WTC Bhubaneswar observed International Women’s Day by presenting the 3rd Edition of UDAAN an initiative taken by the centre for promoting women entrepreneurs. On this occasion successful women entrepreneurs from across sectors shared their valuable entrepreneurial journey at an open house platform. 

The entrepreneurs volunteered to share with others their success stories and how they identified and explored various business opportunities. They also spoke about the challenges faced by them at different levels and how they intrepidly faced them all to evolve as a successful business leader. They shared their views on the effective ways to overcome the challenges thrown by family, society, bankers, business competitors and others in terms of gender biasness. They explained how as a woman they have succeeded in breaking the glass ceiling of the dedicated roles of a household lady and have stepped out to create their own identity in the world of business. They also shared the remarkable changes brought in by their enterprises by means of engaging with the rural and tribal masses, providing employment to the weaker and differently abled sections, handholding the forsaken women thereby developing an inclusive society and contributing towards the progress of the nation. 

Ms. Sharada Mohapatra, Proprietor, Sharada Collections and one of the leading women entrepreneurs from the state spoke on her experience of international trade and the challenges faced in her travel stint to over 20 countries. She emphasised that the state government should focus on the basic planning and logistic support being made available for the women entrepreneurs who travel across the globe to promote the unique products and services identified in particular with the state such as handlooms, handicrafts, tourism etc. 

The celebration also witnessed a cultural presentation in the form of a dance drama on girl child by the students of Siksha O Anusandhan University. Under the initiative of UDAAN the women entrepreneurs were provided a chance to showcase their product and services at the Odisha MSME International Trade Fair 2018 from 5 to 10 March 2018.