Department of Rural Development, Government of Goa in association with launched the Goa State Chapter of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) at Lok Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. The aim of the initiative is to build women-led entrepreneurship and innovation and promote economic participation in the State.
The Goa WEP Chapter presents a structured one-year action plan which highlights the key areas of entrepreneurship development, mentorship, networking and pitching startups with investors, marketing, skill development, and access to market for women entrepreneurs. The platform also introduced several initiatives such as the One District One Product (ODOP) programme for promoting women entrepreneurs, the ATR Handicrafts Programme to empower women-led artisanal businesses, the partnership for capacity building and skill development, and the BRICS Women Startup Contest 2026 to promote new startups by women entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “Our vision is to create a strong ecosystem where every woman in Goa becomes self-reliant, confident, and economically empowered.” He urged women to move beyond hesitation and embrace entrepreneurship with confidence, highlighting the importance of training, mentorship, packaging support, and market linkages for building sustainable enterprises.
Key Highlights:
- Goa launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) State Chapter to boost women-led businesses and innovation
- The initiative includes ODOP, ATR Handicrafts Programme, skill development, and the BRICS Women Startup Contest 2026
- Pramod Sawant said the initiative will strengthen women’s self-reliance and economic empowerment in Goa
Dr. Sawant also pointed out that such programs as ODOP can contribute to the promotion of traditional products and supporting rural livelihoods and that the concept of “One Taluka One Product” can play a vital role in building an identity for the region and empowering local entrepreneurs. The Government of Goa is still continuing to support almost 1.5 lakh women through welfare schemes, financial assistance programmes and empowerment initiatives to improve their livelihoods and self-reliance.
The initiative is in line with the vision of women led development which was laid down by the Prime Minister Women empowerment and Nari Shakti have become the core of India's journey of growth under the leadership of Hon'ble Narendra Modi Ji. The event of the launch of the WEP Goa State Chapter is a major contribution towards creating an ecosystem of women entrepreneurs who are inclusive, innovative and independent in the spirit of Viksit Bharat.
Anna Roy, Mission Director of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and Programme Director at NITI Aayog, attended the launch ceremony along with Shri Arjun Mohan, Secretary, Rural Development, Shri Premraj Shirodkar, Director, Rural Development, Shri Vijay Saxena, Director, DPSE and Smt. Project Director, DRDA South Goa. Along with women entrepreneurs, self help groups, startup founders, industry representatives and ecosystem partners Dipali Naik.
Current Issue
Most Viewed
- 1 Talented Indian Female Actors Who Also Moonlight as Successful Producers
- 2 7 Indian Female Podcasters You Must Know About
- 3 7 Powerful Independent Indian Women Journalists Who are Voices of Change
- 4 Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh: The Creative Mind Behind Netflix India's Popular Shows
- 5 7 Most Influential Women Educators India has had over the Years
- 6 11 Breakthrough Female Faces Ruling the Indian OTT Platforms
- 7 8 Timeless Female Indian Classical Dancers & their Legacy
- 8 Women's Health Startup HerMD Closing Doors Amid Industry Challenges
- 9 Real Meets Reel: A List of 11 Indian Movies based on Real Women
- 10 Rasha Hassan: A Visionary Leader On A Mission To Transform Dubai's Real Estate Landscape
- 11 5 Indian Women-led IPOs You Must Know About
- 12 11 of the Most Iconic 21st Century Women to become "The First Indian Woman"
- 13 India's 7 Funniest Women Stand-Up Comics You Must Follow
- 14 Aparna Purohit : Leading India's Most Popular OTT Platforms
- 15 How Leaders Can Balance Risk & Innovation in Today's Banking Landscape
- 16 Dr. K. Shilpi Reddy: Sculpting Healthier Futures For The Next Generation With Reforms In Obstetrics Care
- 17 Sylvia Dcosta: A Visionary Business Leader Pushing The Limits And Setting High Professional Standards
- 18 Top 5 All-Rounder Women Cricketers of India
- 19 How Tata AIA is Empowering Women with Insurance That Understands Their Needs
.jpg "Women's Reservation Bill Rejection, Debate & Reactions")