Amazon has launched a new programme called ‘Amazon Saheli’ in order to enable women entrepreneurs across the country to sell their products on its marketplace.
Partnering with organisations that work towards encouraging women entrepreneurship, Amazon India has tied up with Sewa (Self-employed Women's Association) and Impulse Social Enterprise.
Amazon said in a statement that women entrepreneurs linked to these partner organisations will have the opportunity to sell their products to Amazon.in customers through a dedicated storefront, the Saheli Store.
Reema Nanavati who leads SEWA told Yourstory, “We at SEWA believe in young women’s entrepreneurship using e-commerce. With minimal cost, e-commerce gives you reach to newer markets nationally and internationally! It builds economic security, brings dignity and self-respect to young women entrepreneurs. SEWA is happy to partner with Amazon which share the same vision.”
The women entrepreneurs will be offered training and skill development through workshops where they will be taught the intricacies of online selling. The sessions will comprise sessions on listing of products, imaging and cataloguing, packaging and shipping, and customer service among other things, the report adds.
"As a part of our commitment to transform how India buys and sells by enabling small entrepreneurs to scale up, we've now focused on the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs here to gain visibility and access to resources," Gopal Pillai, director and general manager, seller services, at Amazon India was quoted as saying in a statement.
Earlier this year, the company had completed a pilot project for the store in Nagaland in association with the National Skill Development Corporation and the state government.
The statement said the Saheli Store will initially comprise handicrafts, apparel and home décor items before expanding to other product categories.
"Promoting entrepreneurship among women has become a key focus area for companies everywhere. E-commerce and specifically the e-marketplace model is a great avenue for women entrepreneurs to benefit from a fast-growing digital economy," Jay Carney, senior vice-president, global corporate affairs at Amazon said.