MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN - TRAILBLAZERS

The world today is much fairer than before. We believe we are inclusive and value equality. But the truth of the matter is that there’s still a long way to go

- Jyotsna Sharma

Ajaita Shah, CEO, Frontier Markets & President, Frontier Innovations Foundation

Rigging up a marketplace for rural India

By giving rural customers the opportunities they deserve to create better lives, Ajaita Shah is helping build the future of rural India

Social entrepreneurship is a well-known field today having gained major traction particularly in the last three years. But there are players in the industry who wanted to make a difference even before the concept gained currency. One such individual is Ajita Shah, Founder and CEO, Frontier Markets, and President, Frontier Innovations.

Recalling her journey, Shah says, “When I was in the university doing my graduation, I was exposed to some harsh realities of the world. It was then when I understood that inequality is real, injustice is real. I wanted to make a difference in the world addressing these challenges.”

Shah decided to move back to India in 2006 and started working in microfinance. During the initial period, she was exposed to challenges faced by rural communities, especially women. These ranged from electrification, telecom, clean water, to basic deliveries.

SERVING RURAL CUSTOMERS