State-level meet celebrates women entrepreneurs

The State-level Stakeholders Meet on “Celebrating Women Entrepreneurs: Journey of Strength and Success” was held on March 13 at Hotel Vivor, Kohima, organised by The Entrepreneurs Associates (tEA).
Special guest Yongchingkumla, Mission Director of Mission Shakti and Secretary, department of Social Welfare, in her address highlighted the vital role of women in socio-economic development. She said women remain at the centre of sustaining families and strengthening communities, whether at home, in markets, farms or small businesses. Congratulating the women entrepreneurs felicitated during the programme, she lauded their courage to build businesses and create livelihoods, adding that their success sends a powerful message of resilience and innovation.
She also commended the work of tEA and Friends of Women’s World Banking (FWWB) in providing women entrepreneurs access to finance, marketing opportunities, capacity building and technical support. Highlighting her personal experience, she noted that Naga culture has ensured girls are not deprived of education, which she described as a significant advantage for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Yongchingkumla further spoke on several welfare initiatives including SANKALP–Hub for Empowerment of Women, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Palna facilities, and Shakti Sadan relief homes, urging collective efforts to promote local products made by women entrepreneurs.
Executive director of tEA, Neikule Doulo, shared the organisation’s journey since 2000, noting its focus on entrepreneurship promotion, training, mentorship and financial linkages. She said intensive interventions with women street vendors since 2017 have opened opportunities for collaboration with FWWB, supporting women across Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Meghalaya. She emphasized the need to help women move from small-scale self-employment to structured business systems and envisioned nurturing 100 “CorePati” women entrepreneurs within the next decade.
Presentations were made by SUDA joint director Petevilie Khatsu on DAY-NULM provisions and assistant director, Industries and Commerce, Ikheshe Kahoto, on State Start-Up Policy. Entrepreneurs Verhelo-u Nuh and Swudutalu Therie shared their experiences.
The programme began with a welcome address by Project Coordinator of tEA, Chubazen Longkumer, invocation by Chubasenla Nokdir, Associate Pastor Youth, Kohima Ao Baptist Church, and context setting by Alexis Muthiah of FWWB. The vote of thanks was delivered by Avinash Rawal, vice president for Partnership and Inclusive Growth, FWWB.