Under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Divya Abhishek, FLO Chennai, in collaboration with the Giving Matters Foundation (GMF), has launched 2 transformative initiatives aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level. These initiatives were designed to foster confidence and create sustainable livelihoods. The GMF Revolving Fund initiative offers small, interest-free loans to grassroots women entrepreneurs to help them start or grow micro-businesses, such as tailoring, food stalls, and flower shops. By providing these loans, the initiative has rescued women from the clutches of exploitative money lenders, empowering them to expand their businesses and sustainably support their families. Around 200 people attended the launch.
In addition to financial support, FLO Chennai and GMF have launched the GMF Financial Literacy sessions, which are focused on equipping women in vocational courses with essential personal finance skills. Through engaging, illustrated comics, these sessions teach women how to budget, save, and manage risks, ensuring they are financially prepared as they enter their professional careers.
These initiatives were officially released by Cherie Blair CBE and Ms. Rinku Mecheri, Past Chairperson of FLO Chennai, marking a significant milestone in the organization's ongoing efforts to empower women.