EDII Leads Global Effort In Gender Responsive Governance
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The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, is hosting 38 professionals from 22 developing countries for a training programme titled ‘Gender Responsive Governance in Entrepreneurship’, sponsored by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) division of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
EDII is a national resource institute that works to promote entrepreneurship across India and in other countries. It was set up in 1983 as an autonomous institution and is known for designing impactful training programmes for entrepreneurs, government officials, and development professionals. Over the years, EDII has trained thousands of participants from India and abroad. Hosting professionals from 22 developing countries highlights India’s growing role as a global trainer in entrepreneurship and policy leadership.
The ITEC programme is part of India’s development partnership with other nations. It focuses on sharing India’s experiences and knowledge with partner countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Launched in 1964, ITEC has trained more than 200,000 professionals from over 160 countries in various fields, including governance, technology, health, and entrepreneurship. This shows India’s commitment to capacity building and South-South cooperation.
This two-week residential programme gives participants enough time to not only learn new concepts but also exchange ideas and experiences from their own countries. Such programmes usually include classroom sessions, interactive workshops, field visits to successful enterprises, and networking events with entrepreneurs and policymakers. The aim is to make learning practical and real. Participants often take these lessons back to their countries and use them to design better policies or support entrepreneurs in their regions.
It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to promote gender equality and integrate gender-responsive approaches within governance and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Gender Responsive Governance means making sure that policies and systems work for both men and women equally. In many developing countries, women face more challenges in starting businesses, such as a lack of funding, social barriers, or limited access to training. This programme is designed to help policymakers and professionals understand these gaps and find ways to close them.
For example, gender-responsive policies may include easier credit access for women entrepreneurs, safe working environments, flexible support systems, and mentorship networks. These efforts are key to building inclusive economies. According to several studies, when women are empowered to run businesses, it boosts innovation, creates jobs, and helps communities grow stronger.
This programme also reflects India’s own journey in supporting women entrepreneurs through initiatives like “Stand-Up India”, “Mudra Yojana” loans for women, and special incubation centres. By sharing these experiences, India is helping other nations build gender-friendly entrepreneurship ecosystems.