How Kerala’s eWe Is Enabling Women To Drive Digital Commerce In Tough Times
The near-global lockdown has affected almost all sectors of the Indian economy and amongst the worst-hit is the textile and apparel (T&A) industry due to the reset in the retail market as well as the bar on manufacturing and ecommerce orders. Not only was the sector expected to suffer massive layoffs but it also saw many factories and shops shut operations as the spread of Covid-19 plagued the nation.
However, considering the fact that more than 80% of the T&A industry comes under the MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) umbrella, it is expected to see some revival from the INR 3 Lakh Cr collateral-free automatic loan announcement made by the government.
But beyond the government measures, startups are also aiming to contribute to the MSME sector with jobs, tech upskilling and a taste of entrepreneurship through various initiatives and products. Incorporated in 2017, Kerala-based startup eWe — ‘empowerment of women entrepreneurship’ — claims to have helped over 200 women find jobs and over 550 women get training to understand tech and sell fashion and apparel products from the comfort of their homes. It has recently resumed operations after the government removed the restrictions on non-essential products in certain parts of India.
Photo courtesy of Afif Kusuma.
Source: INC42 (link opens in a new window)
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