Over 300 Industry Leaders and Women-Owned Businesses Gather to Drive Gender Inclusion in India’s Supply Chains

WEConnect International, with the support of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, hosted InclusionXchange: Learning and Networking Meet that focused on gender-inclusive supply chains. The summit was attended by over 300 women-owned businesses and senior representatives from global corporations such as Accenture, Bayer, Hershey, Pernod Ricard, Marriott International, P&G, including several leading Indian companies. The event also saw participation of industry leaders, chamber of commerce representatives, and government officials. The event highlighted the transformative role of gender-inclusive supply chains, with keynote addresses by Acting U.S. Consul General in Kolkata, Karl Mercer and senior representatives from the Indian government. These addresses underscored the critical role of inclusive business practices in supporting economic resilience, fostering innovation, and contributing to sustainable growth. “Inclusive supply chains are not only strategic but essential for economic growth and innovation. Through partnerships that empower women entrepreneurs, we are laying the foundation for a robust, resilient, and more inclusive economy that benefits all.” said Acting US Consul General.

Saritha Venumbaka, COO of WEConnect International, emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “These gatherings are vital as they bring together industry leaders, innovators, and women entrepreneurs to inspire actionable change in supply chains. WEConnect International remains dedicated to empowering women-owned businesses and driving inclusive growth through gender-inclusive sourcing.”

In the past three years, WEConnect International has made a substantial impact in India’s marketplace. Through capacity-building programs, over 2,000 women-owned businesses have been trained, more than 3,000 business connections facilitated, and over 100 business transactions realized. The recent events in Mumbai and Kolkata were part of these ongoing efforts, providing women business owners a unique opportunity to engage with leading corporate buyers, government stakeholders, and peers, helping to expand their networks and increase their market access. These initiatives play a vital role in strengthening India’s economy by supporting women entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable, inclusive business practices. Gender-inclusive sourcing fosters resilience, enhances innovation, and aligns with global sustainability goals, creating a significant positive impact on India’s long-term economic stability.