Parul Soni, Founder & Secretary General, Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI)
The Association of Business Women in Commerce & Industry (ABWCI) is a global chamber of commerce advancing women in business and driving inclusive economic growth. With a presence in over 40 countries and 14 Indian states, ABWCI connects women entrepreneurs with mentorship, investment, training, and international business opportunities. Its four key pillars—access to markets, finance, technology, and entrepreneurial ecosystems—form the foundation for empowering women-led enterprises to scale and lead with confidence.
What role does ABWCI play in advancing women-led small and growing businesses within the broader ecosystem?
At ABWCI, our focus is on building a nurturing and enabling ecosystem where women entrepreneurs feel supported and celebrated. When women gain equitable access to markets, finance, technology, and networks, they create thriving businesses that uplift families, communities, and economies. We see ourselves not merely as a chamber of commerce but as bridge-builders connecting women-led enterprises to opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach.
In the larger SGB ecosystem, ABWCI acts as a catalyst for inclusive growth, ensuring that women-owned small and growing businesses are visible, valued, and viable.
What programs are you prioritizing right now to expand ABWCI’s reach and impact?
We are deepening our impact through a mix of national and international initiatives. In India, we collaborate with state governments to co-create programs that support women-led businesses, building robust regional networks across 14 states. Globally, we are strengthening partnerships with chambers and institutions to open new markets for women entrepreneurs.
Ongoing programs include mentorship circles, knowledge-sharing sessions, webinars, and leadership dialogues connecting members with global experts and peers. We are also curating trade delegations that promote cross-border opportunities and partnerships. These efforts help SGBs strengthen capacity in areas such as online marketing, visibility, and trade facilitation, enabling them to scale sustainably and expand into new markets.
How do you hope to collaborate with the ANDE network and the wider ecosystem?
We look to the ANDE network for meaningful access, connections, and collaboration. By leveraging this community, we hope to unlock new markets, capital, and expertise while fostering partnerships that amplify impact. Beyond connections, we seek co-created initiatives, knowledge exchange, and platforms that enhance visibility for our members. Access to insights, mentorship, and capacity-building resources will help our community scale effectively and stay ahead of emerging trends.
Our goal is to transform this network into a dynamic engine of collaboration, growth, and impact.
How can ABWCI’s global platform support and add value to the ANDE community?
ABWCI offers access to a truly global community of women entrepreneurs and industry leaders. With a footprint across multiple continents, we facilitate cross-border collaborations, strategic partnerships, and market entry opportunities. Our platform enables co-creation and knowledge sharing through trade delegations, mentorship programs, webinars, masterclasses, and leadership forums.
Members gain visibility through global showcases, thought leadership opportunities, and media amplification—alongside capacity-building support, advisory services, and insights into emerging markets. Partnering with ABWCI means joining a dynamic, impact-driven network advancing gender-inclusive leadership and sustainable business growth.
What does it mean for ABWCI to be part of the ANDE network?
Being part of ANDE feels like joining a global family united by a shared purpose—to empower, uplift, and celebrate women entrepreneurs. For ABWCI, it is both inspiring and empowering, connecting us to organizations and leaders committed to inclusive growth. Through ANDE, we access global knowledge and resources that strengthen our programs and broaden our reach.
This collaboration allows us to learn from diverse experiences, exchange ideas, and co-create initiatives that transcend borders, giving our members greater visibility and voice on the world stage. While the journey for women in business can be challenging, it is also filled with resilience and innovation. Through ANDE, we reaffirm our commitment to building a thriving ecosystem where women entrepreneurs can flourish, dream bigger, and create lasting impact.