Abstract
<jats:p>It is with immense satisfaction that I present this edited volume titled “Inclusive Growth through Women Entrepreneurship”, brought out as a significant academic outcome of the National Conference on “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through Financial Management: Bridging Policy, Finance, and Innovation for Inclusive Growth” organized by the Department of Management, The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Bhopal, on 20th and 21st February 2026. Women entrepreneurship today stands at the intersection of economic transformation, social equity, and sustainable development. Across India, women-led enterprises are contributing meaningfully to employment generation, innovation, and community development. Yet, despite policy support and institutional initiatives, structural challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate financial literacy, socio-cultural constraints, and fragmented ecosystems continue to impede their full potential. This volume brings together scholarly contributions that explore financial management as a strategic tool for empowerment, evaluate policy frameworks and institutional mechanisms, explore digital finance and technological innovations, and analyze social and behavioural dimensions influencing women’s entrepreneurial journeys. The research presented here reflects interdisciplinary rigor and contextual sensitivity, addressing themes such as working capital efficiency, fintech adoption, gender budgeting, CSR and impact investing, ESG integration, and sustainable financial ecosystems aligned with national and global development goals. The deliberations at the conference highlighted the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric toward measurable, evidence-based interventions. The chapters in this book collectively offer theoretical insights, empirical findings, policy recommendations, and practical frameworks that can inform academicians, policymakers, financial institutions, development practitioners, and aspiring women entrepreneurs alike. As an institution committed to academic excellence, value-based education, and transformative leadership, The Bhopal School of Social Sciences continues to promote research that bridges knowledge with societal impact. This publication stands as a testament to collaborative scholarship and our shared commitment to inclusive growth. I congratulate the contributors, reviewers, and organizing committee for their scholarly dedication and meticulous effort in bringing out this volume. It is my earnest hope that this book will serve as a valuable reference and inspire further research, policy innovation, and meaningful action toward strengthening women-led enterprises in India and beyond.</jats:p>