India has set an ambitious goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047, aiming to scale its economy nearly tenfold from the current USD 3.5 trillion to USD 30 trillion. Achieving this vision is impossible without economically empowering 50% of its population—women.
Women’s participation in the domestic economy has steadily increased over the years, but the global marketplace presents the next major opportunity for Indian women entrepreneurs. With international trade valued at approximately USD 23.6 trillion (ITC TradeMap, 2023), global markets offer immense opportunities for Indian women-led businesses to expand, innovate, and compete on a larger scale. However, despite this potential, women remain significantly underrepresented in India's trade ecosystem, with women-led exporters accounting for less than 5% of total exporters (World Bank data). Several key challenges hinder their participation in global trade, including limited access to finance, complex trade regulations, lack of awareness, and restricted market linkages and networking opportunities.
To address these challenges, various initiatives, resources, and schemes have been introduced to support women entrepreneurs in integrating into global value chains. Financial assistance programs such as Mudra Yojana and the Credit Guarantee Scheme provide crucial funding support to women-owned small businesses. NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) helps women entrepreneurs access funding, mentorship, and marketing assistance. The Trade-Related Entrepreneurship Assistance and Development (TREAD) Scheme promotes women’s participation in international trade by offering financial aid, training, and counseling. The Niryat Bandhu Scheme provides mentoring support to new and potential exporters, equipping them to navigate international trade effectively.
Beyond domestic initiatives, Indian women entrepreneurs can also leverage global programs designed to facilitate their entry into international markets. The SheTrades Initiative by the International Trade Centre (ITC) connects women entrepreneurs to global markets by providing access to essential knowledge, resources, and networks. UNCTAD’s eTrade for Women supports women entrepreneurs in the digital economy, helping them leverage digital platforms for global expansion. Similarly, the WTO’s Women Exporters Program assists women in developing economies by providing training, resources, and networking opportunities to integrate them into global trade networks.
The rapid digitization of the economy has further opened new avenues for women entrepreneurs. E-commerce exports provide a cost-effective, accessible, and scalable platform to reach global markets, bypassing traditional trade barriers and enabling direct customer engagement. By leveraging digital trade, women entrepreneurs can expand their customer base, streamline operations, and gain visibility in international markets without requiring substantial physical infrastructure.
The global network of over 320 World Trade Centers (WTCs) across 90 countries, connecting more than 1 million businesses, can provide the necessary visibility on an international scale. WTC Mumbai can play a crucial role in facilitating global market access for women entrepreneurs by enabling their participation in trade fairs and exhibitions. It also conducts online workshops and training sessions on export management, equipping women with essential skills to succeed in international trade.
By leveraging these opportunities, Indian women entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses, enhance their global competitiveness, and contribute significantly to India's economic transformation. Encouraging greater participation of women in international trade will not only drive inclusive and sustainable growth but also create a more resilient and diverse economic landscape for the future.
