Hyderabad, March 2024: Over three hundred women graduates from diverse educational backgrounds participated in the “ACE Women Entrepreneurs Awareness” Program, a pioneering initiative to empower and inspire women graduates to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, at Kasturba Gandhi College for Women, Secunderabad, today on the occasion of International Women’s’ Day.
With a vision to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial ambitions, the Foundation for Futuristic Cities (FFC), ONGC (Oil & Natural Gas Corporation), and Optimal Skills & Solutions Foundation, in collaboration with Kasturba Gandhi Degree & PG College for Women (KGCW) and COWE (Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs) India, successfully organised ‘ACE Women Entrepreneurs Awareness Program’.
The partners aim to inspire and guide young aspiring women graduates towards becoming entrepreneurs and realising their business potential.
The “ACE WOMEN” event witnessed the participation of over three hundred enthusiastic women students from various streams, including Commerce, Science, and Arts, who benefited from insightful sessions.
The interactive workshop provided a platform for these aspiring entrepreneurs to gain insights, guidance, skills, and inspiration from seasoned industry experts and successful women entrepreneurs from COWE who shared their personal experiences, shedding light on the challenges and successes they encountered on their entrepreneurial journeys. Key topics covered during the program included business ideation, financial planning, marketing strategies, and overcoming challenges women entrepreneurs face.
The program also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology, innovation, and sustainable practices in building successful ventures. Attendees had the opportunity to network with industry leaders, mentors, and aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering valuable connections and collaborations. Student participants voiced that the stories were “not just educational but deeply motivational,” designed to encourage participants to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence and resilience.
Despite her absence, Ms Karuna Gopal Vartakavi, the visionary behind the Foundation for Futuristic Cities, conveyed her inspiring message to the participants. She applauded their “courage to embark on the entrepreneurship journey and emphasised the importance of taking the first step towards female leadership and entrepreneurship.” She expressed eagerness for future collaborations, particularly with Kasturba Gandhi College, to further this noble cause.
Speaking at the program, Dr Rajshree R, Vice Principal & Head of the Department, Commerce at Kasturba Gandhi Degree & PG College for Women said, “The overarching goal is to shift the mindset from job-seeking to job-creating, thereby fostering a new generation of women entrepreneurs who are ready to contribute innovatively to the economy.” She also remarked, “We believe that empowering women entrepreneurs is not only crucial for economic growth but also for driving positive social change,”
This event was part of an ongoing series of workshops dedicated to empowering women through entrepreneurship. The Foundation for Futuristic Cities and COWE are committed to supporting women in their quest to become successful entrepreneurs. Ms Kalpana Sharma, Vice President of COWE, added, “Through initiatives like the ACE Women Entrepreneurs Awareness Program, we aim to create a supportive ecosystem that enables women to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”
A select group of participants will have the opportunity to go on industrial tours organised by AskMentor – a networking platform that connects students and aspiring entrepreneurs to business opportunities. These tours are designed to provide practical insights and first-hand experience in entrepreneurship, giving participants a closer look at the realities of running a business.
The event was also graced by Ms Kuthadi Shwetha Srikanth, Founder of S3 Medical Solutions, Ms SriNithya Kamal, Young COWE President and Rubina, Member COWE.
About
Foundation for Futuristic Cities: Ms Karuna Gopal Vartakavi, is an Internationally acclaimed Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker and a Futurist. She is the Founder President of Foundation for Futuristic Cities a think tank that has influenced Urban Transformation in India for two decades. More: www.karunagopal.com
Kasturba Gandhi College for Women:
The college is a reputed educational institution for women re-accredited by NAAC for the third time, with an ‘A Grade’ in August 2017. It has been known for producing outstanding students who take on different careers, as per their academic merit and placed successfully in the society. It has been ranked among Top 100 institutions as per survey conducted by INDIA TODAY magazine consistently over the past 4 years and also Ranked 3rd Best among colleges in Telangana State and 36th at all INDIA level by EDUCATION WORLD Magazine.
COWE: The Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE) is a leading organisation dedicated to supporting and developing women entrepreneurs. Through education, networking, and advocacy, COWE empowers women to succeed in their business ventures.
Optimal Skills Foundation: is a not-for-profit organisation that provides training for unskilled semi-skilled workers in various industries, organised and unorganised sectors, undertakes Entrepreneur Development Programmes (EDPs) for startups, unemployed and under-employed workforce.