Microfinance, often hailed as a solution to economic disparities, has faced criticism for failing to reach the most marginalized communities, especially women at the bottom of the income ladder. Addressing this gap head-on is Vivaan Garg, a 16-year-old student from Delhi’s Vasant Valley School, whose passion for using public policy and economics to tackle societal issues led him to take action.

Inspired by research highlighting the unequal access to credit, Vivaan embarked on a mission to empower low-income women in his community. Conversations with marginalized women running small enterprises revealed the stark reality: access to credit for expansion or meeting immediate needs was nothing short of a distant dream.

With his organization, Ignite India, which he established at the tender age of 14 to help underrepresented NGOs establish an online presence, Vivaan mobilized over 50 volunteers across Delhi NCR. Their mission? To identify and support low-income women in multiple slums.

For Vedansh, one of Ignite India’s volunteers, the experience was eye-opening, shedding light on the pressing issues faced by marginalized communities. Since January 2023, their efforts have borne fruit, with over 850 women identified and more than 300 receiving loans through partnerships with established NGOs.

These women, often categorized as marginalized within the marginalized due to factors like belonging to scheduled castes and facing discrimination, are using the funds to kickstart new ventures or bolster existing businesses.

But Ignite India’s vision doesn’t end there. They’re gearing up to extend their reach even further by developing a curriculum tailored for microloan beneficiaries. Covering topics from insurance claim filing to cash flow management, this initiative aims to equip women with essential skills for financial success.

Embracing accessible technology, Ignite India plans to deliver the curriculum via text messages, ensuring maximum outreach. Their target? Over 3000 women in the near future, with ambitions for further expansion in the coming months.

In a world where inequality still looms large, initiatives like Ignite India serve as beacons of hope, demonstrating the power of grassroots efforts to uplift the most vulnerable in society. With each woman empowered, a ripple of change spreads, ultimately shaping a more inclusive and equitable future for all.