Editor’s Synopsis
- The initiative aims to empower 10 lakh women entrepreneurs across India through livelihood and enterprise
support.
- The first phase targets one lakh women in Maharashtra within the first year, creating new opportunities
for grassroots entrepreneurs.
- The programme has already enabled over 4,500 women in Mumbai to build sustainable livelihoods through
skills training, financial and digital literacy and enterprise support.
Mumbai, 12 March 2026: As it approaches its 30th anniversary on 11 August 2026, the Adani
Foundation, the social welfare and development arm of the Adani Group, has announced a major expansion of its
flagship women’s empowerment initiative, Swabhimaan, with the goal of enabling 10 lakh women entrepreneurs across
India.
The announcement was made at “Swabhimaan – The Rise of She”, an event held at the National Centre for the
Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on Thursday, where the programme’s growing impact on women’s
livelihoods, entrepreneurship and financial independence was highlighted.
The first phase of the expansion will focus on Maharashtra, where the initiative aims to empower one lakh
women within the first year, creating new opportunities for women-led micro-enterprises and grassroots
entrepreneurship.
Launched in partnership with Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), the Government of Maharashtra’s
nodal agency for women’s economic empowerment and self-help group development, through a public–private
partnership (PPP) model, the Swabhimaan programme has already supported over 4,500 women from
underserved communities in Mumbai to develop sustainable livelihoods through skill training,
entrepreneurship development and financial and digital literacy.
At the event, Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson, Adani Foundation, and Mrs Shilin Adani, Trustee, Adani
Foundation, were present. The programme was also graced by Ms Aditi Tatkare, Hon’ble Minister for Women
and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra; Ms Ritu Tawde, Hon’ble Mayor of Mumbai; and Ms Nandini
Awade, Managing Director (MD), MAVIM.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who had initially expressed his desire to attend the
event, could not be present due to an urgent meeting. In a heartfelt message, he congratulated the Adani
Group and the Adani Foundation for their stellar social work in Mumbai and across Maharashtra.
The dignitaries jointly inaugurated Swateja Mart, a women-led, community-driven marketplace in Mumbai
that provides local women entrepreneurs with training, market linkages and a ready platform to sell
their products through both online and offline channels. A cloud kitchen under the Swateja Mart
initiative was also inaugurated during the event.
They also unveiled a coffee table book featuring inspiring journeys of women whose lives have been
transformed through the Swabhimaan programme.
Across Mumbai, the programme has already enabled over 800 women to become “Lakhpati Didis,” demonstrating
the transformative potential of structured livelihood and enterprise support.
“Swabhimaan is one of the most successful ventures of MAVIM and a powerful role model for women’s
empowerment,” said Ms Tatkare. “By strengthening financial literacy and entrepreneurship, it complements
initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and shows how partnerships can create
sustainable opportunities for women.”
“The rising ‘She Power’ in Indian society is clearly visible in communities like Dharavi. Initiatives
such as Swabhimaan are transforming the lives of underprivileged women by building financial confidence
and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Ms Tawde.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Adani said: “Swabhimaan reflects our belief that empowering women is one of
the most powerful ways to strengthen communities and build resilient local economies. The inspiring
journeys of the women in Mumbai show what becomes possible when the right support systems are in place.
As we expand the programme to empower 10 lakh women across India, beginning with one lakh women in
Maharashtra, our focus remains on enabling sustainable livelihoods and nurturing women-led enterprises
that create lasting impact.”
Through Swabhimaan, participants receive structured training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy and
livelihood skills, supported by mentorship, market linkages and enterprise guidance. Many have already
launched home-based ventures and collective enterprises, strengthening household incomes while emerging
as role models within their communities.
The Adani Foundation currently reaches over 9.6 million people across more than 7,000 villages in 22 states of India
through programmes focused on education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, climate action and community
development.
Aligned with India’s national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs),
the expansion of Swabhimaan reflects the Foundation’s commitment to building inclusive economic opportunities for
women at scale.
With its national expansion, Swabhimaan is poised to evolve into one of India’s largest women-led livelihood
initiatives, emerging as a powerful national movement that enables women to become entrepreneurs, community leaders
and drivers of local economic growth.
