Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE India) is a premier not-for-profit organization established on March 11, 2005, in Hyderabad. It was founded by six successful first-generation women entrepreneurs with the vision of driving economic empowerment for women across India. Starting with just 22 members, it has grown into a national movement with a vision to be a network that propels women business owners into significant economic and political spheres of power.

Founders

COWE India was founded by six visionary first-generation women entrepreneurs who wanted to create a support system for other women in business. Based on the organization’s history and leadership records, the key founding members include:

  • Madhu Tyagi

  • Soudhamini P

  • Uma Ghurka

  • K. Sandhya Reddy

  • A. Shylaja Reddy

  • Suman Kumar

Activities & Flagship Projects

COWE India operates a wide range of programs designed to support women from the “ideation” stage to “growth” and “expansion.” Key activities include:

  • Infrastructure Support:

    • Women-Only Industrial Parks: Pioneered the first women-exclusive industrial parks in India (launched in 2014) to provide safe and subsidized manufacturing spaces.

    • Co-Manufacturing & Co-Working Facilities: tailored for small and early-stage businesses.

  • Training & Development:

    • EDP & ESDP: Entrepreneurship Development Programs and Skill Development Programs to train women in business management and specific trades.

    • Tech Incubation & Acceleration: Supporting tech-powered women entrepreneurs with prototyping labs and mentoring.

  • Networking & Marketing:

    • COWE Mart: A platform to help members sell products through retail and online channels.

    • Exhibitions & B2B Expos: Organizing national and international trade shows to showcase products.

  • Funding & Linkages:

    • Facilitating connections with banks for loans, grants, and venture capital.

    • Partnering with government bodies like MSME, NSIC, and SIDBI.

Achievements

Over its two decades of operation, COWE India has reached significant milestones:

  • Empowerment Reach: Empowered over 15,000 women entrepreneurs.

  • Events: Conducted 23+ seminars and held 6+ major exhibitions.

  • Global Footprint: Established international partnerships with organizations like WEConnect International, WEBANC, and associations in South Africa and Sri Lanka.

  • Recognition: Recognized as a key implementation partner for various central and state government schemes (e.g., SFURTI, STRIVE).

  • Publications: Released “HERSELF,” a book featuring inspiring stories of 70 successful women entrepreneurs.

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