Tag: DRDA South

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GCCI Women’s Wing Organizes UdyamStree Loan Fair on Women Entrepreneurs Day

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

On the occasion of Women Entrepreneurs Day, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Women’s Wing, in collaboration with DRDA South, successfully organized the UdyamStree Loan Fair. The event brought together 10 leading banks, including Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Goa Urban Cooperative Bank, Punjab National Bank, Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India, and The Bicholim Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd, alongside aspiring women business owners, to facilitate access to finance and mentorship for women-led enterprises.

The programme witnessed participation from over 100 attendees, including representatives from various banks, state officials, and members of the GCCI Women’s Wing Committee such as Ms. Sandra Fernandes, Chairperson; Ms. Poonam Ajgaonkar; Deepali Naik; CA Swatee Rane; Ms. Clare De Souza; Ms. Gouri Joshi; Ms. Lavanya Shet; Adv. Adbrona Vaz; Ms. Nandita Pinto Dayal; and Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director, GCCI.

Ms. Sandra Fernandes welcomed the gathering and highlighted the significance of Women Entrepreneurs Day and the role of UdyamStree Loan Fairs in strengthening the economic ecosystem for women entrepreneurs. The Chief Guest, Ms. Ranjita Pai, Chairperson of the Goa State Commission for Women, urged banks to streamline credit facilities for women-led enterprises and highlighted various government schemes supporting women entrepreneurs.

During the fair, each participating bank presented a concise overview of its loan products, focusing on interest rates, collateral requirements, and fee structures. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with bank representatives in one-on-one sessions to discuss tailored financial solutions. Adv. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chair of GCCI-WW, proposed a vote of thanks, and CA Swatee Rane compered the event, ensuring a smooth and informative programme.

The UdyamStree Loan Fair successfully provided women entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and financial access necessary to scale their businesses, reaffirming GCCI Women’s Wing’s commitment to empowering women in the economic landscape.

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GCCI Women’s Wing and DRDA South Host ‘Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila’ Program Focused on Mental Wellness

Tanisha Cardozo

In a significant stride toward holistic women’s empowerment, the GCCI Women’s Wing, in association with DRDA South, organized a powerful program titled “Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila – Mental Health and Well-being for Women” on September 26, 2025, at the Mathany Saldanha Complex in Margao. The initiative brought together over 130 women from across South Goa to focus on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of empowerment: mental health.

The program commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of an enlightening evening. Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing, Mrs. Sandra Fernandes, welcomed the participants with a compelling message on the importance of emotional and mental wellness in a woman’s journey. She aptly stated, “When women are mentally strong and emotionally balanced, they can truly flourish in every role they play.”

Mrs. Deepali Naik, Project Director of DRDA, addressed the gathering and praised the Women’s Wing for continuously leading meaningful initiatives that cater to the real needs of women in the community. She emphasized how collaborative efforts like this can leave a lasting impact.

The heart of the program was a keynote session by well-known psychologist Ms. Neha Khaunte, who took the audience through a practical and reflective journey on stress management, emotional balance, and mindfulness. Using relatable examples and interactive exercises, Ms. Khaunte encouraged participants to acknowledge their mental health challenges while equipping them with everyday strategies to manage them. Her session was a refreshing blend of awareness, empowerment, and connection.

The event was compered with grace and clarity by Mrs. Gouri Joshi, a member of the GCCI Women’s Wing, who ensured a smooth and welcoming flow throughout the program. Mementos were distributed to the speakers and contributors, acknowledging their role in making the event a success.

The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mrs. Poonam Ajgaonkar, Co-Chairperson of the GCCI Women’s Wing. She expressed deep gratitude to all the dignitaries, the enthusiastic participants, and especially to the resource person for facilitating such a vital conversation. Special recognition was also given to Ms. Melane Rodrigues, Assistant Director at GCCI, for her behind-the-scenes coordination that ensured the event’s seamless execution.

“Swasth Mahila, Saksham Mahila” was not just an event—it was a movement in itself, a reminder that true empowerment stems from nurturing not just skills and careers, but also the emotional and mental well-being of women. By offering this safe, inclusive, and engaging platform, GCCI and DRDA South reinforced their shared commitment to building stronger, healthier communities—one empowered woman at a time.