Why in news?
On 17 October 2025, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and global logistics company DP World launched a new programme called “We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises”. The initiative aims to help women‑led small businesses expand into international markets through mentoring and trade facilitation.
Background
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform was set up by NITI Aayog in 2018 as a digital aggregator for women entrepreneurs. It transitioned into a public‑private partnership in 2022 and now works with more than 47 partners to provide access to finance, market linkages, training, mentorship and legal guidance. DP World is a Dubai‑based global logistics firm with expertise in port operations and supply chains.
What does the ‘We Rise’ programme offer?
- Selection and mentorship: The programme will identify high‑potential women‑led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across India and mentor them to build export‑ready businesses.
- Trade facilitation: DP World will use its global logistics network to help selected entrepreneurs meet international trade requirements and access overseas buyers. Participants will get opportunities to showcase their products at the Bharat Mart facility in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone.
- Public–private collaboration: The partnership reflects the government’s push for women‑led development. It leverages WEP’s community of over 90,000 entrepreneurs and DP World’s trade expertise to unlock opportunities and scale women‑led businesses.
- Award to Reward (ATR) framework: ‘We Rise’ operates under WEP’s ATR initiative, which brings together public and private stakeholders to address specific needs of women entrepreneurs and celebrate their success stories.
Significance
The ‘We Rise’ initiative supports the Indian government’s vision of women‑led economic growth. By providing targeted support for export‑oriented women‑led businesses, it aims to create role models, boost employment and contribute to inclusive trade. The success of the programme could encourage more public–private partnerships to empower women entrepreneurs.
Source: Press Information Bureau