FICCI -FLO ‘Empowering the Greater 50%’ initiative launched in Ahmedabad, Gujarat
New Delhi: Ms Manisha Chandra, Commissioner and Secretary, Women & Child Development Department, Govt of Gujarat, today said, “Sustainable development is only possible when there is an inclusive and uniform progress across the board with equal benefits to men and women.”
Addresing a webinar on the launch of ‘Nari Shakti- Greater 50% Empowering Women, Empowering India’, organized by FICCI Gujarat State Council, Ms Chandra, emphasized on the need to focus on gender sensitization modules and training session. “It is crucial to ensure financial literacy among women through a multi-pronged approach,” she added.
She further stated that we need to educate, train and prepare women for larger leadership roles.
Highlighting the state government’s initiatives, Ms Chandra said that the Gujarat Women Economic Development Corporation is focused on cultivating women entrepreneurs though training and financial resources along with providing a platform to sell their products.
Dr Sangita Reddy, President, FICCI said, “The economic impact of achieving gender equality in India is estimated to be $ 700 bn of added GDP by 2025. It is estimated that if women have an equal opportunity that itself will create 4-7% uptick in GDP growth.”
She added that through various efforts under Greater 50% towards supporting women, we want to contribute to an inclusive nation building. “The agenda of Greater 50 is to reach out to women with training, methodology, positive sense of mentoring and handholding,” added Dr Reddy.
Ms Harjinder Kaur Talwar, Past President, FICCI FLO and Co-chair of the Greater 50 endeavor said, “Women form the backbone of the society and the Greater 50% agenda aims to touch the lives of one lakh women across India in the next three years.”
She added that, in Gujarat, special thrust is being laid upon offering skilling and training to women for livelihood building.
Mr Sunil Parekh, Co-Chair FICCI Gujarat State Council said, “Gender is a cultural issue and all our efforts are meant to create equality. We need equity in order to reach equality.”
Ms Jayant Dalmia, Vice president FLO said, “It has not been an easy journey for women, but they are playing a pertinent role in transforming families and society besides contributing to the economic growth of the country.”
Mr Rajat Banerji, Mentor, FICCI Direct Selling Task Force, and National Head, Corporate Affairs, Amway India, said, “Today, micro-entrepreneurship is gaining momentum as the country grapples with job loss, unemployment, and salary cuts. This has created opportunities for women to work independently.” Women play an intrinsic role in strengthening the socio-economic landscape of our country, he added.
FICCI will closely work with the FLO Ahmedabad chapter, led by Ms Taruna Patel, Chairperson, FICCI FLO chapter in the region, to execute the identified deliverables in the region to yield tangible outcomes.
‘Empowering the Greater 50%’ initiative is a nation-wide campaign launched by FICCI and FICCI Ladies organization with an aim to empower the pivotal segment of India today as a nation – the greater 50% – women, at every level of the economy and enterprise. The regional launch of this ambitious programme took place at a webinar on ‘Nari Shakti’ organised by FICCI Gujarat State Council earlier today along with FLO Ahmedabad chapter. This Greater 50 mission focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial and decision-making skills of women through focused engagements including mentorship programmes and skilling and capacity building platforms.