Adani Foundation’s Swabhimaan Initiative Empowers Over 4,500 Women Entrepreneurs in Mumbai

New Delhi, March 2026 : The Adani Foundation’s flagship women empowerment programme, Swabhimaan, has emerged as a powerful catalyst for change among urban underprivileged women in Mumbai, enabling more than 4,500 women to become financially independent and develop sustainable livelihoods. The success of the initiative was celebrated at a special event titled “Swabhimaan: The Rise of S.H.E.”, which highlighted the inspiring journeys of women who transformed their lives through entrepreneurship and skill development.

The programme, launched in 2021–22 by the Adani Foundation in partnership with Adani Electricity and the Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), aims to empower women from economically weaker urban communities. By providing training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital awareness, and business management, the initiative helps women transition from traditional self-help groups to Enterprise Self Help Groups (ESHGs), enabling them to establish and manage income-generating ventures.

The celebratory event in Mumbai brought together policymakers, social leaders, and women entrepreneurs associated with the programme. Among those present were Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation; Ritu Tawde, Mayor of Mumbai; and Aditi Tatkare, Cabinet Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra. The gathering also included Subodh Kumar Singh, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for the Mumbai Region at the Adani Foundation, along with numerous beneficiaries of the programme who shared their personal journeys of empowerment and resilience.

Opening the event, Subodh Kumar Singh spoke about the transformative impact of the Swabhimaan initiative in urban communities. He noted that the programme has helped strengthen women-led enterprises and encouraged participants to build confidence in managing businesses and contributing to their household incomes.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Priti Adani emphasised that Swabhimaan represents far more than a livelihood initiative. She described it as a movement that celebrates women’s courage, determination, and dignity.

“Swabhimaan is not just a programme; it is an idea and a story of women who have chosen to live their lives with confidence and dignity. Today we are celebrating the achievements of over 4,500 women who have taken charge of their lives with remarkable courage,” she said.

Dr Adani highlighted the holistic approach adopted by the foundation to empower women through skill development, financial literacy, digital education, and access to market opportunities. These interventions have enabled many participants to establish small businesses and gradually expand their enterprises.

She also pointed out that empowering women has a far-reaching impact on families and communities. According to global research, nearly 90 per cent of a woman’s income is spent on her family’s welfare, including children’s education and healthcare.

“When a woman becomes financially independent, the entire family benefits. Empowering women is not only about strengthening individuals; it is an investment in the future of the next generation,” she added.

The Swabhimaan initiative supports the broader national vision of inclusive development under the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat Mission, which aims to create opportunities for all sections of society to contribute to the country’s growth. By equipping women with practical business skills and financial knowledge, the programme encourages them to actively participate in the economy.

One of the most significant aspects of the initiative is the transformation of traditional Self Help Groups (SHGs) into Enterprise Self Help Groups (ESHGs). While SHGs traditionally focus on collective savings and access to small loans, ESHGs go a step further by enabling women to launch and manage small businesses. Through structured training programmes, participants learn essential skills such as bookkeeping, marketing, governance, and trade-specific techniques that help them grow their ventures.

Many women associated with the programme have started businesses ranging from food preparation and tailoring to retail services and handicrafts. With improved access to loans and financial resources, they have been able to expand their operations and generate steady income for their families.

The programme has also strengthened financial inclusion by encouraging women to save regularly, access credit responsibly, and build long-term financial security. As a result, several beneficiaries have improved their households’ living conditions, invested more in their children’s education, and enhanced healthcare access for their families.

The event “Swabhimaan: The Rise of S.H.E.” served as a platform to celebrate these achievements and showcase the entrepreneurial talent of participating women. An exhibition featuring products created by women from the Swabhimaan and Utthan initiatives allowed visitors to witness firsthand the creativity and business potential of the programme’s beneficiaries.

The event also marked the launch of a Swabhimaan coffee table book documenting the journeys and success stories of women who have benefited from the initiative. In addition, the inauguration of the Swateja Mart cloud kitchen highlighted how participants are expanding into modern business models with support from the programme.

A panel discussion titled “S.H.E. Speaks” formed one of the highlights of the event, where several women entrepreneurs shared their personal stories of transformation. Many participants spoke about overcoming financial hardship, gaining confidence through training programmes, and eventually becoming income earners for their families.

For many of these women, the programme has not only provided economic opportunities but also strengthened their self-belief and social standing within their communities.

By fostering entrepreneurship and financial independence, the Swabhimaan initiative continues to play a vital role in uplifting urban underprivileged women in Mumbai. Through sustained training, mentorship, and access to resources, the programme aims to further expand its reach and empower many more women to become confident entrepreneurs and contributors to India’s inclusive economic growth.