World Trade Center Mumbai signed an MoU with WEConnect International, which is a global network that connects women-owned businesses to qualified buyers around the world on the occasion of a programme on Women’s Day Celebration organised by BC-India Business Network and WTC Mumbai jointly with All India Association of Industries, IDOBRO and other partners.

WEConnect International is a Washington-headquartered organisation that provides a global platform for connecting women entrepreneurs to multinational companies and other large companies sourcing goods and services from MSMEs. Under this MoU, WTC Mumbai will leverage the tools and services of WEConnect to assist local women entrepreneurs to grow their business in internationally.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO & Co-founder, WEConnect International pointed out, “Women are invisible in the Global Value Chain. Multinational companies (MNCs) annually spend USD 4 trillion on procurement orders for various goods and services and hardly 1% of this procurement opportunity goes to women. MNCs should make their procurement and spending purposeful by engaging women vendors. I suggest all women entrepreneurs to get certified as qualified sellers and gain orders from member companies on the WEConnect platform.”

Ms. Elizabeth invited women entrepreneurs to register on WEConnect International which certifies women entrepreneurs so that they can explore procurement opportunities with companies, including multinational companies across 135 countries.

In her remarks, Ms. Elaine D'Souza, Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada pointed out the need to walk the talk on empowering women by pointing out that this year’s theme of International Women’s Day celebration is ‘Accelerate Action’ for inclusive growth.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai highlighted the role of WTC Mumbai in facilitating global market access for women entrepreneurs.

Ms. Naik informed that according to Indian government regulation, central public sector enterprises have to make at least 3% of their annual procurement from women-owned micro and small enterprises. “WTC Mumbai will facilitate women entrepreneurs to benefit from this procurement opportunity through networking sessions, vendor development programs and other trade facilitation initiatives,” Ms. Naik added.

During the event, Ms. Sobhana Jaya-Madhavan, President, BC-India Business Network remarked that women are as powerful as water which can cut through the rock. Women need to believe in themselves and act with conviction. Ms. Madhavan also emphasised on ethics and the principles of sustainability. She pointed out that in this age of sustainable development, women-owned enterprises should adopt sustainable practices as a business priority to succeed in the local and global market.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Kashmira Mewawala, former Head Business Development & Chief Ethics Counsellor, TATA CAPITAL pointed out that the days of talking is over and it is time for business organisations to “Act Now” by promoting gender inclusion to attain inclusive economic growth. Gender inclusion is not just a good thing, but it is essential for the success of business organisations.

In her remarks, Ms. Sakina Bedi, Spokesperson, NFBM Jagriti School for Blind Girls shared her contribution in facilitating empowerment and financial inclusion for more than 171 vision-impaired girl children in Alandi, Pune. She also narrated how she successfully navigated personal challenges to lead her financial services and investment advisory company, Intellectual Asset management. Ms. Bedi mentioned, “I had to deal with challenges in my personal life with extreme resilience and standup on my feet by manifesting that I am capable and I have the power to lead my business organisation to success.”

In her remarks, Ms. Geethu Pai, Co-Founder, ZenAlyaa shared her inspiring story as a lawyer turned entrepreneur who established her own sustainable home décor brand. She co-founded a company which manufactures and sells bed linen made of sustainable materials such as bamboo cotton, Egyptian cotton and supplies them in the local market at competitive price.

Ms. Kanika Sasan, a distinguished actor and business owner from Canada highlighted the importance of developing personal brand (for both men and women). She remarked, “For me, my personality is my personal brand. I decide my personal branding by how I look, how I show up, how I feel about myself and how I engage with people. Our mental health and well-being are influenced by how we feel about ourselves and our appearance. Women should make right choice on how they express themselves and inspire others through personal branding.”

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Jamshed Mistry, Founder, International Legal Alliance raised awareness about copyright, trademark, patents and other intellectual properties and how owners can safeguard their rights on these intangible assets. He suggested women entrepreneurs to protect the intellectual properties of their business as these can be used as collateral to raise credit from financial institutions.

In her remarks, Spiritual Coach Ms. Anshul Bafna highlighted the need for women to blend modern day lifestyle with meditation, spirituality and understanding the wisdom of our scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita. She said, “Women should overcome stress and protect mental well being by looking inside oneself, enquiring about one’s true self, evaluating one’s deeds from the lens of ethics, taking ethical decisions and developing a mindset to make a positive impact on the world.”

Ms. Bafna also underscored the importance of collaboration rather than competition and dealing with ethical conflicts when faced with the situation to choose between two wrong options or choose between two right options in life.

The event was attended by women entrepreneurs, consular corps, women artists, senior officials from financial institutions and academia.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai (2nd from left) and Ms. Priya Pansare, Director – Trade & Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai (4th from left) exchanging MoU with Ms. Elizabeth Vazquez, CEO & Co-founder, WEConnect International (3rd from left) on the sidelines of the Women’s Day in Mumbai. Also seen in the photograph is Mr. Eroshan Alagaretnam, South Asia Regional Director, WEConnect International