Introduction to the ‘We Rise’ Initiative
On October 17, 2025, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World launched the transformative ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’ initiative. This collaborative program, part of WEP’s Award to Reward (ATR) framework, is designed to empower women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India by enhancing their global market access, providing mentorship, and fostering strategic partnerships.
A Vision for Women-Led Economic Growth
The ‘We Rise’ initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision of promoting women-led economic development. By leveraging DP World’s global logistics expertise and WEP’s robust ecosystem, the program aims to identify and mentor 100 high-potential women entrepreneurs across India. These entrepreneurs will receive tailored support to scale their businesses, meet international trade standards, and build sustainable enterprises with global reach.
Key Components of the Initiative
- Global Trade Facilitation: DP World will utilize its extensive logistics network to enhance the export readiness of selected women-led MSMEs, enabling them to navigate global trade requirements effectively.
- Showcasing at Bharat Mart: Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to display their products at Bharat Mart, a global B2B and B2C marketplace in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), connecting them with international buyers.
- Mentorship and Capacity Building: The initiative includes mentorship programs and strategic partnerships to strengthen business capabilities and foster sustainable growth.
Leadership and Commitment
The Statement of Intent (SoI) for the initiative was signed by Ms. Anna Roy, Mission Director of WEP, in the presence of Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog. Shri Subrahmanyam emphasized, “The ‘We Rise’ initiative creates an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to scale and access global markets. Partnering with DP World, a leader in supply chain solutions, strengthens our foundation for long-term, impactful growth.”
Ms. Anna Roy highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration, stating, “To achieve women-led development through entrepreneurship, curated interventions are essential. We commend DP World for this initiative, which will significantly boost women exporters and contribute to a more inclusive economy.”
The Role of WEP and Its Ecosystem
Launched in 2018 as an aggregator platform under NITI Aayog, WEP transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022. With over 90,000 women entrepreneurs and 47 partners from both public and private sectors, WEP addresses critical ecosystem needs, including:
- Access to finance
- Market linkages
- Training and skilling
- Mentoring and networking
- Compliance and legal assistance
- Business development services
The Award to Reward (ATR) initiative, introduced in 2023, strengthens WEP’s partnership framework by uniting stakeholders to address specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs while celebrating their achievements. It serves as a scalable model for impactful collaborations.
DP World’s Commitment to Inclusive Trade
DP World’s involvement reflects its dedication to fostering inclusive trade and economic growth. By combining its global expertise with WEP’s network, the partnership aims to unlock exponential growth opportunities for women-led businesses, empowering them to thrive in international markets.
Conclusion
The ‘We Rise’ initiative marks a significant step toward empowering Indian women entrepreneurs, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By bridging the gap between local businesses and global markets, this partnership sets a strong foundation for long-term impact and women-led development.