A Million Women Arise: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Across India

In a significant step towards fostering women's entrepreneurship in India, NITI Aayog and the India SME Forum have launched the 'A Million Women Arise' initiative, aiming to empower one crore (10 million) women entrepreneurs by 2030. This initiative seeks to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship by addressing key challenges such as gender bias, limited market access, lack of financial inclusion, and inadequate mentorship opportunities. 

During the 6th Annual Conference titled 'MSMEs in Viksit Bharat: Fueling The Growth Engine', government officials and industry leaders reiterated their support for this initiative. Ms. Ankita Pandey, Director at the Ministry of MSME, stated: “Women-owned enterprises constitute 35% of India’s six crore registered MSMEs, yet they continue to face significant barriers. Through this initiative, we are focusing on formalization, mentorship, capacity-building, and e-commerce integration to unlock their full potential.” She emphasized the ministry’s commitment to bridging these gaps through formalization, mentorship, capacity-building, and e-commerce integration. Ms. Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor at NITI Aayog and Mission Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), highlighted the importance of a public-private partnership model in creating a sustainable support system. “The WEP is bringing together government ministries, financial institutions, and industry stakeholders to provide women entrepreneurs with the resources and support they need to thrive,” she said.

Shri Ishtiyak Ahmed, Executive Director, India SME Forum, stressed the need for market access and financial inclusion: “For women entrepreneurs, the biggest challenges are access to finance and markets. With this initiative, we aim to create an ecosystem where women-owned businesses can scale without limitations.”

The 'A Million Women Arise' initiative is set to transform the landscape of women entrepreneurship in India by breaking down systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive business ecosystem. With strong government backing, industry partnerships, and a clear roadmap for implementation, the initiative has the potential to drive economic empowerment, job creation, and long-term business sustainability for women entrepreneurs across the country. By 2030, this ambitious program is expected to create a thriving ecosystem for women-led enterprises, contributing significantly to India's economic growth and self-reliance goals. As more women step into the entrepreneurial space, India's journey towards a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) will be further accelerated. 

Mr. Vinod Kumar, President of the India SME Forum, added: "Women entrepreneurs have the potential to add over $500 billion to India's GDP. The 'A Million Women Arise' initiative is a structured effort to provide them with the right ecosystem to thrive." 

The program is structured around four major pillars designed to create an enabling environment for women-led enterprises: Business Formalization & Registration, Skill Development & Training, Mentorship & Networking, and Access to Finance & Market Opportunities. Under Business Formalization & Registration, women entrepreneurs will receive support in registering their businesses under Udyam and obtaining GST registration, allowing them to access government incentives and financial benefits. Formalization will also enable women-owned businesses to secure loans, credit, and investment opportunities more effectively. Skill Development & Training will be a key focus, with sector-specific workshops, business strategy sessions, and hands-on training aimed at enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities and equipping women with essential skills in finance, marketing, and technology. Additionally, the initiative will emphasize digital literacy, helping women entrepreneurs leverage e-commerce platforms for business growth.

To ensure long-term success, the initiative will establish a structured mentorship program, connecting women entrepreneurs with industry experts, investors, and successful business leaders. Networking opportunities will be facilitated through business forums, expos, and peer-to-peer learning platforms. Moreover, special financial schemes and funding support will be provided through government-backed loans and partnerships with financial institutions, ensuring better access to capital. The program will also work to integrate women-owned enterprises into national and global supply chains, expanding their market reach.