World Trade Center Mumbai assured support to women entrepreneurs at the YES PowherUp, an event organized by YES Bank in association with WTC Mumbai and FICCI FLO on March 6, 2025 at Mumbai ahead of International Women's Day 2025.

Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai, remarked, "The only thing stopping a woman is her own inhibition. From my experience, women tend to target nearby markets for their products. They need to take advantage of the supportive ecosystem created by government policies, both at the national and state levels. Social media has provided a significant boost, offering a global platform for women entrepreneurs. Additionally, organizations like WTC Mumbai facilitate access to trade delegations, international fairs, and capacity-building programs to help women expand their businesses globally."

Ms. Naik further emphasized, "For women to succeed in business, they must focus on their product, assess market demand, and ensure their offerings align with consumer needs." She also underscored the importance of crèche services in all firms and industries, allowing working mothers to leave their children in a safe environment while they rejoin the workforce.

In her remarks, Ms. Deepshika Arora, IRS, Commissioner, GST, Govt. of India, emphasised, "The corporate sector may consider introducing ‘Return to Work’ programs for returning mothers, focusing on capacity building and mentorship to facilitate their seamless re-entry into the workforce."

During the event, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director – Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai invited the women entrepreneurs to leverage trade services by WTC Mumbai by becoming members of the organization.

The event was attended by women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, reflecting the growing influence and contribution of women in business and leadership.

The event also featured two insightful panel discussions. The first panel, titled "Navigating Challenges and Paving the Way Forward," brought together prominent women entrepreneurs, including Ms. Aparajita Toor, Founder, Aparajita Toor Footwear; Ms. Poonam Gugale, CEO, FollowG; Ms. Sanjam Gupta, Founder, Maritime SheEO; and Ms. Yogita Ajgaonkar, Founder and CEO, TIWIW.

The second panel discussion, "Redefining Leadership Amidst India’s Evolving Corporate Culture," featured Ms. Neha Yadav, Executive Director, Savills Group; Ms. Mini Nair, Country Head, LOGPAC; Ms. Garima Dutt, CEO, YES Foundation; and Ms. Rohini Sharma, Head – Branch Banking Transformation. 

Headline Image caption: Ms. Rupa Naik, Executive Director, WTC Mumbai (3rd from right) at the event. Also seen in  the picture (from left to right): Mr. Percy Adajania, Head- Program, Product and Policy and SME Banking, YES Bank, Ms. Aarmeen Dordi, Chairperson, FICCI FLO Mumbai, Ms. Deepshika Arora, IRS, Commissioner, GST, Ms. Mona Kishore, Head- Business Strategy and Customer Value Management, YES Bank and Ms. Aloka Rajan, Senior VP, YES Bank

Promotional Image Caption (from left to right): Mr. Percy Adajania, Head- Program, Product and Policy and SME Banking, YES Bank, Ms. Priya Pansare, Director – Trade and Investment Promotion, WTC Mumbai, Ms. Poonam Gugale, CEO, FollowG and Ms. Aloka Rajan, Senior VP, YES Bank