Sayanika Deka, CEO of IndiMeat, knows the power of protein. Driven by a personal need to find quality protein products for her father battling dementia, Sayanika co-founded IndiMeat in 2022. Their innovative solution? Ready-to-eat meat protein bars, made with a focus on sustainability and easy digestion.

Sayanika is one of many women entrepreneurs being empowered by the UNDP-Villgro ‘Empower Her Journey’ Programme. This four-week virtual program equips women entrepreneurs across India with the skills they need to thrive.

Why Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Matters

Women entrepreneurs are economic powerhouses. Studies show they have the potential to create millions of jobs and significantly boost India's GDP. Yet, social barriers and limited access to education, capital, and networks hold them back. The 'Empower Her Journey' program bridges this gap by providing crucial training in business and digital transformation.

Since its launch in October 2023, the program has supported hundreds of women across various sectors, from climate and agriculture to healthcare and handicrafts. The program offers a unique blend of training modules, fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs and technical sessions with industry leaders. This holistic approach equips women with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed in today's digital world.

From Vision to Reality: Sayanika's IndiMeat Journey

Sayanika's background in agricultural research and her experience working with entrepreneurs perfectly positioned her for IndiMeat's success. However, it was the 'Empower Her Journey' program that truly propelled her vision forward. The program provided her with the tools and network to navigate the challenges of scaling a business. IndiMeat's impact extends far beyond nutrition.

Through partnerships with government slaughterhouses, Sayanika has empowered 40 farmers, half of them women, from the Karbi tribe in Assam. These partnerships have resulted in a 30% increase in their average income. Additionally, IndiMeat provides training on sustainable farming practices, fostering a holistic approach to community development and women's economic empowerment.

For Sayanika, the program wasn't just about learning; it was about taking action. She diligently implemented the skills she learned, from developing a robust business model to mastering digital marketing techniques. Now, with IndiMeat poised for further growth, Sayanika is eager to connect with potential supporters and collaborators.

Beyond Business: Empowering Diverse Changemakers

The program empowers women in a variety of sectors. Geetika Mehta, another graduate, tackles a different challenge: creating dignified livelihood opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through her venture, Atypical Advantage (AA). Having relocated to India to work with marginalized communities, Geetika co-founded AA, India's leading livelihood platform for PwDs. Their approach is simple yet powerful: focus on the strengths and abilities of individuals, not their disabilities.

Driven by a desire for structured learning, Geetika joined the program to hone her entrepreneurial skills. "The program helped me connect my personal and academic experiences, validating everything I was already doing," she says. Through AA, she has pioneered inclusive practices, organizing workshops and events that raise awareness and acceptance of PwDs in workplaces. AA has successfully generated livelihoods for over 3,000 PwDs, and their Atypical Academy equips them with essential skills for a more inclusive workforce.

Building Together: The Power of Networks

Debika Mukherjee, based in Bhubaneshwar, witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by farmers and women's self-help groups (SHGs) in India's rural sector. In 2019, she founded Divavi Enterprises - Gaaon ka Bazar to bridge the gap. This e-commerce platform connects farmers, SHGs, artisans, and weavers directly with consumers and institutions, offering a fair and transparent marketplace.

Collaborating with over 250 farmers, SHGs, and artisans, Debika recognized the need to expand her business knowledge. The 'Empower Her Journey' program provided the missing piece, equipping her with essential business, digital, and impact tools. Debika's community-focused approach, along with her dedication to understanding the unique needs of farmers, sets Divavi apart. The program's peer network also proved invaluable, reinforcing Debika's belief in the power of women supporting women in entrepreneurship.

For Sayanika, Geetika, Debika, and many other women entrepreneurs, the 'Empower Her Journey' program is more than just a training program; it's a catalyst for change. It's about empowering women, building communities, and creating a more inclusive and thriving economy.