HYDERABAD: An initiative of women, by women, for women, the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE) was started over a decade ago to empower women into powerful positions across the economic, social and political sphere. Channelising innovative ideas into workable business models through knowledge sharing, skill development, financial assistance and infrastructural support COWE encourages entrepreneurship as the first step towards influential leadership. While the world hasn’t yet opened its doors to the dreams of women, COWE has knocked at each and made them believe.
Working closely with the state and central government on various schemes and policies, this not-for-profit organisation is a success story of collective effort and collaboration. Running eight chapters at present, they ambition to expand their work by initiating new chapters in other Indian states to reach out to women everywhere.
They have also started an exclusive wing to rope in young entrepreneurs into their vision and mission. Dedicated to developing and nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship right from the college stage, ‘COWE Young’ conducts talks and workshops to educate women on entrepreneurial opportunities and inspire them to be independent.
Since the members of COWE are all women entrepreneurs themselves, they relate to the struggle of other women not just at a professional level but also on a personal level. Close knit in a relationship that extends beyond business to bonds of trust, in each other they find their role models, support system and confidence. Their common struggle is the binding force and foundation on which their organization is built. With focus, hard work and resilience they’ve challenged societal standards and prejudices at every stage of their journey towards excellence. Humbled by the recognition from FTAPCCI, the women continue their brave fight for rights, inclusion and equality.
COWE registered under the Company’s Act, created for the social and economic development of women. Started in Hyderabad on November 22, 2004, it has more than 800 women entrepreneurs as members. Functioning with democratic principles, COWE has been well recognized by our Central and State Govts and other National and International organizations. COWE President is on the National body of MSME and COWE has an MOU with NSIC. COWE is ISO 9001 2008 Certified.
It aims to be a national association of women business owners that propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power.
As part of its mission, it passionately promotes affiliations and spread COWE activities across India. Create centers of excellence for women to gain knowledge, develop skills, provide infrastructure, access to resources and promote marketing avenues to further their business. To inculcate entrepreneurship culture among young women and facilitate in shaping their ideas into workable models of business. To influence public policy and opinion makers and promote inclusivity in the business culture for women.
COWE delegation has represented in countries like US, Mexico, China, Italy, Turkey, Srilanka, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Slovenia, Egypt, & Germany to name a few. COWE is in collaboration with WECONNECT, an international organisation set up by International Trade centre of UNO with a mandate to connect women owned businesses as vendors and suppliers to the fortune 500 companies. COWE has been successful in conducting Trade Carnival to showcase products of women entrepreneurs. This is a popular event in Hyderabad represented by associations from all over India.
COWE has organised buyer seller meets in association with NSIC. COWE is selected as Partner Institute to run Entrepreneur skill development programs of Ni-MSME. With an ambition to expand the organisation, COWE has now embarked on initiating new chapter in other states of India. To bring in young entrepreneurs COWE started Young COWE for bringing in awareness and introducing entrepreneurship to young women right at the college stage.