A push for women entrepreneurship in India

We are one of the biggest and fastest growing economies, however there is data prove that if female employment rates were equal to male employment rates, that alone will make India richer by 27 percent.

The actual participation of women in both the formal and informal economies has actually shrunk from 36 percent to 24 percent in the last 10 years, points out

Vinay Subramanyam - Head - Marketing - Britannia Industries.

With an aim to fulfil Indian women's aspirations of embarking on an entrepreneurial journey and gaining financial independence, the biscuit manufacturer, in 2019 initiated the "Britannia Marie Gold My Startup" project where 10 homemakers with entrepreneurial ideas are awarded seed capital of Rs 10 lakh each to kick-start their business ventures. It recently held a virtual press conference to announce the winners of the second edition of the competition.

The current edition of the initiative also provides 10,000 homemakers access to customized online skill development program, in partnership with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

The edition saw over 1.5 million applications from across the country within a span of three months, out of which only 50 finalists were chosen.

To ensure that the prize money is put in the right direction, Britannia team remains in constant dialogue and conversations with the winners, taking rigorous follow-ups and monthly checks on progress.