Ficci Ladies Organisation (FLO) is the women’s wing of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Ficci). FLO was established in 1983, as a division of the Ficci which is the apex body of industry and commerce in India. FLO has been promoting entrepreneurship and professional excellence among women through workshops, seminars, conferences, training, and capacity-building programmers, etc. As an All-India Organisation for women, FLO has 20 Chapters pan India - Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Indore, Jammu-Kashmir & Ladakh, Jaipur, Kolkata, Siliguri, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Northeast, Pune, Uttarakhand and Vadodara, with its Head Office in New Delhi. Its members are entrepreneurs, professionals, and Corporate Executives.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Joyshree Das Verma, the new National President of Ficci FLO, delves at length on wide ranging issues- from organisational strategies, securing funding for its members, gender bias in work place and so on

As the 41st National President of Ficci FLO, what is your vision for Ficci FLO this year and what are your strategies to achieve them?

My vision for this year is centred on advancing women's empowerment and fostering inclusive growth through strategic initiatives. Our theme, "Collective Vision, Collaborative Action," underscores our commitment to creating a supportive environment where women can thrive in their entrepreneurial and professional pursuits. We aim to empower women across urban and rural areas by launching initiatives like the Sui Dhaga - FLO skilling centre, the Solar Mama training program at Barefoot University, and an industrial skilling centre in Haryana. These programs will equip women with essential skills and digital literacy through partnerships with organizations like NIIT, bridging the digital divide and enabling economic independence.

My strategies are focused on promoting women's entrepreneurship, enhancing career growth opportunities, and advocating for gender equality in both corporate and societal realms. By leveraging collaborations and fostering innovation, FicciFLO aims to be a catalyst for change, empowering women to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to India's economy and society. Through these efforts, we aspire to strengthen FLO's influence and make significant strides towards sustainable progress and women's empowerment, on a national scale.

Recently, Ficci FLO launched its 20th chapter in Siliguri under your leadership. How will this new chapter promote women’s empowerment and gender equality in the Northeast region?

Ficci FLO's launch of its 20th chapter in Siliguri marks a strategic move aimed at fostering women's empowerment and promoting gender equality in the Northeast region. Siliguri's selection as the chapter's location recognizes its role as a key gateway to Northeast India and the burgeoning economic growth visible in the region. This expansion is poised to empower women entrepreneurs across tier-II and tier-III cities by providing them with crucial support including financial aid, technological resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

The new chapter will serve as a vibrant platform for women to connect, collaborate, and access essential resources to nurture and scale their businesses. We are committed to nurturing aspiring entrepreneurs, including homemakers seeking to transition into successful business leaders, and supporting current entrepreneurs in reaching new heights of success. Through training, mentorship, and access to resources, FLO aims to catalyze economic empowerment and foster gender parity not only in Siliguri but throughout the Northeastern region. We are optimistic that this initiative will contribute significantly to enhancing the socio-economic landscape for women in the region.

Can you provide some examples of successful women entrepreneurs who have benefited from FLO's programs?

Our organisation has played a pivotal role in empowering women entrepreneurs across India through a wide array of initiatives focused on digital and financial literacy, funding opportunities, networking, training, and skill development programs. These efforts have impacted women at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, from grassroots initiatives to senior leadership levels.

Among the beneficiaries of FLO's programs are inspiring women entrepreneurs who have leveraged these resources to achieve significant success in their respective fields. FLO's initiatives have empowered women entrepreneurs across various regions. Through partnerships like the MoU with Samhita CGF for the ONDC Project, FLO enhances e-commerce capabilities with technology and training. Collaborating with IIM Bangalore's NSCREL cell under the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women program has provided crucial mentorship to Indore's entrepreneurs. In Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh, FLO inaugurated the ‘Ficci FLO JKL MSME Help Desk’ and hosted a successful ‘Udyam Registration Drive’. Meanwhile, FLO Jaipur showcased Rajasthan's cultural richness, offering extensive business opportunities that attracted over 5000 enquiries and potential business worth Rs.3.25 Crores. Through these women have not only overcome challenges but have also contributed meaningfully to their communities and industries, showcasing the transformative impact of FLO's support.

FLO continues to spotlight and celebrate such success stories, underscoring its commitment to fostering a conducive environment for women to thrive as entrepreneurs. By providing essential tools, guidance, and opportunities, FLO empowers women to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations and make a lasting impact on society and the economy at large.

How does FLO help women entrepreneurs in securing funding and investment for their businesses?

We empower women entrepreneurs by facilitating access to financial resources through a range of initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and professional excellence. Through workshops, seminars, conferences, and capacity-building programs, FLO equips women with the skills and knowledge needed to secure funding for their businesses. These efforts extend across both rural and urban areas, ensuring broad outreach and impact.

Moreover, we collaborate with government and private organizations to create funding opportunities specifically tailored for women entrepreneurs. For instance, FLO has signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions like the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) to enhance financial literacy and support women entrepreneurs, particularly in the MSME sector. These partnerships facilitate mentorship, training, and networking opportunities crucial for women entrepreneurs at the early stages of their businesses.

Looking ahead, FLO is exploring further collaborations with institutions such as the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, aiming to expand financial education and funding avenues for women entrepreneurs in the upcoming fiscal year. These initiatives underscore FLO's commitment to empowering women through sustainable economic growth and entrepreneurship.

How does FLO tackle the issue of gender bias and stereotypes in the business world?

We address gender bias and stereotypes in the business world through multifaceted initiatives focused on awareness, advocacy, and empowerment. One of the primary strategies is through awareness campaigns and workshops that educate both men and women about unconscious biases and stereotypes prevalent in the workplace and entrepreneurial ecosystem. By raising awareness, FLO aims to challenge these biases and promote a more inclusive business environment.

Advocacy plays a crucial role as well, with FLO actively engaging with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to advocate for policies that promote gender equality and create a level playing field for women entrepreneurs. This includes seeking influence for supportive policies on issues such as access to finance, legal protections, and gender-sensitive business practices.

Empowerment initiatives are another cornerstone of FLO's approach – through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops, FLO equips women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to navigate and overcome gender biases. These programs not only build confidence but also provide practical support to help women advance in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Accordingly, FLO's concerted efforts in awareness, advocacy, and empowerment contribute to dismantling gender biases and stereotypes in the business world, fostering an environment where women can thrive and succeed on equal footing with their male counterparts.