The SHEconomy—a powerful blend of “she” and “economy”—reflects the rising economic influence of women as consumers, entrepreneurs, earners, and leaders. While this shift reshapes industries and workplaces, it also plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable living and accelerating the green economy across the UK.
Women are no longer just participants in the economy; they are shaping its future—especially when it comes to eco-conscious choices, green entrepreneurship, and sustainability innovation.
What’s Driving the SHEconomy?
Several key social, economic, and cultural changes have set the stage for women’s growing economic power and green influence:
- Social: More women live independently with greater financial control.
- Economic: Women are entering higher-paying roles and launching businesses at unprecedented rates.
- Demographic: Longer lifespans and baby boomer widows mean women manage more wealth than ever before.
- Cultural: Women lead in ethical investing and sustainable consumption, steering markets toward greener options. (Sources: ResearchGate )
Women Shaping the UK Workforce and Economy
- In 2023, 72.1% of women aged 16–64 were employed in the UK, many drawn to careers connected to sustainability and innovation. (Source: ONS Labour Market Overview)
- Women-owned businesses skyrocketed from around 56,000 in 2018 to over 151,600 in 2022, contributing roughly ÂŁ85 billion to the SME sector.
(Source: InvestingStrategy.co.uk) - Self-employment among women is particularly strong in London and Southeast England, with a female-to-male ratio of 39%. (Source: InvestingStrategy.co.uk)
- Looking ahead, European women are expected to control about $11.4 trillion in assets by 2030—fueling investment in sustainable ventures. Confidence among millennial women in managing finances has jumped by 32 percentage points since 2018.
(Source: McKinsey & Company)
Government Support & The Funding Gap
- The UK government’s £450 million fund, launched in 2025, focuses on empowering female entrepreneurs—including those pioneering sustainable businesses.
(Source: UK Government) - Despite this, only about 2p per ÂŁ1 of venture capital reaches all-female teams, highlighting a persistent funding gap amid strong revenue growth.
(Source: British Business Bank)
Women Leading High-Impact, Sustainable Sectors
- Women thrive in e-commerce, fintech, health tech, wellness, and mission-driven brands, many with strong sustainability commitments.
(Source: ResearchGate) - London’s vibrant ecosystem—with accelerators and fintech hubs—fosters women-led innovation, particularly in green and socially responsible sectors.
(Source: London Growth Hub)
The Market Power of Women Consumers
- Women influence over 75% of consumer spending in the UK, with single women spending notably more on eco-friendly fashion, organic food, luxury green products, and electric vehicles.
(Source: Morgan Stanley) - In London alone, an estimated 1.4 million single women—about 25–30% of adult women—drive powerful consumption trends toward sustainability.
(Source:Â London Assembly)
Women’s Growing Leadership in Sustainability
- In 2024, 19 women held CEO roles in FTSE 350 companies, down from 20 in 2023. For the FTSE 100 subset, this represents approximately 9% of CEO roles being held by women (about 9 out of 100 companies)—a number that edged lower from the previous year.
(Source: UK Government) - As of October 31, 2024, women occupied 35.3% of executive leadership roles, defined as Executive Committee members plus their direct reports, in FTSE 350 companies. That translates to around 6 in every 17 leadership positions.
(Source: UK Government)
Trending Sustainable Movements Led by Women
- Circular and Ethical Fashion: The UK government’s Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) reports a significant rise in circular fashion initiatives, driven strongly by female consumers and entrepreneurs who support zero-waste and sustainable clothing. WRAP’s 2023 UK Sustainable Fashion Market report highlights that women represent over 65% of conscious fashion buyers.
(Source: WRAP UK Sustainable Fashion Report 2023) - Eco-Wellness and Mindful Living: The Mintel UK Wellness Market Report 2024 shows that UK women lead demand for natural skincare and wellness experiences, accounting for 70% of purchases in sustainable personal care products and eco-friendly spa visits. This trend is especially pronounced in London’s spa and wellness sector.
(Source: Mintel UK Wellness Market Report 2024) - Clean Energy, Green Fintech, and Sustainable Mobility: Research from London Economics and Innovate UK confirms that female entrepreneurs form a growing share of founders in London’s clean tech and green fintech sectors, contributing to innovations in sustainable mobility and renewable energy solutions. Female-led green startups have increased by 35% in London since 2020.
(Source: London Economics Report on Green Tech 2023) - Sustainable Home Choices: The Energy Saving Trust data reveals that UK households led by women are more likely to invest in energy-efficient appliances and adopt zero-waste practices. London councils have reported a 28% year-on-year rise in women-led green home improvement projects.
(Source: Energy Saving Trust Annual Report 2024)
Conclusion: The SHEconomy as a Catalyst for a Greener Future
The SHEconomy is more than just a marker of economic progress—it’s a transformative force reshaping the UK’s path toward a more inclusive and sustainable future. As women step into greater roles as consumers, innovators, and leaders, they’re driving the growth of the green economy and laying the foundations for a better, more resilient world.
From pioneering green apps and leading sustainable fashion brands to curating mindful, low-impact lifestyles and green alternatives, women are at the forefront of change. Their growing investment and influence across sectors—from green homes to conscious leisure—signal that this is just the beginning.
At The Green Living Blog, we’re committed to spotlighting these trailblazers and keeping you connected to the latest in sustainable living, ethical innovation, and environmental design. Stay tuned—there’s so much more ahead.
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