The famed actress said this at an event by FICCI Ladies Organization as it launches a business model named Dyuti to increase women entrepreneurship in the jewellery sector.
FICCI Ladies Organization’s (FLO) business consultancy cell SWAYAM, under which Dyuti has been launched is further of the opinion that this ecommerce initiative has achieved its objective in creating a product that shall enable women to work from home, it said in its brief to the media.
Vinita Bimbhet, FLO president said at the event to launch Dyuti, “Mentorship and guidance is a tool that has the potential to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses, and in some cases change their lives. The objective of SWAYAM is to link the right mentors to women entrepreneurs in fifteen locations across India. Dyuti, under SWAYAM is a step further in this direction and will play an important role of connecting women entrepreneurs in the jewellery industry to the right service providers. The aim is to expedite the processes for women entrepreneurs, enhance employability and also to provide them with the right solutions at a reasonable cost.”
Dyuti is a multi-level marketing business model that aims to create and sustain women entrepreneurs.
The project has been conceptualised by Bela Badhalia, FLO governing body member and past chairperson of FLO Jaipur chapter. While introducing the concept Bela Badhalia said, “The word Dyuti, is synonymous with goddess Laxmi and it is an exclusive business model that has been designed to create entrepreneurial opportunities for women who are successfully managing their households or jobs and want to earn some extra money.”
The launch was complemented by a panel discussion on whether business can be an agent for change and the panellists representing eclectic industries shared their thoughts on this.
Princess Diya Kumari, MLA Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, said, “It definitely can be an agent of change for women. We work with many women in the Sawai Madhopur constituency including those in the rural areas to try and include them in the economy. We encourage more and more women entrepreneurs to come forth and help us in this, we need all the help we can get. Women definitely have what it takes to run businesses.”
Kalyani Saha Chawla, entrepreneur and Christian Dior Couture’s vice president for marketing and communications in India, said, “Focusing on jewellery and the boutique model bodes well for women entrepreneurs and professionals in this industry. On the other hand, I think women should stop being complacent. If you have a talent or an opportunity, use that talent, grab the opportunity.” About the gender pay gap she said, “Early on in my career, there was an instance where someone who did half the work I did was making a high income.” However, I have learned from those early experiences. I feel the pay gap is closing but that it will depend mostly on industry, country and the profit and loss to be made for the company.”
Raveena Tandon, actor, producer, columnist and former model, said, “All women are born entrepreneurs. We manage our families, home budgets, deal with sabji wallahs and all types of wallahs, and still save money. Also 30 per cent of high-level managers in India are women compared to 24 percent globally. So India isn’t as backward as portrayed in the media. It’s only at entry-level job roles that women may not be taken seriously. This is the right time for all women and men, to empower themselves and support each other, discover that Devi in you and everyone will start taking you seriously.”
About FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO)The prime objective of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO) is to empower women and promote women’s economic empowerment as a key enabler for growth. FLO believes India’s GDP can increase from 16% to 60% simply by allowing women to participate in the economy on par with men. Startups, therefore are the key to creating employment and Dyuti a new business, which was launched on the 15th of November, 2016, is expected to generate employment for women in the jewellery industry which is otherwise dominated by men.
BW Reporters
Regina is a reporter for BW Businessworld. In her previous assignments, she has worked with Independent television Network as a news anchor and reporter in Sri Lanka
