8 DECEMBER2023INFOCUSINFOCUSPraising India's recognition of Africa's pivotal role in global platforms like the G20, Deborah Elizabeth, the founder of Women United Foundation (WUF), expressed optimism about a potential collaboration with India. During her visit to Kerala, Elizabeth emphasized the Foundation's exploration of a promising partnership with the African Women Business Union (AWBU), foreseeing significant strides in women's empowerment.The prospective collaboration, still in its exploratory phase, holds immense promise, leveraging India's successes to offer valuable insights for similar endeavours in African contexts. Elizabeth highlighted the collaboration's align-ment with the "Bank Every Woman" initiative, reflecting a shared vision for women's economic empowerment.India's demonstrated expertise in microfinance stood out as a commendable model during Elizabeth's discussions. The collaboration aims to replicate and adapt these empow-ering strategies within the African context, amplifying the economic impact on women across continents.The Women United Foundation operates on the belief in the untapped potential of girls, women, and youth, serving as a global partner for impactful initiatives worldwide. Notable initiatives include "Feed All," "Bank Every Woman," "Every Child Learns," and "Health Reach," supported by Africa's First Ladies and global allies.The African Women Business Union, described as game-changers and visionaries, actively shapes the future of African business leadership. This pan-African alliance, backed by Africa's First Ladies, symbolizes a movement driving transformative change.Deborah Elizabeth's exploration of India's models in edu-cation and microfinance, particularly at the Kudumbashree headquarters in Kerala, revealed the potential for inspiring similar programs in Africa. Kudumbashree's communi-ty-based initiative has been pivotal in empowering women at the grassroots level.The partnership, rooted in mutual understanding and shared goals, sets a precedent for how nations can collab-orate to uplift their citizens, especially women. Elizabeth emphasized that the collaboration respects the cultural ties between India and Africa, acknowledging Africa's immense potential on the global stage.During her visit to Kerala, Elizabeth met with several prominent figures, including General Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty, Additional Director General of Police Ajith Kumar I.P.S., former chief minister EMS Namboodiri-pad's daughter, E.M Radha, and Dr K. M. Abraham, Chief Prin-cipal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala and Chief Ex-ecutive Officer of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).As the partnership unfolds, it promises to leverage cul-tural understanding, respect, and mutual goals, setting a new benchmark for empowering women and fostering sus-tainable development across continents. DEBORAH ELIZABETH LAUDS INDIA'S ROLE IN G20SMRITI IRANI TO HOST RADIO SHOW 'NAYI SOCH NAYI KAHANI'Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani has embarked on a new initiative to amplify the voices and stories of women's em-powerment. Hosting a weekly radio show titled 'Nayi Soch Nayi Kahani' on Akashvani, Irani aims to cele-brate the remarkable journeys of women who have thrived with the support of government initiatives.The show, airing every Wednesday from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Akashvani, explores various facets of empowerment, including entrepreneurship, skill development, sports, health, and finance.The inaugural episode, aired on November 15, showcased women from start-ups and self-made business ventures. These women shared their inspiring stories of success and elucidated how they leveraged government initiatives to propel their endeavours forward. The narratives encompassed diverse fields, portraying the multifaceted nature of women's achievements in contemporary India.Adding a unique dimension to the show, senior officials from various Central Government Ministries participated to provide valuable insights on accessing the benefits of different government schemes. This interactive segment aims to bridge the gap between policy implementation and the end-users, facilitating a better understanding of the available resources and opportunities.Listeners can tune in to 'Nayi Soch Nayi Kahani' on Akashvani Gold 100.1 MHz, ensuring nationwide accessibility. Additionally, the show is accessible through the NewsOnAIR app, the Akashvani website, the Akashvani YouTube channel, and various social media platforms.Smriti Irani's radio initiative aligns with the government's commitment to promoting women's empowerment across diverse sectors. By showcasing real stories of success and providing insights into government initiatives, the show not only informs and educates but also serves as a source of inspiration for women across the nation.'Nayi Soch Nayi Kahani' emerges as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of women and encourage a positive shift in societal perceptions.
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