The Week That Was: Skills, Inclusion & Collective Momentum

By: WE Staff | Sunday, 18 January 2026

The past week highlighted how a combination of grassroots skilling, community engagement, policy-backed entrepreneurship, and increased visibility on public and global platforms is driving women-led progress in India. From large-scale skill development initiatives and women-centric procurement systems to state-driven entrepreneurship missions and inclusive sporting events, these developments reflect a maturing ecosystem of opportunity. Political leadership and global representation further underscored women’s role in shaping inclusive growth narratives, while women’s sports continued to gain momentum through competitive excellence. Together, these stories highlight how institutional intent, community participation, and individual leadership are converging to create sustainable impact across sectors. Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine brings together the key developments from the week that reflect progress, participation, and purpose.

FLO Hyderabad Graduates Nearly 1000 Women Under 'Skill Her' Program

FICCI FLO Hyderabad marked a major milestone with the graduation of nearly 1,000 women and girls under its flagship Skill Her programme at the FLO Skill Centre in Bhongir. Designed to enable income generation at the grassroots, the initiative trained women across tailoring, maggam embroidery, beautician services, and mehendi design. Additionally, FLO’s Wedding Initiative provided 255 women with seasonal livelihood opportunities through wedding-related skills. Led by FLO Hyderabad Chairperson Prathibha Kunda, the programme reflects a strong focus on sustainable empowerment through skills. The graduation ceremony, attended by senior district officials, celebrated the collective potential of women to uplift families and communities.

Powai Run 2026 with 11,000+ Runners Highlights Women's Empowerment

The 14th edition of Powai Run, organised by Brookfield Properties and the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers, drew over 11,000 participants and reinforced its commitment to community impact and women's empowerment. A key highlight was the launch of 20 pink auto-rickshaws aimed at enabling financial independence for women drivers while enhancing passenger safety. Proceeds from the event supported healthcare, education, and wellness causes. Alongside competitive runs, special categories like the CEO Run and IIT-B Run broadened participation. The event also celebrated inspiring moments, including achievements by women athletes and differently-abled runners, underscoring inclusion through sport.

52,000 Women Receive Startup Capital under Assam Mission

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma distributed seed capital to over 52,000 women under the Chief Minister’s Women Entrepreneurship Mission, reinforcing the state’s push toward women-led economic self-reliance. Each beneficiary received ₹10,000, part of a larger initiative that has reached 19.4 lakh women across Assam. The mission aims to create 32 lakh Lakhpati Baideus by enabling women to pool resources through Self-Help Groups and scale enterprises with phased financial support. Additional welfare announcements complemented the initiative, highlighting Assam’s focused approach to women-centric development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth driven by sustained government backing.

Inclusive Growth in Focus as Kalpana Soren Heads to WEF

Kalpana Murmu Soren, MLA from Gandey, is set to represent Jharkhand at global platforms, including WEF Davos 2026 and engagements in the UK, spotlighting women-led and inclusive development models. Jharkhand’s debut at WEF will showcase its extensive women-driven livelihood ecosystem, connecting 35 lakh women through self-help groups and supported by substantial credit flow. Schemes like PALASH, JOHAR, and Maiyaan Samman Yojana underline the state’s emphasis on financial security and empowerment. As Chairperson of the Women & Child Development Committee, Kalpana’s global outreach reinforces Jharkhand’s vision of inclusive, women-centric growth on the world stage.

GeM Initiative Womaniya Drives Women's Role in Procurement

GeM’s Womaniya initiative completed seven years, marking a significant milestone in integrating women entrepreneurs into India’s public procurement system. Since 2019, over two lakh women-led MSEs have secured government orders worth more than ₹80,000 crore through the platform. By offering transparent, digital access to buyers, Womaniya has reduced structural barriers such as limited visibility and market access. Women-led enterprises now contribute nearly 4.7% of GeM’s total order value, exceeding mandated targets. The anniversary event highlighted the need for sustained policy support, capacity building, and institutional partnerships to embed gender equity within economic systems.

TATA WPL 2026: RCB stay Unbeaten, thrash GG by 32 runs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru extended their unbeaten run in TATA WPL 2026 with a dominant 32-run win over Gujarat Giants. After an early batting collapse, RCB staged a remarkable recovery through a historic 105-run partnership between Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav, with Radha scoring her maiden WPL fifty. Late fireworks from Nadine de Klerk lifted RCB to 182 for 7. Gujarat’s chase faltered under sustained pressure, led by Shreyanka Patil’s five-wicket haul and strong support from Lauren Bell. The emphatic win kept RCB firmly at the top of the table.