On July 2, the vibrant campus of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) came alive with inspiration, innovation, and a collective vision for women-led entrepreneurship. The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme, held under the esteemed guidance of NEHU’s Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE), Guwahati, marked a significant milestone in the journey of women empowerment in the Northeastern region of India.
This event wasn’t just a session—it was the first step in a larger national movement, following the successful launch of the Swavalambini Pilot Project initiated by NITI Aayog across five Indian states including Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. As the first awareness initiative under this pilot, the programme in NEHU set the tone for a new era of self-reliant, creative, and resilient women entrepreneurs in the region.
A New Dawn for Women in Entrepreneurship
The objective of the awareness programme was clear yet profound—to empower women with the knowledge, motivation, and tools needed to begin their entrepreneurial journeys. The session brought together aspiring women entrepreneurs, experienced mentors, local leaders, and entrepreneurial experts, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and insights.
Participants were introduced to the foundational concepts of entrepreneurship, including ideation, identifying market gaps, resource management, and risk-taking. But beyond the technical aspects, what truly stood out was the emotional spark that the programme lit in the hearts of many women. It was an invitation to dream big, think independently, and shape their own destinies.
Building a Culture of Women-Led Ventures in the Northeast
The Swavalambini programme is more than just a series of events—it is part of a national vision to create a vibrant ecosystem of women-led businesses, especially in underrepresented and remote regions. The Northeast, with its rich cultural heritage, artisanal craftsmanship, and untapped entrepreneurial potential, is poised to become a strong pillar in this mission.
The NEHU awareness programme functioned as a stepping stone toward building this culture, encouraging participants to embrace their unique identities and traditional knowledge while integrating them into modern business practices. With enthusiastic participation, the event not only created awareness but also sparked meaningful conversations around entrepreneurship as a viable, fulfilling, and sustainable career choice for women.
Interactive Learning: From Inspiration to Action
One of the most powerful aspects of the programme was its interactive structure. It wasn’t a one-way lecture but a dynamic platform filled with real-life case studies, motivational talks, and hands-on discussions. Participants were urged to think like problem-solvers—identifying issues in their own communities and exploring how innovative thinking could help create impactful businesses.
Several exercises encouraged women to reflect on their personal skills, community needs, and the possibilities of merging the two into purposeful ventures. From discussing branding and market reach to understanding the logistics of business registration and funding, the programme offered a well-rounded introduction to entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Local Talents and Homegrown Businesses
Adding vibrancy to the event was the display of women-led micro businesses in areas like:
Food & Beverages Textiles & Handlooms Soft Toys & Handcrafted Decor Items
These displays were not just exhibitions—they were proof of concept. They showcased how local women, many of whom started with minimal resources, transformed their creativity into market-ready products. Their success stories served as powerful testimonials for aspiring entrepreneurs in the room.
These interactions also opened doors to potential collaborations, mentorship opportunities, and marketplace linkages, essential components in building a supportive business ecosystem for women.
A Vision Beyond the Event
While the NEHU awareness session concluded in a day, its impact is built to last. By initiating this awareness campaign in Meghalaya, one of the five states under the Swavalambini pilot, the programme sets the tone for deeper engagements in the future—from skill development workshops and incubation support to funding opportunities and community networks.
The initiative recognizes that empowerment isn’t just about information—it’s about access, encouragement, and sustained support. And through this approach, Swavalambini is shaping a future where entrepreneurship becomes a norm rather than an exception for women in the Northeast.
An Uplifted Community Begins with an Uplifted Woman
The Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme at NEHU was more than just a gathering—it was a movement. A movement that said every woman has the right to dream, to lead, and to build. A movement that understood the untapped power in women’s ideas, stories, and skills.
With such initiatives gaining momentum, and with academic and entrepreneurial institutions coming together, the Northeast is well on its way to becoming a hub for women-led innovation and enterprise.
For every woman who attended, the message was clear: You are not just part of the economy. You are its future.
