21-09-2024 | Venue: Aruwye Kodambakkam
Encounter - Empower - Exchange Women Entrepreneur Program
DATE: September 21, 2024
VENUE: ARUWYE, Kodambakkam, Chennai - 24
TIME: 10:30 AM
THEME: Encounter - Empower - Exchange
The Women Entrepreneur Program, organized by ARUWYE, was successfully held on September 21,
2024, at the ARUWYE centre in Kodambakkam, Chennai. The event provided a platform for women
entrepreneurs to engage with one another, share their experiences, and gain valuable insights on
growing their businesses.
CHIEF GUEST:
Mrs. Poonkodi Prakash
Centre Administrator, One Stop Centre, District Social Welfare Office, South Chennai
Mrs. Poonkodi Prakash delivered an informative speech about the various Tamil Nadu Government
schemes available for women and girls, emphasizing their importance in uplifting women from
marginalized communities. She also spoke extensively about the services provided at the One Stop
Centre for victim care and elderly care, highlighting the role of these centers in supporting
vulnerable populations.
Guest Speakers:
Mrs. Sharon Reuben - Founder of Say Kitchen
Mrs. Reuben presented an engaging PowerPoint presentation titled "Defining Success in Business".
She explained the key indicators of success—monetary returns, business growth, and
recognition—offering practical advice on achieving these through dedication and innovation. Her
session was particularly inspiring for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to define their own version of
success.
Dr. K. Sasikala - Partner at QNET
Dr. Sasikala shared her personal success story, narrating how she ventured into business after the
tragic loss of her husband. She spoke passionately about standing on her own feet and building a
thriving business. Her session was both emotional and motivational, reminding the audience of the
power of resilience. She also added a fun twist to the event by engaging the participants in a lively
Chicken Dance, which brought a sense of unity and joy to the gathering.
Mrs. Praveena - Owner of Beauty Wheels Salon
Mrs. Praveena’s session was practical and empowering, as she walked the attendees through the
steps of starting a business with a small investment. She discussed the importance of leveraging
social media to promote and expand a business, sharing her experience of how online platforms
played a pivotal role in the growth of her mobile salon venture.
STALLS BY SELF-HELP GROUP (SHG) WOMEN:
As part of the event, ARUWYE’s Self-Help Group (SHG) women were provided stalls to display and
promote their products, encouraging them to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. The following
items were exhibited:
Accessories
Chocolates, Cakes, and Brownies
Jute Bags
Sarees
This initiative gave the women a platform to market their small businesses, gain exposure, and
attract potential customers.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
The program emphasized the Encounter - Empower - Exchange theme, as women were encouraged
to encounter challenges, become empowered through knowledge, and exchange ideas for business
growth.
The speeches and presentations offered practical advice and inspiration, focusing on overcoming
adversity, building business resilience, and using modern tools such as social media for business
promotion.
Participants were not only engaged in learning but also experienced a sense of community and
support through the various activities, including the stalls and interactive sessions.
HOSPITALITY:
All participants were provided with a lunch as part of the event, ensuring that the atmosphere
remained both welcoming and comfortable for all attendees.
The Women Entrepreneur Program was a resounding success, empowering women with the
knowledge, inspiration, and resources to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. The event provided a
supportive environment for learning and collaboration, showcasing ARUWYE’s commitment to
fostering economic independence for women. The presence of distinguished speakers, practical
business advice, and interactive activities ensured that the participants left the event with valuable
takeaways for their entrepreneurial journeys.