By: JurmoloyaRava
Women empowerment took centre stage at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which was inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi and advisor to the United States president Ivanka Trump on Friday.
Ivanka, the daughter of United States President Donald Trump, said, “Families, economies, and societies reach their fullest potential when women are empowered”.
“Only when women are empowered to thrive; our families, our economies, and our societies reach their fullest potential. Fuelling the growth of women-led businesses isn’t simply good for our society – it’s good for our economy. One study estimates that closing the gender entrepreneurship gap world-wide could grow our global GDP by as much as 2 percent,” Ivanka said.
Ivanka also highlighted the problems being faced by the women entrepreneurs in the developing world and highlighted, “In developing countries, 70 percent of women-owned small and medium-sized businesses are denied access to capital. The result has been a nearly $300 billion dollar annual credit deficit for women entrepreneurs in the developing world.”
Adding to that Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Women first, prosperity for all’ has made the edition of GSE stand out. In Indian mythology, women are an incarnation of Shakti- the Goddess of power and we believe women empowerment is vital to our development.”
The Prime Minister further remembered women warriors such as Rani Laxmi Bai and Ahilya Devi for their bravery. He also mentioned names of Kalpana Chawla, Sunita Williams, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu and Sania Mirza who are examples of empowered women.
“Indian women continue to lead in different walks of life. Our space programmes, including the Mars Orbiter Mission, have had an immense contribution from women scientists. Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, both of Indian origin, have been part of US space missions,” the prime minister said.
Prime minister Modi also outlined the focus areas of the summit including healthcare, digital economy, media and energy saying all are most relevant and important to mankind today.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj while delivering the vote of thanks at the inaugural day of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) said, “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many schemes have been introduced towards empowering women”.
She also acknowledged the deepened Indo-US ties, under the leadership of prime minister Modi and president Donald Trump.
“India is a land of entrepreneurs, while the US is identified by its spirit of enterprise. The Indo-US relations have developed into a strategic relationship of global significance. I have no doubt that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and President Trump, India and US relations will reach new heights and contribute to global peace and prosperity,” she said.
EAM Swaraj also praised the commitment shown by Ivanka Trump, in helping shape the agenda for the summit.
Ivanka also praised India and prime minister Modi and added, “India is truly an inspiration to all of us, all over the world. Through innovative talent and entrepreneurial ability, you have made remarkable strides. Through your own enterprise, entrepreneurship, and hard work, the people of India have lifted more than 130 million citizens out of poverty – a remarkable improvement, and one I know will continue to grow under the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi.”
Ivanka will also be part of a discussion on increasing women in the workforce through skills training, education, and mentorship on the second day.
The closing session of GES will bring together key influencers that support, promote and fund women entrepreneurs.
It will also feature a panel discussion themed “Women Win, We All Win: Promoting Inclusive Environments for Women Entrepreneurs”, which will be moderated by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu.
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