Goa is rapidly embracing digital transformation, with women across the state taking on new roles as entrepreneurs, innovators and digital contributors. From grassroots training to targeted startup incentives, several initiatives are expanding economic opportunities for women across Goa’s evolving landscape.
Under the leadership of Minister for ITE&C, Shri. Rohan A. Khaunte, the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, is introducing programmes that combine digital literacy, advanced technology training and startup support all designed to unlock women’s potential across the state.
Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana
The Mahila Digital Sashaktikaran Yojana is a flagship program aimed at bridging the digital divide, especially for women in rural and underserved areas. It provides hands-on training in using digital devices, navigating online platforms and accessing essential online services.
The scheme is open to Goan women aged 18 and above who have lived in the state for at least 15 years. Training is offered through empanelled Information Technology Knowledge Centres (ITKCs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), making it accessible through panchayat halls and community centres.
By bringing digital literacy directly to villages, the scheme is enabling women to improve employability and connect with wider markets.
From Villages to Skies: Women in Drone Technology
Goa has also rolled out drone pilot training for women under the national Drone Didi scheme. Women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive specialised training in drone operations and maintenance, opening up pathways in agriculture, logistics, disaster management and environmental monitoring. For women in rural regions, this initiative goes beyond training, it serves as a pathway to entrepreneurship, enabling them to move from technology users to technology-driven service providers within their communities.
Women-Specific Startup Scheme under the Goa Startup Policy 2025
As part of the Goa Startup Policy 2025, the Startup and IT Promotion Cell includes a targeted mentoring and funding programmes supporting women-led startups. Under this initiative, startups founded by women at the ideation, prototyping, validation, or early traction stages, working in areas such as AI, IoT, Drones, Robotics, AR/VR, AVGC, 3D printing and related technologies, will receive a monthly allowance of ₹20,000 for up to 12 months. This one-time financial assistance is designed to strengthen early-stage progress and ensure women founders have access to capital and structured guidance during the initial phase of their business journey.
From digital literacy at the village level to advanced drone training and startup-focused financial support, these initiatives collectively drive a gender-inclusive economy where women participate across both traditional and emerging sectors. With these initiatives, the Government of Goa reinforces its vision of expanding access to skills, capital and entrepreneurship pathways for women.
As digital tools reach remote areas and technology-led enterprises continue to grow, women are emerging as key contributors to Goa’s evolving innovation and economic landscape, stated a press release.
