Davos, January 24: Former Union Minister Smriti Irani has advocated for stronger global cooperation in women’s empowerment, emphasizing the need to harness cutting-edge technologies like AI to support women entrepreneurs.
In an interview with PTI during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Irani, who is also the founder and chairperson of the Alliance for Global Good—Gender Equity and Equality—outlined how India has implemented numerous ambitious programs aimed at empowering women, enhancing their skills, and improving their overall well-being.
Irani stressed the importance of international collaboration, highlighting the Alliance’s efforts to uplift women globally. “Our mission is to connect individuals worldwide, empower women in business, cultivate their skills, and enhance their health and well-being,” she stated.
She credited the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for their crucial support in advancing these initiatives. “To date, we have embarked on projects involving 4,000 international delegates. This year, particularly at Davos, we are launching notable programs. In India, our goal is to reach approximately 250 locations and empower 100,000 women entrepreneurs,” Irani explained.
The initiatives encompass improving access to capital, assisting entrepreneurs in repackaging products for international markets, and guiding them on the requirements for achieving global certifications and standards.
Acknowledging the significant impact of technology, Irani remarked, “At Davos, we recognize that we are in the age of AI. We are investigating how technology can benefit women entrepreneurs and how they can adapt to and utilize these advancements.”
Irani also announced a newly signed agreement with the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries, which will help extend India’s efforts to empower women to a broader global context.
Furthermore, she mentioned establishing a strategic partnership with a U.S.-based industry forum, aimed at upskilling women in Asia for opportunities in the carbon credit market, thereby creating jobs while addressing environmental issues. “This initiative not only seeks to empower women but also positions India as a global leader in sustainability and women’s advancement,” Irani noted.
She asserted that empowering women unlocks innovation, resilience, and progress within society.
The Alliance was introduced last year on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting 2024, which Irani also attended. Supported by the Gates Foundation and paired with the World Economic Forum as a network partner, the Alliance is anchored at the CII Centre for Women Leadership, focusing on three main pillars: health, women’s enterprise, and education and skilling.
In partnership with the Women Collective Forum, the Alliance has developed the 100K initiative, aimed at engaging and equipping 100,000 women, including corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals across India. (PTI)
Leave a Reply