As the Chairperson of FICCI FLO, Uttarakhand chapter, our president Ms Shilpi Arora put in gigantic efforts to raise the causes related to women’s safety in empowerment between stalwart women of Uttarakhand, who could help bring in a switch. Here is a glimpse into the kind of events that she staged, with a loud and clear message of empowerment of women. The events conducted under her leadership were themed around ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’– a thought-provoking campaign around women empowerment and identity development in the country.
ALL Women Car Rally
The first FICCI FLO (Uttarakhand chapter) was an ALL Women Car Rally which accentuated the message of ‘Save the Girl Child’. The thought was rooted in ‘Mujhe Jeene do’ which through its programs, spreads awareness around female foeticide. Women from various walks came up and participated in the rally to support the cause. The Hon’ble Chief Minister for the state of Uttarakhand Sh. Trivendra Singh Rawat flagged off this rally with a message.
Investment Mantra
Shilpi also believes that it is time where our nation now needs financial literacy and by making a woman financially literate, you also make the entire family economically independent. Mr Bishnu Dhanuka shared his wisdom with the ladies through a talk ‘Investment mantra’ conducted by FLO Uttarakhand. Such sessions were conducted to spread financial literacy, share investment ideas and risks to enable financial independence.
The Entrepreneur in you
Shilpi also strongly supported youth development causes. One of such events to promote self-dependence in youth was a panel discussion called ‘ The Entrepreneur in you’ which was conducted to encourage the students of Uttaranchal University to think out of the box and choose their path out of interest and not follow a blind trend. The day also marked the launch of an Incubation Centre for startups and to promote a start-up culture.
Skill Development Training
‘Mujhe Jeene Do’ was also conceptualized around women’s empowerment through upskilling. A skill Development Training was conducted with AAN Charitable Trust in Kashipur training a group of 20 women over a period of 6 weeks, ensuring jobs in the SGVS unit. This training ensured them jobs, empowering them financially- a goal that Shilpi believes in.
Women and their role in a Corruption-free Society
Mr Manish Sisodia, the Deputy Chief-minister of Delhi was invited to share his views and experiences on the need for a stronger India. The event also hosted Dr. Farooq of Himalaya herbals who highlighted the role of women in directing our society. The event emphasized the responsibility of women in the making of a corruption-free state. After all, it is imperative that women also participate in creating a better nation. Keeping the fabric of ‘ Mujhe Jeene Do’ and the role it plays in women empowerment, such empowerment could not be overlooked.
Social, Economic, Experiences, and Religious Programming
Mujhe Jeene do is not only about the right to live, but also about how to live.
Ficci Flo Uttarakhand chapter also invited Ms Pooja Bedi to talk about SEER( Social, Economic, Experiences , and Religious Programming) which empowered the audience to take control of their lives and be the go-getters.
Motivational Talk
Life of a woman is not always a cake-walk. Hence, it became imperative that we also curated events that would inspire them to be better in whichever field they were. Mr Shiv Khera, the celebrated motivational speaker, was part of a talk conducted at The Doon School where he graciously shared his experience of over three decades, inspiring the women audience to keep growing.
Green Skill Training
A Green Skill Training program by FLO was inaugurated in the Institute of Cooperative management with TrikonSociety. Under this program, 20 underprivileged women were trained to be employed as gardeners. The Vice-President of Mussourie Dehradun Development Authority assured them employment, yet another empowerment goal.
The Half Marathon
Keeping in mind the theme-’Mujhe Jeene do’ , there were participative events held by FLO. The Half Marathon was held in association with ThrillZone during her tenure deeply emphasised on the message ‘ Run to save the girl child’ directly hitting the massive malpractice. It drew huge support from the creme-da-la-creme. The 21 km and 10km run were flagged off by Ms.BhupinderKaur Aulukh, IAS and the 5km was flagged off by Mr Ashok Kumar, DG Uttarakhand Police. The Agriculture Minister of Uttarakhand Sh. Subodh Uniyal was the Chief-Guest.
Awareness Workshop for underprivileged Women
Flo Uttarakhand in association with Trikon Society and Balaji Investments and Consultants organized an awareness workshop for underprivileged women where about 200 attendees benefitted from the workshop. This was directly darted towards women empowerment in the lower sections of the society and created a major offering based on the theme of ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’.
Good -touch, bad-touch workshop
Shilpi, as the chairperson of FLO worked towards a holistic bouquet. ‘Mujhe Jeene do’ weaves awareness around different women related issues and safety is definitely a prime concern. A good -touch, bad-touch workshop was also conducted in association with Trikon Society and AAN Charitable Trust for children where around 150 children were sensitised on this topic. Teams from Delhi, Kashipur and Dehradun helped in executing this mammoth task.
