About the Program

• It aims to empower 25 lakh women entrepreneurs with skill, knowledge, resources, and financial grants, etc.
• NSDC, with National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), will offer free online self-learning entrepreneurship courses through Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). 
  • The NIESBUD and SIDH under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) are engaged in providing training and apprenticeship opportunities. 
  • NSDC is a not-for-profit public limited company.

Significance of Women Entrepreneurship

• Economic: 
  • Job creation (women led enterprises could create around 170 million jobs, NITI Aayog),
  • Increase in GDP (50% of women in workforce could increase GDP by 1.5%, World Bank) , 
  • foster innovative business practices. 
• Social: 
  • Empowerment (breaking gender norms and stereotypes);
  • Enhanced education, awareness, and networking opportunities;, etc. 

• Political: Policy advocacy, fostering strong women agency. 

• Cultural:  Participation in traditional crafts and arts can advance India’s cultural heritage

Challenges faced by Women Entrepreneurs in India

• Gender gap in access to finance, male dominated family structure etc.
• Social cultural barriers dual burden of balancing work and traditional gender roles. 
• Others: lack of literacy; safety at workplace, access to advanced technology, etc.