The Womaniya initiative by the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a significant step towards promoting women entrepreneurship in India. It aligns with the government's broader efforts to empower women and encourage their participation in economic activities, particularly in public procurement.

Key Objectives

  1. Showcase Women-Driven Products

    • Highlights products made by women entrepreneurs and Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs).
    • Focuses on handcrafted and culturally rich items such as handicrafts, handloom, jute and coir products, bamboo items, organic foods, spices, and home décor.

  2. Facilitate Market Access

    • Provides direct opportunities for women entrepreneurs to sell to government ministries, departments, and institutions.
    • Simplifies the procurement process with specific product categories for ease of selection.

  3. Encourage Women in MSMEs

    • Aligns with the government mandate of reserving 3% of public procurement for women-owned MSMEs.
    • Opens new avenues for women-led businesses in the public sector market.

Features and Benefits

  1. Reserved Procurement

    • Ensures a fair share of government purchases is sourced from women-led enterprises.

  2. Simplified Processes

    • Categorized products make procurement easier and more efficient for buyers.

  3. Economic Empowerment

    • Supports women entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses by accessing large-scale government demand.

  4. Alignment with National Goals

    • Integrates with national initiatives for promoting self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) and inclusive growth.

Impact

The Womaniya scheme not only uplifts women entrepreneurs but also contributes to preserving India's traditional and handmade products. By opening doors to government procurement markets, it bridges the gap between women-led businesses and sustainable economic opportunities.

To learn more about Womaniya, visit the GeM website.