Adolescent Health and Hygiene workshop
An Adolescent Health and Hygiene workshop was conducted by FICCI FLO to help young girls understand the need and importance of this important topic. Under the theme of ‘ Mujhe Jeene Do’ it became imperative that girls also were given the opportunity to understand the importance of Health and Hygiene- a cause we support vigorously. The workshop was conducted by Dr.Geeta Khanna in association with Trikon Society and Samarpan Society.
The Flo Bazaar
The Flo Bazaar was all about showcasing talent and creativity by some known and some brewing designers as well as NGOs. Yet another way of empowering women folks by giving them a platform as ‘ Mujhe Jeene Do’ remained the pushing cause behind this move. Ms Himani Shivpuri, the renowned Bollywood actress inaugurated the sumptuous show. The cultural evening was inaugurated by Sh.Pritam Singh Ji, president of Uttarakhand Congress.
She Talks
She Talks was conducted by FICCI FLO with Mr Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mutual Funds. Sh. Prakash Pant ji graced the event as the chief guest. This session provided insights to women on the fiscal and financial scenario of the country and beyond. Spreading financial awareness and literacy for women has been a defining objective behind ‘ Mujhe Jeene Do’ and the theme came to life as this event softly pushed the cause ahead.
Women’s Car Rally- Season II
Season 2 of FLO Women’s Car Rally was all about promoting safe driving practices. Smt. Baby Rani Maurya ji, the Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand flagged the rally with Sh. Yashpal Arya Ji as a guest of honour. Ms. Garima Avtar, the professional rallyist too graced the event. Shilpi as the chair took up issues that needed to be addressed to bring about a change.
Empowerment of women through cooperatives
Another session was conducted on ‘Empowerment of women through cooperatives.’ by FICCI FLO. This session helped the women audience understand the options available to them and to the grass-root women for establishing themselves in today’s sustainable environment. Shri Chandrapal Singh Yadav, President of NCUI and Chairman of KRIBHCO; Shri Subudh Uniyal ji, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture; Shri Pramod Kumar Singh , Smt Alka Srivastava, Dr. Neemo Dhar, Shri S. Satyanarayana and Ms. Sushma Bajaj; all added immense value to the gathering with their wisdom.
Women in leadership roles breaking the glass ceiling’
WATER through the core of ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’ has always spread awareness across society and we equally work for women in the top leadership. Through FICCI FLO, another such gathering with Smt.Radhika Jha(Secretary to Hon’ble Chief-minister & Power, Govt of Uttarakhand) was all about the importance of ‘ Women in leadership roles breaking the glass ceiling’.
Supporting Events
At WATER, it is not only what we do but also what support we may provide other useful initiatives. Initiatives such as Swayam National Initiative were taken forward under FICCI FLO with the help of Aan Charitable Trust which empowered rural women by providing them with work through recycling old, discarded clothes into durries. This helped in generating employment and increasing financial empowerment of around 20 women from the marginalized section of Bhojpur.
Flo Talks
As ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’ campaign evolved, it strung together in it, empowerment of women through knowledge sharing. Flo Talks were conducted the first of which was a successful deliberation on multiple perspectives to the empowerment of women. Prominent speakers who graced the occasion included former vice-chancellor of the University of Delhi, Prof.Dinesh Singh; principal of Welham’s Boy’s School, Miss Gunmeet Bindra and the MD of Doon International Group of Schools, GaganJyot Mann.
FLO on the occasion of International Women’s Day, organised a networking meeting with Member of Parliament Ms Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah engaging in discussions over various issues pertaining to women empowerment. ‘ Mujhe Jeene Do’ promotes women empowerment across startas and work-cultures. This talk brought into light the lack of women in Indian politics which was also in alignment with our program for gender parity in politics called ‘ Ab hai meri baari’.
As ever Shilpi endeavoured through FLO, to empower varied realms of the society.
A talk was held with the eminent industrialist Mr Rakesh Dhawan to encourage women entrepreneurs.
Skill Development Training
A month-long Skill Development Training in safety and security was held by FICCI FLO at Sahaspur village training around 30 underprivileged women enhancing their employability. The force behind the event was derived from ‘Mujhe Jeene Do’ which duly pushes women empowerment and is the strength deriving pillar for WATER. Alliance Securities acted as the training partners in our endeavour to increase employability. The event was managed by Trikon Society.
In another event, 50 women were trained in the beauty and food processing industries. An intensive workshop was conducted and was organized under the Ministry of labour and NIESBUD along with Ficci Flo and Trikon. This one was also keeping in mind employability enhancement and women empowerment.
WATER- Women’s Association for Training, Empowerment and Resettlement was established in the year 2002,
Important Links
Contact Us
D-25/C-1, South Extension II, New Delhi, Delhi 110049