Latest news with #UbuntuWomen'sNetwork
Hans India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Veteran artistes honoured at Ubuntu's Women of Worth
Bengaluru: Veteran theatre and film personalities Umashree, Padmashri awardees B Jayashree, and Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane were among 16 women recognised for their outstanding contributions at the Women of Worth (WoW) 2025 awards, organised by the Ubuntu Women's Network in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The felicitation ceremony, which drew over 300 delegates and 100 exhibitors from across the country, marked the launch of the fifth edition of the WoW initiative. The annual awards celebrate women leaders who have demonstrated excellence across diverse fields, including arts, medicine, public service, and entrepreneurship. Umashree, a celebrated theatre actor and former Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development, was honoured alongside B Jayashree, an acclaimed theatre artiste, singer, and former Rajya Sabha MP, and Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, a distinguished surgical oncologist known for her work in cancer care. Speaking at the event, K Ratnaprabha, former Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka and founder of Ubuntu, said the network aims to establish a presence in 195 countries by 2030, with a current membership of 1.95 million women entrepreneurs and leaders. 'Ubuntu is built on the African principle 'I am because we are'—we grow together,' she said, reflecting on her policy work supporting women during her tenure in government. She also announced a new digital marketing initiative that will train 1,000 women entrepreneurs to build competitiveness in the online marketplace. The day-long programme featured panel discussions and expert sessions on cyber safety, e-commerce, and business transformation. Speakers highlighted the need for holistic support to women entrepreneurs in areas such as financing, market access, and digital visibility. Parul Soni, Global Managing Partner at Thinkthrough Consulting, spotlighted a partnership with Walmart and Flipkart aimed at scaling women-led businesses in e-commerce. Dr Raj Kumar Khatri, IAS (retd), lauded Ubuntu's ecosystem approach, and Nitesh K Patil, Director of MSME at Karnataka's Department of Industries and Commerce, shared details of a forthcoming digital platform tailored to boost visibility and growth opportunities for women-owned businesses. Ubuntu's WoW 2025 event served as a convergence point for changemakers committed to advancing women's leadership and inclusive growth in the entrepreneurial landscape, say the organisers.
Hans India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Veteran Artists Felicitated at Ubuntu's Women of Worth 2025 Awards in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Renowned artists and public figures Umashree, B. Jayashree, and Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane were conferred with the 'Women of Worth' (WoW) awards by the Ubuntu Women's Network in Bengaluru recently. The awards recognise women who have made outstanding contributions to arts, culture, and public service. The occasion marked the launch of the fifth edition of the WoW 2025 programme, drawing over 300 delegates and 100 exhibitors from across India. In total, 16 women achievers from diverse sectors were honoured. Umashree, a noted theatre and film personality and former Minister for Women and Child Development in Karnataka; B. Jayashree, theatre icon, singer and former Member of Parliament; and Dr Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, Padma Shri awardee and surgical oncologist, were among the most prominent recipients. Ubuntu, a global network of women entrepreneurs, used the platform to reiterate its goal of establishing a presence in 195 countries by 2030. Currently active in 44 countries and comprising 1.95 million members, Ubuntu has positioned itself as a key advocate for inclusive and sustainable women-led development. 'Growth with a soul is the essence of Ubuntu,' said K. Ratnaprabha, former Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka and Founder-President of Ubuntu. Reflecting on her career in public service, Ratnaprabha highlighted policy initiatives that provided greater visibility and opportunity to women entrepreneurs in Karnataka, particularly through platforms such as the Global Investors' Meet. Ratnaprabha also announced the launch of a digital marketing programme aimed at training 1,000 women entrepreneurs to enhance their digital competencies and market outreach. The event featured knowledge sessions on topics such as cyber safety, e-commerce, and business transformation. Parul Soni, Global Managing Partner at Thinkthrough Consulting, underscored Ubuntu's partnerships with platforms like Walmart and Flipkart, noting their potential to expand opportunities for women-led enterprises in the e-commerce sector. Dr Raj Kumar Khatri, IAS (Retd.), praised Ubuntu's efforts to bridge critical gaps in access to finance, technology, and markets for women entrepreneurs. Nitesh K. Patil, Director of MSME at Karnataka's Department of Industries and Commerce, shared details of a new digital marketing platform aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs with tools to enhance visibility and competitiveness in the digital economy.
