In a country where gender parity in entrepreneurship and workforce participation remains a work in progress, the eastern state of Odisha is quietly scripting a success story that deserves national attention. From supporting grassroots women entrepreneurs to creating inclusive industrial zones and skill development programs, the state government is laying down a robust foundation to ensure that women are not just part of the workforce but are leading it. 

Breaking Stereotypes in Sectoral Participation

A striking trend is emerging in Odisha: women are increasingly choosing to start up in sectors like IT, healthcare, food processing, and life sciences. While there isn't one definitive reason behind this preference, says Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner Cum Secretary, Skill Development, MD IPICOL and IDCO. It's likely due to a mix of personal interest, perceived societal impact, and domain expertise. “Often, women are drawn to solving problems they deeply understand—whether it's access to healthcare or nutritional food,” explains Poonia. Currently, women are leading a little more than 800 SMEs startups. 

However, this does not imply that women are avoiding core sectors. Odisha has witnessed a growing number of young women enrolling in technical trades such as welding, electrical work, and robotics, traditionally seen as male-dominated. “Thanks to targeted efforts and financial support for girl students, many Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics in the state now report more than 30% female enrolment,” adds Poonia.

From Skills to Startups: A Holistic Pipeline

Odisha’s approach to women’s entrepreneurship is rooted in its strong focus on skilling. The state’s flagship programs, like Mission Shakti and Subhadra Yojana are helping transform self-help group (SHG) members into micro and small-scale entrepreneurs. These schemes combine access to finance with training in entrepreneurship, marketing, and business development—an end-to-end model designed to lift women from economic vulnerability to financial independence.

One of the standout initiatives is the Nano Unicorn scheme, which provides interest-free seed funding of up to Rs1 lakh who’ve completed skill development programs and want to launch their ventures. “The funding is just one part—we also offer handholding support for documentation, business structuring, and accessing markets,”.

Reaching Women in Remote and Tribal Areas

What makes Odisha’s strategy even more inclusive is its strong rural and tribal outreach. Dedicated seats in technical institutes for tribal and backward-class students, along with mobilisation efforts through residential schools and community visits, have significantly increased participation. “We don’t just train them—we bring role models to share success stories and motivate the next generation,” highlights Poonia.

While training centers are mostly located in urban and semi-urban areas due to infrastructure requirements, enrollment spans every corner of the state. There is now a conscious push to bring high-potential sectors like apparel, textiles and electronics known for high female participation, to these rural belts.

Women-First Industrial Planning

Odisha has also taken a progressive stance in its industrial policy. The latest MSME policy offers additional incentives for women entrepreneurs, and the government is investing in women’s hostels within industrial parks to ensure safety and convenience for women workers and entrepreneurs. “By 2036, our goal is to raise women’s participation in the workforce to 70%. Infrastructure, policy, and ecosystem—everything is being aligned to achieve that,” informs Poonia.

The state hosted a Women CXOs Conference as part of its “Make in Odisha” conclave, signaling its commitment to creating space for women at the top table. “This was not just symbolic, but a strategic platform for local women entrepreneurs to connect with national industry leaders.”

The Eastern Advantage

Often overlooked in India’s industrial growth story, the East is now being recognised as an untapped growth engine. Odisha’s improved infrastructure, better connectivity, rising per capita income, and growing consumer base make it a compelling destination for investors—and for talent. As the state opens its doors wider to industries and innovation, its women are no longer waiting in the wings.

“Earlier, the East was seen as having less attrition because it had fewer opportunities. Now, it's a region where women are not just finding jobs—they're creating them,” concludes Poonia.