Women in Digital Business: Bridging the digital divide for women entrepreneurs

From an early age, Sheelu Sewani harbored dreams of entrepreneurship. Growing up, she helped her father manage a humble candy shop in Baljeet Nagar, Delhi, gaining insights into the workings of a platforms, significantly enhancing my business,” says the 27-year-old

Microsoft’s digital productivity training program, imparted by Project REVIVE, has been instrumental in Rekha’s journey. It has enabled her to connect with more customers in her neighborhood through an attractive online product catalog. Moreover, she manages her finances digitally, utilizing online banking services, and has secured her future by enrolling in government schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) for access to India’s digital healthcare ecosystem, and e-SHRAM, a national database for unorganized workers.

Microsoft’s partnership with Antaran, weaving dreams across India’s rural landscape

Antaran’s core mission is to revitalize the handloom sector, providing a sustainable livelihood and stemming the decline among weavers, especially the younger generation. The initiative aims to establish 300 micro-enterprises, led by entrepreneurs involved in every aspect of the value chain, covering pre-, on-, and post-loom activities.

The approach unfolds in three phases: initially, artisans receive technical training to enhance their craft management skills; in the second phase, they learn design principles, color theory, composition, and product range expansion through training and an online knowledge center; the third phase focuses on leveraging digital tools for outreach and income, empowering artisans to establish a social media presence and use messaging apps for global orders. Antaran integrates a textile design and research component targeting pre- and post-loom ecosystems, co-design collaborations, and digital market access in handloom clusters across various regions. Artisans showcase their products at curated exhibitions in major cities as well as Microsoft and partner offices in India.

Developing a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs and artisans

Microsoft’s intervention in the WIDB initiative, included funding, curriculum development for digital and financial literacy, provision of digital design and sampling resources, and creation of digital assets and knowledge centers in local languages for scalability. Partnership with Microsoft facilitated easy availability of tools like Microsoft 365 and Outlook Lite to the women artisans and entrepreneurs, while leveraging platforms like ONDC to expand market opportunities for small businesses. Additionally, Microsoft facilitated access to knowledge and experts through partnerships with organizations such as ILO, equipping women entrepreneurs with insights into market trends and regulatory requirements, empowering them to navigate complex landscapes effectively.

This comprehensive support system ensures participants are equipped to thrive and grow, transforming the entrepreneurial landscape for women across India. Success stories like those of Sheelu, Jyotshna, and Rekha underscore the tangible impact of empowering aspiring entrepreneurs with the right tools, skills, and opportunities. Despite challenges, these women have seized the chance to achieve self-reliance, opening doors to a world of possibilities and charting a course to independence.

Top image:Jyotshna Kalita working on her loom. Photo by Inderjeet Singh for Microsoft.