Womenpreneurs Meet at Mumbai's Y B Chavan: Mahavikas 2026

By: WE Staff | Monday, 16 February 2026

• Mahavikas 2026 was organized at Y B Chavan Centre, Mumbai
• The program aimed at consumer awareness, business ethics, and empowerment of women in direct selling

The members of Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, industry representatives, women who are direct sellers and women who belong to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) of Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal attended Mahavikas 2026 at Y B Chavan Centre in Mumbai.

This conference was being put together by the Indian Direct Selling Association (IDSA) and the Government of Maharashtra's Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection to provide consumer education and ethical business practices as well as to promote female entrepreneurship within direct selling.

The Conference consisted of sessions covering topics such as regulation, avenues for resolving grievances and responsible business practices. An excellent session was held to provide knowledge and guide participants through evaluating direct selling platforms and consumer protection issues entitled “Smart Consumers, Strong Markets.”

Some of the prominent and reputable individuals on the panels included Vandana Mishra (President of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission), Advocate Shri Uday Warunjikar (Member of The Consumer Lawyer Association in Mumbai), etc.

A session named “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship” showcased the story of women direct sellers and MAVIM self-help groups, which are making sustainable livelihoods. The session also honored these women for their contributions through awards.

Anil Diggikar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection, Maharashtra, said the key is to implement rules and regulations properly.

He said, “Consumers need to be aware of their rights, and corporations need to be held responsible for their deeds. This will help create a safer and more transparent marketplace.”

Aprajita Sarcar, Vice-Chairperson of IDSA, said that the key to real growth is not size but trust. “A transparent system is very empowering for women. It gives them confidence, encourages entrepreneurship, and provides a supportive environment for making sustainable incomes,” she said.

Additionally, Attending this conference as keynote speakers by other leading participants were; Soma Maitra (Chief Operations Officer - Modicare), Dr Abraham Lee (Chief Executive Officer - Atomy India), Dr Ratnesh Lal (Chairman - Indian Direct Selling Association) & Vivek Katoch (Treasurer - Indian Direct Selling Association)