Bhubaneswar: One of the key tenets of Odisha’s transformation story has been the empowerment of women. Recognizing the role that women play in the development and transformation of societies and local communities, the Government of Odisha has accorded importance to women-centric policies and programs.
After strengthening more than 70 lakh women under nearly 6 lakh Self-Help Groups through training and skilling, promoting livelihoods, and creating opportunities through the unique Government convergence model, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has taken the vision a step ahead, announcing the transformation of SHGs into SMEs.
In an effort to showcase the achievements of Mission Shakti and provide global exposure to its leaders, the Government of Odisha, through the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation has facilitated exposure visits to SHG leaders to international destinations.
On 15 November 2023, 36 DLF and BLF leaders representing Angul, Balangir, Balasore, Bargarh, Boudh, Cuttack, Deogarh, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kandhamal, Kendrapara, Keonjhar, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Puri, Sundargarh were felicitated at the Mission Shakti Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
The delegation was warmly received by Sujata R. Karthikeyan, Secretary Department of Mission Shakti. Earlier yesterday, the delegation had the unique opportunity of meeting Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, at Naveen Niwas and Basanti Hembram, Minister, WCD and Mission Shakti. Mission Shakti BLF leaders embarked on a three day exposure visit to Dubai from 15 to 17 November.
This follows the extremely successful visit of District federation leaders to Dubai and Singapore on the first flights from Odisha.
The exposure visit to Dubai promises not only cultural exchange but also valuable learning experiences. The delegates had the chance to witness international best practices, engage in dialogues with global leaders, and explore innovative business models.
The exposure to diverse markets and entrepreneurial ecosystems in Dubai will undoubtedly broaden their perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of global trends and strategies. Speaking about the visit, Meena Kumari Swain, President, Nayagarh BLF, said, “We are grateful to our Chief Minister for giving us this opportunity to visit Dubai. It was an enriching experience for us to visit Dubai, and we appreciate the invaluable experiences gained during our time there.”
For the delegation, this visit presented an enriching experience. This unique opportunity aligns with the government’s commitment of continuous learning and capacity building, ensuring that the Mission Shakti leaders return with newfound knowledge and insights to further drive the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Odisha and transform SHGs to SMEs.