Republic of Korea, US Collaborate to Empower Women Entrepreneurs in India

Study Abroad: The US and the Republic of Korea introduced Capacity Strengthening for Women Social Entrepreneurs to empower women entrepreneurs in India.

The United States and the Republic of Korea have launched a new initiative to support and empower women entrepreneurs in India. Through their development agencies including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), they introduced Capacity Strengthening for Women Social Entrepreneurs.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between USAID and KOICA in February 2024.

The initiative was launched at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. It was attended by KOICA Country Director Mr Woo Chan Chang, Deputy Chief of Mission Minister Lim Sang Woo, USAID Acting Mission Director Alexandria Huerta, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan Andrews, Ms Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

While commenting on the program, Korean Deputy Chief of Mission Lim Sang Woo said, ''This program is more than just a training initiative; it is a platform for creating a sustainable ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in India. By combining Korea's expertise in social innovation with India's dynamic entrepreneurial spirit, we are laying the groundwork for lasting social impact. We are very happy that KOICA and USAID are partnering together with India for this important initiative.”

U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jorgan Andrews said, "The United States is proud to support the KOICA-USAID exchange program, which will enhance the leadership skills of participants and contribute to a broader network of women leaders driving progress and fostering economic growth in India. This exchange program underscores the United States' commitment to partnering with India to promote inclusive growth through women's economic empowerment."

Capacity Strengthening for Women Social Entrepreneurs: More Details

It focuses on four strategic goals including digital literacy, disaster and climate resilience, trilateral cooperation, and women's economic empowerment. The program will support Indian women entrepreneurs by facilitating cross-border networking and sharing practices from Korea's robust social economy.

The program will run from August 21 to September 3, 2024. It will feature a curriculum comprising Korea’s impact investment, social economy, and case studies of innovative social enterprises. Participants will get to visit Busan, Suwon, and Seoul to find out about initiatives such as tech-based women entrepreneurs utilizing social enterprises employing biomass dyeing technology, solar power, and smart farming solutions for disabled adolescents.

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