India holds an estimated 24,000 tonnes of gold valued at $2T, with 60% concentrated in rural areas. This vast reserve remains largely untapped, with only 5,300 tonnes being used as formal collateral. Women, who are traditional custodians of household gold in India, face particular barriers in accessing formal financial services - while 86% own bank accounts, less than 10% have access to formal credit due to limited credit histories and complicated collateral restriction

Upaya Social Ventures was founded in 2011 on the premise that creating sustainable, dignified jobs for those in the poorest communities can lift millions out of extreme poverty while supporting the transition to a green economy. To help create these jobs, Upaya invests in early-stage entrepreneurs dedicated to employing at least 50% of their workforce from local communities living in extreme poverty, where fair-wage jobs with predictable income are needed most.

Increasing women’s use of quality public transport in Karachi.

Integrating women’s needs in the city of Pune’s metro rail based rapid transit system.