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Womaniya Initiative Empowers 2.1 Lakh Women Entrepreneurs on GeM Platform

The 'Womaniya' initiative has successfully onboarded over 2.1 lakh women-led micro and small enterprises onto the Government e-Marketplace in FY26. These entrepreneurs secured a remarkable 13.7 lakh orders, representing a contract value exceeding Rs 28,000 crore and achieving 27.6% growth over the previous year. The program's 5.6% share of total GeM orders significantly surpasses the mandated 3% procurement target for women. By providing a dedicated digital interface and simplifying processes, the initiative aims to convert local production strengths into formal, sustainable enterprise participation and foster economic independence.

Key Points: Womaniya: 2.1 Lakh Women MSEs on GeM, Rs 28,000 Cr Orders

  • 2.1 lakh women MSEs registered
  • 13.7 lakh orders secured
  • Over Rs 28,000 crore contract value
  • Exceeded 3% procurement target
2 min read

'Womaniya' initiative leads 2.1 lakh women MSEs onto GeM with 13.7 lakh orders

GeM's Womaniya initiative onboarded 2.1 lakh women-led MSEs, securing 13.7 lakh orders worth over Rs 28,000 crore in FY26, exceeding procurement targets.

"a pathway to greater economic independence and wider representation - Official Statement"

New Delhi, April 10

The 'Womaniya' initiative scaled significantly since its launch, with more than 2.1 lakh women micro and small enterprises registering on the Government e‑Marketplace in FY26, securing 13.7 lakh orders, the government said on Friday.

Over Rs. 28,000 crore contract value was awarded to women MSEs with 27.60 per cent growth over last year, according to an official statement.

The programme beneficiaries accounted for 5.6 per cent of GeM's total orders in FY26, exceeding the mandated 3 per cent procurement target.

The initiative enables women entrepreneurs and SHGs to sell directly to government buyers through the GeM platform.

It aims to strengthen the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in public procurement by providing a designated digital interface, simplifying access requirements and creating structured pathways for women-entrepreneurs and SHGs to connect with government buyers.

The scheme covers designated categories such as handicrafts, handloom, jute, coir, home décor and office furnishings for procurement.

At the grassroots level, district administrations, enterprise support centres and training institutions conduct onboarding drives, training programs, and product catalogue workshops to enhance seller readiness.

The initiative on GeM converts existing production strengths into formal, sustainable enterprise participation.

"As more women gain visibility, build capacity and connect with government buyers, Womaniya becomes not just a procurement initiative but a pathway to greater economic independence and wider representation ensuring that public procurement reflects the capabilities and aspirations of the better half of society," the statement noted.

Digital onboarding of women-led micro and small enterprises is done through Udyam verification and essential documentation, while product listings follow uniform catalogue templates with defined technical specifications to simplify buyer evaluation.

All procurement activities including bidding, order placement, acceptance, invoicing and payments etc., are executed digitally, cutting intermediary dependence and encouraging direct engagement between women led enterprises and government buyers.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
₹28,000 crore is a massive number! Shows what can happen when we create the right platforms. Hope this success leads to more categories being opened up beyond handicrafts and home decor.
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Sarah B
As someone who works in development, the 5.6% figure exceeding the 3% target is the most encouraging part. It proves the demand and capability were always there, just needed access.
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Aman W
Good initiative, but the real test is sustainability. Hope the training and support at the district level is consistent and not just a one-time drive. Also, timely payments from government departments are crucial.
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Meera T
Bharat ki nari shakti! This is how we build a truly inclusive economy. From my village in Kerala to a national marketplace – technology is bridging the gap beautifully. 👏
K
Karthik V
The digital execution part is key. Cutting out intermediaries means more profit stays with the women who actually make the products. Hope this model is replicated for other marginalized groups too.

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