8 SEPTEMBER2024Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, delivered a keynote address at the FICCI Ladies Organization (FICCI FLO) in Chennai, titled "Women Rising: The Unseen Barriers in Power, Politics & Otherwise." She highlighted the government's policies to empower women at grassroots levels, focusing on women's empowerment in business, finance, and leadership roles. FM Sitharaman emphasized the importance of increasing women's participation in the economy and policy reforms.The Finance Minister mentioned that during the G20 summit, India's achievements in digitization, economic growth, women-led development, and gender/women dividend were acknowledged by other countries. She highlighted the 300 ITIs training women in various sectors, including drone farming, and the government's commitment to addressing gender disparities. She also highlighted the importance of mentorship, education, and support networks for women's advancement. She also invited FICCI FLO to empower women in AI, highlighting the public and private sector's role in creating a more equitable landscape for women.Divya Abhishek, Chairperson of FICCI FLO for 2024-2025, led an insightful event at FICCI FLO Chennai, championing women empowerment and professional excellence. Her achievements, including being the youngest Chairperson of the Southern India Regional Council, reflect her commitment to inclusive economic growth.FICCI FLO Chennai continues to empower women through skill development networking, and advocacy, demonstrating their dedication through dialogue, partnerships, and policy reform. Walplast, a leading building materials manufacturer, has partnered with Project Nanhi Kali for the second year in a row to provide quality education for 1,000 underprivileged girls in India. The CSR initiative, Walplast Welfare Foundation focuses on 21st-century skills and sports leadership, aims to help girls overcome regressive social norms and achieve educational aspirations. Walplast's CSR platform offers scholarships, educational infrastructure, workshops, health campaigns, vocational training, and community-centric activities to foster growth and independence.This year's program targets cities like New Mumbai, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Nasik, and Pune, and trains Grades 6 to 10 girls in 21st-century skills and sports leadership. Anand Mahindra's 1996 initiative, Project Nanhi Kali, provides holistic support to 700,000 economically and socially disadvantaged girls in 15 Indian states over two decades. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, promoting multidisciplinary learning, 21st-century skills development, and comprehensive academic support, with each participating girl receiving a kit.The program offers a diverse lineup of training and empowerment skills including life skills training for Grades 6-10 students, focusing on financial, digital literacy, and soft skills. It also addresses gender relations and sex education. The Physical Education program, for girls promotes physical fitness, emotional well-being, and social skills. Modules on socio-emotional learning develop empathy, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities. The program also raises awareness about gender equality and reproductive health. IN FOCUSIN FOCUSFM SITHARAMAN ADDRESSES FICCI FLO CHENNAI HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENTWALPLAST WELFARE & PROJECT NANHI KALI PROMOTE GIRLS EDUCATION IN INDIA
< Page 7 | Page 9 >