Platform Africa spoke to Sonam Kasera, Managing Committee Member of the Kolkata Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) and CEO of Kamrup Tea Company, in an exclusive interview where she explains the motivation behind the setting up of the SheTrades India Hub. With this collaboration, she elaborates how FIEO had given women entrepreneurs such as herself a platform to help them to expand into new markets and to participate in global fairs and exhibitions.
Commenting on the challenges of women entrepreneurs, be they in Mauritius or in India, she explains how women can support each other and leverage global networks to not just survive but thrive in their entrepreneurial ventures.
Edited excerpts from an exclusive interview:
- The SheTrades India Hub was launched on 11 March in New Delhi and is hosted at the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). What was the inspiration behind the setting up of the SheTrades India Hub? How will it be organised in India?
India has a large workforce with 48% women and is set to have the youngest population by 2047. Of 63 million MSMEs, 20% are women-owned. As of Oct 31, 2024, over 73,000 startups with at least one woman director have been recognized under Startup India—almost half of the total supported startups. Women also lead 88% of India’s 12 million Self-Help Groups.
Government schemes like Stand-Up India and PM Mudra Yojana are boosting financial inclusion, which drives economic growth. Yet, women entrepreneurs still face challenges like societal norms, limited access to finance, networks, and skills.
FIEO, an apex body under the Ministry of Commerce, supports women empowerment through initiatives like the SheTrades India Hub. I am happy to add that FIEO on its National Board has One Women Entrepreneur Representative from Each of the Four Regions of the Country ( North / South / East & West ) and One from the North East. By collaborating with SheTrades we aim to connect women-led businesses to global markets through training, mentoring, and policy advocacy—aligning with PM Modi’s vision: “When women prosper, the world prospers,” — thereby not just building a supply chain but building a community of women entrepreneurs to encourage each one of them.
- You came to Mauritius in early March as part of the delegation to visit the SheTrades Mauritius Hub, where you also had the chance to hear the stories of women entrepreneurs based in Mauritius. What were some of your key takeaways from your visit?
I am indeed grateful to SheTrades Global Team, SheTrades Mauritius Hub & Economic Development Board, Mauritius, for hosting us. It was truly inspiring to meet so many passionate and resilient women entrepreneurs. One of my key takeaways was the strong sense of community and collaboration among them. Their stories highlighted not only the challenges they face but also their determination to grow and innovate.
I was particularly impressed that despite Mauritius being a country where many of the raw materials are imported, the women entrepreneurs source these products globally and re-export same by adding substantially high value through their unique innovation. The community support system they have put in place through training and mentorship programmes are truly commendable, and this network helps to bridge gaps in market access. It reinforces the importance of such hubs which helps in empowering women economically and integrating them into global trade networks.
- Can you tell us a bit about your own path as a woman entrepreneur in India?
For more than two decades, I’ve dedicated myself towards building and growing my business. The journey has been a blend of challenges and rewards. Like many who would relate to me I too faced initial hurdles of acceptance of being a female boss at workplace, limited access to networking and navigating societal expectations. However with sheer hard work and most importantly believing in myself and having built my support system of mentors right from my parents, extended family, faculties of my alma mater, friends, revered mentors at FIEO and banking partners Shyam Sir & team, our government’s polices – each one played a pivot role in encouraging me and to build and grow my venture.
Being part of India’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem has taught me the value of resilience, collaboration, and continuous learning. It’s also made me passionate about supporting other women entrepreneurs—ensuring they have the resources, visibility, and opportunities they need to thrive, not just locally but globally.
- Do you see women entrepreneurs in India facing some of the same challenges as those in Mauritius?
I believe the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs globally are largely similar, though they may vary due to cultural factors in different countries. Issues such as financial inclusion, market access, and digital literacy are consistently prevalent across regions. One critical yet often overlooked factor is the role of women as primary caregivers within their families. It is high time to increase investment in the care economy, which can play a significant role in narrowing the gender gap and promoting greater female participation in the workforce. The International Labour Organization estimates that such investments could generate up to 475 million jobs globally by 2030. The G20 Bali Care Economy Dialogue, held in November 2022, highlighted the urgency of this issue and proposed a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the care economy sector.
- What potential do you see for collaboration between the SheTrades Hubs of India and Mauritius?
India and Mauritius share a long-standing relationship, with India traditionally serving as the ‘First Responder’ during times of crisis. Prime Minister Modi recently visited Mauritius as the Guest of Honor during the country’s Independence Day celebrations on March 12. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, India-Mauritius relations have seen significant growth. Over the past five years, India has emerged as one of Mauritius’ leading trading partners. In 2023, India accounted for 10.2% of Mauritius’ total imports, ranking third among its main import partners. The top five Indian exports to Mauritius include pharmaceuticals, cotton, cereals, motor vehicles, and mineral fuels. India also plays a key role in supplying raw materials, particularly yarn and fabrics to the textile and clothing industry.
Mauritius’ exports to India in 2023 were valued at USD 55 million, with scrap aluminium, vanilla beans, scrap paper, machinery parts, and garments being key commodities. As a member of the African Union, Mauritius benefits from preferential agreements with several African nations. In light of these trade dynamics, there are significant opportunities for collaboration between the SheTrades India Hub and Mauritius, particularly in sectors such as information and communication technology, pharmaceuticals, Ayurvedic wellness, green technology, and agro-industries.
Additionally, fostering capacity building and knowledge sharing between the two hubs would be crucial in creating a strong community of women entrepreneurs, supporting each other’s growth. Ultimately, as I always believe, “Together, let’s bridge the gender gap in trade, because if She Can Trade, She Can Change the World.”
