In villages across Karnataka, a bus pulls in and unfolds into a classroom. Trainers greet a circle of women who have stepped out of their homes but not away from their responsibilities. This is the everyday picture of Buzz Women in India—a grassroots movement that brings transformation within reach by taking knowledge, skills and tools to women’s doorsteps. Founded in 2012 in Bengaluru, Buzz Women set out to remove the real barriers to learning: distance, time, confidence and relevance. Its “schools on wheels” travel to communities, while local Beehives—monthly learning circles led by trained Anchor Women—keep the practice alive between sessions.
The India programme is built on the 5 Cs: Cash, Care, Climate, Community and Confidence. Financial literacy and enterprise support help women manage money, start or grow livelihoods and reduce dependence on informal lenders. Climate modules nudge households toward practical actions and eco‑preneurship. Care and community strands strengthen wellbeing and social capital, while confidence ties it together—shifting mental models so women see themselves as decision‑makers at home and in public life.
Meet the team
Buzz Women, on LinkedIn
Uthara Narayanan, Co-founder & Chief Changemaker
Dave Jongeneelen, Co-founder
Dipika Nagpal, Partner, Chief Strategist
Scale and systems back this approach. With 13 buses, 26 trainers and an India team of around 165, Buzz Women runs daily routes across Karnataka, supported by a network of more than 16,000 volunteer community anchors. The model blends short, high‑energy “Shakti” trainings with long‑term handholding via Beehives, creating local ownership and a permanent learning habit. Reported outcomes include higher savings, increased business income for entrepreneurs and greater participation in household decisions, alongside widespread community actions on shared issues and climate goals.
From its Bengaluru base, Buzz Women India has grown a reputation for practical, context‑specific interventions and partnerships that amplify reach. While the movement now spans The Gambia, Georgia, Tanzania and Ukraine, India remains the heart of operations, the laboratory where methods are tested, refined and scaled. The organisation’s vision is clear: women who ignite their inner strength and shape the future of their families and communities, supported by simple, reliable systems that meet them where they are.
