GeM and UN Women sign MoU to bring more women entrepreneurs into public procurement
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and UN Women signed an MoU on 20 November 2025 to integrate women entrepreneurs from the informal sector into India's public procurement system.
Summary
The GeM–UN Women MoU promotes gender-responsive procurement and wider market access for women-led businesses under GeM's 'Womaniya' initiative. It was signed by UN Women India Country Representative Kanta Singh and GeM Additional CEO Ajit B. Chavan, with GeM CEO Mihir Kumar presiding. UN Women will design training material, share global best practices, help develop validation criteria for women-led businesses, promote the Womaniya #VocalForLocal outlet store and encourage Udyam registration, while GeM will run training and awareness programmes.
Key facts
- Parties
- GeM (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) and UN Women
- Date
- 20 Nov 2025
- Initiative
- Womaniya
- Signatories
- Kanta Singh (UN Women); Ajit B. Chavan (GeM)
- Aim
- Gender-responsive public procurement
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The GeM–UN Women MoU of November 2025 expands market access for women entrepreneurs under which GeM initiative?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Womaniya
The MoU expands market access for women entrepreneurs under GeM's 'Womaniya' initiative.
Government e-Marketplace (GeM), which signed an MoU with UN Women in November 2025, functions under which ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ministry of Commerce and Industry
GeM is under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.