The Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperation (CEDC) under the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) marked the beginning of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 by hosting the inaugural meeting of the newly formed Committee of Women Entrepreneurs (CoWE).
The meeting was held last week in NCUI’s Board Room and attended by 20 women entrepreneurs, all graduates of the Incubation Centre, who have successfully transitioned into entrepreneurial roles.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to outline the objectives and define the roles of women entrepreneurs in incubating innovative ideas and spearheading initiatives like product development, branding, and promotional activities. These efforts aim to empower women artisans in Delhi and other states, addressing challenges and fostering opportunities for sustainable growth.
Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive of NCUI, attended as the Chief Guest. He lauded the establishment of CoWE, emphasizing its potential as a platform for supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India. Dr. Mahajan encouraged members to give their utmost in making CoWE a robust initiative for empowering women through collective and cooperative efforts.
Sumit Singh, Advisor – Strategy & Cooperation at NCUI, shared insights into the journey of the Incubation Centre project since its inception in April 2022. He highlighted its accomplishments, noting that the initiative has mobilized over 5,000 women and trained 1,500 of them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. Singh also emphasized the critical role CoWE will play in addressing challenges faced by SHGs and in facilitating the promotion of their products.
The meeting provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to share their success stories, demonstrating the transformative impact of the Incubation Centre on their personal and professional lives. These narratives underscored the effectiveness of the initiative in fostering self-confidence and economic independence among women.
CEDC established CoWE to serve as a specialized platform where women entrepreneurs from the Incubation Centre can collectively identify and implement solutions to challenges faced by SHGs.
The committee is expected to play a pivotal role in strategizing and executing plans to enhance the visibility and marketability of products created by SHGs. By providing a space for collaboration, CoWE aims to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem and amplify the voices of women entrepreneurs in India.
As the International Year of Cooperatives unfolds, CoWE is set to be a cornerstone in NCUI’s efforts to empower women through cooperative frameworks. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to work collectively toward fostering innovation, promoting sustainable development, and achieving economic empowerment for women across the nation.
This milestone event marked the beginning of a year-long series of activities aimed at reinforcing the role of cooperatives in societal and economic progress, with women entrepreneurs at the forefront of this transformative journey.
