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India’s digital public procurement framework has reached a significant milestone in advancing women’s entrepreneurship. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has completed seven years of its Womaniya Initiative, a flagship programme aimed at integrating women-led Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) into government procurement. Since its launch, the initiative has enabled women entrepreneurs to secure public orders worth over Rs 80,000 crore, well beyond mandated targets.

Why in the News

GeM marked seven years of the Womaniya Initiative, under which women-led enterprises have collectively surpassed the compulsory 3% procurement requirement, accounting for nearly 4.7% of GeM’s total order value.

About the Womaniya Initiative

Launched on January 14, 2019, the Womaniya Initiative was designed to overcome long-standing barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in accessing government markets. By providing a fully digital, transparent, and direct interface between sellers and government buyers, the platform eliminated intermediaries and simplified entry into public procurement. Over time, Womaniya has evolved into a nationwide ecosystem that supports women-led businesses in scaling operations, building credibility, and competing on equal footing.

Seven Years of Progress

As of January 14, 2026, more than two lakh women-led MSEs are registered on the GeM portal. Together, they have secured procurement orders exceeding Rs 80,000 crore. This achievement not only exceeds statutory procurement requirements but also demonstrates the effectiveness of digital public infrastructure in fostering inclusive economic growth.

Institutional Support and Policy Focus

The anniversary event held in New Delhi brought together policymakers, development agencies, and international partners. Representatives from the Ministry of MSME, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and UN Women India underscored the importance of institutional access, capacity building, and sustained policy backing. Discussions highlighted gender-responsive public procurement as a powerful instrument for expanding women’s economic participation and strengthening local economies.

GeM’s Role in Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

GeM officials noted that Womaniya has matured into a structured and scalable platform for women entrepreneurs. Digital procurement enables transparent price discovery, product comparison, and nationwide market access. Improving awareness of Government Financial Rules (GFR) and procurement trends was identified as essential for women-led enterprises to maximise opportunities within public procurement.

GeM and Inclusive Public Procurement

The Government e-Marketplace serves as India’s central public procurement portal, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and inclusiveness. Initiatives such as Womaniya demonstrate how targeted policy interventions, when embedded within digital public infrastructure, can address structural inequalities and promote equitable, gender-inclusive growth.

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