MSME sector empowerswWomen: Over one lakh female entrepreneurs registered on GeM

PUNE : The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is emerging as a powerful tool for women’s empowerment, with over one lakh women entrepreneurs registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Additionally, the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) has recorded the registration of 52,000 Dalit entrepreneurs. Highlighting this progress, Ajit Chavan, Additional CEO of GeM, urged women entrepreneurs to contribute significantly to the nation’s growth.

Speaking at an event organized by DICCI on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Chavan emphasized the growing presence of women in India’s unicorn startups. He attributed this to the social transformation brought about by the Indian Constitution, which has enabled women to take on leadership roles across various sectors. He also underscored GeM’s role in democratizing business opportunities, particularly for women entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The event saw the presence of DICCI National President Ravi Kumar Nara, Founding President Dr. Milind Kamble, National Coordinator Maitrayee Kamble, and entrepreneurs like Geeta Pednekar, Avinash Jagtap, Lalit Bansod, and Santosh Kamble. Several successful women entrepreneurs, including Karuna Shivsharan, Sheetal Kamble, Sheetal Alhat, Mangal Malange, and Sujata Pagare, were honored for their contributions to the industry.

Chavan announced future initiatives under the “Swayatt” (Startups, Women & Youth Advantage through e-Transactions) and “Womaniya” programs, which aim to create more women entrepreneurs. Dr. Milind Kamble added that DICCI, in collaboration with the central and state governments, will work towards integrating Dalit women into the mainstream business ecosystem and nurturing successful entrepreneurs nationwide.