2010 Conference Theme: ICT – creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs

More than a one day event, the Women Mean Business Conference fosters a unique network of women entrepreneurs in India. It encompasses new research into barriers women face in setting up and developing their businesses, and offers practical solutions to these challenges.

Following the success of our 2009 conference in Mumbai with over 350 participants and 36 high profile speakers from across India, we look forward to the next conference to be held on the 8^th of December, 2010. This year there will be a particular focus around mobile services, web-based technology, technological learning such as e-mentoring, and social media for business.

Why India

Despite India's governmental support and its wealth of talented women, less than a quarter of micro, small and medium businesses in India are owned by women. This number needs to increase if families are to lift themselves out of poverty and generate additional income and employment opportunities.

“Women always think of themselves as somebody’s wife or mother, not active players in the Indian economy.”

- Mirai Chatterjee, SEWA

Next steps for the Foundation

The Foundation is now working on post-conference follow up through projects that will support women entrepreneurs in India, research and a continuation of dialogue around the various topics presented during the one day conference. For more information, see: www.cbfwconference.org

Make a commitment

Speakers and participants personally made more than 60 tangible commitments to foster women entrepreneurship through easing access to resources including finance, mentoring, information, education and legal support.

The conference may be over, but you can still take part by making a commitment to help women succeed in various areas of business and especially in entrepreneurship. Commitments are made both by organisations and individuals. To take part, visit the conference commitment website.