SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- RAMAPURAM
EVENT TITLE : Two Days ICSSR- SRC Sponsored National Level Seminar
DATE : 7th& 8thFebruary 2025
TIME : 10:00 AM- 4.30 PM
VENUE : Faculty of Science & Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Ramapuram,
Event Mode : Offline, Paper Presentation – Both online & offline
NO.OF PARTICIPANTS 179
ABOUT THE SEMINAR:
The seminar on “Women Entrepreneurs leading the way to Viksit Bharat” focuses on the crucial role of rural women in driving India’s development. These women entrepreneurs are addressing poverty, unemployment, and gender inequality by creating businesses, generating income, and providing jobs. Over the innovative agricultural practices, sustainable initiatives, and small enterprises, they are fostering self-reliance and improving local economies. By leveraging technology, digital tools, and financial inclusion, rural women are expanding their businesses and breaking barriers such as limited access to markets and credit. They are also stimulating traditional gender norms, representative that women can be successful leaders and decision-makers. Their success contributes to broader social change, improving education, healthcare, and community welfare. The seminar aims to showcase these inspiring women, address the challenges they face, and explore solutions through collaboration between government, non-profits, and the private sector to empower and amplify their impact for a developed India.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SEMINAR:
- To Highlight the Role of Women Entrepreneurs – Showcase the impact of women-led businesses in transforming rural economies and their contribution to achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat).
- To Identify Challenges and Opportunities – Discuss the barriers faced by rural women entrepreneurs, such as access to finance, markets, and digital infrastructure, while exploring potential solutions.
- To Promote Government and Private Sector Support – Create awareness about government schemes, financial aid, skill development programs, and corporate initiatives that support rural women entrepreneurs.
- To Encourage Skill Development and Innovation – Emphasize the importance of vocational training, digital literacy, and innovative business models in empowering women entrepreneurs.
- To Foster Networking and Collaboration – Provide a platform for women entrepreneurs, policymakers, NGOs, and industry leaders to connect, share experiences, and build collaborations for sustainable growth.
- To Boost Financial Inclusion – Address the importance of microfinance, self-help groups (SHGs), and financial literacy in enabling women to start and sustain businesses.
- To Showcase Success Stories – Present inspiring case studies of successful rural women entrepreneurs who have contributed to economic and social development.
- To Encourage Sustainable and Inclusive Development – Discuss ways to promote environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and inclusive economic growth through women-led enterprises.
- To Strengthen Policy Recommendations – Generate actionable insights and policy recommendations to support rural women entrepreneurs and accelerate the journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Welcome Address
Dr. T. V. Ambuli, Programme Coordinator, Department of Commerce, warmly welcomed the guests and the gathering, setting the tone for the event.
Felicitation Address
Dr. J. Dhillipan, VP Admin S&H, gave a felicitation address, acknowledging the importance of the seminar.
Seminar Overview
Dr. Kovarthini, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, presented the seminar’s objectives and detailed the focus of the discussions around empowering rural economies, particularly focusing on women entrepreneurs.
Chief Guest Address
The chief guest Mr. R. Srivatsan, IRS ,Assistant Director, National Academy of Customs,Indirect Taxes & Narcotics (NACIN), ZTI Chennai delivered a speech emphasizing India’s progress toward becoming a “Viksit Bharat” highlighting key developmental strategies and growth prospects.
Guest of Honour Address
. The Guest of Honor Dr. P. Chellasamy, Professor and Dean, Department of Commerce, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore. Delivered the Special address providing an insightful talk on India’s economic growth, discussing the role and impact of entrepreneurs on the country’s GDP.
Vote of Thanks:
Dr. Kannamudaiyar, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce concluded the inaugural session with the vote of thanks.
DAY – 1 SESSIONS
Session 1: Skill Development and Capacity Building
Speakers: Dr. P. Chellasamy and Dr. Thanigaivel
The session focused on the critical importance of skill development and capacity building for women entrepreneurs. The speakers highlighted the necessity of providing women with the training and resources to enhance their entrepreneurial skills, ensuring their ability to lead businesses and contribute to economic growth.
Session 2: Sustainable Development Practices for Women Entrepreneurs
Speakers: Dr. Bhuvaneshwari and Dr. Lubana Suraiya
This session addressed sustainable practices in entrepreneurship, with a focus on how women can lead the way in implementing environmentally and economically sustainable business practices. The speakers discussed the role of women entrepreneurs in promoting green technologies, eco-friendly production methods.
Session 3: Digital Literacy and Technology Empowerment
Speakers: Mrs. Kadambari Umapathy and Dr. B. Akila
This session focused on the importance of digital literacy and technology in empowering women entrepreneurs. The speakers discussed how digital skills are essential for business growth and how technology can enhance the efficiency, reach, and scalability of businesses, the digital divide, access to technology, and specific tools and platforms that can help rural women entrepreneurs improve their business operations.
Parallel Paper Presentations (Online and Offline)
PAPER PRESENTATION BY THE PARTICIPANTS – DAY 1
Alongside these sessions, paper presentations were conducted in parallel (both online and offline), where participants presented research related to the theme of the seminar. These sessions provided a platform for exchanging ideas and showcasing academic or practical insights into empowering rural economies through women entrepreneurship.
Session 4: Challenges and Barriers to Women Entrepreneurs
Speakers: Dr.Janet Mary Coates and Dr.Naresh
The session elaborated the challenges of Women entrepreneurs, especially in rural areas, face several challenges that hinder their business growth and economic participation. Addressing these challenges through financial inclusion, policy support, skill development, and social awareness can help unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs and drive economic growth.
Session 5: Purple Economy
Speakers: Dr.Aashita and Ms. Jean Ida Gunaselli
This session made the participant to understand the key need for purple economy model that recognizes and promotes the role of gender equality, particularly the contributions of women, in economic development. Speakers emphasized the inclusion of women in all sectors of the economy, ensuring equal opportunities, fair wages, and support for women-led enterprises.
PAPER PRESENTATION BY THE PARTICIPANTS – DAY2
Alongside these sessions, paper presentations were conducted in parallel (both online and offline), where participants presented research related to the theme of the seminar. These sessions provided a platform for exchanging ideas and showcasing academic or practical insights into empowering rural economies through women entrepreneurship.
OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM: (Based of SDG)
- IIncreased Awareness – Participants gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities for rural women entrepreneurs.
- Policy Recommendations – A set of actionable recommendations was formulated for policymakers to enhance support for women-led businesses.
- Collaboration and Networking – The seminar facilitated new partnerships between government agencies, financial institutions, and grassroots entrepreneurs.
- Commitment to Continued Support – Stakeholders pledged to take further initiatives in skill development, financial assistance, and technology adoption for rural women entrepreneurs.
