CSR: E-commerce platform partners with National Rural Livelihood Mission to support women entrepreneurs in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh, India: Homegrown e-commerce platform Flipkart has partnered with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and Policy Watch India Foundation (PWIF, a Delhi-based think tank) to transform the lives of women entrepreneurs of self-help groups (SHG) in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

As part of this initiative, a workshop to promote women’s livelihoods was organised and conducted in the presence of Minister of State, Ministry of Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Flipkart Group Rajneesh Kumar, District Project Manager NRLM Aparna Sonkia Pandey and PWIF director Abha Mishra.

Speaking on the significance of the workshop, Union MoS for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur said, “We firmly believe that by equipping rural women artisans, craftsmen, and self-help groups with the knowledge to tap into e-commerce, we can open up new growth opportunities for them while strengthening the local economy. The guidance and resources shared by Flipkart during today’s workshop have been incredibly beneficial, offering a comprehensive learning experience. We hope this empowers them with the skills needed to enhance their online presence and accelerate their entrepreneurial success.”

Rajneesh Kumar, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Flipkart said that the company is invested in the success of self-help groups, rural artisans and weavers across the country.

“Through Flipkart, we aim to provide women entrepreneurs access to a nationwide market by providing them with expert counsel, training and resources,” he said.

Emphasising that ecommerce is an essential tool for entrepreneurs, Kumar said products made by more than 18 lakh women from SHGs across the country are sold through Flipkart. He said that ecommerce has to be a partner in the mission to create Lakhpati Didis.

District Project Manager NRLM Aparna Sonkia Pandey explained the significance of SHGs and noted how the NRLM had supported many women find financial agency. She also appreciated the role of the Centre and state governments as well as Flipkart in advancing the cause of women empowerment.

Abha Mishra, Director of Policy Watch India Foundation, expressed her gratitude toward all participants for their instrumental contributions in expanding women’s financial inclusion.

Flipkart, through its Samarth program in partnership with NRLM, is training women of SHGs to leverage online platforms to sell handmade products so that they can widen their network and reach marketplaces beyond their immediate localities.

The partnership between NRLM and Flipkart is a mission to bring change in the lives of rural communities. It is driven by the belief that e-commerce can bring positive change in rural India while preserving traditions and empowering women.

Women of self-help groups from different areas of Dhar received training at the workshop conducted on Monday. Some also narrated their success stories, inspiring everyone in attendance.