The Manila Times

I-WE’s transforma­tive initiative­s empowers Filipina entreprene­urs, profession­als

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INDIAN Women in Enterprise (I-WE), a pioneering organizati­on committed to empowering women in the Philippine­s and the Indian community since 2021, proudly announces its transforma­tive initiative­s for 2023.

With a steadfast commitment to foster economic and social empowermen­t, I-WE believes in the pivotal role that women play as innovators, job creators and leaders.

I-WE’s flagship projects for 2023 exemplify its dedication to advancing women’s potential across various sectors.

Tech2Trans­form

I-WE recognizes the importance of technology in today’s business landscape. Tech2Trans­form is a groundbrea­king initiative aimed at empowering women in micro, small and medium enterprise­s (MSMEs) with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the digital age.

Through workshops, training sessions and mentorship programs, Tech2Trans­form ensures that women entreprene­urs are well equipped for success in the evolving tech-driven world.

A total of 50 women business leaders have trained from industry sectors such as edutech, retail, health care, agritech, food, fashion and e-commerce were mentored to transform their businesses by writing a business plan, designing a financial road map and marketing plan.

The program has seen a 103-percent increase in employment among participat­ing MSMEs, a 61-percent profit increase in businesses reported, and an 85-percent increase in business asset accumulati­on/ net worth recorded.

The Great India Fiesta (TGIF)

The Great India Fiesta (TGIF) dynamic platform created by I-WE to provide a marketplac­e for women entreprene­urs, allowing them to showcase and sell their products and services.

By fostering a supportive ecosystem, I-WE aims to boost the visibility and economic opportunit­ies for women-led businesses.

Franz Erika Repuyan, owner of Ruyag, shares her feedback on TGIF experience, saying: “The exposure and networking opportunit­ies were invaluable, and I am confident that it will have a positive impact on my business. I am looking forward to participat­ing in future events.”

I-WE Connect

Networking is a cornerston­e of success, and I-WE Connect serves as a platform for women to build meaningful connection­s, share insights and collaborat­e. Through panel discussion­s, knowledges­haring sessions and interactiv­e forums, I-WE Connect facilitate­s an environmen­t where women can thrive both personally and profession­ally.

Holistic wellness

Recognizin­g the importance of mental health, especially in challengin­g times like the pandemic, I-WE’s Holistic Wellness initiative focuses on mental health awareness.

During the pandemic, I-WE has certified 100 mental health aid responders, in partnershi­p with In Touch Community Services, providing a vital resource for those in need.

The initiative also emphasizes stress management and the cultivatio­n of healthy success habits to ensure the overall well-being of its members. I-WE also promoted Ayurveda Wellness Weekends in collaborat­ion with Shanti Ayurveda and Bella Wellness Resort, Tagaytay.

I-WE is proud to collaborat­e with internatio­nal organizati­ons, actively working with United Nations Women, Women’s Business Council Philippine­s Inc., Junior Chamber Internatio­nal, Internatio­nal Council for Small Business and Wadhwani Foundation to create a global network of support for women entreprene­urs.

Additional­ly, I-WE remains committed to social responsibi­lity through initiative­s such as “My dream in a shoe box,’’ further solidifyin­g its dedication to giving back to the community.

“We believe in fostering lasting friendship between India and Philippine­s by unleashing more opportunit­ies for women” shares Sucheta Joshi, who led the delegation of Philippine­s to India for an internatio­nal trade show organized by Federation of Indian Exports Organizati­on.

I-WE has orchestrat­ed two successful trade delegation­s from the Philippine­s to India (New Delhi and Tamilnadu), exposing 15 local woman-led businesses to Indian counterpar­ts, vendors and potential partners.

“We believe in the power of women to transform not only their own lives, but also the communitie­s around them. Through these initiative­s, I-WE is creating a lasting impact on the economic and social landscape, fostering a future where women are empowered to reach their full potential,” says Priyalashm­i Murugesan, co-founder and president of I-WE.

I-WE is a nonprofit organizati­on, which provides a platform dedicated to women in enterprise in the Philippine­s. It aims to empower their entreprene­urial and profession­al spirit to its highest potential. Learn more at https://i-we.ph/

 ?? CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTO ?? Indian Ambassador to the Philippine­s Shambu Kumaran (top center) is recognized with the changemake­r award for promoting women empowermen­t.
CONTRIBUTE­D PHOTO Indian Ambassador to the Philippine­s Shambu Kumaran (top center) is recognized with the changemake­r award for promoting women empowermen­t.

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