Mumbai, India: BOBCARD LIMITED, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, unveils the “Reimagining Lives: Shakti Samriddhi” program. This initiative is cornerstone of BOBCARD’s flagship CSR vision, “Reimagining Lives,” which is dedicated to making a lasting impact within communities. The program’s first phase aims to empower 100+ women entrepreneurs by offering skill development, financial literacy training, and mentorship throughout this year and beyond.
The launch event was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Aditi Tatkare, Hon’ble Minister of Women & Child Development, Maharashtra, along with other distinguished dignitaries. In collaboration with United Way Mumbai (UWM), BOBCARD’s initiative is to distribute entrepreneurial kits—including sewing machines, baking equipment, and other essential tools—equipping the beneficiaries to build and expand their businesses.
The program is tailored to equip both existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. Women entrepreneurs contribute to gender equality and help bridge the gender gap in the business world. Although India ranks as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem, women remain underrepresented, accounting for only 35% of the startup workforce, according to the State of India’s Livelihood Report.
Through this partnership, BOBCARD and United Way Mumbai are working together to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the unique needs of women in the entrepreneurial space. Women entrepreneurs in smaller cities are set to drive significant change in Middle India. While advancements in education and policy reforms have enhanced workplace conditions, their presence in entrepreneurship remains low. This disparity highlights a critical gap that requires urgent focus and targeted efforts to foster greater participation.
BOBCARD’s CSR vision is centered on long-term impact, focusing on entrepreneurship, education, and sports as key pillars of women’s empowerment. By investing in strategic initiatives, BOBCARD is committed to:
Enhancing women’s entrepreneurial opportunities through training and mentorship
Providing quality education to young women to strengthen their professional prospects
Promoting inclusivity in sports with a special focus on women athletes and Paralympians
Speaking at the event, Ms. Aditi Tatkare, Hon’ble Minister of Women & Child Development, Maharashtra, said, “My Heartfelt greetings to all the women entrepreneurs. We are proud of your dedication and hard work. As the Minister of Women and Child Development for Maharashtra, I recognize the crucial role that entrepreneurship plays in fostering economic empowerment and social progress. These modules cover a wide range of topics essential for building a strong foundation in entrepreneurship, including financial literacy, budgeting, market linkages, banking, distinguishing between good and bad loans, and cultivating the habit of saving.”
I commend BOBCARD for their dedication and commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through this initiative. By providing women with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are not only empowering individuals but also driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development in our society. I encourage all participants to make the most of this initiative, to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with confidence and determination. Together, let us create a more vibrant and inclusive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Maharashtra.”
Adding to this, Mr. Ravindra Rai, MD&CEO, BOBCARD LIMITED, stated, “At BOBCARD, we believe in the transformative power of education and entrepreneurship in shaping a better future. Through this partnership with United Way Mumbai, we are pleased to make a lasting impact by empowering women with the skills, resources, and confidence they need to succeed. True empowerment goes beyond access—it’s about unlocking potential. Whether supporting those with resources or those seeking the right opportunities, we are committed to fostering growth at every level. Our latest women-centric offerings coupled with Shakti Samriddhi, reinforce this mission by uplifting women at the grassroots. When women thrive, families, communities, and societies prosper. This is the essence of inclusive growth, and together, we aim to build a more equitable society where female entrepreneurship and leadership drive meaningful progress.”
BOBCARD’s “Reimagining Lives: Shakti Samriddhi” program focuses on three key areas: Skill-Building & Financial Literacy, Providing Entrepreneurship Kit, and Ongoing Mentorship & Support. It begins with a 3-day training session on entrepreneurship development, covering essential topics such as business acumen, entrepreneurship, and personal financial management. This training equips women with the knowledge and confidence to build sustainable livelihoods. After the training, beneficiaries receive equipment kits to support their entrepreneurial journey.
However, the program goes beyond just the kit handover—it is designed to provide continuous mentorship, regular check-ins, and problem-solving sessions in collaboration with the project team. Through this holistic approach, BOBCARD aims to empower women, help them establish successful ventures, and create a lasting positive impact in their communities.
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