Launch of We Rise Initiative
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through We Rise Initiative: The We Rise: Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises programme has been jointly launched by NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World. This flagship initiative aims to empower women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India to expand globally through trade facilitation, mentorship, and strategic collaboration.
Static GK fact: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) was established in 2015, replacing the Planning Commission to promote cooperative federalism and policy innovation.
Partnership Between WEP and DP World
The collaboration was formalised through a Statement of Intent signed by Ms Anna Roy, Mission Director of WEP, in the presence of Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog. DP World, a global leader in logistics and supply chain management, will provide trade expertise and mentorship to 100 selected women entrepreneurs. The partnership will also enable access to international logistics networks and export opportunities.
Static GK Tip: DP World is a UAE-based multinational logistics company headquartered in Dubai, operating in more than 75 countries.
Objectives and Global Outreach
The main goal of the We Rise initiative is to identify and support high-growth potential women-led MSMEs across India. These enterprises will receive tailored mentorship and guidance to meet international standards. Selected entrepreneurs will get the opportunity to display their products at Bharat Mart, located in Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, a major trade hub connecting Indian businesses with global buyers.
Role of Women Entrepreneurship Platform
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), established by NITI Aayog in 2018, became a public-private partnership in 2022. It serves as a one-stop aggregator for women entrepreneurs, focusing on six critical areas — access to finance, training and skill development, market linkages, legal compliance, networking, and business growth. The platform currently supports over 90,000 women entrepreneurs and collaborates with 47 partner organisations to build an inclusive ecosystem.
Static GK fact: India has more than 63 million MSMEs, contributing nearly 30% of GDP and 48% of exports.
Award to Reward Initiative
The Award to Reward (ATR) initiative, launched in 2023, institutionalises WEP’s partnership framework. It connects government agencies, private sector firms, and financial institutions to address key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. We Rise is a flagship programme under ATR, designed to create a sustainable ecosystem for women-led businesses to thrive in global markets.
Long-term Impact
The We Rise initiative reinforces India’s focus on inclusive trade and women-led economic growth. By combining DP World’s global logistics expertise and WEP’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, it strengthens India’s position in global value chains. The programme also contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 – achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
Static GK Tip: India ranks 57th in the Global Entrepreneurship Index 2024, showing growing participation of women in business and innovation sectors.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs through We Rise Initiative:
| Topic | Detail |
| Initiative Name | We Rise: Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises |
| Launched By | NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World |
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| WEP Established | 2018 |
| Partnership Formalised By | Ms Anna Roy (WEP) and Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam (CEO, NITI Aayog) |
| Key Partner | DP World (Dubai-based logistics company) |
| Flagship Programme Of | Award to Reward (ATR) Initiative |
| Global Platform for Showcase | Bharat Mart, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai |
| Target Group | Women-led Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) |
| Core Objective | Expanding global trade access for Indian women entrepreneurs |
