Aizawl: In a significant step toward fostering women-led development, NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Government of Mizoram and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), organized the Third State Workshop on Enabling Women-led Development through Entrepreneurship at Mizoram University. The event focused on empowering women entrepreneurs across the Northeast by providing them with access to resources, mentorship, and business opportunities. Representatives from all eight northeastern states participated in the initiative.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, who attended as the Chief Guest, highlighted the resilience and potential of women entrepreneurs in the state while acknowledging the challenges they face in accessing capital and markets. He stated that initiatives like the Mizoram Bana Kaih Handholding Scheme are shifting the focus from welfare to empowerment, encouraging women to actively contribute to the state’s economic growth. He urged participants to register on the WEP platform to avail themselves of various benefits.
Lalnghinglova Hmar, Minister of Labour, Employment Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (LESDE), emphasized the launch of the WEP Mizoram State Chapter, calling it a transformative step in unlocking new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and fostering economic self-reliance.
Speaking on India’s long-term vision, NITI Aayog Member Dr. Vinod K Paul stressed that women entrepreneurs will play a key role in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized the importance of localized efforts in the Northeast and highlighted how state government initiatives, combined with WEP’s support, will create a sustainable ecosystem for women entrepreneurs to thrive.
Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena underscored the government’s initiatives in promoting women’s entrepreneurship, focusing on financial access, skill development, digital literacy, and mentorship.
Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor, NITI Aayog, and Mission Director of WEP, described the platform as a catalyst for change, bringing together government, the private sector, and civil society to create a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. She highlighted WEP’s role in addressing crucial needs such as funding, market access, and business mentorship.
For the first time in the Northeast, a Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) State Chapter was launched in Mizoram to provide structured support to women entrepreneurs in the region.
The Award to Reward (ATR) initiative was introduced to support women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. The program has already benefitted 750+ women across India, with ten selected participants from the Northeast set to receive training, mentorship, and financial assistance. Two outstanding performers will receive special awards.
Outstanding women homestay entrepreneurs from Northeast India were felicitated for their contributions to tourism. The winners included Monika Devi (Eco Heritage Villa), Lopamudra Bharali (Jazzabor with Private Kitchen), and Barsha Sharma (Nolina Boutique Homestay).
A beta version of the WEP App was introduced to provide women entrepreneurs with digital access to mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities, further strengthening the support ecosystem.
The event also featured panel discussions and workshops on government policies, financial access, and fostering young women entrepreneurs. More than 500 participants, including women entrepreneurs, students, government officials, and industry leaders, attended the workshop. A Tech Experience Center curated by SELCO Foundation showcased innovative, sustainable technology solutions developed by women entrepreneurs in the Northeast.
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