FLO Vadodara, under the leadership of Chairperson Shivani B. Patel, organised a thought-provoking and engaging session with Smt. Smriti Irani, a renowned BJP politician and former Cabinet Minister. It was the chapter’s first event for the year 2025-2026. The moderated conversation was followed by a dynamic Q&A session, where the audience had the opportunity to interact directly with the speaker.
Smriti Irani emphasised the importance of resilience, self-belief and challenging societal norms. She encouraged women and young girls to view leadership as a means to work for societal betterment and to inspire others to become leaders. Irani highlighted that women are inherently capable but often face societal expectations that prioritise others’ well-being over their own. She advocated for women to focus on their health and mental well-being.
She underscored the economic impact of gender equity, noting that achieving gender parity could significantly boost global GDP. She stressed that integrating gender equity into global economic systems is essential for sustainable growth. Also, the former cabinet minister highlighted the role of technology in promoting gender equality, pointing out that advancements in digital tools have opened new avenues for women’s participation in various sectors.
Irani emphasised the need to make technology more accessible and affordable to bridge existing gaps. In her advocacy for women’s empowerment, Smt. Smriti Irani called for dismantling structural barriers and implementing policies that enable women to realise their potential across different fields, including politics, business, science and technology.
Overall, Smriti Irani’s discourse centred on fostering an environment where women can thrive by breaking stereotypes, embracing leadership roles and contributing significantly to societal and economic development. The event was open to the families and friends of FLO Vadodara members, and the event witnessed an impressive turnout of 765 attendees. It proved to be a perfect blend of inspiration, insight and wit, leaving a lasting impression on all those present.