Kolkata, 02 April 2021: Kolkata stood witness to a first of its kind lifestyle and fashion exhibition from 2nd April to 4th April 2021. Women “homepreneurs” The motto of this exhibition was to empower women financially. And lay the foundation for home-grown small and medium scale start-ups led by women to flourish. The event not only acted as a platform for talented women entrepreneurs to showcase their creations, but also acted as a conduit motivating them. To keep pushing forward through different workshops, Talk Show, etc.
Saira Shah Halim, Lopamudra Mandal, Farah Khan and Naina More spoke about the rising trend of successful women entrepreneurs. Who is helping to shape up the industrial landscape and providing a much-needed impetus to budding homepreneurs?.
The post-covid situation
In the post-covid situation, staying healthy and staying indoors is at the top of one’s priority list. Eid Souk through various initiatives, and spread throughout their week-long exhibition, ensured that the entrepreneurial women remain motivated. And continue their path of financial independence and success.
I held a panel discussion at Ibrah Banquets on 02nd April 2021 with eminent women’s personalities, and who are torchbearers for the welcoming trend of successful women entrepreneurs. The star-studded panellists comprising Social Activist and writer par excellence Saira Shah Halim, who also is an eminent media personality, and Former Mrs. India, and Designer Lopamudra Mondal and entrepreneur Farah Khan alongside celebrity motivational speaker Naina More along.
Moderator Nikhat Junaid coordinated the panel discussion. During the event, the panellists talked about the various challenges and hurdles faced by women entrepreneurs during the uncertain, yet dynamic industrial terrain moulded by the global pandemic looming in the background. They also discussed the need for young women to break free from the shackles of orthodoxy. And contribute towards the growth of home-grown and innovative business ventures. positively affecting society and in-turn making it conducive for others to follow suit.
The Covid-19 induced lockdown reiterated the need for business ventures to remain dynamic, adaptive, and continue to innovate and strive for excellence. No one was ready to face the unprecedented challenges that the pandemic was to bring. The need for women homepreneurs became relevant as many people lost their livelihood once it imposed the nationwide lockdown. For the first time in history, there was a need to think out of the box and come up with alternative sources of income–from the safety of one’s home.
Motivating women
Motivating women “homepreneurs” to pursue their long-forgotten dreams and helping them to become financially stable. Was never so important until working remotely became popular and became the workplace of the future. What was once part of a Business Continuity Protocol (BCP) became Business as usual (BAU) overnight?. Both proper platform and guidance are important in such a scenario. A huge number of women in society would like to work given an appropriate platform. Eid Souk in association with Ibrah Banquets came forward. And to lend a helping hand paving the way for the next generation of women entrepreneurs to flourish.
One of the honourable guests, Saira Shah Halim said, “I have always been vocal about the importance of women being financially independent. When women are self-sufficient, they can nurture the next generation. In the same way, and building a progressive socio-economic ethos, where equality is celebrated”.
The organiser of the EID Souk and the Panel Discussion. But Nikhat Junaid added that “We are extremely delighted to provide the platform to young ambitious women. Because to showcase their creations. We are looking to take up similar initiatives in the future, to empower women. Because boost the SME industry with their support”.
