The increasing presence of women as entrepreneurs has led to the change in the demographic characteristics of business and economic growth of the country. Women-owned businesses enterprises are playing a prominent role in society inspiring others and generating more employment opportunities in the country. World Trade Center Bhubaneswar celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, 2021 by conducting a seminar on “Women’s Era in Entrepreneurship” in association with Department of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of Odisha.

The seminar was inaugurated by Mr. Satyabrata Sahu, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of MSME, Government of Odisha. In his inaugural address Mr. Sahu spoke about the various schemes & initiatives taken by the Government towards giving boost to the women based Enterprises & Start-ups in the state.
Mrs Nitisha Mann, Director, MSME Development Institute, Government of India delivered the key note address focusing on the theme of Women’s Day “Choose To Challenge”. She spoke about the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. While highlighting the existing fissures in the eco system she encouraged women in the forum to have an effective participation and leadership in of all areas of life.
Mrs Manashi Mandhata, Joint Secretary, Department of MSME, Government of Odisha spoke about the ground level efforts made by the State by promoting the Self Help Groups. She deliberated on the efforts of State in providing market linkage to the SHG’s. Keeping in view the prospective contribution of Mission Shakti groups (the SHGs arm of the State of Odisha) in socio-economic development of the state, she highlighted the special emphasis being given for up-grading the successful SHG members into micro entrepreneurs. She also shared that a MoU in this regard has been signed between MSME Department and Mission Shakti.

The seminar also witnessed experience sharing sessions by successful Women Entrepreneurs namely Ms Smaranika Mohapatra, Founder, Maavni Designs Pvt Ltd. Ms Nazia Akhtar, Founder, Makma Designs Pvt Ltd. Ms Sanghamitra Jena, Founder, Eastern India Tours Pvt Ltd. & Dr. Chidatmika Khatua, a social entrepreneur and educationist.

Ms Smaranika Mohapatra spoke vividly about the importance of digital marketing & social media in today’s market & how she utilised it during the pandemic & tried to sustain her business on this hard times.

Ms Nazia Akhtar spoke about her passion towards promoting local artisans & how she made it despite the financial hurdles in the initial days & how Start-up Odisha (An initiative by MSME Dept, Govt of Odisha) helped her during her journey as an entrepreneur.

Ms Sanghamitra Jena shared her journey of being the solo woman in the field of Tourism & how she was successful in placing herself in a field completely taken by the opposite gender. Her journey not only encouraged women to break barriers in getting into diverse sectors but also motivating that nothing is impossible if we set our mind.

Dr Chidatmika Khatua, spoke widely about the SHGs & how they have been pivotal in socio-economic development. She urged the need of change in the mindset of the women preparing themselves for bigger challenges and achievements in life. From breaking barriers to creating new milestones, she urged all women to be immensely proud of what they are & work hand in hand to lift each other.

Ms Meena Kumari Behera, Additional Director Industries, Directorate of ndustries Odisha proposed the vote of thanks.

The seminar was attended by 200 participants & was followed by a Q&A session.

Seminar was conducted at the Conference Hall of Odisha MSME Trade Fair 2021 at IDCO Exhibition Ground, Bhubaneswar