“WE in Telecom” (Women Empowerment, Employment and Entrepreneurship)

FLO organised a programme on “WE in telecom” on November 30, 2015. Industry Titans Mr. Dilip Maodi, Mr Akhil Gupta, Ms. Sapna Moudgil and Mr. Virat Bhatia spoke that Telecom sector has created a new Digital Society of Mobile Internet, Social Media, E Commerce, and Entertainment and their vision on Women Empowerment, Employment and Entrepreneurship in the Indian Telecom Sector.

FLO President, Archana Garodia Gupta said, “The prime objective of FLO is the economic empowerment of women. FLO is focusing on creating entrepreneurship at all level of society for women. Projects we have taken up for the empowerment of women are SWAYAM, where we are helping women, who have business or want to setup their business, by creating mentoring programme for them, FLO members and other professional have offered to mentor them to setup business. FLO has tied up with SBI, to help get them loan, SIDBI for venture financing, NSIC for training and courses

Another vertical FLO working is “WE in Ecommerce”, where we are tying up with ecommerce companies to get women online, and to skill women to sell online. This can bring revolution in the country, because so many women are producers in tier II, tire III and rural areas, direct linkage can be created through the smart phone.

Indian telecom sector is expected to generate four million direct and indirect jobs over the next five years according to estimates by Randstad India.

Another way to empower women is in the country like India where women are physical secluded, telecom provides the means of access to women.

Mr. Dilip Modi, Chairman Spice mobility Ltd., said, Study showed women representation on board has helped company grow globally, as per the study done by Catalyst agency a leading agency focusing on fortune 500 companies revealed that company having women on board directors, achieved 56% higher returns on Equity, 42% higher returns on sales and 66% higher returns on invested capital, then those having lower representation of women in board. As per him, Make in India, will bring more manufacturing job for women in India.

He said that he initiated making a focused policy to bring 30% representation of women on board and 20% women representation at leadership position.

Mr. Akhil Gupta, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises and Executive Chairman, Bharti Infratel Ltd said women are empowered and have the necessary skills to excel industry. He also mentioned that the two key positions in Bhatri Enterprise are represented by women.

Ms. Sapna Moudgil, Director, NIIT Foundation spoke about Basic Digital Literacy Courses for skilling girls. They have several promoting scheme to bring more girls get empowered. She also spoken about the collaboration from the corporate to empower more women with the basic courses designed for women

Mr.Virat BhatiaPresident – External Affairs, South Asia, AT&T Chair, Communication & Digital Economy Committee FICCI said that in India there are 950 million mobile subscribers; 350 million internet users;. India is Second largest subscribers for Facebook and LinkedIn, and Contributes US$ 60 Billion (2.7%) of GDP, Employs 5 lakhs+ todayand there will be 15-20 lakhs employment by 2018. As per the global trend, women in India will be getting empowered with the growing e commerce, social media, penetration of smart phone and internet into the rural areas.

Vinita Bimbhet, Sr. Vice President FLO proposed the vote of thanks. Lunch was hosted by Ritu Das, Governing Body member, FLO