Sustainable livelihoods encompass a holistic approach to economic empowerment, focusing on the well-being of individuals and their communities while respecting environmental boundaries. They are non-extractive, they do not deplete or degrade natural resources, ensuring the long-term viability of the livelihoods themselves and the ecosystems they depend upon.

Aggregator Enterprises (AEs) have emerged as a transformative force in fostering sustainable livelihoods for urban poor women entrepreneurs. These enterprises act as crucial intermediaries, linking small-scale women producers to wider markets, often through fair trade channels, and both online and offline platforms. By leveraging their market access and networks, AEs empower a greater number of women producers to participate in the formal economy.

Beyond economic benefits, AEs have the potential to act as catalysts for social change within their communities. By promoting collaboration, providing training and mentorship, and facilitating access to resources, AEs can empower women producers, enhance their skills, and strengthen their resilience in the face of challenges. This ripple effect of empowerment extends beyond individual producers, impacting families and communities as a whole.

There is a pressing need to equip AEs with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to transition from passive employment generators to proactive agents of social and economic empowerment.

Our strategic focus aims to empower AEs to create and maintain sustainable livelihoods for all women participating in their value chains by developing and enhancing their capabilities.