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Supporting Women-Owned Businesses in India: Mastercard’s Digital Saksham Initiative


In a rapidly digitizing world, ensuring that underserved communities have access to modern tools and platforms is more crucial than ever. One of the key groups benefiting from this digital revolution is women entrepreneurs, especially in developing nations like India, where women face unique challenges in accessing financial services and resources. Mastercard’s "Digital Saksham" initiative is a powerful example of how organizations can leverage technology to uplift women-owned businesses and help them thrive in today’s digital economy.



Launched as a part of Mastercard’s commitment to financial inclusion and empowerment, the Digital Saksham program specifically focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs in India. It aims to address the gender disparity in entrepreneurship by equipping women with the digital skills, tools, and knowledge they need to scale their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship in India

India has one of the lowest rates of women entrepreneurs in the world, despite the growing recognition of the importance of women’s economic participation for national development. According to recent reports, while India’s women make up about 48% of the total population, they represent only about 20-25% of the country’s entrepreneurial ventures. Several factors contribute to this gender gap, including lack of access to capital, limited access to networks and mentorship, and ingrained social norms that restrict women’s roles in the economy.

However, these challenges are not insurmountable. Women in India are resilient and innovative, and many are eager to contribute to the economy and create jobs in their communities. Digital Saksham is designed to support and empower these women by providing the tools and training they need to succeed in the modern economy.

The Digital Saksham Initiative: A Focus on Digital Skills and Financial Inclusion

The heart of the Digital Saksham initiative lies in its focus on digital literacy and financial inclusion. Digital technology has the potential to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs by allowing them to reach a broader market, reduce operational costs, and access a wide range of digital financial services. In India, where mobile phone penetration is growing rapidly, digital tools are becoming increasingly accessible to even those in rural and remote areas.

Mastercard’s Digital Saksham initiative provides a comprehensive digital training program that teaches women entrepreneurs how to use digital tools effectively. This includes everything from understanding basic online payment systems to leveraging e-commerce platforms for sales and marketing. The program also teaches financial literacy, helping women understand how to manage their finances, access credit, and use digital payment systems for seamless transactions. Through this knowledge, women entrepreneurs can build stronger, more sustainable businesses.

Moreover, the initiative helps women overcome barriers to financial inclusion by facilitating access to financial products and services that are traditionally difficult to obtain in rural or underserved areas. Through partnerships with local financial institutions, Digital Saksham offers women the opportunity to open digital wallets, access microloans, and take advantage of government schemes designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Tailored Support for Women Entrepreneurs

Digital Saksham goes beyond just digital literacy—it also offers tailored support for women entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges they face in starting and scaling businesses. This includes connecting women with a network of mentors, role models, and peers, who can offer guidance and support on everything from navigating the regulatory landscape to marketing products and services effectively. This kind of mentorship is invaluable, as it can help women avoid common pitfalls and leverage opportunities in the market that they might otherwise miss.

The initiative also recognizes that many women entrepreneurs in India are working in sectors that are traditionally underserved by financial services. These include agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, and small-scale manufacturing. By focusing on these sectors, Digital Saksham provides much-needed resources and expertise to women who may be working in industries that are not typically recognized as high-growth sectors. Through its support, these women can gain access to digital tools and platforms that allow them to improve efficiency, expand their market reach, and connect with customers both locally and internationally.

Empowering Women as Drivers of Economic Growth

Mastercard’s Digital Saksham initiative is not just about supporting individual women entrepreneurs; it is also about creating a ripple effect that can have a broader economic impact. Women-owned businesses are key drivers of economic growth, especially in emerging markets like India. When women succeed in business, they not only improve their own financial situation but also contribute to the broader economy by creating jobs, generating income, and fostering innovation.

The program aims to empower women by helping them become drivers of local economic growth. For instance, when women in rural areas are equipped with digital tools and financial literacy, they are able to create businesses that serve local communities, create employment opportunities, and increase access to goods and services. Furthermore, when these women expand their businesses to new markets, they help boost trade and stimulate economic activity, contributing to broader national economic development.

Additionally, by supporting women entrepreneurs in India, Mastercard is helping address some of the country’s most pressing social issues, including poverty, inequality, and unemployment. Studies have shown that when women have access to financial resources and the tools to succeed in business, they tend to reinvest their earnings into their families and communities, improving education, healthcare, and quality of life for all.

Conclusion: A Vision for the Future

Mastercard’s Digital Saksham program represents a transformative approach to gender equality and economic empowerment. By focusing on digital inclusion and financial literacy, Mastercard is helping to break down the barriers that have traditionally held women back in the business world. As more women in India gain access to these resources and opportunities, they will be able to not only improve their own lives but also contribute to the broader development of the nation.

In the future, initiatives like Digital Saksham can serve as models for other regions and industries, showing that when women are empowered with the right tools, knowledge, and support, they can thrive as entrepreneurs and leaders in the global economy. As Mastercard continues to expand its reach and support for women entrepreneurs, the potential for social and economic transformation is vast, bringing the promise of a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Reference Source: Master Card
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