NITI Aayog and Facebook-owned WhatsApp, under the aegis of its Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), have announced a partnership to support the growth of a robust ecosystem to promote women entrepreneurs in India.
WhatsApp, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, will announce an annual calendar of events aimed at capacity building of women entrepreneurs and develop specific programmes aimed at addressing challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. The initiative would target the registered users of WEP.
WhatsApp will also partner with the Women Transforming India (WTI) Awards 2019, flagship initiative of NITI Aayog. WhatsApp has decided to provide support amounting to $100,000 to WTI winners.
WhatsApp’s evolution from everyday messenger to a business enabler is helping bring digital empowerment to Indian entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the growing digital economy in India, and partnerships between private companies and public sector help accelerate digital inclusion and give much needed access to funding so more women can achieve their business potential.
“It’s our honor to partner with NITI Aayog to help support the future women business leaders of India," said Will Cathcart, global head of WhatsApp, at an event in Delhi. “Small businesses are the backbone of a strong economy and I am proud of the role WhatsApp can play in helping build the next generation of India’s women entrepreneurs."
“India has one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems, and the next big disruption will be driven by women-led enterprises, with digital medium being the biggest enabler. This partnership with WhatsApp underlines our mutual commitment to support the aspirations of women entrepreneurs in India," said Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog.
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