Journey: Empowering Women with Gangavathiexports

Girija C. Pawate's story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep-rooted commitment to empowering women in rural India. Born and raised in Davanagere, Girija's journey from a young girl with aspirations of becoming a doctor to the founder of Gangavathiexports is nothing short of inspiring.

Growing up in a middle-class family, Girija faced the challenges of balancing her education with the responsibilities of managing her home and family. Despite the hurdles, she remained steadfast in her belief that education was the key to unlocking endless opportunities. Determined to provide her children with the best education possible, Girija made numerous sacrifices and dedicated herself to supporting them every step of the way.

It was during a shopping trip to Bengaluru that Girija's entrepreneurial journey began to take shape. Witnessing the wide variety and quality of lingerie available in the city, she realized that women in her hometown lacked access to such essential garments. In small cities like Davanagere, lingerie options were limited, and the buying process was often handled awkwardly by men.

Driven by a desire to make a difference, Girija envisioned a solution: to make high-quality lingerie accessible to women in rural India. With the support of her family, including her husband, who is a Dr by education, she embarked on the journey of establishing Gangavathiexports. Recognizing the power of e-commerce, Girija decided to leverage the internet to reach a wider audience.

Her sons played a crucial role in building the website and developing the necessary software, laying the foundation for Gangavathiexports. Despite facing challenges in shipping and distribution, Girija persevered, forging partnerships with courier companies and utilizing her family's expertise in packaging.

As the business grew, Girija remained committed to her vision of empowering women. She recognized the importance of female representation in the lingerie industry and actively involved educated women from Davanagere in her venture.

“Today, Gangavathiexports ships its products not only all across India, but also to different parts of the world. 'I want all young girls in the Tier 2 cities and small towns, of different economic backgrounds, to have access to good, high-quality lingerie at affordable prices,' says Girija.”

Girija's dedication and single-minded focus have not gone unnoticed. She was chosen as one of the winners of eBay's SheMeansBusiness contest, further highlighting the impact of her venture. Her ultimate goal remains unchanged: to ensure that every woman in India, regardless of economic background, has access to high-quality lingerie at affordable prices.

Girija's story serves as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a noble cause. Through Gangavathiexports, she continues to uplift and empower women, one garment at a time.

Read more about Girija's journey on YourStory.