMarriage #GirlPower #SheLeadsImpactFund #SikhyaEntertainment #ViniyardFilm #1MillionVoicesToAction

Over 15 million women micro-entrepreneurs across rural India face challenges in sustaining and scaling their businesses. Key obstacles include a lack of digital know-how, societal norms, and limited financial support. Under Women Economic Empowerment Program, we are collaborating with Frontier Markets to empower #SuperSahelis to enable them to help rural women entrepreneurs (RWEs) have supplementary income opportunites. We are expanding these opportunties in geographies like Uttar Pradesh & Maharastra. This initiative aims to create digitally savvy rural women entrepreneurs, driving long-lasting social impact in their communities. Join us at WEE in our journey as we continue to collaborate with private and community partners, to support rural women entrepreneurs and address systemic challenges in the digital platform economy. #WomenAtWork #WomenEmpowerment #Empowerment #WomenSupportingWomen #EmpoweringCommunities #PlatformEconomy #PlatformEconomies #RuralEcommerce #SocialCommerce #DigitalMarketing #DigitalCommerce #RuralIndia #RuralIndianWomen #SocialImpact #Communities Frontier Markets Ajaita S. Mehdi Rizvi Amrit Mohan GAME - Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship Madan Padaki Mekin Maheshwari Ravi Venkatesan Ketul Acharya Poulomi Pal Vanya Kaushik Inisa Guha Rashika Chaurasia Poornima Menon Samikhsya Nanda

In partnership with iStart Rajasthan and DOIT&C, Frontier Markets' Sahelis are not just helping rural households, but also working towards elevating their income which is a critical step towards empowering women and breaking down barriers in these communities. Studies have shown that when women engage in economic activity outside the family, they gain greater decision-making power within the household and more control over resources. By providing visibility and recognition, these Sahelis are able to connect these small businesses with potential new customers and expand their reach. This initiative has the potential to foster a network of women entrepreneurs, allowing them to share knowledge, collaborate, and access new opportunities.  The impact of this initiative extends far beyond the individual women involved. Increased income translates to better living standards for their families and communities. A thriving network of women-led businesses contributes to the economic development of rural areas. Furthermore, empowered women are more likely to invest in their children's education and health, creating a cycle of positive change that benefits future generations.  Through this initiative, Frontier Markets isn't just supporting individual women entrepreneurs; we're fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for rural India. Amit Purohit Amrit Mohan Mehdi Rizvi #RajasthanInnovationAward #WomenEmpowerment #RuralDevelopment #SocialImpact #SustainableDevelopment #BreakingBarriers #UpliftingCommunities #InvestingInWomen

It's truly inspiring to see our sahelis making a significant impact as change makers in our society! 🌟 Congratulations to our Rockstar Saheli - ANURADHA on winning the prestigious Woman Exemplar Award in the Micro-Enterprise/Livelihood Category by CII Foundation. Anuradha's achievement in winning this award personally from Finance Minister #NirmalaSitharaman is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and leadership in the field. Her energy, zeal, and 'never say no' attitude exemplify her commitment to creating positive change in the community. Anuradha has made significant strides in the digital realm through her contributions to the Women Will Digital Literacy program. By providing training to over 6800 women, she has enhanced their understanding and management of their businesses, truly empowering them in the process. By rallying support from SHG women and investing in child nutrition products, Anuradha has not only provided employment opportunities to many but has also attracted substantial investments, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and community-driven approach. We are immensely proud of her accomplishments and the recognition she has received for her outstanding work. Her story is a shining example of empowerment and success, and we celebrate her well-deserved win. Join us in congratulating Anuradha on this remarkable achievement! 🎉 #WomanExemplar #Leadership #Empowerment #ChangeMakers Ajaita S. Amrit Mohan Viplav Singh

