International Womens’ Day Interactive Session with FICCI President & Lady Ambassadors/High Commissioners Inclusive Growth: Women the 21st Century Powerhouse, Untapped Potential New Delhi:

To commemorate 102nd International Womens Day, FICCI- FLO organized an interactive session on “Inclusive Growth: Women the 21st Century Powerhouse, Untapped Potential”, with Ms Naina Lal Kidwai, FICCI President, Ms Lise Grande, Resident Representative, UNDP & UN Resident Coordinator ,H.E. Ms. Ebyan Mahamed Salah, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of the Republic of Somalia,HE Ms Khadija Redman Mohamed Ghanem, Ambassador, Embassy of the Republic of Yemen and HE Ms. Maria Michail, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus. Ms Narayani Ganesh, National Editor – Speaking Tree, Times of India moderated the session.

The speakers shared their experience in context of their own countries, which provided a better perspective of the emerging role of women in these countries and underlined the role of Government in harnessing the strength of women.

In her welcome address, Kavitha Varadaraj, President FLO reiterated that 21st century is the Century for change and women of this century is the powerhouse of infinite potential, which could be further tapped to the maximum. She also added that gender inclusive growth is the key to sustainable development.

Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai, FICCI President, highlighted FICCI’s initiatives where 25% of FICCI’s Committee members would be women and youth. She also spoke about the newly constituted Industry Task Force for Safety of Women, jointly with FLO. She said that the Budget 2013 not only proposed opening of an all women bank but also announced a safety fund ‘Nirbhaya’ for women. It must now be ensured that the funds are actually spent towards the right direction.

Ms. Lise Grande spoke on the unique concept on the 5Cs – Child & care, Cash, Culture, Confidence and Candidate selection in political participation, which are the prerequisites for making women around the global a part of sustainable and inclusive growth.

H.E. Ms. Ebyan Mahamed Salah, Ambassador of Somalia emphasized on the importance of educating women counterparts, which is the key to empowerment of women. It was also reinforced by the Ambassador of Yemen, HE Ms Khadija Redman Mohamed Ghanem, that education is the changing factor of the 21 st century society. She also talked about the role of women in ending conflicts and bringing about peace.

HE Ms. Maria Michail, High Commissioner of Cyprus talked about Access & control over resources and opportunities for women, which would not only improve the economic status of women themselves and their households and communities, but also creates a multiplier effect for economic growth.

Ms. Narayani Ganesh, National Editor – Speaking Tree, Times of India, said that women have immense potential and power at their disposal. They just need to channelize it in the right direction.