Swayamshree empowers 4.2 lakh women in Odisha, showcases blueprint for enterprise-led rural growth

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 3, 2026

The Swayamshree programme, a collaborative initiative of Reliance Foundation, the Gates Foundation and the Department of Mission Shakti, on Wednesday convened the second edition of the Swayamshree Conclave in Bhubaneswar, highlighting a transformative journey that has economically empowered more than 4.2 lakh women across rural Odisha over the past three years.

The conclave brought together policymakers, development practitioners, industry leaders, civil society organisations and women’s collectives to share key learnings from the field, strengthen Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs), and chart a roadmap for scaling women-led livelihood models across the state.

Addressing the gathering, Jyotishankar Mohapatra, Additional Secretary, Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha, said the Swayamshree programme had chosen to work in a highly dynamic and impactful sector. “Congratulations to the Swayamshree programme for choosing to work in a dynamic field. In a resource-constrained scenario, collective efforts are needed to achieve the desired results. We are keen to take the learning from the Swayamshree programme and replicate it on a larger scale,” he said.

Highlighting the transformative power of collective action, N Deepthi Reddy, Chief-Women Empowerment, Reliance Foundation, said the initiative has demonstrated how organised women’s collectives can drive sustainable economic growth when equipped with access to technology, markets and institutional support.

 “In Odisha, we have seen what becomes possible when women are organised into collectives and given the tools, technology, and markets they need. Across seven districts — from tribal uplands of Kandhamal to the handloom clusters of Bargarh — more than 4.2 lakh women have moved from subsistence farming to enterprise-led livelihoods. Women who once guarded crops through the night against wildlife are now adopting solar fencing technologies that further enhanced production and economic empowerment, and are leading collectively as Producer Groups and selling their harvests to institutional buyers,” she said.

She added that the newly launched compendium documenting the programme’s achievements serves not only as a record of success but also as a practical blueprint for future replication and scale.

Echoing the importance of collaborative development models, Saachi Bhalla, Deputy Director, Gender Equality, Gates Foundation, said the Prime Minister’s vision of creating “Lakhpati Didis” has generated strong momentum for women’s economic empowerment across the country.

 “The Swayamshree programme builds on this vision by working with State Rural Livelihood Missions and grassroots partners to create sustainable income pathways. The learnings from Odisha — across farm, off-farm, non-farm and enterprise models — demonstrate how collaboration between government, philanthropy, private sector, and civil society can deliver transformative, scalable change,” she said.

A key highlight of the conclave was the launch of a compendium titled Best Practices from Odisha for Strengthening Women’s Livelihoods, documenting high-impact and replicable livelihood models developed under the Swayamshree programme. The publication captures successful interventions implemented across the state through partners such as Gram Vikas and Harsha Trust, with documentation support from ILRT Foundation.

The compendium showcases successful women-led enterprises across farm-based sectors such as paddy, vegetables and dairy; off-farm activities including food processing and handloom; and non-farm ventures spanning retail and service enterprises. It has been designed as a practical toolkit for policymakers, practitioners and institutions seeking to replicate proven livelihood models.

The conclave also featured a panel discussion on partnership and innovation models, where industry leaders explored strategies for accelerating the growth of women-led enterprises through targeted collaborations. Women entrepreneurs from across Odisha shared first-hand accounts of enterprise transformation, improved market access and increased incomes.

An exhibition showcasing products made by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with women entrepreneurs and witness the impact of Swayamshree’s interventions across farm, off-farm and non-farm value chains.

With its growing footprint in Odisha, the Swayamshree programme is emerging as a powerful model for inclusive rural development, bringing together government, philanthropy, private sector and community institutions to create sustainable livelihoods and expand economic opportunities for women across the state.