SHE Mart Initiative: The budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2026, marked a revolutionary step towards women’s empowerment. The government announced the launch of a dedicated retail platform called ‘SHE Mart,’ which will connect women entrepreneurs directly to the market.
This will be a physical retail hub where women can operate their own shops and sell their handmade products directly to customers without any middlemen. With the growing number of girls pursuing education and small businesses in cities and towns, this initiative is set to be a game-changer for them.
What is SHE Mart and how will it work
SHE Mart will not just be a shop, but a systematic marketplace run by women for women. Through this platform, women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) and girls starting small businesses from home will have the opportunity to establish themselves under one roof.
The budget also announced the construction of “Girls’ Hostels” in every district for working and studying girls, indicating that the government is creating a safe and self-reliant environment for women. She Mart is part of this ecosystem, where local products will be strengthened by connecting them with the local market (Local for Vocal) to strengthen women’s economic status.
What will be sold at She Mart
She Mart will primarily prioritize products made by women themselves or on a small scale. A unique blend of tradition and modernity will be seen here.
Traditional and Handicraft Products
Handloom products, handicrafts, embroidered fabrics, and exquisite examples of sewing and weaving crafted by regional women will be the main attractions. Decorative items made in villages and towns, which previously lacked a proper market, will now reach urban drawing rooms through She Mart. This will not only keep ancient art forms alive but also provide artists with a fair price for their work.
Pure and Homemade Food Items
These days, people are looking for pure, homemade products instead of adulterated market products. She Mart will offer homemade pickles, papads, pure spices, organic grains, and other home-use food items. This means that daily essentials will now come directly from the hands that guarantee purity and taste.
Beauty, Startup, and Gift Segment
She Mart won’t be limited to traditional items. It’s also a great platform for girls running their own startups in the beauty and skincare sector. Homemade herbal beauty products, natural skincare items, and unique handmade gifts will also be sold here.
Girls who make decorative pieces or customized gift items on a small scale will no longer need to open a separate store or spend heavily on marketing. She Mart will provide them with a ready-made market and a ready-made brand name, giving their startups initial momentum.