Leh, June 28: In a bid to foster entrepreneurship among women in Ladakh, the National Commission for Women, in partnership with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) and supported by the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), organized the 98th Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) in Leh. This initiative marks a significant step towards empowering local women through entrepreneurial education and support.
The event, graced by Ghulam Mehdi, Hon’ble Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), saw participation from notable figures including Neelam Mishra, the First Lady of UT Ladakh, and Stanzin Donsal from the UT Secretariat Leh. Addressing a gathering of aspiring women entrepreneurs, EC Mehdi underscored the pivotal role of self-help groups in fostering women entrepreneurship, particularly in competitive environments.
“In regions like Leh and Kargil, entrepreneurship stands as a beacon of hope for economic empowerment,” remarked EC Mehdi, emphasizing the untapped potential and resilience of local women. The programme aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge, encouraging them to utilize local resources and products to build sustainable ventures.
The interactive session highlighted the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and proposed proactive measures to overcome them. Harmeet Kaur from EDII delivered a comprehensive presentation on the evolution of women entrepreneurship, inspiring attendees with stories of courageous women who have succeeded in business.
“We believe Ladakhi women can not only lead successful ventures but also create job opportunities within their communities,” noted Harmeet Kaur, pledging ongoing support and guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The First Lady expressed gratitude to EDII and other stakeholders for organizing the event, stressing the pivotal role of women in driving socio-economic development in UT Ladakh. She urged local women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with determination, underscoring the transformative impact of their initiatives on regional development.
Phuntsog Toldan, Director of NIELIT, praised the active participation of local women entrepreneurs, highlighting the programme as a golden opportunity to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Raj Vashisth from EDII concluded the event with a vote of thanks to all participants and guests, affirming EDII’s commitment to continue supporting women in their entrepreneurial journey.
The Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme not only raised awareness about entrepreneurship but also fostered a supportive ecosystem for women to thrive as business leaders in Ladakh.
