The project, "Women Wielding the Workplace", is being led by the U.S. Consulate in Kolkata and aims to create support networks with a particular focus on India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This project has already initiated three meetings in Guwahati, Dimapur, and Kolkata and this will be the fourth meeting to be held.
"The United States is a nation built by entrepreneurs" stated by Juan Clar, the American Center in Kolkata Deputy director. He further stated that the U.S. government is unwavering in its commitment to advance gender equality and its economic development around the world which will be evidence of support for the initiative Women Wielding the Workplace. The U.S. contributes to the economic empowerment of women through this project but also generates positive change in their families, communities, and the region as well.
The region provides unique opportunities to budding entrepreneurs due to its distinctive landscapes, diverse cultures, and rich biodiversity, and therefore transformative changes can be led by women-led businesses, says Ananya Bhattacharya the Director of Contact Base.
More than 60 females have participated in the event who belonged to Siliguri, Sikkim, Kalimpong, East Nepal, and Darjeeling along with women from female let startups and self-help groups. They shared the challenges faced during their journey and interacted with business leaders and experts who guided them with business strategy and services. The women-led businesses that presented their ventures for mentoring support in the workshop were guided by experts in interior design, social businesses, and sustainable tourism.
Representatives from the Indian Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) North Bengal, Sikkim Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED), the i4Mentors Foundation and several academic institutions were present at the event.
