Bank of Baroda's Shakti Samriddhi Program to Empower 100+ Women Entrepreneurs

By: WE Staff | Friday, 14 February 2025

• BOBCARD’s 'Shakti Samriddhi' program empowers 100+ women with skills, financial literacy, and mentorship.
• The initiative offers entrepreneurial kits and training to help women grow their businesses

Bank of Baroda’s BOBCARD launched the ‘Reimagining Lives: Shakti Samriddhi’ program in Mumbai. The program’s first phase aims to empower over 100 women entrepreneurs by offering skill development, financial literacy training, and mentorship throughout the year.

According to the State of India’s Livelihood Report, women remain underrepresented, accounting for only 35% of the startup workforce, even though India ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. The program is tailored to equip existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

BOBCARD, in collaboration with United Way Mumbai (UWM), the initiative is to distribute entrepreneurial kits—including sewing machines, baking equipment, and other essential tools—equipping the beneficiaries to build and expand their businesses. Maharashtra’s minister of women and child development, Aditi Tatkare, graced the occasion as the chief guest. To create a comprehensive support system that addresses the unique needs of women in the entrepreneurial space, BOBCARD is working together with UWM as a partner.

Aditi Tatkare stated, “I recognize the crucial role that entrepreneurship plays in fostering economic empowerment and social progress. These modules cover a wide range of topics essential for building a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, including financial literacy, budgeting, market linkages, banking, distinguishing between good and bad loans, and cultivating the habit of saving.

MD and CEO of  BOBCARD Limited Ravindra Rai said, “Our latest women-centric offerings, coupled with Shakti Samriddhi, reinforce this mission by uplifting women at the grassroots. When women thrive, families, communities, and societies prosper. This is the essence of inclusive growth, and together, we aim to build a more equitable society where female entrepreneurship and leadership drive meaningful progress.”