LEAD at Krea University

The Initiative for What Works to Advance Women and Girls in the Economy (IWWAGE) was created to tackle the issue of women's involvement in economic activities. It aims to overcome barriers to women's work, enhance access to fair employment and economic resources, and harness the empowering impact of Women's Empowerment Collectives.

The project aims to empower women in rural areas by facilitating access to finance, establishing markets and networks, and generating employment opportunities. To strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem for rural women in India, the technical assistance programme STREE was established in December 2019 as part of the National Rural Economic Transformation Project (NRETP). LEAD leads the programme, which focuses on research, and it receives support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

This initiative aims to redefine public spaces by including overlooked aspects and addressing gender violence in the digital realm. It strives to understand the intricate connections between unjust social institutions and cultural norms that perpetuate harmful gender practices. Through engagement with stakeholders, the initiative documents effective strategies, shares knowledge and advocates for programmes that challenge power dynamics and structures, ultimately working towards gender equality.

AIC in Jaipur, established by the IFMR Society under NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission grant, aims to accelerate innovative startups in the inclusive tech sector. By focusing on digital solutions for underserved communities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, it strives to enhance livelihoods. The incubator sets itself apart by providing startups with real-world testing opportunities, deep insights on target segments, and essential infrastructure for rapid testing, iteration, and deployment. Leveraging LEAD's 15 years of research and knowledge expertise, it benefits from a dynamic ecosystem of academics, experts, and practitioners, shaping its strategy and approach.