“The Skill Development Committee” and ‘Power Women Cell’ of “The Entrepreneurs’ Committee” of The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized their signature programme on women empowerment - “New Era in Women Entrepreneurship”, on 23rd of September 2021 at Williamson Magor Hall, The Bengal Chambers premises, to salute, motivate and encourage Women Entrepreneurs who had steered through the pandemic and become stronger. 

Women have always been instrumental in managing and successfully resolving any crisis or challenge be at home front or business, through their adaptability to new skills and opportunities and empathetic approach to human resources. Although many businesses had been affected adversely during lockdown, many new possibilities of going digital have opened new avenues of new age businesses and employment. 

Mr. Deb A Mukherjee, President, The Bengal Chamber, said “We recognize and encourage women empowerment through entrepreneurship which leads to gender equality – a goal set by United Nations. As a responsible Chamber we would help with action in this regard to build a better and sustainable future.” Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal graced the program as Chief Guest. Ms. Shaon Sen, WBCS (Executive), Addl. Director, SUDA, Addl. Mission Director NULM Joint Secretary, Department of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. 

Ms. Minu Budhia, Psychotherapist & Counselor, Founder-Director of Caring Minds, ICanFlyy and Cafe ICanFlyy was felicitated as the Iconic Woman Entrepreneur by Dr. Shashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal on behalf of the Chamber. Ms. Shaleni S Biswas, Managing Director, Easy Note Stationery Pvt. Ltd. and Ms. Sudarshana Gangulee, Director, Mani Group received awards as Role Models in Women Entrepreneurship.

Ms. Shaon Sen, WBCS (Executive), Addl. Director, SUDA, Addl. Mission Director NULM Joint Secretary, Department of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal gave a presentation on works of the Department of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Government of West Bengal regarding women empowerment and skill development.

Ms. Kamalini Paul, Managing Director, Paulson Hotel & Resorts Pvt Ltd, received award for Next Gen Woman Entrepreneur in Hospitality Sector, Ms. Shreyasee Karmakar, Director, S&IB Services Pvt Ltd, was awarded as Next Gen Woman Entrepreneur in Security & Services Sector, Ms. Arpita Dasgupta, Founder and Director, Kriya Infotainment Pvt Ltd, was awarded as Next Gen Woman Entrepreneur in Media and Branding Solution. Ms. Rina Paul, was felicitated as Next Gen Woman Entrepreneur in Retail Sector, Ms. Sumi Chatterjee as Next Gen Woman Entrepreneur in Food and Catering Sector and Ms. Chameli Das as Next Gen Woman Entrepreneur in Textile Sector. 

The programme was well attended by audience both physically and digitally and received a very good media coverage.