Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Digital Skills
From a young age, Sheelu Sewani aspired to run her own business. Growing up in Baljeet Nagar, Delhi, she helped her father manage a small candy shop, gaining firsthand experience in entrepreneurship. After completing her degree from Delhi University in 2021, she took the leap and opened a clothing store adjacent to her father’s shop.
A few months into her new venture, Sewani came across Project REVIVE, a digital and financial literacy program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. The initiative, supported by Microsoft in collaboration with the Collective Good Foundation, provided training in essential business skills such as digital payments, social media marketing, bookkeeping, and financial management. Armed with this knowledge, she successfully expanded her business. Today, her store, “The Happiness Fashion,” generates a monthly profit of approximately INR 1 lakh (USD 1,200).
“Project REVIVE gave me the digital skills and confidence to grow my business through online platforms and social media,” says Sewani, who is also pursuing a master’s degree in library science.
Digital Transformation for Rural Women Artisans
In Assam’s Kamrup district, Jyotshna Kalita turned her childhood weaving skills into a sustainable business. Having learned the craft from her mother at the age of 14, she now runs a thriving enterprise with support from Antaran Artisan Connect, an initiative by Tata Trusts in collaboration with Microsoft.
Following the Charkha to Market (C2M) approach, this initiative offers artisans access to digital training, business strategies, and marketing tools. Kalita, along with her sisters-in-law, established the brand “Aalok Handlooms,” selling handcrafted textiles both online and in physical markets. With an increased digital presence, her business has grown into a substantial five-figure monthly income venture, attracting buyers from across India.
Women in Digital Business (WIDB): A Step Towards Economic Independence
Project REVIVE and Antaran Artisan Connect operate under the broader Women in Digital Business (WIDB) program, launched by Microsoft in July 2022. The initiative aims to equip 30,000 women entrepreneurs with digital skills to build sustainable livelihoods. WIDB provides tailored training in areas such as digital safety, AI integration, automation, and data management. It also connects women with online marketplaces like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) and provides access to formal training from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The focus of WIDB has recently expanded to prepare women entrepreneurs for an AI-driven economy. By incorporating technology into traditional businesses, women are empowered to innovate and compete in an evolving digital landscape.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in Urban Areas
For Rekha, a 42-year-old resident of Delhi’s Faridpuri slum, Project REVIVE provided a lifeline after she was widowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to support her children, she enrolled in the program and learned tailoring skills. With the help of returnable grants, she purchased raw materials and began leveraging digital tools to reach customers beyond her immediate neighborhood.
Today, Rekha’s tailoring business earns between INR 15,000 and INR 20,000 (USD 180-190) per month. Through digital productivity training, she has expanded her customer base, created an online product catalog, and improved her financial management using digital banking services. Additionally, she has secured access to government welfare programs such as the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) and e-SHRAM.
Revitalizing Traditional Handloom Businesses
Antaran Artisan Connect is working to sustain the handloom sector by equipping young artisans with digital tools and business training. The program aims to establish 300 micro-enterprises, providing technical training in design, product diversification, and online marketing. Through digital platforms and curated exhibitions, artisans gain access to a broader audience, enhancing their incomes while preserving traditional weaving practices.
Building a Digital Ecosystem for Women Entrepreneurs
Microsoft’s involvement in WIDB extends beyond funding, playing a key role in developing digital and financial literacy curricula, providing essential business tools, and creating digital resources in local languages. By leveraging platforms like ONDC and offering access to Microsoft 365 and Outlook Lite, the program helps women expand their market reach. Additionally, partnerships with organizations such as ILO equip women with industry insights and regulatory knowledge, ensuring they can navigate the business landscape effectively.
The impact of these initiatives is evident in the success stories of women like Sheelu, Jyotshna, and Rekha, who have transformed their lives through digital empowerment. By providing the right skills and opportunities, WIDB is helping women entrepreneurs across India achieve self-reliance and long-term economic success.