Editor’s Note
This partnership between GeM and UN Women marks a significant step toward more inclusive public procurement in India, aiming to directly empower women entrepreneurs by increasing their access to government contracts.
New Delhi, Nov 21 (KNN) – Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and UN Women have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the integration and empowerment of women entrepreneurs—particularly those from the informal sector—within India’s public procurement ecosystem.
The partnership focuses on advancing gender-responsive procurement by promoting increased sourcing from women-led businesses.
The initiative aligns with GeM’s Womaniya programme, which supports market access for women entrepreneurs through the national public procurement portal.
GeM CEO Mihir Kumar said.
The platform enables women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups to directly supply goods to government buyers.
To support their participation, GeM has developed generic product categories covering handicrafts, handloom items, bamboo and jute products, coir goods, organic foods, spices, accessories, home décor and office furnishings.
Under the MoU, UN Women will design training materials, recommend global best practices, create validation criteria for women-led enterprises, and share success stories.
It will also promote the Womaniya – #VocalForLocal Outlet Store, support onboarding of UN programme participants, encourage Udyam Registration, mobilise women trainers and connect entrepreneurs with advisers and support institutions.
GeM will conduct training programmes, sensitise government buyers, and highlight the contributions of women entrepreneurs.
It will also organise onboarding workshops, develop vernacular training content, engage women trainers, and facilitate linkages with government labs and R&D institutes to support product development and market readiness.
The partnership aims to deepen hyper-local market linkages and advance gender-responsive procurement in support of Sustainable Development Goal 5 — Gender Equality and Empowerment of All Women and Girls.