Purpose – This study explores rural women’s entrepreneurial journey, highlighting their role in financial empowerment and community development. It examines challenges, triumphs and innovative practices, informing future research, business models, and policy interventions

Design / Methodology / Approach - The study utilizes a multi-method approach, including qualitative analysis and case studies, to deeply investigate the stories of rural women entrepreneurs. A bibliometric analysis is also employed to understand the research landscape related to rural women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

Findings - The findings reveal the often-overlooked stories of resilient rural women who blend creativity with tradition to drive entrepreneurial success. For instance, one case study illustrates how a rural woman leveraged traditional crafting skills to build a thriving business, overcoming financial and logistical challenges. The findings emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions, better access to capital, and further research on integrating technology with rural entrepreneurship to support sustainable community development.

Originality / Value – This paper uniquely examines the intersection of tradition and modernity in rural women’s entrepreneurship, with a focus on how technology and collaboration can enhance these efforts. The research not only uncovers the stories of rural women but also advocates for their recognition and empowerment, suggesting that these insights could shape future research, policy and practice in rural entrepreneurship.