FLO AS PART OF IT’s ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE TRAINS 22 SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN TO FABRICATE , INSTALL SOLAR PANELS & LIGHTS
‘These Women with new capabilities , accredited ‘Solar Mamas’ will return back to shed light on their communities’-Joyshree Das Verma, FLO National President ,
New Delhi: FICCI ladies Organisation (FLO), the apex body of business women as part of its ‘entrepreneurship initiative has trained 22 South African women to fabricate and maintain solar panels, home lighting system, street lights mini and microgrids and photovoltaic circuits.
The training to these 22 women was imparted in partnership with famous Barefoot college in village of Tilonia in Ajmer District of Rajasthan.With these new capabilities they have been accredited as ‘Solar Mamas’ and the training will help them spread light on their communities in South Africa.
“This journey of training 22 South African women is a step towards FLO’s ‘Trained in India’ initiative and marks a significant milestone in FLO’s journey towards empowerment. We have been at the forefront of empowering women and promoting their socio-economic development, advocating for gender equality, and providing a platform for women to excel in various fields. Our commitment to global engagement is exemplified by the Solar Mama Project.” Said Ms Joyshree Das Verma, National President, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) .
“This initiative is a testimony to the collaborative endeavour within the FLO fraternity, the government, and other countries. Our various initiatives, training programs, and advocacy efforts have been instrumental in fostering leadership and growth opportunities for women in diverse sectors. This particular initiative was aimed to bridge the skill gap in the solar energy sector.” Ms Verma Said.
The Training program was initiated, conceptualizing, and materializing by Ms Sudha Shivkumar , Immediate Past President , FLO
In August 2023, Sudha led a delegation to South Africa upon the request of FICCI. The delegation included eight members, and FLO participated in significant events, including the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Annual Meeting, the BRICS-Africa Trade Conference, the BRICS Business Forum, panel discussions in Durban, and a closed-door session of the Women’s Business Alliance.
“A significant outcome of this delegation was the South African government’s sponsorship of a group of women to receive the Solar Mama training at Barefoot College’s campus in Tilonia, India. The need for such a program was highlighted during an interaction with Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Government of South Africa, at the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance in Durban.” Said Ms Sudha Shivkumar, Immediate Past President , FLO speaking on the occasion .
“Through this training program, the women have been equipped with the technical expertise needed to harness solar energy for the benefit of their communities.” She said.
“This is the 50th year of South Africa and India diplomatic relationship , training of 22 South African women in India was part of the FLO initiative under its this years theme of ‘Collective vision and collaborative action’ , the training program aimed at empowering them with skills in solar technology and renewable energy. When they return back home they will they will empower many women . They will work like ambassadors of their family, community and country Said His Excellency Mr Cedrick C Cowley, Acting High Commissioner , South Africa , High Commission, New Delhi
“FICCI FLO has a strong network of professionals, resources, and experience in facilitating initiatives related to women’s empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community development. Collaborative projects like this foster stronger ties between India and South Africa, aligning with FLO’s core mission of empowering women and promoting gen” said Ms Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MoSDE)
Those present on the occasion included Dr Aarti Gupta, Lead, Flo Start-up initiative, Sowmya Kidambi, director & CEO barefoot College and Ms Ravisha Sanghi, director , Risha electric .