Renowned theatre and film artist Umashree, former Minister for Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka, Padma Shri Dr. ...
Renowned theatre and film artist Umashree, former Minister for Women and
Child Development, Government of Karnataka, Padma Shri Dr. Vijayalakshmi
Deshmane (Surgical Oncologist) and Padma Shri B. Jayashree—eminent theatre
icon, singer, and ex-MP—were honoured with the prestigious Women of Worth (WoW)
award by Ubuntu Women’s Network at a grand event in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The
felicitation recognised their remarkable contributions to arts, culture, and
public service.
The ceremony marked the launch of the fifth edition of the WoW 2025
programme, attended by over 300 delegates and 100 exhibitors from across India.
A total of 16 women achievers from varied backgrounds were felicitated for
their outstanding work across sectors.
Ubuntu, a growing global network of women entrepreneurs, announced its
ambitious goal of establishing a presence in 195 countries by 2030. With 1.95
million members and 44 women presidents representing 44 countries, Ubuntu has
become a key platform for inclusive and sustainable women-led development.
“Growth With a Soul” is the ethos Ubuntu follows, explained K.
Ratnaprabha, Former Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka and
Founder-President of Ubuntu. Reflecting on her tenure in the Industries
Department, she recalled initiating policies that empowered women entrepreneurs
and creating space for them at major forums like the Karnataka Global
Investors’ Meet. “Ubuntu is built on the African philosophy ‘I am because we
are’—we grow together,” she said.
She announced a new digital marketing programme for 1,000 women
entrepreneurs to enhance digital skills and competitiveness.
The event also hosted knowledge sessions on cyber safety, e-commerce,
and business transformation. Mr. Parul Soni, Global Managing Partner at
Thinkthrough Consulting, praised the network’s role in creating opportunities
for women-led businesses. Highlighting a partnership with Walmart and Flipkart,
he noted its potential to empower women in e-commerce.
Dr. Raj Kumar Khatri, IAS (Retd.), commended Ubuntu’s ecosystem for
addressing gaps in financing, marketing, and technology for women
entrepreneurs.
Nitesh K Patil, Director of MSME at the Department of Industries and
Commerce, Government of Karnataka, shared key insights on the upcoming digital
marketing platform being developed to empower women entrepreneurs. He
emphasised that the initiative aims to provide women-led businesses with the
tools and visibility needed to thrive in today’s competitive digital
marketplace.
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