NEW DELHI, 5 September 2023: In a landmark move to revolutionise global mentorship for women entrepreneurs, G20 EMPOWER, in collaboration with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), has launched WEPmentor. This state-of-the-art digital resource was unveiled at the G20 EMPOWER culmination event in Gandhinagar on 1 August 2023, marking a pivotal moment under India's G20 Presidency.
WEPmentor represents a technological breakthrough and a significant step forward for society, exemplifying a steadfast commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across G20 nations.
The initiative enjoys the robust backing of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. Tailored to provide scalable and personalised mentorship opportunities, WEPmentor aims to bolster the economic participation of women entrepreneurs both in early-stage enterprises and established businesses.
Bridging the Gap in Global Mentorship
The G20 EMPOWER WEP Mentorship initiative symbolises a commitment to an inclusive and equitable future. By bridging existing gaps, it resonates with the worldwide aspirations of women entrepreneurs.
WEPmentor offers four distinct mentorship programmes catering to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs. These include personalised mentoring sessions, organisation-led mentorship, skill-specific workshops, and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) initiatives. It also collaborates with academic institutions, industry associations, and other influential resources to provide a comprehensive suite of mentorship resources.
Leveraging Cutting-Edge Technology
One of the defining features of WEPmentor is its use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to facilitate customised mentor-mentee pairings. An extensive library of educational resources and a thriving community forum further add to the portal’s capabilities.
"We are at the cusp of a transformative change, where mentorship becomes a globally accessible tool for women which will catalyse growth, inclusivity, and empowerment," noted Dr Sangita Reddy, Chair G20 EMPOWER and Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Enterprises. She also highlighted diverse partnerships with mentorship services, academic bodies, and industry groups, offering mentees a wide array of mentorship choices.
A Beacon of Empowerment
"The launch of the WEP Mentorship Platform marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote a robust women entrepreneurial ecosystem in India,” stated Ms Anna Roy, Mission Director, Women Entrepreneurship Platform & Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog. She added, “Many women experience challenges navigating their entrepreneurial journey, often unsure where to find professional assistance. A recent Microsave Consulting and WEP study shows that 74 % of women entrepreneurs actively seek mentorship support for their businesses, and those with access to mentorship overwhelmingly report its positive impact on their enterprise growth.”
As women’s economic participation becomes increasingly important, WEPmentor becomes a pivotal tool. "The platform facilitates secure networking and tailored solutions, instrumental in paving the way for their success," stated Ms Shaifalika Panda, Chair and Convener of the G20EMPOWER Working Group for Mentorship, Founder CEO of Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation. She continued, "WEPmentor fosters mentorship collaborations across geographies, catalysing broader social and economic growth."
WEPmentor is supported by the Union Ministry of Women & Child Development and developed in collaboration with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP). Microsave Consulting serves as the knowledge partner, Square Panda is the technology ally, and FICCI functions as the G20 EMPOWER secretariat.
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