🚀 **Breaking New Ground!** 🚀 We are thrilled to announce a powerful new collaboration between the She Leads Impact Fund and the visionary team behind the documentary “Kicking Balls”! Together, we are taking bold steps to address the deeply entrenched issue of child marriage in India. 🌟 🎥 Directed by #VijayetaKumar and Produced by the renowned #AshviniYardi, Guneet Monga Kapoor, and Achin Jain “Kicking Balls” brings to light the incredible stories of 200 teenage girls from three villages in Rajasthan, where an NGO is using football to combat child marriage. These young girls, many of whom are child brides, are finding their voices, gaining independence, and building a strong sisterhood through this unique initiative. 🏆We organised a recent #specialscreening in the capital region which drew a remarkable audience of impact investors, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger national and state-level policies to eliminate child marriage by 2030. The film is not just a documentary but a catalyst for change, igniting conversations and driving action towards a brighter future for these young women. 🤝 Our Partnership #SheLeadsImpactFund, VINEYARD FILMS and Sikhya Entertainment are united in this mission to end child marriage and support married girls in rural households. By leveraging storytelling, grant funding, corporate partnerships, and technology, we aim to drive social change and empower young girls trapped in the cycle of early marriage. 💪 Commitment to Change To support this transformative mission, the #SheLeadsImpactFund is providing $25,000 in funding. This contribution will help bring significant, lasting change to the lives of women who were married as children. Together, we are committed to creating a world where every girl has the freedom to dream, learn, and achieve her full potential. Please do write to us in case you would like to join/support this movement with us and stay tuned for more updates on this big movement. Let's make history, one story at a time. 🌍❤️ Ajaita S. Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth Airtel Payments Bank Kiran Gandhi Equality Now Dimple Sahni S. Mona Sinha Unreasonable AVPN Aashish Beergi Amitabh Shah YUVA Divas Gupta Sucharita Kamath (She/Her) ANDE South Asia Sagarika Bose Jubilant Bhartia Foundation Cynthia McCaffrey

Our app is more than just a tool; it’s a game-changer for women in rural areas, empowering them with digital skills and transforming them into ‘Sahelis’. These incredible women undergo comprehensive digital skills training and emerge as Sahelis, ready to bring the benefits of technology to their communities. Equipped with their newfound skills, our Sahelis use the She Leads Bharat app to showcase products, assist their neighbors with online shopping, collect valuable customer feedback, and create a seamless blend of physical and digital shopping experiences. They serve as local ambassadors for the app’s products, ensuring their communities can access and benefit from environmentally friendly and cost-effective options. But the impact doesn’t stop there. Our Sahelis also provide digital training to other women interested in starting their own businesses. This initiative not only promotes financial independence among women but also fosters a spirit of female entrepreneurship throughout Rajasthan. The She Leads Bharat app is a valuable resource for rural communities, providing them with essential information on job opportunities, agriculture, education, and healthcare. It's also being utilized by the government to disseminate crucial information to these villages. Under the Rajasthan Government's initiative to support rural households, Frontier Markets stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for many rural Sahelis. We are committed to continuing this journey, supporting more women, and making a positive difference in their lives. iStart Rajasthan DoIT&C : Department of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Rajasthan(India) Amrit Mohan Mehdi Rizvi #DigitalEmpowerment #Training #SheLeadsBharat

Access to technology has become synonymous with empowerment in today's digital age. However, in India, particularly in rural areas, women face significant barriers to accessing the internet, limiting their ability to harness its transformative potential. Recognizing the immense potential of technology to uplift rural women, Frontier Markets, in collaboration with the Rajasthan Government and the DoIT&C : Department of Information Technology & Communication, Government of Rajasthan(India), under the #RajasthanInnovationAwards, embarked on an initiative to enhance digital literacy among rural women. Through a series of workshops conducted across 1000+ villages in Rajasthan, we empowered over 3000 women with essential digital skills, equipping them to leverage technology - the #MeriSaheliApp, for their economic and social advancement. These workshops not only imparted practical knowledge but also fostered a sense of empowerment. Central to our approach is the development of local women trainers, known as Sahelis, who play a pivotal role in cascading digital literacy training to their peers. By leveraging the Meri Saheli Mobile Application, these Sahelis facilitate learning and knowledge-sharing, empowering women to explore new income opportunities and improve their overall quality of life. The impact of these workshops has been profound, with over 80 percent of trained women reporting a better understanding of mobile phone usage. This not only enhances their economic prospects but also breaks down social barriers and challenges traditional gender norms that often limit women's participation in technology-related activities. At Frontier Markets, by providing women with the tools and knowledge to take ownership of their lives and livelihoods, we aim to create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all. #innovationaward #DOITC #DigitalLiteracy iStart Rajasthan Ajaita S. Amrit Mohan Mehdi Rizvi