Gujarat, often hailed as India’s entrepreneurial hub, has long been a land of opportunity, fueled by a rich legacy of trade, commerce, and innovation. While the state’s business spirit is well-known, a quieter yet powerful revolution is taking place—one led by women. These women entrepreneurs are not just building successful businesses; they are breaking barriers, fostering social change, and redefining what it means to innovate in a traditionally male-dominated landscape. In this blog post, we dive into the stories of a few remarkable women from Gujarat who are creating waves of change and inspiring the next generation.
1. Pabiben Rabari: Crafting a Global Legacy
In the arid expanses of Kutch, Pabiben Rabari turned her passion for embroidery into a thriving enterprise. Hailing from Bhadroi village, she invented a unique embroidery style called Hari Jari, blending traditional techniques with modern design elements. What began as a modest venture has grown into Pabiben.com, a direct-to-consumer brand that sells sustainable, handmade bags and accessories worldwide. Her iconic Pabi Bag even caught the eye of Bollywood and Hollywood, featuring in films like Luck by Chance and The Other End of the Line.
Pabiben’s journey is more than a business success—it’s a story of empowerment. By mentoring rural artisans and providing them with sustainable livelihoods, she’s preserving Gujarat’s cultural heritage while taking it to global markets. Her appearance on Shark Tank India Season 2 further spotlighted her innovative approach, proving that rural roots and global ambitions can coexist.
2. Geeta Solanki: Pioneering Menstrual Health Solutions
Geeta Solanki, the founder of Unipads, is tackling one of India’s most pressing social challenges—menstrual hygiene—while building a business that empowers women. Based in Gujarat, Unipads produces affordable, reusable cloth sanitary pads that are both eco-friendly and accessible to women in remote areas. By engaging local women as village-level entrepreneurs (known as Kalyanis), Geeta has created a network that not only distributes these products but also provides livelihoods to over 96 women across the state.
Her innovation lies in making menstrual health sustainable and affordable, cutting costs by nearly 50% compared to disposable pads. Geeta’s work is a testament to how entrepreneurship can address societal taboos and drive meaningful change, one pad at a time.
3. Priti Patel: Defending the Future
Priti Patel, Chairperson and Managing Director of Raspian Enterprises Pvt Ltd., is breaking stereotypes in an unexpected field—defense manufacturing. Based in Gujarat, her company caters to both Indian and global defense needs, producing high-quality, reliable, and cost-efficient equipment. What sets Priti apart is her focus on creating a women-centric enterprise in an industry typically dominated by men.
Her story showcases how innovation isn’t just about products but also about challenging norms. By leveraging Gujarat’s robust industrial ecosystem, Priti is proving that women can lead in high-stakes, technical sectors while contributing to national security and economic growth.
4. The Lijjat Papad Sisters: A Collective Triumph
No conversation about women entrepreneurs in Gujarat is complete without mentioning the iconic Shri Mahila Griha Udyog Lijjat Papad. Founded in 1959 by seven Gujarati women, including Jaswantiben Jamnadas Popat, this cooperative began with a humble Rs. 80 investment. Today, it’s a household name with an annual turnover exceeding Rs. 1600 crores and employs over 45,000 women across India.
What started as a small initiative to make papads has grown into a symbol of collective entrepreneurship. The Lijjat model empowers women by offering them financial independence and a sense of ownership, all while preserving Gujarat’s culinary traditions. Their resilience shone through after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, when they donated over Rs. 4.8 million to rebuild communities, including 40 homes in Bhujpur.
5. Archana Thosar: Greening the Future
Archana Thosar, co-founder of Green Maneuver Industries LLP, traded a two-decade banking career for a mission to combat plastic pollution. Her Ahmedabad-based startup produces biodegradable packaging made from cornflour and starch derivatives—an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics. Within six months of launching, her company turned profitable, a feat made possible by Gujarat’s supportive startup ecosystem and schemes like the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).
Archana’s innovation addresses a global environmental crisis while showcasing how seasoned professionals can pivot to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Her story reflects Gujarat’s growing focus on sustainability and women-led innovation.
Gujarat: A Fertile Ground for Women Entrepreneurs
These stories are just a glimpse of the vibrant tapestry of women entrepreneurship in Gujarat. The state’s entrepreneurial culture, bolstered by government initiatives like the herSTART program (which saw 35+ women-led startups emerge) and policies such as Startup Gujarat, provides a nurturing environment for women to thrive. From rural artisans to tech-savvy innovators, Gujarati women are leveraging education, mentorship, and shifting family dynamics to rewrite the rules of business.
In 2023 alone, Gujarat witnessed a 52% surge in women-led startups, spanning sectors like textiles, technology, and healthcare. Organizations like iHub and the Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation are playing pivotal roles by offering mentorship, funding, and market access, ensuring that women’s ideas don’t just survive—they soar.
Inspiring Change, One Story at a Time
The women entrepreneurs of Gujarat are more than business owners; they are change-makers. Whether it’s Pabiben’s global craft empire, Geeta’s mission for menstrual equity, Priti’s defense innovations, the Lijjat sisters’ collective legacy, or Archana’s green revolution, their stories highlight resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to their communities.
As Gujarat continues to shine as a beacon of entrepreneurship, these women remind us that innovation isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose. Their journeys inspire not only aspiring entrepreneurs but anyone who believes in the power of determination to transform lives. So, the next time you enjoy a crispy Lijjat papad or spot a Pabi Bag on screen, remember the women behind them—Gujarat’s unsung heroes of change and innovation.