DP World and NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform honored 10 women entrepreneurs at the conclusion of their 'We Rise' initiative. The program supported women-led businesses with export readiness and market access.
The initiative underscores efforts to boost women's participation in India's economy and global trade by providing crucial support for entrepreneurship and export readiness.
DP World and NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) have honored 10 women entrepreneurs at the conclusion of their nationwide 'We Rise' initiative. The program, launched in October 2025, was designed to support women-led businesses by enhancing their export readiness and market access.
The 'We Rise' initiative provided participants with essential skills, knowledge, and networks necessary for scaling their businesses. Through structured mentorship, expert-led workshops, and digital learning modules, entrepreneurs gained practical insights into crucial areas such as branding, packaging, logistics, compliance, and positioning for international markets.
The 10 recognized entrepreneurs have built innovative businesses across diverse sectors, including food, handicrafts, textiles, beauty, and wellness. They were selected from a pool of over 600 applications from women-led enterprises across India, highlighting the growing ambition of these businesses to contribute to India's trade and economic growth.
Former India cricket captain Mithali Raj spoke at the event, drawing parallels between athletic preparation and entrepreneurial resilience. Anna Roy of NITI Aayog emphasized the importance of women's participation in entrepreneurship and trade for building an inclusive economy, while Hemant Kumar Ruia of DP World highlighted the role of women entrepreneurs in shaping India's economic future.
A panel discussion featuring these leaders explored how women-led MSMEs can drive India's export ambitions, stressing the role of ecosystem enablers in global scaling. DP World has committed to continued support for the finalists through access to learning resources, industry networks, and opportunities to foster long-term growth and global competitiveness.