Thriving business opportunities for T women

With the sole aim of empowering women in the State, the Federation of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FTAPCCI) has come out with many fresh initiatives. Raising above the mandatory sloganeering reserved for the successful among them, the first fortnight of March saw a slew of activities unleashed by them including the launch of ‘FTAPCCI Women in Business’, to help budding women entrepreneurs.

According to Vinita Surana, chairperson, FTAPCCI Women in Business, “The overwhelming thrust is aimed atempowerment of women which contributes to empowerment of families which leads to empowerment of societies, and in turn empowers the world as such. We believe it is not just a mere programme or policy we follow, but it is a way of living, working and believing our vision and values for women.

We wish to make every woman believe that they are special and make a difference in their lives.” Already the reorientation activities have been kickstarted with motivational talks, a comedy play and a genuine attempt at hand-holding, reaching out to all those women who want to be empowered on their own economically. The State Government too has made requisite announcements to reserve industrial clusters exclusively for women.

Like their male counterparts, the women entrepreneurs who already have their own trade bodies have floated more than one association outfit, the Association of Lady Entrepreneurs of Telangana State being the other one launched barely two months after the State was formally carved out in June last.

“Women, especially those in rural areas, are very industrious and have a lot of ideas. We will go and give them guidance in business planning, capacity building, marketing awareness through linkages,” said M Sarita Reddy, founder-president of ALETS. Recent reports have also revealed the gross imbalance between male and female entrepreneurs in the region, with the latter being only three in number at the state level.

Hence, one can hopefully look forward to a revamped and re-oriented mindset among the concerned lot to successfully guide the lady entrepreneurs who according to an association member has “the need to educate women to come forward and become entrepreneurs in various fields, improve socio-economic aspects of women in urban and rural areas.”

By:K Naresh Kumar