FICCI FLO, a 40-year-old organization, added Siliguri as its 20th chapter on 18 May 2024, marking the second FLO chapter in West Bengal after Kolkata. With 11,000 members across Delhi and 19 chapters, this respective chapter aims to empower women through events, workshops, and mentorship programs to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve success in their entrepreneurial ventures. The respective location was opted for due to Northeast India's dynamic business environment and the event was organized at the Courtyard Marriott.
The event was attended by distinguished guests and FLO leaders including the Chief Guest, Ms. Sushmita Dev, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & National Spokesperson for All India Trinamool Congress; Ms. Tshering Y. Bhutia, IAS, Commissioner of Siliguri Municipal Corporation as the Guest of Honors; International Saree Drape Artist Ms. Dolly Jain who emphasized empowering women through power and decision-making abilities. Ms. Niharika Mitruka was named as the first Chairperson of the FLO Siliguri Chapter which aims to create a conducive environment for women entrepreneurs, fostering economic empowerment and gender equality in the Northeastern region.
The newly appointed Chairperson mentioned, "The various programs and initiatives of FLO aim to create a conducive environment for women to thrive in the business world. The new Siliguri Chapter will serve as an apt platform for women entrepreneurs in the region to connect, collaborate, and access resources that will enable their businesses to thrive."
