The initiative also encourages a policy environment that is conducive to increasing women innovators.
The US-India Business Council (USIBC) on Monday announced a new mentorship program titled Women for Women Innovators, Social Leaders & Entrepreneurs (WISE) during the organization’s Road to GES event ‘Creating the Foundations of Innovation’ in Hyderabad.
The collaborative initiative will be led by Nivruti Rai, country head of Intel India and vice president of Data Center Group;Mazumdar Shaw, chairman and managing director of Biocon Limited; Vanitha Narayanan, chairman of IBM India; Vani Kola, managing director of Kalaari Capital; and Amita Vyas, producer of Girl Rising.
WISE will work with key women leaders to offer leadership, mentoring, and development opportunity for women entrepreneurs and innovators in an effort to increase women’s participation in growing India’s economy, USIBC said in a press release.
“We are delighted to work with an esteemed group of women leaders as part this collaborative initiative in equipping today’s women entrepreneurs with the skills and direction they need to drive India’s economy forward,” USIBC president Nisha Biswal said. “The US-India commercial corridor is driven by innovation and women entrepreneurs are central to this endeavor. However, women still remain underrepresented in the economy. USIBC remains committed to working with industry partners and the government of India to empower women entrepreneurs to grow and succeed.”
WISE initiative aims for “women supporting women to participate in creating the future of India.” It offers a platform to multiple stakeholders like central and state governments in India, industry bodies, start-ups, and academia to conceptualize and roll out programs to encourage women professionals, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
“Enabling women entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and aspirations is vital for accelerating innovation and building stronger economies,” said Nivruti Rai, chair of WISE. “I am thrilled to be a part of WISE and to help bring together women who are committed to extending support to other women in their entrepreneurial journey. I look forward to working with USIBC, women entrepreneurs, the government, and others in this endeavor.”
The initiative also encourages a policy environment that is conducive to increasing women innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. It offers mentoring, training opportunities, and career assistance for women to help them develop appropriate skills and thrive in a globalized economy.