The women workforce in Uttar Pradesh has doubled in the past two years, with participation increasing from 16 per cent to 32 per cent between 2022 and 2024. This growth is attributed to improved safety conditions and opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Initiatives like the Udaiti Foundation, private companies, and gender-focused data are enhancing economic opportunities. The UP government's commitment to women's inclusive growth can unlock significant economic value.
Guest of honor Awanish Awasthi, Advisor of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs requires connecting them to markets, ensuring safety, providing training, and utilizing digital platforms, with safety policies playing a crucial role. He mentioned, "Organisations like the Udaiti Foundation are aiding rural women to start and lead businesses while regional solutions like private companies hiring young women for technical roles are crucial."
Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary mentions, "Despite high training rates, few ITI and polytechnic graduates lead enterprises. This requires bank collaboration, gender-specific data, and support through soft skills training." Aparajita Bharti and Alkesh Wadhwani from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have emphasized the importance of gender-focused data, community groups, and online platforms in promoting women's entrepreneurship, arguing that these factors can improve economic opportunities and boost profits.
