The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog)’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has recently held the fifth edition of the Women Transforming India Awards (WTI). The 2021 WTI Awards granted recognition to 75 women who have made significant contributions to the vision of a ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Bharat’ or an empowered and capable India. This event serves as a celebration of women’s achievements and highlights the escalating influence of female entrepreneurs across the country.
The Significance of the WTI Awards
The Women Transforming India Awards is an annual initiative of NITI Aayog that aims to shine a spotlight on the commendable efforts and revolutionary pursuits of Indian women leaders and change-makers. Since 2018, the awards have been presented under the auspices of the WEP, with a particular emphasis on entrepreneurship.
The awards are divided into several categories including Public and Community Service; Manufacturing Sector; Non-manufacturing sector; Financial Products enabling Economic Growth; Climate Action; Promotion of Art, Culture, and Handicrafts; and Digital Innovation.
The process of selecting winners involves receiving nominations through the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, followed by shortlisting by a search-and-select committee.
Understanding WEP Initiative
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform is an initiative spearheaded by NITI Aayog to foster budding and established women entrepreneurs in India, serving as a guide throughout their entrepreneurial journey from inception to growth.
Initially proposed by Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, during the 8th Global Entrepreneurship Summit in 2017, the WEP is designed to address information asymmetry in the business environment. It consolidates industry connections and raises awareness among women entrepreneurs about existing programs and services.
Main Focus Areas of WEP
Through collaborations with different partners, services are offered across six key areas of focus: Community and Networking; Funding and Financial Assistance; Incubation and Acceleration; Compliance and Tax Assistance; Entrepreneur Skilling and Mentorship; and Marketing Assistance.
The platform has successfully marinated a wide impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in India. It has helped over 900 women entrepreneurs through 77 programmes and events hosted by the platform.
The Power of ‘Nari Shakti’
Adding a touch of musical brilliance to the event, the WEP anthem titled ‘Nari Shakti,’ which translates to ‘Women’s Power,’ was presented. This anthem, written, composed, and sung by Kailash Kher, encapsulates the spirit of women empowerment that the WEP, the WTI Awards, and all their initiatives aim to promote.
The Women Transforming India Awards and the Women Entrepreneurship Platform are powerful tools for propelling the growth of women-led enterprises in India. They underscore the critical role of women in India’s ongoing transformation and serve to encourage more women to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
