Chennai: Around the world, gender inequality limits women-owned businesses’ ability to launch, grow, and thrive.
To address these gaps, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Mastercard have partnered under the Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative (W-GDP)to launch Project Kirana.
According to a statement, it will work to increase revenue streams, expand financial inclusion and digital payments adoption of kirana shops that are owned or operated by women.
The two-year program will be implemented by DAI and ACCESS Development Services in select cities of India. The program will focus on building financial and digital literacy skills on topics such as banking, digital payments, saving, credit and insurance; improving basic business management skills including inventory management, accounting, budget management and customer loyalty; and addressing cultural and other barriers to women becoming successful kirana entrepreneurs.