Asha Arondekar, a renowned social entrepreneur and Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, has been instrumental in empowering women and promoting social entrepreneurship in Goa. Her brainchild, Global To Local, has been a game-changer in promoting Goan artisans, preserving Goa’s cultural heritage, and supporting sustainable practices.
Asha’s passion for social entrepreneurship was sparked by her desire to empower rural women in Goa. She realized that these women were skilled in maintaining Goa’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in food products. During the pandemic, Asha encouraged these women to become financially independent, leading to the birth of Global To Local. Today, Global To Local supports over 100 rural women in Goa, providing them with financial stability and sustainability.
Asha considers herself lucky to have a supportive family. However, she acknowledges that limited access to funding and investment are significant challenges faced by many women entrepreneurs. Despite these challenges, Asha’s determination and perseverance have enabled her to overcome these obstacles and achieve success.
Global To Local aims to promote Goan artisans, preserve Goa’s cultural heritage, and support sustainable practices. Asha believes that social entrepreneurship can play a crucial role in addressing Goa’s pressing social and environmental issues. By empowering women and promoting social entrepreneurship, Asha hopes to create a positive impact in Goa and inspire others to do the same.
Asha advises women to believe in themselves, network, and have a mentor. She emphasizes the importance of having a business venture with a social impact. “Always have your work planned with a purpose of creating an impact,” Asha says. “You can do anything but not everything, so it is important to do the right things at the right time.”
Asha measures Global To Local’s success by the growing number of women vendors and the organization’s reach through social media and e-commerce. Today, Global To Local has a strong online presence, and its products are in high demand. Asha’s vision is to scale the business, open multiple stores, and empower thousands of women in the next 5-10 years.
Asha envisions Global To Local scaling its business, opening multiple stores, and empowering thousands of women in the next 5-10 years.She also plans to launch programs on financial literacy, skilling workshops, and social media marketing for women entrepreneurs through the Women’s Wing, GCCI.
Asha emphasizes the importance of social entrepreneurship and making a positive impact in Goa. She encourages the community to support women entrepreneurs and uplift entire communities. “Empowered women empower women,” Asha says. “Let us all encourage women entrepreneurs, uplift women, and in turn uplift entire communities. Let us champion leadership and make Goa an inclusive environment because it’s only together, we can create change.”
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