IIA Launches Initiative to Boost Women Entrepreneurs in Uttar Pradesh's MSME Sector

Lucknow, Jul 25 (KNN) In a significant move to bolster women's participation in the business landscape of Uttar Pradesh, the Indian Industries Association (IIA) has launched a comprehensive initiative to nurture and promote women business leaders in the state's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) sector.

The IIA, a prominent trade body representing MSMEs, has been actively working to raise awareness and vocalise the achievements of women business leaders across various industrial sectors.

The association is now in the process of identifying women entrepreneurs who head industrial units to bring them on board.

Anandi Agarwal, chairperson of the IIA Women Entrepreneur Cell, highlighted the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Speaking to Business Standard, she noted, "Women entrepreneurs often struggle to participate in business events due to time constraints arising from managing both their industries and households. This results in their low participation in industry body activities."

To address these challenges, Agarwal outlined the IIA's strategy: "We will identify and highlight women entrepreneurs, providing them with a platform to celebrate their achievements, network, and serve as role models for empowerment."

The IIA plans to expand its efforts by launching women cells in various chapters across the state. Similar verticals are already operational in Lucknow and Meerut, indicating a growing momentum for this initiative.

This move aligns with the Uttar Pradesh government's broader efforts to empower the state's MSME sector, focusing on job creation and accelerating economic activities.

The state government is actively encouraging MSMEs to embrace e-commerce and digital platforms for buying and selling finished goods and raw materials, aiming to enhance their global competitiveness.

The e-commerce sector has shown particular interest in Uttar Pradesh's trading and industrial landscape. Abhishek Jain, product head of Local Shops at Amazon India, emphasised the state's importance to the company.

Amazon has already digitised nearly 180,000 sellers in Uttar Pradesh on its platform and has collaborated with the state government to promote its 'One District One Product' scheme, which aims to boost indigenous industries and support startups.

The state's focus on women's empowerment extends beyond the industrial sector. In agriculture, particularly in the sugarcane industry, nearly 3,200 women self-help groups (SHGs) are actively contributing.

These groups have produced an impressive 480 million cane seedlings for plantation, showcasing the significant impact of women's participation in the state's economic activities.

(KNN Bureau)