Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Pune Village Women Break Barriers and Build Businesses
In Hiware village, women are starting their own businesses with help from a group called Magic Bus.
It started with one woman, Monika, who started a small farm and made money.
Magic Bus teaches women business skills and gives them money to start.
They learn to manage businesses, earn their own money, and help their community by fixing things.
These women are proving that they can be successful, even though they faced challenges.
They are also participating in community decision making and are agents of change in their society.
Women in Hiware village are becoming entrepreneurs with support from Magic Bus India Foundation.
Monika Dalvi started her business with Rs 50 worth of seeds and made Rs 25,000 profit in three months.
The Young Women Fellowship Programme (YWFP) has helped 124 women in Pune and Raigad districts.
94% of the first cohort are financially independent, with an average monthly income of Rs 9,500.
These women are actively involved in community development and address local issues.
- Who
- Women of Hiware village, Magic Bus India Foundation, and Monika Dalvi.
- What
- Women in Hiware village are becoming entrepreneurs.
- When
- Since the Young Women Fellowship Programme (YWFP) started in November 2023.
- Where
- Hiware village, Pune, India.
- Why
- To address the Female Labour Force Participation Rate gap and empower women.
Challenges and Obstacles
Empowerment and Progress
Family Support
Challenges and Obstacles
Initial Family Resistance: Families initially opposed women's training.
Empowerment and Progress
Shift in Mindsets: Families' views changed as women succeeded.
- Village
- Hiware, Pune, India
- Organization
- Magic Bus India Foundation
- Program
- Young Women Fellowship Programme (YWFP)
- Women Impacted
- 124
- Average Monthly Income
- Rs 9,500
- Financial Independence
- 94% of first cohort