Giving Wings to Women's Entrepreneurship: How 'Shakti Bazaar' Opens Up New Markets for Rural Women in Bihar
Patna: Through initiatives such as 'Shakti Dhara' and 'Shakti Bazaar,' rural women in Bihar are breaking traditional barriers and carving out a strong identity for themselves in the digital and global markets.
Women's entrepreneurship is witnessing rapid growth in Bihar. Entrepreneurs operating on a small scale—who were previously confined to limited local markets due to a lack of understanding regarding business, technology, and branding—are now gaining access to a global platform. Empowered by training, technology, and expert guidance, these women are not only becoming self-reliant but are also infusing new momentum into the state's rural economy.
Shakti Dhara program
This success has been made possible through the modest yet significant efforts of the Panchayati Raj Department and the private organization, 'Centre for Catalyzing Change' (C3). Since last year, elected women representatives have been receiving specialized training under the 'Shakti Dhara' program. In turn, they are facilitating opportunities for local women entrepreneurs within their respective Panchayats to establish a presence in the global market.
A total of 132 women elected representatives across the districts of Muzaffarpur, Rohtas, and Nalanda have been engaged in this initiative and provided with training on various subjects.
Shakti Bazaar initiative has also been organized
As an extension of 'Shakti Dhara,' the 'Shakti Bazaar' initiative has also been organized. Through this platform, women are gaining access to structured market linkages, digital skills, financial literacy, and leadership support.
Last year, during a district-level event held in Muzaffarpur, a group of three women collectively achieved a record-breaking sale of over Rs 5 lakh worth of locally produced goods. Such training programs are fostering technological literacy among women.
The positive outcomes of these initiatives have garnered global recognition for rural arts and crafts, expanded product ranges, created new rural employment opportunities through business expansion, and enriched the market landscape with innovative offerings.