Deborah Elizabeth Lauds India's Role in G20

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 15 November 2023

Praising India's recognition of Africa's pivotal role in global platforms like the G20, Deborah Elizabeth, the founder of Women United Foundation (WUF), expressed optimism about a potential collaboration with India. During her visit to Kerala, Elizabeth emphasized the Foundation's exploration of a promising partnership with the African Women Business Union (AWBU), foreseeing significant strides in women's empowerment.

The prospective collaboration, still in its exploratory phase, holds immense promise, leveraging India's successes to offer valuable insights for similar endeavours in African contexts. Elizabeth highlighted the collaboration's alignment with the "Bank Every Woman" initiative, reflecting a shared vision for women's economic empowerment.

India's demonstrated expertise in microfinance stood out as a commendable model during Elizabeth's discussions. The collaboration aims to replicate and adapt these empowering strategies within the African context, amplifying the economic impact on women across continents.

The Women United Foundation operates on the belief in the untapped potential of girls, women, and youth, serving as a global partner for impactful initiatives worldwide. Notable initiatives include "Feed All," "Bank Every Woman," "Every Child Learns," and "Health Reach," supported by Africa's First Ladies and global allies.

The African Women Business Union, described as game-changers and visionaries, actively shapes the future of African business leadership. This pan-African alliance, backed by Africa's First Ladies, symbolizes a movement driving transformative change.

Deborah Elizabeth's exploration of India's models in education and microfinance, particularly at the Kudumbashree headquarters in Kerala, revealed the potential for inspiring similar programs in Africa. Kudumbashree's community-based initiative has been pivotal in empowering women at the grassroots level.

The partnership, rooted in mutual understanding and shared goals, sets a precedent for how nations can collaborate to uplift their citizens, especially women. Elizabeth emphasized that the collaboration respects the cultural ties between India and Africa, acknowledging Africa's immense potential on the global stage.

During her visit to Kerala, Elizabeth met with several prominent figures, including General Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty, Additional Director General of Police Ajith Kumar I.P.S., former chief minister EMS Namboodiripad's daughter, E.M Radha, and Dr K. M. Abraham, Chief Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala and Chief Executive Officer of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

As the partnership unfolds, it promises to leverage cultural understanding, respect, and mutual goals, setting a new benchmark for empowering women and fostering sustainable development across continents.