Niti Aayog launches a entrepreneurship platform for women

On the occasion of International Women's Day, Niti Aayog has launched a platform for women to build their enterprises. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) aims to build an ecosystem where women do not face any gender-related issues.

Anna Roy, head of WEP, told ET, "The platform aspires to substantially increase the number of women entrepreneurs who will create and empower a dynamic new India. WEP will provide opportunities to women to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses."

Roy states that WEP has teamed up with various companies including Nasscom, SIDBI, FICCI, CII, apart from companies like Facebook that will provide credits, ShopClues will mentor 12 budding women entrepreneurs for a year. Moreover, the platform has also partnered with DICE which will provide a fund of Rs 10 crore through its accelerator, Digital Leadership Institute that will provide free training to 1000 women, Mann Deshi foundation that will allow women entrepreneurs to call on a helpline number for advice in digital literacy.

Roy further said, "Our goal is to create a national database through a centralized portal for registration of women entrepreneurs and provide evidence-based policy recommendations to develop a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem."

The platform was launched by the CEO of Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant in presence of UN Resident Coordinator in IndiaYuri Afanasiev, Kailash Kher, industry leaders and supporting partners.