New Delhi, May 2024.

FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), the women's wing of India's apex business chamber, FICCI, launched its 20th chapter in Siliguri, West Bengal. The launch of the Siliguri chapter further strengthens FLO’s mission to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals across India, fostering economic growth and development in the Northeastern region.

FLO has chosen Siliguri, because of its strategic location as a gateway to Northeast India and its rapid economic growth. Siliguri is the second Chapter of FLO in the State of West Bengal. The city's dynamic business environment and the enthusiastic response from women entrepreneurs here made it a natural choice for expansion.

A ceremonial launch event was held on Saturday, 18^th May 2024, at the Courtyard Marriott in Siliguri. The event was graced by distinguished Chief Guest,Ms. Sushmita Dev, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & National Spokesperson, All India Trinamool Congress. The Guest of Honor included Ms. Tshering Y. Bhutia, Commissioner of Siliguri Municipal Corporation and International Saree Drape artist Ms. Dolly Jain. Other esteemed FLO leaders present at the event were Ms. Joyshree Das Verma, National President of FLO, Ms. Niharika Mitruka, Chairperson Designate, FLO Siliguri Chapter, as well as past presidents of FLO such as Ms. Vinita Bimbhet, Ms. Jayanti Dalmia, and other National Governing Body Members of FLO.

Ms. Sushmita Dev, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha & National Spokesperson, All India Trinamul Congress said:“Empowering women goes beyond the numbers. Without the power and decision-making abilities, their roles remain merely ornamental. True equality means having access to equal rights.Networking plays a critical role in this empowerment process. Organizations like FICCI and FLO are instrumental in building and facilitating these vital networks, providing platforms for women to connect, collaborate, and support each other's growth.”” she added.

Ms. Tshering Y. Bhutia, Commissioner of Siliguri Municipal Corporation said, “The labour market and job market must evolve to create more inclusive and diverse opportunities, particularly for women. It is also important to strike a balance between women's roles at home and in the workforce and it requires a focus on work-life integration.”

Ms. Dolly Jain, International  Saree Drape artist who can drape a saree in just 18.5 seconds and has made it to Limca Book of Records for draping a saree in 125 different ways. Later, she increased that number to 325 for other records. Sharing her inspirational story from a home maker to a celebrity drape artist and a known name in the industry, she said, “It is important for women to think out of the box and there is no way that anything can stop her. The only key is passion, perseverance, and hard work. When armed with these qualities, there is no limit to what a woman can achieve, making her a force to be reckoned with in every sphere of life.”

Highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, Ms.Joyshree Das Verma, National President of FICCI FLO, said: "The expansion of FICCI FLO into Siliguri marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower women across India, including Tier II and Tier III cities.FLO is dedicated to providing women with the necessary resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys. Siliguri, with its rich entrepreneurial spirit, presents immense potential for women to excel and contribute to the economic growth of the region. We are confident that the Siliguri chapter will serve as a catalyst for economic empowerment and gender equality not only in Siliguri, but the entire North-Eastern region.”

“FLO is dedicated to aspiring women entrepreneurs and potential business leaders. We believe in the possibility of homemakers transforming into successful entrepreneurs and supporting current entrepreneurs to scale new heights. As a business chamber, we provide them with all possible resources, including training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to financial and technological support. Through our initiatives, we aim to empower women to achieve their entrepreneurial goals and contribute to the economic development of our society.”, she further added.

Ms. Niharika Mitruka, Chairperson Designate, FLO Siliguri Chapter said: "The various programs and initiatives of FLO aim to create a conducive environment for women to thrive in the business world.The new Siliguri chapter will serve as an apt platform for women entrepreneurs in the region to connect, collaborate, and access resources that will enable their businesses to thrive.”

The event witnessed good attendance including Past Presidents Vinita Bimbhet and Jayanti Dalmia along with National Governing Body members, Chairpersons, Past Chairpersons, and other members from across India. Over 100 women entrepreneurs, professional and aspiring entrepreneurs attended the launch event.

With a legacy spanning 40 years, FICCI FLO has been at the forefront of women empowerment, entrepreneurship development, and fostering professional excellence. With 11,000 members across Delhi and 19 pan-India chapters, the addition of Siliguri as the 20th chapter marks a significant milestone in FLO’s journey. It is also the 2^nd chapter in the state of West Bengal after Kolkata. Through a series of events, workshops, and mentorship programs, the chapter aims to empower women to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve success in their entrepreneurial ventures.