Tamil Nadu: Role of women entrepreneurs highlighted

Chennai: The US Consulate in association with the government of Tamil Nadu conducted a workshop on Friday for women entrepreneurs, all of whom are from underprivileged, non-elite backgrounds and are small business owners. It was aimed at helping them learn how to develop business plans, sustain enterprises, pitch their own business plans and develop networks.

“This workshop will be followed by many ahead of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad, on November 28 to 30. The theme of the summit will be ‘Women First, Prosperity for All’, highlighting the critical role women play in fostering global growth and prosperity. Also, next week marks 70 years of Indo-US relationship,” said US Consul General Robert Burgess at his first official event after bein g appointed as the general. Uma Reddy and R. Rajalakshmi from MERGE and Soundarya Rajesh from Avtar Human Capital Trust conducted the workshop.

 Uma said it is important for these women lacking exposure must move to the next level and provide job opportunities to others. As the government finances the business, women must focus on branding and quality, so that they get their value in terms of money.

Praveen P. Nair, MD, Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited (TNCDW), who was also present at the event, said, “TNCDW began on two assumptions – power of social capital, using women as prime movers of change in economic and social spheres. This year, the government completes 25 years since the self-help group movement for women started and we look forward to creating more opportunities for women.”

There were around women from 12 different districts engaged in sanitary napkin making, handicrafts, plastic recycling, handmade paper products and food processing, especially millet processing and pickle making.