The ‘Womaniya’ initiative has seen significant growth since its launch, with over 2.1 lakh women micro and small enterprises (MSEs) registering on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in FY26. These enterprises secured 13.7 lakh orders, receiving contracts worth more than Rs. 28,000 crore, marking a 27.60% increase from the previous year.
Beneficiaries of the program accounted for 5.6% of GeM’s total orders in FY26, surpassing the mandated 3% procurement target. The initiative facilitates direct selling for women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to government buyers through the GeM platform, aiming to enhance their inclusion in public procurement.
The scheme covers various categories like handicrafts, handloom, jute, coir, home décor, and office furnishings for procurement. At the grassroots level, district administrations, enterprise support centers, and training institutions conduct onboarding drives and training programs to enhance seller readiness, converting production strengths into sustainable enterprise participation.
The initiative not only serves as a procurement platform but also as a means for women to achieve economic independence and broader representation. By digitally onboarding women-led micro and small enterprises through Udyam verification and essential documentation, the initiative simplifies procurement processes and fosters direct engagement between these enterprises and government buyers.
