Karnataka’s women left behind as e-commerce surges
A technology industry foundation has joined forces with an open digital commerce platform to help female business owners in southern India expand their online sales reach. The Nasscom Foundation partnered with ONDC Network to bring 200 women entrepreneurs onto digital marketplaces, targeting sellers across 22 districts in Karnataka, from urban centers like Bengaluru to rural areas.
The program concentrated on artisans, textile producers and manufacturers who previously lacked exposure to digital commerce platforms. Participants received assistance with product cataloging, tax registration and online marketplace training to overcome barriers such as limited technical knowledge and restricted market connections. Jyoti Sharma from Nasscom Foundation noted that many smaller sellers remain unable to capitalize on growth opportunities despite projections showing India will become the world’s second-largest online retail market by 2034.
Vibhor Jain from ONDC emphasized the program’s focus on equipping participants with practical abilities for operating in contemporary business environments. The effort provided ongoing support through stakeholder networking and quality oversight mechanisms designed to ensure long-term success beyond initial setup phases. Organizers highlighted how technology access and capacity building created more balanced competitive conditions for women entering digital commerce spaces.
