On 11 June 2025, Development Alternatives (DA) was proud to participate in the launch of "Women Mean Business: A Playbook for Driving Women's Participation in India's Green Economy". Spearheaded by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) in collaboration with Villgro, SEWA and Development Alternatives, this playbook is a timely and practical tool designed to accelerate gender-inclusive transitions in the clean energy and livelihoods space.

The playbook draws from the lived experiences of women entrepreneurs and practitioners across India, offering actionable insights for policymakers, implementers, and funders working at the intersection of gender, livelihoods, and sustainability. With a strong focus on enabling women-led micro-enterprises, the playbook outlines key strategies for inclusive programme design, financing, ecosystem support, and outcome measurement.

As a contributing partner, Development Alternatives brought to the table its rich on-ground experience in building rural entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly for women. Our Knowledge, Learning and Communications Lead, Shabnam Durani, participated in the launch event, sharing DA’s perspectives on what it takes to create supportive conditions for women entrepreneurs ranging from tailored financing mechanisms and capacity-building, to the importance of community leadership and institutional strengthening.

The Women Mean Business playbook marks a significant step forward in mainstreaming gender equity within India’s green economy transition. By spotlighting tools, templates, and field-tested strategies, it serves as a guide for changemakers aiming to build inclusive and resilient livelihoods systems.

Development Alternatives is honoured to have contributed to this collective effort towards women’s economic empowerment through integrated, ecosystem-driven approaches.