New Delhi, March 2021.

Smt. Usha Chaumar, President, Sulabh International Social Service Organisation and Smt. Asha Jha, Madhubani painting artist and rural entrepreneur were honoured with the BRICS CCI WE Rural Women Empowerment Awards at the BRICS CCI WE Women in AtmaNirbhar Bharat Summit held in the capital today. Shri Sasmit Patra, Hon’ble MP, Rajya Sabha, Shri Ram Mohan Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development and Smt. Sonal Goel, Special Resident Commissioner, Tripura Bhawan and Smt. Sangeeta Gupta, Retd. Income Tax Commissioner, Govt. of India felicitatedthe rural entrepreneurs and other women achievers across various fields in the presence of Mr. BBL Madhukar, Director General, BRICS CCI, Mr. Vishwas Tripathi, Chairman, BRICS CCI, Mr. Sameep Shastri, Vice Chairman, BRICS CCI, Ms Shabana Nasim, President, BRICS CCI WE, Ms. Ruby Sinha, Convenor, BRICS CCI WE, Ms.Shormishtha Ghosh, Hony. Director, Business Advisory, BRICS CCIand other eminent personalities.

In 2021, India has assumed the Chairmanship of BRICS for the third time. BRICS is based on the spirit of equality, mutual understanding, trust and respect. It offers inclusive and innovative solutions to many longstanding challenges. Among other key focus areas, during its BRICS Chairmanship, India will work towards Women Business Alliance. The event was graced by eminent personalities who shared their views and ideas on women entrepreneurs and professionals being the centre of India’s growth story in the post-COVID era.

In his address Shri.Sasmit Patra said, “Mission Shakti (2002) is the strongest example of Women Empowerment. 80 lakh women received funding from the government for women entrepreneurship. Hence, it proves that women can be both bread-maker & bread-winner giving them a sense of self-worth.”

Shri. Ram Mohan Mishra said, “When we speak of Women Empowerment, it is pre-requisite to provide in the opportunities to work on socio-cultural, political and economic aspects simultaneously. In addition, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development as well.”

According to Smt. Sonal Goel said, “When you empower a woman, you empower the entire family and the entire society around them. AtmaNirbhar Bharat for Women in true sense calls for empowering & encouraging local talents and boosting indigenous trades of the country.”

Dr. BBL Madhukar said, “Women Empowerment surely is the need of the hour. It gives them equal status compared to men which creates a frictionless environment for women. Secondly, it makes women financially independent which is very important in this era. It can help them fight for their rights. BRICS CCI has also strived for gender equality in all status of work.”

Mr. Vishwas Tripathi said, “The role of women is going to be pivotal for the vision of AtmaNirbhar. Bharat. Hence, for the inclusion of women, it is mandatory to understand the current situations and challenges facing women and taking appropriate actions.”

Mr. Sameep Shastri said, “Women Empowerment is the key to self-reliant India. Access to capital and access to skill are two key areas where women need to encouraged.We at BRICS CCI, have always celebrated achievements in advancing women’s status and gender equality around the world.”

Ms. Shabana Nasim said, “AtmaNirbhar Bharat focuses on improving the lives of women through various initiatives of women empowerment and Women in AtmaNirbhar Bharat Summit is a step towards celebrating the achievements in advancing women’s status and bridging the gender divide around the world.”

The Summit was organized BRICS CCI WE in association with Fore School of Management and SheAtWork, a one stop knowledge hub for women entrepreneurs.Distinguished panelists shared their views focused on may topics like Women Leadership of Today, Building Women Leaders of Tomorrow and Building a more Inclusive Workplace for Women.  The eminent list of panelists included Ms. Anisha Singh, Founding Partner She Capital,Sqn. Ldr. Prerna Chaturvedi (Veteran), Director and CEO, Evolet India,Mr. HarshvendraSoin, Global Chief People Officer and Head Marketing, Tech Mahindra,Ms. Anna Rybas, Advisor to CEO, SBER BANK,Mr. Avi Mittal, Co-Founder, Golden Ace Ventures, Ms. Shammi Pant, Co-Founder, myJen.ai, Mr. SanjeevaShivesh, Founder & CEO, The Entrepreneurship School,Ms. SriparnaBasu- Professor, FORE School of Management, Mr. Ravi Sinha, Former Director, South Asia, Mercer Consulting and Trustee, Akhand Jyoti Eye Hospital and RachidaRadjabou, National Public Relations Coordinator, Association of African Students in India delivered their speech in the panel discussion of Women for AtmaNirbhar Bharat.