Kerala to set up India's first trade centre for women

Kerala will set up India’s first international women’s trade centre (iWTC), in consonance with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), in Kozhikode.
A key project of the state’s gender park under the department of social justice, it is envisaged as a safe space away from home for women to harness their entrepreneurial capabilities, set up or expand their businesses and get their products marketed globally.

The first phase of iWTC, being executed under the gender park’s “Vision 2020”, is scheduled to be completed by 2021.

“It is significant that the gender park has unveiled iWTC project at a time when more and more women are foraying into entrepreneurship and exploring other self-employment options in Kerala,” said health and social justice minister. K K Shailaja.

Gender park CEO P T Mohammed Sunish said the overall scheme of iWTC would be that of a world class shopping destination, encompassing within its ambit a string of outlets catering to the needs of women entrepreneurs.

“The facility will have women’s start-up and incubation centre, retail fashion and technology outlets, health & wellness centers, business centres and offices, conference/convention/exhibition spaces, performing arts centre, residential suites and day care for seniors and children,” he said, adding: “We are seeking financial support for the project from relevant institutions.”

Besides serving as a facilitator to launch their own ventures, iWTC will enable women entrepreneurs to come forward and participate in international trade, enjoy greater economic benefits and enhance their competitiveness to tap market opportunities.

Its special emphasis will be on hand-holding and bringing economically backward women, marginalized groups, women with disabilities and transgenders to the forefront by helping to harness and nurture their entrepreneurial capabilities.

“This is a fine concept that looks upfront,” said eminent choreographer and activist Mallika Sarabhai, who is an advisor to the gender park.

“This will not only help women to develop and expand their ventures and build relationships, but also be a platform for their creative expression,” said the danseuse, who was on a visit to Kerala recently, in connection with the launch of some of the gender park’s schemes.