In the landscape of global entrepreneurship and women empowerment, Dr. Hina Shah stands out as a beacon of hope and progress. As the Founder-Director of the International Center for Entrepreneurship and Career Development (ICECD), established in 1986, Dr. Shah has dedicated her life to transforming the lives of countless women and youth through education, training, and empowerment. ICECD, a non-profit organization, has emerged as a pioneer in the field of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development with a particular focus on promoting women as equal contributors to economic development.
With an unwavering belief in entrepreneurship’s transformative power, Dr. Hina Shah has empowered over 100,000 women worldwide, enabling them to become self-driven, motivated entrepreneurs. The organization has provided them with the tools, resources, and training necessary to succeed in competitive markets, breaking down gender barriers and creating pathways for women to access productive resources and business opportunities.
The Beginnings of a Vision
Dr. Shah’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1976, when she entered the plastic packaging industry. Though the field was dominated by men, her determination and vision for change stood out. However, it was in 1986 that she truly laid the foundation for a broader and more impactful legacy. ICECD’s key initiatives focus on Entrepreneurship Development, SME growth, job creation through entrepreneurship and skills training, and Micro Credit Management. These efforts have driven economic empowerment for people, especially women, across urban, rural, and tribal communities.
ICECD was founded with a clear objective in mind: to address gender disparities in entrepreneurship, enhance women’s access to productive resources, and make women equal contributors to the development process. Dr. Shah’s deep commitment to gender equality and economic empowerment led her to focus on creating opportunities for women who lacked the support systems to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys and be financially independent.
The first major project launched by ICECD was the “Entrepreneurship Development Program for Women,” which began with a modest group of 25 women from Gujarat. Her belief in the potential of these women proved to be well-founded, as 16 of them went on to successfully establish non-traditional businesses that are still operational today. This initiative laid the groundwork for a massive movement that would soon touch lives across multiple countries.
Expanding the Reach: A Global Influence
As ICECD’s impact continued to grow in India, Dr. Shah expanded the scope of her work to more than 55 developing and underdeveloped countries. Through her tireless efforts, she successfully initiated and institutionalized women’s economic empowerment strategies in countries such as Zambia, Bangladesh, Lesotho, Botswana, Cameroon, Malaysia, Philippines, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Guyana, Ivory Coast, St. Kitts, and many more.
Her work in these countries involved designing customized strategies to address the unique cultural, political, and economic challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. These programs focused on improving women’s skills, enhancing their financial literacy, and equipping them with the tools to access resources that would enable them to thrive in the world of business.
ICECD’s Core Projects and Impact
Under Dr. Shah’s leadership, ICECD has launched a series of high-impact projects that aim to empower women and youth, foster sustainable development, and promote entrepreneurship. Some of the key projects include:
Women Entrepreneurship Development
ICECD’s flagship program focuses on providing training and mentoring women, helping them set up and manage successful businesses. This program aims to increase women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries and create opportunities for women in all sectors, from agriculture to technology.
Youth Empowerment Through Skills and Entrepreneurship
Understanding the importance of youth in shaping the future of any society, ICECD has developed programs to empower young people by equipping them with the necessary skills for entrepreneurship. These initiatives have helped many young individuals find their entrepreneurial calling and contribute to the local economy.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation
ICECD has partnered with major corporations like Amazon India, Bajaj, Castrol, TATA Steel, and British Petroleum to implement CSR projects that focus on skill development, education, and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. These projects have not only helped businesses achieve their CSR goals but also contributed to the broader social impact by uplifting marginalized populations.
Training of Trainers on Entrepreneurship
ICECD has consistently developed and implemented unique programs while ensuring their sustainability through Training of Trainers. These models have been successfully transferred to over 1,350 national and 950 international organizations. By focusing on building a network of capable trainers, ICECD ensures the scalability and sustainability of its programs and reached thousands of individuals with entrepreneurship skills
Industrial Safety and Disaster Management
ICECD’s work in industrial safety and disaster management focuses on educating and training individuals in industries to mitigate risks and ensure safety in the workplace. This project has had a significant impact on improving the safety standards in many industrial sectors in India and beyond.
Strengthening Change Through Strategic Partnerships
Dr. Hina Shah’s work has fostered strong partnerships with Government, Corporate, Non-Governmental Organizations and Academic Institutions across the world, enabling ICECD to expand its impact and create greater opportunities for women and youth. The institution has worked with various departments, including the Ministry of Women and Children Development, the Tribal Department, and the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health, and more. Additionally, on the international front, the institution has secured support from renowned donor agencies like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), which have provided resources and funding for its initiatives. Moreover, the institution has been recognised as a ‘Center for Excellence’ by UNESCAP for its contribution in driving change on a global level. These strategic collaborations have not only amplified ICECD’s reach but have also embedded its mission into broader global development frameworks, ensuring lasting and sustainable change.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Hina Shah’s work has not gone unnoticed. Her dedication to women’s empowerment and her innovative approach to entrepreneurship development have earned her several prestigious awards. Some of the key recognitions include:
● Stree Shakti Award: Awarded by the President of India, Pratibha Patil, for her remarkable contribution to economic development.
● Bharat Jyoti Award: In recognition of her outstanding efforts in the field of entrepreneurship.
● Titan Be More Legend Title: Acknowledging her pioneering work in the empowerment of women through entrepreneurship.
● Best Project Award from the Project Management Institute: For her leadership and effective management of various entrepreneurship development initiatives.
These accolades underscore Dr. Shah’s profound impact on communities worldwide, cementing her legacy of empowerment and change.
Looking to a Brighter Future
As ICECD continues to grow, Dr. Hina Shah’s vision remains clear: to expand the organization’s reach across the globe, creating new opportunities for women and youth in developing countries. With an emphasis on capacity building, mentorship, and the promotion of entrepreneurship, ICECD is poised to continue its mission of economic empowerment and gender equality.
Dr. Shah’s journey is a testament to how one individual’s determination can spark widespread change. Through ICECD, she has not only empowered women but has also ignited a global movement for entrepreneurship, one that continues to inspire and uplift communities worldwide!
