The IWFCI-INDIA Women Entrepreneur Awards 2023 was held virtually on Tuesday, 26th September 2023. It saw a wide reach among IWFCI members across 14 chapters around the globe, members of various business networks, budding management student entrepreneurs and the general public. The Keynote Speaker for the event was Rajesh Dembla, Founder Zoozle.in who spoke on his entrepreneurial journey.
The event started with a welcome address by Founder President, Dr. Daphne Pillai. On this occasion, Ms. Diana Abruzzi, Founder and International Chair of IWFCI spoke on “The Building of the Entrepreneurial Mindset impacting Global Economies”.
At the event, women entrepreneurs (one each from the business sector and from the social sector) from micro, small and medium size businesses were conferred with the IWFCI Women Entrepreneurship Awards. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each, a trophy and a citation.
A special award ‘Women Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was conferred on Suhasini Sampath, Founder of Sprout Life Foods and formulator of the Yoga Bar for health and fitness.
The ‘Women Social Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was bagged by Alina Alam, Founder and CEO of ‘Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation’. Their vision is to empower the lives of persons with disabilities and foster disability inclusion through sustainable livelihood opportunities. The Mitti Cafés operate in major airports in India.
The ‘Women Business Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was bagged by Aruna Sampige of ‘Roots Reforms initiatives Pvt. Ltd’. The organisation works on bridging the gap in ‘access’ and ‘choices’ of financial services to women in the unreached segments.
Chief Guest, Mr. Rajesh Dembla, Founder of Zoozle said “Women will contribute over 60% of the growth that the industry will see in this decade. The world of entrepreneurship is about to change on its head. Any organisation that does not have about 45% women in their leadership, will cease to produce relevant products in the next few years.”
Ms. Archana Shiroor, Chief Human Resources Officer of Yes Bank said that according to the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) there will be a 90% growth in women led businesses in the next 5 years. And IWFCI INDIA is all poised to help women face the challenges of the changing world.
Dr. Rema Ramchandran, Director IWFCI in her Vote of Thanks said that the applicants resilience, creativity, and dedication have not only impacted the business world but have also inspired countless individuals around the globe.
IWFCI INDIA led by Dr. Daphne Pillai, a leading educationist said “It’s very important for society to recognise women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economic growth of the country. The IWFCI-INDIA Women Entrepreneur Awards celebrate women’s initiative, drive and determination to make their businesses successful and thus they become role models to other women who wish to enter the entrepreneurial space.”
In her opening remarks, Dr. Celina Joy, Director Administration who hosted the event said that the past few years have seen a growth of women succeeding as entrepreneurs and nothing begets success like success. It is organisations like IWFCI among others who encourage more and more women to pursue entrepreneurship.
The recording of the event can be watched on https://youtu.be/uAF69CMfR4c?feature=shared
