UNDP and DAY-NULM Collaborate to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

In recent news, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) have joined forces in a collaborative partnership to empower women in making informed career choices in entrepreneurship. The partnership’s main objective is to provide support for women seeking to start and expand their enterprises, with a specific focus on sectors like the care economy, digital economy, electric mobility, waste management, and food packaging.

The partnership, which is set to span over three years, with the possibility of extension beyond 2025, will initially cover eight cities. Moreover, it aims to contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).

About DAY-NULM

DAY-NULM, a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), was launched in 2013 to alleviate poverty and vulnerability among urban poor households. It enables them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities. 

The scheme comprises various components, including social mobilization and institution development, employment through skills training and placement, self-employment programs, support to urban street vendors, shelter for urban homeless, and funding for innovative and special projects.

About UNDP

As the leading development agency of the United Nations, UNDP operates in almost 170 countries and territories, focusing on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience to crises and shocks. UNDP aims to support countries in achieving their development priorities, coordinate UN system activities at the country level, advocate for change, and address emerging challenges.

Partnership Objectives

The collaboration between UNDP and DAY-NULM aims to establish an inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem that supports and empowers women entrepreneurs. Key objectives of the partnership include providing national-level capacity building support to DAY-NULM on knowledge generation and management, piloting innovative solutions in the care economy domain, facilitating access to business development services for women entrepreneurs, and developing a network of community business mentors called Biz-Sakhis.

Significance and Way Forward

The partnership holds immense significance as it seeks to enhance the skills, knowledge, and confidence of women entrepreneurs, particularly those from marginalised and vulnerable sections of society. By providing comprehensive support services, the collaboration can help overcome barriers and promote economic empowerment and social inclusion for women. 

However, challenges such as limited awareness, socio-cultural norms, regulatory hurdles, and access to finance and markets need to be addressed through multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral efforts, including awareness campaigns, capacity building, regulatory simplification, and enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders. By addressing these challenges, the partnership can unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs and contribute to the sustainable development of urban communities.