More than a woman’s will: a case-based strategic framework for feminist-grit in Indian social entrepreneurship

Purpose This study aims to examine the strategic mechanisms women entrepreneurs use to navigate systemic barriers and drive sustainable, inclusive social impact, integrating the entrepreneurial feminism framework (EFF) and the theory of grit (TOG). Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a qualitative, longitudinal single-case design combining literature review, real-time case analysis of the STREE initiative by Kshamata Innovation Foundation (KIF) in India, and abductive reasoning. Data were drawn from interviews with founders, employees, supporters and beneficiaries, four annual STREE closure reports (2021–2024) and beneficiary case-study documentation, analyses through thematic coding and strategy mapping. Findings Nine literature derived strategies are validated and organised into three domains: Financial literacy, intrinsic motivation and empowerment strategies (S1–S3) included in Motivation and Agency; Multilevel interventions, financial access and networking encompassed under Support System (S4–S6); and human capital transformation, frugal innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem (S7–S9) comprised under Innovation. The resulting GRIT-EQ framework demonstrates how feminist values and psychological grit combine to sustain impact-driven entrepreneurship under adversity. Practical implications The study offers actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, government and NGOs to design gender inclusive programs, simplify funding processes and build resilient and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystems. Originality/value This study offers one of the first longitudinal, practice-based accounts of how a women-led Indian social enterprise builds pathways for beneficiaries to grow in a gender-unequal market, extending EFF and grit research into an operational roadmap aligned with SDGs 1, 5 and 10.