Chennai, Dec 22: U.S. Consul General Judith Ravin inaugurated the Indian Women Social Entrepreneurs Network (IWSEN) at a virtual event held on December 17, 2020.
With funding from the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, Amani Institute organized a six-month capacity-building program led by U.S. and Indian experts for 40 women social entrepreneurs from across India. As part of the project, participants established IWSEN, a network that aims to benefit communities by bolstering and advocating for women-led social enterprises and provide an easier path for women to take on the challenge of entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the launch of IWSEN, Consul General Judith Ravin said, “The United States and India are committed to help remove barriers to women’s economic and social empowerment. IWSEN is a perfect example. I am confident that IWSEN will inspire more women to become social entrepreneurs and make this world a much better place for future generations.”
Shehzia Lilani of Amani Institute who led the training program said, “It has been an exhilarating experience to facilitate the learning journeys of 40 inspiring women social entrepreneurs from all over India. Working alongside them while seeing their passion, commitment, and growth as individuals and leaders has left us feeling very fulfilled.”
Amani Institute aims to develop professionals who create social impact by creating new models of education and training that enable people to develop new practical skills and experiences for their professional toolkit, a personal understanding of their own leadership journey, and the global networks necessary for long-term career success.
Social entrepreneur Rema Sivaram, who is part of the core committee of the new network, said, “IWSEN was imagined under different circumstances but came into being in this age of a global pandemic. The training brought together a cohort of women entrepreneurs, all facing similar challenges, who suddenly realized the lack of such a support network for women, especially in the social sector. We envision IWSEN as a network of changemakers who are creating social and economic impact in all regions of India.”
For further information regarding IWSEN activities and membership details, please email: iwsenetwork@gmail.com.
